Tag Archives: Insulation

8 Eco-Friendly Solutions For Your Home Remodeling

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Environmental awareness is spreading around the globe, and that is good. The more we know about what we can do to save the planet, the more we actually do. And, fortunately, it doesn’t take much – you can simply bring your reusable coffee cup to work, buy green vehicles, or use environmentally friendly solutions for your next home remodel.

If you want to know what they are, you should keep reading – we have prepared this article especially for you. Here, you will learn to buy reclaimed items, donate stuff you don’t use, re-face items instead of replacing them, insulate, use low or no VOC paints, and some more. Read on and make sure that you can make informed decisions when opting for eco-friendly home remodeling.

ecofriendly home remodeling

1. Buy Reclaimed Materials

This is probably the easiest thing you can do to help the environment while doing eco friendly home improvement. Reclaiming is the process of recycling materials that people would usually throw away. You might be surprised to learn that quite a large percentage of the things we discard can actually be recycled.

Reclaimed materials include products that have been used before, like bricks, wood, clay, concrete, stone, glass, etc. These items are usually in good condition, so you won’t need to spend a lot of time and money on restoring them. Moreover, buying reclaimed stuff is an investment in the future because you are contributing to saving the environment.

On the other hand, you can also reclaim and salvage some materials yourself. For example, if you are looking for a garage door repair in Tulsa or consider replacing it completely, do not rush to throw your old garage door away. Instead, you can think about repurposing it to use it for longer – like creating a DIY bench for your patio. Or, you can look for local charities nearby and donate the materials to them.

Many other items can also be reclaimed. Don’t forget about your cabinets, countertops, and flooring. These things can be donated to local charities as well or used in other homes where they are needed. It is also good to know that salvaging and reclaiming do not just benefit the environment but also save money for homeowners.

skip bins

2. Donate Stuff You Don’t Need

Another thing that you can do for the environment when remodeling is donating things that you don’t use anymore. This is an excellent way to put them into good use while making a difference at the same time. Donating items means that they will not end up in a landfill, meaning less pollution and reduced landfill bills for taxpayers.

If you donate something, you should make sure that it is in good condition so that someone else can actually use it. That is why many people tend to re-gift items instead of donating them. If you’re uncertain whether an item is good enough to be donated, think about how many times you have used it in the past few months and whether it still has a few more years left in it. If not, ask yourself whether someone else might be able to use it.

decor-from-old-books

3. Re-Face Old Furniture

Do you want to replace your old furniture items, but you don’t have the budget for that? Consider re-facing them instead of replacing them. You will need to sand off the finish and then apply several layers of paint. Make sure that you use paint with low VOCs. It is essential to protect indoor air quality, so it is crucial to choose paints that do not emit toxic substances.

Re-facing furniture is a great way to save money and help the environment at the same time. It is incredibly easy and inexpensive, and the results can be amazing. Re-facing is often much cheaper than replacement because you don’t have to buy all the materials and hire a professional worker for installation – you just get some paint or other material and do it yourself! If you want your home to look great without breaking the bank, this is something you should consider.

4. Insulate Your Home Wall

Do you want to save energy? You can do it by insulating your home wall. In fact, insulation is one of the most effective ways to cut down your heating and cooling bills throughout the year and reduce energy use in general. Proper insulation will also help prevent condensation and mold, so it is definitely worth investing in this process.

If you want to get a proper insulation job done, you should hire a professional team of contractors that will install insulation in your attic as well as in your walls. This is a large job that requires pro attention, so make sure that you find a great team of specialists who will ensure quality work that will result in lower heating bills and lower energy consumption in general.

home-insulation

Before hiring insulation contractors, make sure that they use high-quality construction materials and are familiar with local building codes (if applicable). If you are not sure whether you need insulation or how much of it you should have, contact an experienced contractor who will inspect your house to determine what kind of insulation suits it best and whether insulating will be worth it in the long run.

5. Use Low or No VOC Paints

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. They are found in paints, and most of them are toxic to people and animals. That is why it is crucial to check paints before using them – imagine how many toxins people inhale when painting their home walls.

ecofriendly home remodeling

Luckily, there are paints with low or no VOCs, so you should go for them. These products do not harm the environment, and you can be safe using them during your next home remodel. If you want to know whether a particular paint has low or high VOCs, ask for a VOC emission rate from the seller. Many stores are obliged to tell you how many VOCs you will inhale during the painting process.

