Grandpa always said, "penny saved is a penny earned". It wasn't until I owned my first home before I understood what that meant.
Residential remodel energy-efficiency trends focus on incorporating sustainable technologies and practices to reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs, and minimize environmental impact. Here are some popular energy-efficiency trends in residential remodeling:
1. Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors: Needless to say, here in Minnesota, drafty windows can significantly impact your electric bill. Installing energy-efficient windows with low-E coatings, insulated frames, and multiple panes, as well as energy-efficient doors with proper seals and insulation, improves insulation, reduces heat transfer, and enhances comfort.
2. Insulation Upgrades: Probably my favorite. Nothing insulates and strengthens you’re roof or exterior walls like sprayed insulation. Adding or upgrading insulation in walls, floors, and attics with materials like spray foam, blown-in insulation, or rigid foam boards improves thermal efficiency, reduces heating and cooling costs, and enhances indoor comfort.
3. High-Efficiency HVAC Systems: Changing out your filters of your 40-year-old HVAC can only sustain things for so long. Upgrading to high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as ENERGY STAR-rated units, heat pumps, geothermal systems, or ductless mini-split systems, improves energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
4. Programmable Thermostats: Installing programmable or smart thermostats allows for precise temperature control, energy-efficient scheduling, and remote monitoring, optimizing HVAC system performance and energy savings.
5. Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switching to energy-efficient lighting options such as LED bulbs, CFLs, or smart lighting systems reduces electricity consumption, extends bulb life, and provides customizable lighting control.
6. Solar Panels: Integrating solar panels or solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops or property grounds generates renewable energy, reduces reliance on grid electricity, and lowers utility bills over time.
7. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers reduces energy and water consumption while maintaining performance and functionality.
8. Water-Saving Fixtures: Installing water-saving fixtures such as low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, as well as efficient irrigation systems for landscaping, conserves water, reduces water bills, and promotes sustainability.
9. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) Systems: Developed in the 70’s during our energy crisis, HRVs have recently been growing in popularity. Incorporating HRV systems in HVAC designs recovers heat from outgoing air to preheat incoming fresh air, improving indoor air quality, reducing energy losses, and enhancing ventilation efficiency.
10. Smart Home Energy Monitoring: Implementing smart home energy monitoring systems or devices provides real-time data on energy usage, identifies energy-saving opportunities, and helps homeowners make informed decisions to optimize energy efficiency.
11. Sealing Air Leaks: Identifying and sealing air leaks in windows, doors, ducts, and building envelopes with caulking, weatherstripping, or insulation reduces energy losses, improves comfort, and enhances building envelope performance.
12. Green Building Materials: Do your part. Using sustainable and eco-friendly building materials such as recycled content materials, low-VOC paints and finishes, sustainable wood products, and environmentally friendly insulation promotes energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
These energy-efficiency trends can be customized and implemented according to the specific needs, goals, and budget of homeowners, creating more sustainable and cost-effective living environments. Working with experienced energy consultants, contractors, and green building professionals can help plan and execute successful energy-efficient remodel projects.
Best of luck with your next remodel project, let us know how we can be of any help when beautifying your home and appreciating its value.
I hope this helps, please share your thoughts below, thanks!
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