January 25th, 2022 | Updated on June 27th, 2022
From making your home more energy-efficient to getting the most out of the earth’s natural resources, green home renovations can help you be more environmentally friendly while saving your costs in the new year.
But, even when you have plenty of experience with remodeling projects, the requirements to make your home more sustainable can often seem like a curveball. If you don’t have key information at hand, tackling these specifications can be a tricky start-of-the-year challenge.
To assist you through this journey, here are five green home upgrades that you can easily achieve in the new year.
1. Install Solar Panels
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems allow you to convert solar power into electricity. By installing these solar panel systems in your home, you can easily save a world of costs while becoming more environmentally friendly. You can start by learning about different types of solar power systems and make your decision based on price and functionality.
If you need some assistance with funding these solutions, you can explore financing programs such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). By learning what is PACE and how it works, you can easily get the funding you need to switch to renewable energy and make other green upgrades.
2. Look Into Energy Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows are yet another smart upgrade. With their ability to deliver plenty of sunlight while absorbing heat, these windows allow you to use less energy throughout your rooms. Their special insulation also keeps hot or cold air within your home, which cuts your energy usage once again.
If you want to take this up a notch, you can pair this upgrade with energy-efficient window treatments. These shades can insulate your home further and provide your space with a more environmentally friendly way to regulate its temperature. Since you can find these options at various price points, they are an accessible option.
3. Explore Skylight Options
Skylights remain popular as a long-standing practice to illuminate buildings with natural sunlight. When you choose an energy-efficient skylight for your home, it can cut down your energy utilization by a large margin. Besides ensuring that you use minimal electric lighting, skylights also go a long way towards reducing your heating and cooling costs.
Due to these reasons, skylights can be an excellent addition to making your home more energy-efficient. You can discuss the installation of these solutions with different contractors. Once you have made the skylight a part of your home, you can even reach out to an online interior designer to elevate the aesthetic.
4. Replace Your Roof
Replacing your roof with greener materials may seem like a taxing upgrade. But, it makes a world of difference in building an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home. When the very roof of your home prevents hot or cold air from escaping your space, you use less energy and more natural resources.
Depending upon your local climate and energy needs, you can explore various roofing materials that could fulfill this purpose for your home. This includes metal roofs and slate roofs. By considering whether you need to learn tips to prepare for storm season or suggestions to be ready for snowy weather, you can find the ideal material without any problems.
5. Change Your Lighting
Since lighting makes a world of difference in your energy consumption, efficient lighting fixtures can reduce your energy utilization and costs. Whether you want to illuminate your living room furniture or your kitchen space, the right choice can provide you with the exact functionality you need.
The best way to install sustainable lighting fixtures is through an energy assessment of your home. This process is completed by specialized contractors who design a plan to upgrade your lighting according to your needs and goals. This ensures that you can fulfill all of your objectives for building a greener home for your family.
By looking into these upgrade ideas, you can make your home greener and more sustainable in the new year. While there is no specific deadline to achieving these goals, the sooner you start, the faster you can check them off on your list.