6. Don’t Use Conventional Paints

Conventional paints are loaded with solvents that can irritate your skin and eyes. They can also cause respiratory problems, so you shouldn’t use them when painting your home walls or furniture pieces. The good news is that there are many eco-friendly paints out there that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. These paints will not pose any danger to your health or the health of your family members – they are safe to use anywhere in your home.

7. Use Green Power

If you are going to use electricity, it is important to use green power – renewable energy. That means that you should consider investing in solar energy panels or wind turbines. It might be a bit pricey to buy these items, but it is definitely worth it. By using green power, you contribute to a greener future – which is our only hope if we want to have a planet to live on.

solar-energy-diy

8. Use Low-Maintenance Materials

You can save money and protect the environment at the same time by choosing low-maintenance materials for your green home renovation. For instance, you can choose stone or brick as exterior surfaces – these materials are durable and will not have to be repainted or stained more often than once every 5-10 years. And because they don’t need much maintenance, they won’t emit VOCs into the air.

The key to environmentally friendly home remodeling is to stay away from toxic paints, materials, and products. By using low or no VOC paints, reclaimed wood, and other recycled items, you will not only save money, but you will also contribute to a better planet for your children and grandchildren.

Conclusion

When renovating your home, you can do it in an eco-friendly way. In fact, you will be doing something good for the environment when buying reclaimed materials, using low VOC paints, insulating your home well, and many other things.

You should definitely think about these eco-friendly home features the next time you are planning a new home improvement project. You will be able to save money and help the planet – which is a great thing!

Saving Money With Effective Heating and Air Conditioning

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Did you know that heating and air conditioning systems can make up for half of your total energy bill? That’s a lot of money and a lot of energy use. If your heating and air aren’t working properly they can’t effectively use that energy and that costs you money and sends more greenhouse gases into the environment. Below we will list a few ways you can keep your energy bill low and your heating and air conditioning systems running smoothly and efficiently.

1. Limit Use

Use the seasons to your advantage and limit your use of heating and AC. Close your blinds in the summer to keep the sun from working against your air conditioning and open the curtains in the winter time to have the sun help your heating.

Consider if your thermostat has a feature that can be set on a timer so you can limit the use of your heating and air conditioner when no one is in the house or at night. These seem like simple things but they can reduce your costs significantly when done regularly.

2. Regular Maintenance

Don’t forget to do regular maintenance to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. Simple things like changing you air filters can make a huge impact on how well your heating and air conditioning runs. Have a professional come at least once a year to check for any problems you may miss and ensure everything is OK.

hvac-repair

Your contractor should measure the voltage of your motors and tighten electrical connections. They should also check for drainage that may cause water damage to your home. These regular check ups also ensure your systems are running properly and safely.

3. Sealing Ducts and Leaks

Ducts are responsible for distributing the air around your home. However, about 20 percent of air is lost through leaks and poorly connected ducts. This means you’ll be pumping up the AC to no affect and losing money in the process.

Sealing leaks that are visible in the attack, crawl space, or basement of your home is as easy as buying a sealant or tape meant for insulating your ducts. Check for and seal any visible leaks or poor connections. If you prefer to stay away from dirty attics or crawl spaces a contractor can easily do this for you as well.

4. Insulation

Insulating your home can save you up to 10 percent on your annual energy bill and make your home comfortable all year long. The attic is an ideal place to add insulation to your home and when done correctly can save the most money and energy. Also consider your windows and doors.

Heating and cooling can easily escape through old doors and windows making your system inefficient. Have a contractor look at these places in your home and see if they can help insulate your home so it can run comfortably.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of ways you can make your home more energy efficient thus saving your wallet and giving a little help to the environment. Find a contractor like Empire HVAC that can look at your home and determine the best route for your house. Different systems have different needs and a professional can tell you everything your house needs to keep you comfortable, regardless of weather  conditions.

