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If you are like other homeowners, you probably want to incorporate eco-friendly products and green ideas into your home improvement projects. Aside from the possible tax incentives you can enjoy, installing alternative energy upgrades will show your contribution to helping save the planet. Here are some green and energy-efficient projects you can initiate at home:
Installing Tankless Water Heater
This kind of water heater is either an electric or gas water heater which can be installed inside or outside your house. Although an electric tankless water heater tends to cost less, its gas counterpart is more cost-efficient. With a tankless water heater, you save energy and avoid running out of hot water.
Using low-VOC Paint
Even a painting job can improve the look of a room. Adding a fresh coat of paint to a room is also a minor fix that home sellers can do before they list their homes for sale. But, some paints have high levels of volatile organic compounds that can cause some respiratory issues and contribute to environmental pollution. Thus, make sure to use paint with low volatile organic compounds or those that don’t contain such compounds.
Installing Green Flooring
Green kinds of flooring include the following:
- Marmoleum flooring. This kind of flooring is made from natural raw materials like linseed soil, renewable wood products, jute, and limestone. Marmoleum floors are resistant to stains, don’t absorb water, and are biodegradable once its useful life ends.
- Bamboo flooring. Bamboo can be installed with the knots horizontally or vertically. It is resilient and available in different colors and shades.
- Environment-friendly wood flooring. Some kinds of hardwood like Brazilian Cherry are grown in South America. Although generally more expensive than oak, this hardwood is more resilient and harder.
Installing Water-Saving Fixtures and Appliances
Think about replacing regular fixtures and appliances with those that save water. Installing low-flow fixtures and appliances such as faucets, dishwasher, showerheads, and highly efficient toilets helps in lowering water consumption in your home. This will help you conserve water without compromising your everyday usage and comfort.
Installing Energy-Efficient Windows
Look for energy-efficient dual pane windows that are made from metal, wood, or vinyl because they provide better insulation than older, single-pane models. These windows can decrease your energy usage during the hot and cold climates. Thus, they help you save money while lowering your environmental footprint. Moreover, you can also consider double-pane windows because of their excellent soundproofing qualities.
