For many people, a typical home remodel isn’t enough. They want an eco-friendly, green remodel for their aging home. A green remodel can cut back on energy costs and protect the environment. The El Dorado Hills area and other suburbs of Sacramento are truly an ideal place for a green and updated home. If you’re curious about how to get started on a green remodel, let our team of experts be your guide.
Aging Appliances Are Out
If you’re interested in a green remodel, the best place to start is by updating your old appliances. They can be a significant source of energy drain. Your refrigerator from 2005 might still work well, but it likely uses much more electricity than a fridge from 2024 or even 2018. Looking for a more sustainable model for this and other major appliances is a good plan. While most people think of the kitchen when they hear “appliances,” a new washer and dryer can also go a long way towards greening up your home. And, of course, replacing your aging appliances isn’t just good for your bills, but also for the environment. In our drought-stricken state, updating appliances to use less water is never a bad idea.
Natural Light is In
Sacramento may not be as sunny as Southern California, but there’s still plenty of natural light to take advantage of around here. A green home is one that takes advantage of sunlight to both warm and light the space. Skylights can make a dramatic difference in letting natural light in, while updating to use double-paned windows can help keep heat trapped inside, preventing the shivers during the cooler months. Natural lighting during the day also means less time with the lights on, cutting down on your electric bill even further. And, when it gets hot during the summer, double-paned windows will also keep cool air in, so your AC isn’t constantly running and trying to keep up. Letting the light in is another great green remodeling strategy.
Green Landscaping
Your home is much more than just four walls. Naturally, green remodeling also involves more than just the inside of your home. Transforming your landscape can be part of a green remodel. Watering your lawn is a beloved American pastime, but water restrictions are a commonplace occurrence in California. Replacing your grass with turf, wood chips, or even natural landscaping with native plants can make a huge difference. It’s environmentally friendly and can reduce your bills. If you’re not ready to completely overhaul the outdoors, there are smaller fixes you can make too. Removing or trimming trees that block windows can help warm cooler rooms, while strategically planting other trees can offer shade and cool spaces that are too warm. It all depends on what you need to feel comfortable in your home.
Fix Up Systems
In addition to more energy-efficient appliances, fixing up your home’s key systems can make a big difference for the environment too. A key green remodeling tip? Update your HVAC system and your water heater. Replacing these systems can take a while, but the reduction in your carbon footprint is worth it. If you’re less concerned with your carbon emissions and more worried about your pocketbook, have no fear. A new and efficient water heater or HVAC system can reduce your bills too.
Don’t Hate, Insulate
If you feel like you’re constantly turning the AC up and still sweating, the solution may lie inside your walls. Filling in gaps in your insulation can go a long way towards making your home more energy efficient and cutting down on heating and cooling costs. If you have fiberglass insulation, you might even consider updating your home with foam insulation instead. It lasts longer and can regulate your home’s temperature better.
No matter which steps you take towards making your home a little greener, don’t hesitate to contact our skilled team of professionals at ESI Builders. We can give you the home remodel you’ve always wanted, within your budget and on time.