Clever Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency in Domestic and Commercial Property

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The world’s energy bill is expected to reach $48 trillion by 2035 for power supply, fossil fuel extraction, and investment in renewables and nuclear, among other elements. Unfortunately, the cost of increased expenses goes beyond denting household or business budgets: it also affects the environment, making it more polluted and contributing to global warming. Improving energy efficiency in home and business life is vital in order to eliminate waste, save money, and help rescue the planet. Here are a few clever ways to improve energy efficiency in the domestic and commercial property:

Insulation and Air Sealing

The structure of a home or a commercial property is one of the key determinants in energy efficiency. When designing a home or renovating a building, it’s important to pay attention to insulation and air sealing. Roof cladding is vital in order to conserve heat and keep the structure cool. Double or triple-glazed windows ensure that heat is retained indoors, and stops the cold from entering a room to make a structure energy-efficient.

home-insulation

When paired with energy efficient heating and cooling appliances, this can make a huge difference to the amount of energy used within the building. It’s also a good idea to customize your windows, and choose an efficient frame that is appropriate for your climate.

For doors, caulking and weather stripping safeguard your home and enhance energy efficiency. In some cases, it makes sense to replace a door to retain energy and keep away draughts. Properly installed and conceived skylights allow you to benefit from daylight and improve ventilation. New technologies already incorporate glazing technologies in skylights to reduce the impact of summertime heat gain and winter heat loss.

Coherent Heating, Cooling and Hot Water Systems Using Renewables

It’s also imperative to think of a coherent heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and hot water systems. One way to do this is to select effective cooling and heating equipment. Opt for dehumidifying heat pipes to reduce indoor humidity and increase comfort. Along with other actions such as increasing the thermostat and using ceiling fans, you can reduce the power consumption of aircons by 20-50%, according to Energy.gov

air quality at the workplace

 

Consider using renewable energy systems to provide electricity and cool and heat homes. Solar photovoltaics (PVs) are forms of clean energy that can provide unlimited power. Investments can be recuperated within a short time. Solar power technology has evolved for the better in the last few decades, and the costs of installing panels have gone down. In addition, many governments offer incentives to switch to clean energy, making it a win-win situation.

Upgrade Appliances And Lighting Systems

Homes and buildings can also benefit from reduced electricity use by upgrading lighting systems. Switching to light emitting diode (LED) bulbs lowers power consumption by as much as 75%. In addition, they last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, and offer better or higher illumination without increasing energy usage – useful for areas that require constant lighting such as corridors or offices.

LED-lighting-workplace

Appliances also make a difference. Switch to energy-rated appliances, from washing machines and dishwashers to coffeemakers and copiers. When purchasing news appliances and gadgets, consider the cost of operating them. Think of smart appliances that can be connected to home or building energy management systems. These types of appliances not only shut down during peak electricity demand, but also shift energy use, smartly running when utility charges are lower, such as in the middle of the night.

Energy spending worldwide has been increasing, and will continue to do so in the future. Investing in energy efficiency will not only save money for both households and businesses, but will also help the environment and make people feel good about their commitment to the planet.

Eco-friendly Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation For Metal Buildings

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Fiberglass insulation was first put on the market in 1938, and in all the years since, no alternative has really challenged its preeminent position as the most effective choice for insulation on both commercial and residential construction projects. Fiberglass insulation improves a structure’s energy efficiency, reduces heating and cooling costs, and makes occupants more comfortable. These are just a few of the advantages that make it the insulator of choice, even in the latest eco-friendly projects. Below are  additional benefits of fiberglass insulation:

1. Moisture Resistance

Fiberglass insulation does not absorb or retain water according to www.cyclonebuildings.com who utilise it in some instances. It can still be contaminated or compromised by moisture; insulation that has gotten wet needs to be inspected and dried to ensure that it does not lose its insulating properties.

Wet insulation can be successfully re-installed and deliver its full R-value as intended by the manufacturer so long as installers confirm that the insulation and the area around it in the structure have not been compromised by water.

In order to provide full insulating value, fiberglass insulation requires a vapor barrier. When properly selected and installed, a vapor barrier catches condensation before it can penetrate the building envelope and reach the insulation. The vapor barrier’s perm rating must be appropriate to the structure and the local climate, and it must be sealed into place with a proper adhesive so that it does not leak.

2. Fire Resistance

Fiberglass insulation is inherently non-combustible because the materials from which it is made – sand and/or recycled glass – are non-combustible themselves. Fiberglass insulation does not need to be treated with chemicals to make it fire-resistant, and it does not become any more combustible as it ages.

