Home Improvement

 Are you thinking of remodeling your house? Are you looking to add value to your home and save money on energy bills? You may want to consider remodeling the green way. Here are ten things you can do to make your home a little greener – and save some greenbacks in the years to come.

1. Windows – Energy Star Low Emissive (Low-E) windows reduce the amount of heat transferred through the windowpanes, which can reduce your energy bill up to 15%. They will not reduce visibility and can last up to 30 years. You may also want to consider installing skylights to reduce the need for electric lighting during the day.

2. Insulation – Loose-fill installation can be sprayed into existing spaces such as walls, attics, and hard-to-reach places. Since about 50% of the energy bill for an average family home goes towards heating and cooling, efficient insulation can significantly reduce utility costs.

3. Light Fixtures – While you can save energy just by replacing old light bulbs for energy-efficient ones, installing light fixtures specifically designed for compact fluorescent lights can save you even more money.

4. Paint – Toxic-free Zero VOC paints may cost a little more, but you will save on air filtration and health costs. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that are emitted as gases from solids or liquids like paint, and they can cause a variety damaging health effects from long-term exposure.

5. Bathroom Water Usage – High efficiency faucets and shower heads contain aerators that use as much as 40% less water than their conventional counterparts. You can also install dual-flush toilets that give you the option of using less water if you don’t need it.

6. Air Leaks – Hire a professional to perform an air leak test on your home. Most will use a blower or infrared technology to determine whether there are leaks in your attic, windows, doors, air vents, basements and electrical sockets, and then seal any leaks with new material. Doing this, along with adding proper insulation, will help you save even more on heating and cooling.

7. Ceiling Fans – Energy Star certified fans move more air with less power and they will easily take the strain of your air conditioner. You can even set your thermostat a little higher, as you will feel cooler with the air flowing on your skin. This will help you save 25-40% in the summer. In the winter, you can set the fans on a low speed to better circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling.

8. Appliances –Appliances in a family home can account for about 20% of the energy bill. Energy Star-certified appliances can use between 10-50% less energy, which could potentially save you a significant amount of money. For example,an Energy Star certified refrigerator can use up to 40% less energy than conventional models, while an Energy Star clothes washer uses 50% less energy and saves water. The older the appliances are that you’re replacing, the more money you’ll save on those energy bills.

9. Flooring – Renewable flooring materials such as bamboo or cork cost less than hardwood but look just as elegant. Both cork and bamboo grow quickly and often come in easy installation formats. Bamboo in particular provides a grained look similar to hardwood and works as a great alternative.

10. Decking – Decks made from composite recycled materials can last up to five times as long as wooden decks. In addition, there’s no need to treat them with toxic weatherproofing materials. While the materials will cost more than wood, the maintenance costs and durability of a composite deck will definitely save you money in the long term.

Jesse Harwell is a former private investigator who now owns and manages the site Master of Homeland Security. It is a resource for students looking to earn a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security.