If you’re like most people, you probably think of home renovation as a way to make your house more comfortable, stylish, or efficient. But what if you could renovate your home in a way that would also make it more environmentally friendly? It’s not as hard as you might think. Here are some tips to get you started.
Get Stylish Wood-Style Wall Panels
Wood is always a classic look for the home, making it feel warm and inviting even in the coldest weather while making it seem cool in warm weather. Give your home an updated rustic vibe.
Get the look of wood-style wall panels with shiplap wall boards made of environmentally friendly medium-density fireboard (MDF). Basically, MDF is wood because it’s a recycled material made from wood shavings and sawdust that would otherwise go to waste. Its production also has a low carbon footprint.
Choose Sustainable Flooring Options
When it comes to sustainable flooring, there are many options to choose from. You can go with bamboo, cork, linoleum, or recycled glass tile. All of these materials have a low impact on the environment.
Bamboo is a grass that grows very quickly, making it a renewable resource. Cork is made from the bark of trees and is also renewable. Linoleum is made from all-natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and ground limestone. Recycled glass tile is made from recycled glass bottles and jars.
All of these materials are durable and beautiful, so you can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose.
Replace Old Appliances with Energy Efficient Models
One of the easiest ways to make your home more sustainable is to replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for new appliances. These products have been certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to use less energy than their standard counterparts.
Your new appliances will look so good and provide you with better features. Even more exciting, though, is how they can bring down your energy bill. In the long run, they will pay for themselves.
Install Low Flow Fixtures
Low flow fixtures provide an easy way to save water and energy in your home. You can find low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets that use less water without sacrificing performance. Some of these are also smart fixtures. For instance, you can look for no-touch faucets that turn on and off with just your hand gestures.
There are also whole water systems for the home that can automatically detect if a pipe is about to burst. It will prevent this from happening by stopping the inflow of water into the home’s system and releasing water from the pipes. Furthermore, it can automatically prevent your water pipes from freezing in the winter.
Replace Window Glass with Energy-Efficient Options
One of the best ways to reduce your home’s carbon footprint is to install energy-efficient windows. Look for window glass with a low emissivity (low-e) coating. This type of glass reflects heat back into the room in the winter and keeps it out in the summer. It also blocks UV rays, which can fade your furniture and flooring.
You might also want to look for windows that are made of recycled glass. These have all the benefits of energy-efficient windows and help reduce waste in landfills.
Improve Your Insulation
Another way to make your home more sustainable is to improve the insulation. This will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which can save you money on your energy bills. It will also make your home more comfortable all year round.
There are many types of insulation available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Some options include blown-in cellulose, foam board, rock wool, and fiberglass batts.
Invest in a Renewable Energy Source
If you’re looking for ways to make your home sustainable in the long run, investing in renewable energy is a great option. You can install solar panels or a small wind turbine. These will provide you with all the energy you need to power your home.
Not only will you be doing your part to help the environment, but you’ll also be saving money on your energy bill each month. Furthermore, if you produce more energy than you need, you can even sell this back to the grid to offset what you will use during rainy weather or when there is not enough wind.
Do a Sustainable Home Makeover
As you can see, there are many ways to make your home more sustainable. These are just a few of the most popular options. With a little creativity, you can find even more ways to reduce your impact on the environment and save money at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Start renovating now. Start planning your sustainable home renovation today.