In many areas, local building codes even allow the use of fiberglass insulation as an effective fire stop in wall assemblies made of wood or steel.

3. Sound Dampening

Fiberglass insulation absorbs sound, and this means it reduces sound transmission through walls, ceilings, floors, and HVAC ducts where it is used. As a general rule of thumb, one inch of fiberglass insulation increases the sound transmission class, or STC, of a building assembly by three or even four points. Additional inches of fiberglass insulation each add two more points to the STC rating.

4. Use Of Recycled Materials

The manufacture of fiberglass insulation has come to rely on incorporating a significant amount of recycled material. Between 1992 and 2000, insulation manufacturers used over 8 billion pounds (3.6 billion kg) of recycled glass from pre and post-consumer sources. Using this material productively saved millions of cubic feet in landfill space.

The total amount of recycled material used in fiberglass insulation varies from brand to brand and product to product, but some products are made with as much as 80 percent recycled glass. Fiberglass insulation also requires the use of silica sand, which is an abundant and naturally-renewing resource.

Bottom Line

Fiberglass insulation remains a highly competitive and attractive insulation option, even when considered according to environmentally-friendly “green” priorities. In the decades it has been used, it has proven time and again to be a reliable and effective material.

How to Navigate Electricity Usage During the Colder Months

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As the colder months approach, many people find that their electricity usage increases significantly. This may lead to higher energy bills and a greater strain on the power grid. However, you can take several steps to manage your electricity usage during the colder months to keep your bills under control and help conserve energy. This includes finding out how to save on business electricity.

For example, you can research ways to find cheaper electricity rates to ensure that your electricity bill doesn’t get too high during these colder months.

Conserving Energy During Colder Months

The Basics of Conserving Energy During the Colder Months

Conserving energy during the colder months is crucial to our environmental responsibility. It pays to reduce our carbon footprint and save money on our energy bills. Different strategies for conserving energy can be implemented, such as using insulation and weather-stripping, taking advantage of natural light, and investing in energy-efficient appliances.

1. Insulate Your Home for Maximum Efficiency

Insulating your home is an effective way to help reduce energy costs and improve the comfort of your living space. It can also help protect against extreme temperatures and reduce noise levels. With the right insulation, you can ensure that your home is as efficient as possible while still providing a comfortable environment for you and your family.

2. Optimize Your Home’s Energy Efficiency and Reduce Your Electricity Bill

Are you looking to reduce your electricity bill and optimise the efficiency of your appliances? You can do this by following a few simple steps.

One of these is to take the time needed to make sure that your appliances are running efficiently. This way, you’ll save money on your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.

The most effective way to reduce your electricity usage during the colder months is to properly insulate your home. This can include adding weather stripping to doors and windows and insulation to your attic and walls. By properly insulating your home, you can significantly reduce the amount of heat lost through drafts and gaps, which will help keep your home warmer and reduce your need for heating.

home-insulation

Another important step that you can take to manage your electricity usage during the colder months is to invest in energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy to operate, which can help reduce your overall energy usage and lower your bills. Additionally, energy-efficient light bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They can last up to 10 times longer, saving you money on your energy bills and lighting costs.

You can also reduce your electricity usage by being mindful of how you use your heating and cooling systems. For example, you can lower your heating bill and set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you are away from home or when you are sleeping. Additionally, you can use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on the time of day and your schedule. This can help you conserve energy and reduce your bills.

Another way to manage your electricity usage during the colder months is by using alternative heating sources. For example, you can use a wood-burning stove or a fireplace to supplement your heating system, which can help reduce your reliance on electricity. Additionally, you can use a space heater to heat a small area of your home rather than heating the entire house.

Finally, you can also reduce your electricity usage by being mindful of your overall energy consumption. This can include turning off lights and appliances when you are not using them, unplugging chargers and other devices when they are not in use, and using power strips to reduce standby power consumption.

Lessons Learned

We’ve discovered that it can be very challenging to keep energy bills low while still keeping your home comfortable. Fortunately, there are several strategies that you can use to limit your electric use and save money on your energy bills.

Smartly implementing these strategies can reduce your electricity usage while keeping your home warm and cosy during the winter months. From using smart thermostats to investing in energy-efficient appliances

Being mindful of your overall energy consumption can reduce your energy usage and lower your bills. By doing what is suggested, you can help save energy and make sure you use electricity in a responsible way that won’t hurt the environment.

