Homeowners who choose to remodel green can lower energy consumption by 30% to 50%. The U.S. Department of Energy believes if current buildings were green-improved, they would use $20 billion less energy per year. The reason is that green remodeling emphasizes energy efficiency within the home, using modifications such as energy-efficient appliances, programmable thermostats and airtight, low-emissivity windows.
“Homeowners should consult with their remodeler when considering any type of home improvement project. Remodelers can suggest ways of conserving energy -- such as using dimmable light switches -- or even reducing water usage by installing kitchen and bathroom fixtures that are low flow, yet efficient,” says Renée Rewiski, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “Manufacturers are working with remodelers to bring consumers the products and materials they need to make homes safe, comfortable, and attractive. That is, after all, the purpose of any remodel.”
If you’re thinking about remodeling a room already, that is the prime opportunity to undertake other upgrades to conserve the energy in your home, including adding insulation to the walls and ceiling and air sealing. If you’re adding onto your home, make sure you have the air conditioner checked to make sure it’s still the right size for the area it will be covering.
Simple maintenance also can help make your home more energy efficient. Gaps around the plumbing that connect to the house from the outside can be sealed with expanding foam, which comes in convenient, easy-to-use cans. Cleaning or replacing the air filter once a month maximizes the efficiency of the heating system, as does cleaning out ducts, warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators.
NARI understands the importance of energy efficiency as an overall strategy to greening the home and offers its green remodeling education program to the remodeling industry as part of the association’s overall education program. NARI currently has 50 Green Certified Professionals, who have completed 16 hours of green education as well as passed an intensive exam about the principles of green remodeling.
www.RemodelToday.com
Simple maintenance also can help make your home more energy efficient. Gaps around the plumbing that connect to the house from the outside can be sealed with expanding foam, which comes in convenient, easy-to-use cans. Cleaning or replacing the air filter once a month maximizes the efficiency of the heating system, as does cleaning out ducts, warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators.
NARI understands the importance of energy efficiency as an overall strategy to greening the home and offers its green remodeling education program to the remodeling industry as part of the association’s overall education program. NARI currently has 50 Green Certified Professionals, who have completed 16 hours of green education as well as passed an intensive exam about the principles of green remodeling.
www.RemodelToday.com
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