LED Lighting
LED bulbs may seem expensive, but consider that high-quality LEDs cost less than $2 per year to operate and will last over 20 years. You end up with energy and cost savings of over $150 over the life of the LED compared to a similar incandescent, and you create far less waste with one bulb instead of 10 or more. Making the switch to LEDs throughout your home may save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Insulation
If you’re already tearing down walls or building new ones, it’s a great time to think about insulation. Start with a home energy assessment by a qualified home energy auditor. He’ll determine the type, depth, and R-value of your current insulation. From there he’ll be able to make recommendations on sealing air leaks throughout your home and adding insulation.
The Department of Energy’s website provides additional information as well as a handy calculator for determining if adding insulation is cost-effective in your particular situation. They estimate that you can save 10 to 50 percent by properly insulating the attic, slab, and exterior walls of your home. You should also consider an attic fan to compliment your insulation.
The experts at Green Penguin Insulation state that adding an attic fan can cool a home up to 12 degrees and save you 30% on your utility bill.
Because these savings remain if you sell the home, they are also attractive to buyers and may increase your home’s resale value.
- View: insulation materials
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Smart Thermostat
The newest Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats allow you to change the temperature of your home with a few taps on your smartphone. They’ll also sense your daily schedule or if you’re on vacation and adjust accordingly. You’ll save money and energy without even thinking about it. Highly rated models are typically less than $250.
Energy-Efficient Appliances and Fixtures
Consider replacing outdated fixtures and appliances with modern energy-efficient models. Not only will they save energy and money for you, but they will also improve your home’s value to a potential buyer if you decide to sell. This will include things like low-flow toilets and shower heads, sustainable countertop materials like recycled glass or stainless steel, and Energy Star appliances.
When you combine the energy- and money-saving technologies above with the green choice of remodeling instead of building new, you can feel good about improving your space while helping the planet. For additional assistance, contact a green contractor in your area.
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