7 Sustainable Renovation Ideas for Your Home

Going "green" is in. And that would be green as in environmentally sustainable. We’re all looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet, by using products that are good for the environment or at least cause less stress on our habitat. And the biggest stressor that we own is our homes — what can pollute and use more energy than an entire fleet of automobiles.

If you are looking for environmentally sustainable ways to renovate your home, the following seven ideas may be worth incorporating.

1. Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures 

Showers, tubs and toilets can use a lot of water, and usually much more water than what you need. And according to the EPA residential water use accounts for about 60 percent of all water use in an urban area. There has to be a better way!

Fortunately, one solution are low-flow plumbing fixtures. If your toilet is low-flow for instance you can replace your current toilet that uses 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush with one that uses just 1.6 gallons. And no worries about waste — low-flow toilets are designed to do the job just as efficiently as your old toilet.

2. Sustainable Flooring

If you are desiring to rip up your carpeting you’re making a good move. Carpeting is hard to keep clean and can cause allergies. Better to replace it with wood floors that are easier to clean and still look great.

When it comes time to choosing your flooring, go with bamboo. Bamboo rapidly renews and is quickly replaced when cut down for other uses. Choose woven bamboo if you want to have it stained to match a particular color.

3. New Landscaping

The outside of your home can make your entire home much more sustainable. And that can be achieved by planting leaf-bearing trees on the western and southern sides of your house.

Proper placement is important as trees that lose their leaves keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. You’ll want to go with native trees and work with a landscaper to supplement your new growth with a host of native flora.

4. Tankless Water Heater

About 30 percent of your home’s energy budget involves heating water. Water for you bath, shower, dishwasher and washing machine. With such a large consumption rate, tankless water heaters have come into vogue.

With a tankless water heater you may be able to cut energy consumption in half. High-powered burners heat up water quickly and efficiently reducing energy use by about one-fifth. You can typically save at least $70 per year by making the switch.

5. Seal and Insulate

Chances are your home is not as well insulated as it could be. Windows, doors, outer walls and other openings siphon energy and push up your energy costs. With the right amount of insulation you can lower your utility bills.

There are three types of insulation that can benefit your home: attic air sealing, attic insulation, and basement or crawlspace insulation. Common air leaks can be handled including air leaking into the home and air leaking out of the home.

6. New HVAC System

If your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is at least 10 years old, it is not nearly as efficient as what they’re building today. Those units that have earned the EPA’s ENERGY STAR label can cut your energy bills by up to $200 annually. 

You’ll want an HVAC unit that is correctly sized to meet your home’s needs. Moreover, it should be connected with a well-sealed duct system with sufficient airflow. With the proper amount of refrigerant installed, your HVAC system should work efficiently all year long.

7. New Appliances

You wanted new appliances, right? Well, just as HVAC systems are ENERGY STAR certified, your clothes washer, dishwasher, freezer and refrigerator can be too. And like the HVAC system your appliances do not need to be particularly old to make a difference when replaced with new.

Not all appliances meet ENERGY STAR requirements. To do so they must recover their investment within a reasonable time of ownership, consume less energy and be confirmed through verified testing. Dehumidifiers, water heaters, and air purifiers are covered too as well as home office equipment including computers, copiers, and displays.

Environmental Sustainability

Together, all seven ideas can save you a lot of energy and money. Sustainability requires an initial investment, but typically has a good payback that benefits your wallet and the planet both.

Daniel Owen is a professional blogger that shares the latest information on efficient energy solutions for residential and commercial properties. He writes for ConserVision Energy, a company that provides heating conversion and AC maintenance plans in Cape Cod MA.