Over the last few years, more and more homeowners have become increasingly concerned with their impact on the environment. Thanks to this, many homeowners are choosing to make their homes eco-friendlier. If you are considering a green home renovation, then here are some of our top tips to help you:
- Get a Green Mortgage
Before starting any home renovation project, it is important to make sure that you have enough funds in place. If you are looking for ways to finance energy-efficient improvements on your home, then an Energy Efficient Mortgage or green mortgage might be a brilliant option for you. The green mortgage allows borrowers to get an additional 5% of the home price to finance energy-efficient improvement on their home.
Some of the most typical uses of this money include:
- Replacement doors and windows
- Increased insulation
- Conversion to gas heat
- Upgraded oil burner
- Sun lights
- Solar panels
- Energy-saving appliances
- Upgrade Your Windows
One of the easiest ways to make your home eco-friendlier is to upgrade the windows. If you have drafty windows that are impacting your heating bills, then it may be time to upgrade them to more energy-efficient alternatives. Replacing single-glazed windows with double or triple-glazed alternatives can help to slow heat transfer. You should also consider using products filled with low-conductivity gas, such as argon.
When purchasing new windows, it is important to find materials that are sustainably sourced. For example, while PVC may be an efficient and popular choice of window material, it is produced using a method that releases contaminants into the atmosphere.
- Use Locally Sourced Materials
Using eco-friendly products in your green home renovation is a great idea. However, if these products must be transported across the country, or they come from even further afield, it is hard to say these products are truly green. If you have to choose between buying eco-friendly products which are shipped long distances, or locally sourced products that are not quite as eco-friendly, then choose the locally sourced products.
- Insulate Your Home
During a green home renovation project, many people overlook the wall cavities in their homes. However, these cavities can have a huge impact on whether your home’s efficient or not. Luckily, there are lots of green solutions that are both effective and inexpensive.
- Upgrade Old Appliances
While purchasing a brand-new fridge might not be the most cost-effective green remodeling tip, it can help to make your home eco-friendlier. Most older appliances were not built with energy efficiency in mind. This means that your cooker, your dishwasher, your washing machine, and tumble dryer, and other household appliances could be using up more energy than you would think.
A huge change is taking place in the remodeling and home building industry. Green home renovations, long considered too complex or expensive, are more achievable and affordable than ever. Thanks to this, many people are choosing to make their homes eco-friendlier. If you are considering a green home renovation, then follow some of our top tips above.
