More and more homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Green home renovations allow you to reduce your carbon footprint, save energy and water, and create a healthier indoor environment. Many green upgrades also provide great returns on investment when it’s time to sell your home.
Here are 9 home renovation projects that can help make your home greener and more sustainable:
1. Install Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is one of the most impactful steps you can take to green your home. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity to power your home. This renewable energy helps reduce your dependence on fossil fuels.
The upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels can seem daunting, but solar installations can realize a return on investment in just a few years through energy bill savings. There are also tax credits, rebates, and other incentives available to help offset the initial cost. Over the lifetime of the system, you’ll reap ongoing utility bill savings.
When shopping for solar panels, look for high-efficiency mono- or polycrystalline silicon panel models from reputable brands. Work with an experienced solar installer to properly size and place the system for your specific home and energy needs.
2. Upgrade Windows
Replacing old, inefficient windows with new energy efficient models can make a big difference in home energy efficiency. New windows prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Look for ENERGY STAR certified windows that have at least double-paned glass, low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, insulating gases like argon between the panes, and weatherstripping. Window materials like vinyl, wood, and fiberglass outperform aluminum.
Upgrading all windows at once can be costly, so consider a phased approach. Start with windows that get the most sun exposure or ones in poor condition. Proper installation is key to ensure the windows are air-tight.
3. Increase Insulation
Adding insulation makes your home more energy efficient by preventing heat loss and reducing air leaks. Focus first on insulating areas that are most exposed such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
Use insulation materials like cellulose, fiberglass batts, or spray foam. The R-value measures the effectiveness of insulation; aim for R-30 in attics and at least R-13 in exterior walls. Have an energy audit done to locate air leaks and determine if added insulation is needed.
Proper installation is important to get the insulation levels and air sealing you pay for. Hire a professional who is certified through organizations like the Insulation Contractors Association of America.
4. Install a Cool Roof
Switching to a cool roof is a simple change that can lower home cooling costs while also reducing urban heat island effects. Traditional dark roofs absorb and retain heat. Cool roofs reflect more sunlight and stay up to 50-60°F cooler than traditional materials.
Cool roof options include reflective paint, reflective tiles, shingles with cooling granules, and more. Consider cool roof coatings for flat or low-slope roofs. Proper application ensures the reflective properties last.
Aim for roofing materials rated by Cool Roof Rating Council. The higher the solar reflectance and thermal emittance, the cooler the roof. A cool roof can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100°F and attic temperature by up to 30°F.
5. Upgrade Appliances
Replacing aging appliances with new ENERGY STAR certified models ensures you are getting the latest advancements in energy efficiency. When buying new appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers, look for the ENERGY STAR label.
ENERGY STAR appliances incorporate technologies like optimized motors, inverter compressors, sensor drying, improved insulation, and efficient water heating elements. Over the lifetime of the appliance, these features add up to significant energy savings.
Recycling old appliances also keeps hazardous materials out of landfills. Some utilities and retailers offer appliance recycling rebates when buying qualifying new ENERGY STAR models.
6. Install a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat is an easy upgrade that can save around 10% on heating and 15% on cooling costs. Smart thermostats like those made by Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell can be controlled remotely via smartphone and use Wi-Fi connectivity, sensors, and algorithms to optimize heating and cooling.
Key features that save energy include learning your schedule, optimizing run times, monitoring humidity, and integrating with other smart home devices. Look for a model that works with your HVAC system and offers an easy intuitive interface.
Programmable thermostats can also provide savings by allowing you to set customized heating and cooling schedules. However, smart thermostats go further by actually learning household patterns and adapting as needed.
7. Seal Air Leaks
Stopping air leaks is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost home energy efficiency. Air sealing involves using caulk, spray foam, weather stripping, and other sealants to close gaps and cracks that allow conditioned air to escape.
Target common trouble spots like walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, plumbing and wiring penetrations, fans, vents, fireplaces, attic hatches, and crawl spaces. Careful air sealing can reduce leaked air by up to one third.
Perform an energy audit or DIY blower door test to detect leaks. Seal larger gaps with spray foam or rigid foam board insulation. Use caulk for smaller cracks and weatherstripping to seal leaky doors and windows.
Proper materials and technique are important when sealing air leaks to prevent moisture issues or even make problems worse. Consider hiring an expert for big projects.
8. Upgrade Lighting
Switching light bulbs to energy efficient LED lighting can reduce lighting energy use by 75% or more. They also last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Replace old bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified LEDs. Starting with the most used fixtures can provide the fastest payback. Install LEDs in recessed cans, track lighting, pendant lights, ceiling fans, and lamps.
Outdoor lighting and spotlights used many hours per day are also good candidates for LED efficiency upgrades. Smart lighting options like wireless controls allow further customization of lighting schedules and dimming.
