Home improvement and repair expenditures grew by 3% last year. According to experts, it will also expand this year up to 4% as homeowners complete extra or deferred projects. As the housing market is overheating, home improvement activities naturally continue to evolve as owners choose to improve or fix existing accommodation. Incorporating green elements in home improvement projects is also growing among homeowners seeking to create healthier and energy-efficient dwellings.
Energy Saving Devices and Equipment
Utility bills are some of the major running costs of a structure. Unfortunately, electricity is often powered by fossil fuels that are not only non-renewable, but also polluting the environment. Hence, it makes sense to install solar panels in your home especially if your area receives a lot of sunlight all year round. While it requires a long-term investment, your solar panel project can potentially save you money by making enough electricity for your consumption and even sell back to the grid.
In addition, replacing outdated appliances in your home can also improve energy consumption and reduce utility bills. For example, if your 10-year old dishwasher starts to break down or does not clean your dishes properly, then you know that it’s time to get a new one. Older appliances are not energy-efficient as new models because the latter are built to run using less power and even water. Do bear in mind that appliances that are running well do not need a lot of power to function properly and are, therefore, worth keeping if all they need is a tune-up or replacement of a worn-out part. Remember that throwing away an appliance is also detrimental to the environment. Thus, you should weigh up both the economic and environmental impact of keeping, repairing, or updating a home appliance.
Home Insulation
It is estimated that a poorly-insulated attic can lead to a 25% heat loss in a home. For this reason, it is vital that you include insulation when renovating your house. Check the roof and ceiling space to ensure that no energy is lost. Consider insulating your interior walls and underfloors so that you can save energy. Windows and doors must be inspected for cracks that could let in cold air or heat escape. Sealant strips around doors can be put and gaps patched up with putty or sealer. Investing in double or triple glazed windows and doors can also enhance home energy use unless you are planning to bring-in a beer fridge.
Appliance repair or replacement, installation of solar panels, and insulation are some strategies that could be implemented when renovating a home. They not only save money and energy, but also reduce the pressure on the environment.
