The price of gas may have declined considerably but that hasn’t stopped many people from going “green.” In fact, a lot of businesses today are adopting sustainable practices and many homes are now designed to be energy-efficient. But you don’t have to build a house from scratch to join the green movement. There are things you can do to your current home to increase its energy efficiency.
1. Plan Ahead
Careful planning is key to your success in this endeavor. It can help you avoid making costly mistakes and ensure a satisfactory result. Before you start planning, you may want to speak to an energy consulting firm that can provide sound advice especially if you’re unsure of how to get started. Their service will cost money but it can be repaid many times over.
You can also talk to friends who have embarked on a similar project, research the Web or scour magazines for ideas.
2. Understand the Rules
Each city has its own rules and regulation regarding building or renovating homes and it’s important that you comply with them especially in regards to energy efficiency and water saving guidelines. You can consult a builder about this but it’s always advisable to talk to your local council.
3. Decide Between DIY and Hiring a Contractor
There are pros and cons for each option. If you decide to do it yourself, then it’s important to always put your health and safety first. You have to be careful in choosing your products and working with tools. You also need to take steps in protecting your home from contaminants, dust and debris. Moreover, you have to be ready to set aside countless hours doing the planning and renovating.
On the other hand, if you decide to hire a contractor, you must first ask for quotes and once you’ve chosen, insist on a written contract. Obviously, hiring a contractor will cost you more money but it can certainly save you a lot of sweat, hassle and time.
4. Use Energy Efficient Appliances
When renovating an existing home, you should really invest in energy efficient appliances if your budget permits. It may cost you a lot of money but the savings you get in the long run will more than make up for this. Decide which appliances take up a huge chunk of your monthly utility expenses and start there. If you are spending a lot of money on heating and cooling then perhaps you can replace your HVAC systems to a newer model that doesn’t consume a lot of energy.
5. Use energy-efficient appliances
Building a new home or renovating an existing home provides a perfect opportunity to install a range of energy-efficient appliances. Placement of appliances to maximize efficiency in a new kitchen or laundry is also an important consideration in your design. For example, locating appliances that require hot water as close as possible to your hot water service will help to reduce heat losses in pipes.
