Many homeowners want to upgrade their homes with sustainable features. These green upgrades can lower utility bills, reduce carbon emissions, and increase a home’s value.
Whether doing a full kitchen remodel or simply replacing appliances, focus on energy-efficient models with the ENERGY STAR label. Also, consider adding a bathroom exhaust fan that uses less electricity and helps reduce moisture buildup.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Energy-efficient upgrades are a great way to save money on electricity bills and help the environment. These upgrades can also increase the resale value of your home.
A new refrigerator and dishwasher use a lot of electricity, so upgrading them to energy-efficient models can cut your bills by a large amount. Other energy-saving kitchen improvements include installing LED lighting, which consumes around 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs, and a tankless water heater, which gives hot water on demand rather than requiring the faucet constantly turned on. Professionals in kitchen remodels, like Striking Remodels, can help you choose the right upgrade for your kitchen.
Although adding insulation may not sound glamorous, it can significantly save your energy costs. You can reduce your heating and cooling costs by insulating your home, sealing leaks, and maintaining the right temperature throughout the year. Additionally, it can shield your family from dangerous greenhouse gases and other airborne contaminants.
Replace Your Cabinets
While replacing cabinets may not be a DIY-friendly project, it’s an easy upgrade that can save you money on energy costs. Adding new drawer pulls, cabinet lighting, and plumbing fixtures can give your kitchen a modern aesthetic. Various new, durable, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing countertop options are available.
Replacing your high-use appliances with modern models will reduce your utility bills and save you thousands over the lifetime of each appliance. Choose ENERGY STAR models to reduce your energy usage even further.
Homebuyers are increasingly seeking greener properties, and a well-designed and updated kitchen with energy-efficient upgrades can increase your resale value. You can recoup 57% to 78% of the cost of a quality kitchen remodel when you sell your home.
Replace Your Windows
Your windows and doors make up a large percentage of your home’s exterior, so upgrading to energy-efficient windows will significantly reduce air leaks while lowering your utility bills. Energy Star-qualified windows start at about $120 for a 36-inch-by-72-inch window and can cost ten times that with labor, but you’ll quickly recoup the investment.
Lighting makes up 5% of your household’s energy budget, so installing dimmable lighting in your kitchen and bathroom is a great way to reduce energy usage. You can even switch out halogen bulbs for LED lights, which use up to 90% less energy than traditional halogens.
Upgrading your appliances, cabinets, countertops, windows, and lighting is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value and lower energy bills. Not only will you save money and enjoy a more comfortable living space, but your green renovations will impress potential homebuyers when it comes time to sell your home.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Your kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in your home. It’s where you prepare meals for your family, catch up with them over a snack, and entertain your guests during holidays. It’s also a room that uses a lot of energy.
It’s easy to minimize energy use and lower electricity bills by switching to energy-efficient lighting. LED lights come in various colors and consume far less energy than conventional incandescent lamps. They also produce less heat, easing pain and eye strain.
Installing a programmable timer for your lighting system will also help you save money on your energy bill. This will enable you to manage your electrical load at peak electricity pricing. You can also install dimmers to adjust the brightness of your lights according to the mood you’re trying to create. For example, low lighting can create a warm and cozy atmosphere, while bright light is perfect for preparing food.
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