We are Certified Green Professionals, which means that T.W. Ellis has the training and experience to remodel your home to meet sustainable standards, and we want to show you how making your home more energy efficient is within reach.
If you think big budget when you hear “green remodeling,” it might be time to revisit your preconceived notions about sustainability. A lot of homeowners think that environmentally friendly features will drive up the cost of their remodel, but in reality, smart green improvements can be affordable. There are numerous ways to make a home more eco-friendly, but here are some of the best ways to do so without blowing your budget.
The entire article with all seven ideas can be read at: https://www.twellis.com/blog/go-green-with-these-7-practical-changes
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
If your appliances are more than a decade old, replacing them will not only improve the aesthetics of your home but also lower your energy bills. Kitchen appliances alone can be responsible for more than 30 percent of home energy consumption. For example, refrigerators and freezers are the biggest users of electricity in the kitchen. Energy Star estimates that U.S. consumers are collectively paying an extra $5.5 billion in energy costs because of old, inefficient units.
Water conservation
Toilets are the biggest source of water usage in the home. Even fairly new toilets may not be as efficient as the latest models on the market today, which use 1.28 gallons per flush. Older models use more than 5 gallons per flush, so the savings are readily apparent. Look for a model that is certified by the EPA’s WaterSense program.
WaterSense-labeled showerheads, faucets and fixtures use at least 20 percent less water than older models – and many can cut usage almost in half. That can mean thousands of gallons of water saved every year. Smart faucets can also help you regulate water usage.
Heating & Air Conditioning
Your HVAC system is the biggest user of energy in your home, so upgrading your furnace and air conditioner can make a huge impact on your utility bills. If your system is more than a decade old, a new high-efficiency unit can cut your heating and cooling costs by 20 percent. Adjusting your thermostat can offer significant savings as well. The Department of Energy recommends settings of 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer, but any reduction will save energy. (A programmable thermostat will make it easier to remember to make adjustments when you’re not home.)
These improvements are just the beginning of the ways T.W. Ellis can help you make your home more sustainable. There are countless possibilities to reduce the environmental impact of your home. Contact us today to find out what we can do to help you with your next project. Call 410-420-0740 or visit the website at the link above.
