Eco-Friendly Ways To Renovate Your Home
Eco-Friendly Ways To Renovate Your Home
People can improve their homes to increase their aesthetic appeal and boost their value. Research shows that 52% of Americans will spend $15 000 on home improvements. Perhaps you wish to update your home and are looking for inspiration. In that case, you can leverage eco-friendly options to improve your health, promote water and energy efficiency and increase your property value. That said, here are some environmentally friendly ways to renovate your home.
Ditch conventional paints
Paint instantly transforms a living space, making it a tool that most people leverage for home renovation. However, conventional paint contains toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and plastic, which are released into the environment. These Volatile Organic Compounds trigger asthma, nausea, and other allergies, making them harmful to the environment. Fortunately, paints brands with low VOCs are available on the market for home use. These eco-friendly options are also cost-effective and made from natural materials, making them healthier alternatives.
Purchase reclaimed materials
Reclaiming is the process of recycling materials that others would throw away and is an easy way to go eco-friendly with your home renovations. Reclaimed materials are environmentally friendly, affordable, and durable. What's more, they offer a vintage feel to your home, making it stand out from the other ones in your area. Therefore, home renovations professionals can leverage vintage wood, brick, glass, stone, concrete, etc., to improve your living space. Fortunately, these items are likely to be in good condition, so you don’t need to spend much to restore them. You can also opt for reclaimed cabinets, shelves, flooring, and countertop, as long as they are still in good condition.
Factor in energy efficiency
When shopping for refrigerators, dishwashers, or washing machines, be sure to purchase the most energy-efficient ones. Not only will you save more on utility bills, but you'd also be helping the environment by reducing the toxic fumes that power plants generate to produce electricity. Household appliances differ in operating costs and energy efficiency, making it essential to select the best type. You can read the energy label guide attached to new home appliances and the energy star logo to determine their efficiency.
Insulate your home
Home insulation is another eco-friendly way to renovate your home. Proper home insulation reduces energy consumption, mitigating carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide produced by power plants. Moreover, it absorbs sound, reducing noise pollution in your home. You can start by insulating your roof and ceiling space, which accounts for 30% of your home's heat loss. By all means, don't forget your exterior walls and floors, as they account for 20% and 10% of heat loss, respectively. Also, ensure that your insulation material isn't moldy or wet, as it could diminish its efficiency.
Donate stuff you don’t need
Suppose you have old house items you don’t need anymore. In that case, it’ll be prudent to donate them, provided that they are in good condition. This will prevent more waste from going to the landfill, reducing pollution and the taxpayers' bills. That said, feel free to donate your old furniture, cabinets, shelves, lamps, and other items to those who would benefit from it. Fortunately, you can work with your local charities to help you give out these items with ease.