Proper bulb or fixture wattage ensures optimal light quality and energy savings. Carefully read labels for lumens (brightness), light appearance, and estimated yearly energy cost.
9. Upgrade Water Heater
Water heating accounts for about 18% of home energy costs. Upgrading to a more efficient system can trim related energy use and costs. Heat pump water heaters can cut water heating bills by 50-60%.
Look for ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater models or consider solar water heating systems. Tankless water heaters powered by electricity or gas also provide on-demand hot water while using less energy overall.
When shopping for a new water heater, compare the energy factor (EF) ratings. The higher the EF, the more energy efficient. Proper installation is also key to maximize hot water output and savings.
Rebates, tax credits, and financing incentives are often available for high efficiency water heater upgrades to help offset upfront costs.
Key Benefits of Green Home Renovations
Green home renovations provide many worthwhile benefits beyond just environmental friendliness:
- Save money – Energy and water efficient upgrades save money over time through lower utility bills. Many projects offer great return on investment.
- Enhance comfort – Improved insulation, air sealing, heating/cooling systems, windows, and lighting provide greater home comfort.
- Better indoor air quality – Reduced air leaks and better ventilation improves indoor air. Less reliance on fossil fuels also contributes.
- Higher home value – Green certified homes and energy efficient upgrades can increase resale value. Features like solar panels are big selling points.
- Reduce waste – Reusing or recycling building materials cuts landfill contributions. Efficiency upgrades also reduce energy and water waste long-term.
- Lower carbon footprint – Green improvements help minimize environmental impact through less fossil fuel usage and emissions.
- Access incentives – Tax credits, rebates, and financing options make green renovations more affordable. Some upgrades can quickly pay for themselves.
- Showcase sustainability – Visible additions like solar panels showcase your commitment to sustainability. More upgrades can lead to green certification.
- Enact change – Consumer demand for greener products and services propels companies and local governments to enact wider environmental changes.
Tips for Planning Green Home Renovations
If you’re looking to green your home through renovations, keep these tips in mind:
- Have an energy audit done to tailor upgrades to your home’s specific needs. This also provides a baseline to measure future energy savings.
- Research available rebates, tax credits, and incentives to offset project costs. Take advantage of renewable energy, water conservation, and energy efficiency programs.
- Take a whole house approach by packaging multiple efficiency upgrades together. This maximizes energy savings and can improve project cost-effectiveness.
- Focus first on the upgrades that will provide the best return on investment such as air sealing, insulation, HVAC replacements, and appliance upgrades.
- Look for Energy Star and WaterSense certified products and fixtures to ensure quality and resource savings.
- Use eco-friendly construction materials like recycled content, reclaimed wood, and low/no VOC products whenever possible.
- Hire reputable contractors who are knowledgeable about current codes, efficiency standards, and green building techniques. Verify all necessary licenses, training, and certifications.
- Talk to local utility companies about renewable power options. See if community solar programs are available if on-site solar isn’t feasible.
- Consider taking advantage of PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing which provides affordable long-term financing for qualifying projects, repaid through property taxes.
- Check out green home certification programs like LEED and NGBS Green to gain third-party validation of your renovation’s sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What home renovation projects provide the fastest payback?
Some of the fastest paybacks come from upgrading lighting, sealing air leaks, adding insulation, replacing HVAC equipment, and installing a cool roof. The right upgrades depend on your climate and current home efficiency. An energy audit helps prioritize the changes that will save the most.
How much do energy efficient renovations increase home value?
Green certified homes can command a 10% premium over comparable homes. Individual upgrades like cooling systems, solar panels, triple-pane windows, and tankless water heaters can each boost value. Overall, energy improvements can increase resale value by about 5 to 10 percent.
Should I get a home energy audit before renovating?
Yes, a whole-home energy audit provides a detailed analysis of your home’s efficiency. It assesses insulation levels, air tightness, heating/cooling systems, appliances, lighting, and more. The audit then models expected energy savings and payback periods for recommended upgrade packages.
What are the most cost-effective home energy upgrades?
The most cost-effective upgrades include sealing air leaks, increasing attic insulation, upgrading lighting, replacing old appliances and windows, tuning up your HVAC system, and installing a programmable or smart thermostat. An energy audit and quotes from contractors will give you exact costs and savings for your home.
How can I finance green home renovations?
Financing options to fund energy efficient renovations include Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEM), FHA PowerSaver loans, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, energy efficiency rebates and incentives, and bank/credit union green loans. Low-interest HELOC loans are also potential sources.
Conclusion
Going green with your next home renovation project benefits both your home and the environment. Energy and water upgrades provide ongoing savings and comfort improvements, while showcasing your sustainability commitment. Just be sure to take a strategic approach by prioritizing high-ROI upgrades tailored to your home and climate. Research available incentives and leverage eco-friendly materials to maximize your impact. By tackling a few projects at a time, you can work towards transforming your home into a model of energy efficiency.