Top 5 Environmentally Friendly Construction Materials

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Whether you are a custom home builder, or you are designing your own custom home, it’s worth your while to know about eco-friendly construction materials. Eco-friendly construction materials are becoming increasingly more important as more and more people are realizing the importance of creating a more sustainable world.

Eco-friendly construction materials are a great way to minimize the negative environmental impact that building a home may have. Additionally, homes that are constructed with sustainable building materials are increasing in popularity because of the vast amount of benefits that they have to offer.

An expert from a custom home builder in New Jersey pointed out, “There are a variety of benefits of using sustainable materials when building a home; the most notable is that green materials ultimately save the homeowner money down the line; in addition to the amount of waste that they [green materials] eliminate.”

Sustainable construction materials save homeowners money because they typically keep a house more insulated; cutting down on the use of heating and air conditioning systems, therefore using less electricity, gas, and oil. Below are some environmentally friendly construction materials to consider including in a custom home design.

Top Eco-Friendly Construction Materials

Eco-friendly construction materials should not only be sustainable, but they should also not cause any negative effects on the environment. Typical construction materials are detrimental to the environment because of the harsh chemicals they produce; directly causing air pollution. Or, they are detrimental because they use resources that are limited. Here are some safe alternatives to typical construction materials:

1. Hemp Concrete

Hemp concrete is a biocomposite material which is made up of hemp and a lime-based binder. Hemp concrete is a great alternative to regular concrete because it’s biodegradable and more sustainable.

Not only does hemp concrete act as an insulator and moisture regulator, but it is also extremely durable and will last just as long as regular concrete. Hemp concrete is a great sustainable material to include in your custom home design and will keep both cool and warm air, reducing the need to run heating and cooling systems, therefore also conserving energy.

2. Sheep’s Wool

Sheep’s wool is a great construction material because it can be regrown quickly and the sheep are not harmed in the process. Sheep’s wool can be used for its insulating benefits in ceilings, attics, and walls. In fact, sheep’s wool is a great insulator for both thermal and acoustic insulation purposes.

Though sheep’s wool is slightly more expensive than other insulation options, the longevity of this insulator is much longer and will reduce electricity bills significantly by keeping cool and warm air in.

3. Recycled Steel

Rather than using new steel during construction-which uses natural resources during production – consider using recycled steel. Recycled steel will produce less amount of waste in the environment, and will prevent the use of resources that are necessary to create steel.

Steel is relevant in the construction process, especially for beams that will hold up the house, therefore it’s practical to choose steel that is kind to the environment.

4. Bamboo

Bamboo is an eco-friendly building material that can be used for a number of different things. Some of the main benefits that bamboo has to offer include:

  • A durable surface
  • Strength to support other materials upon construction
  • It grows quickly, so is a very sustainable option

Bamboo can be used for both flooring and walls of a home and has a long lifespan, meaning, walls and floors that are designed with bamboo will not have to be replaced often, creating less waste in the environment.

5. Cork

Similar to bamboo, cork is a fast-growing material and is harvested from a living tree, so no trees need to be cut down in order to produce this material. Cork is most commonly used for flooring because of its resilience and durability. However, cork is another insulation option too because it is impermeable, meaning water will not make its way into it; it’s also soundproof.

Cork, if left uncoated, is naturally fire-resistant so it will not produce toxins if it is burned after replacing it with new cork later down the road.

Make Environmentally Informed Choices in Your Home

If you are a home builder or if you are simply a homeowner that wants to assist in the building process, it’s’ important to know how to make environmentally informed choices when it comes to custom home building. These eco-friendly building materials will not only benefit the environment, but they will also positively impact the homeowner. Keep these sustainable and green building materials in mind as you begin your custom home design.

How Home Builders Create a Better Product for Buyers

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When it comes to homeownership, there are a lot of options out there. You can buy an existing home, build a new one, or even purchase a pre-fabricated property. And each of those options has its own set of pros and cons.

But if you’re looking for the ultimate in flexibility, control, and customization, then building your own home is the way to go. And in this article, we’ll explain why this could be an excellent option for you.

benefits of building your own home

You get to choose everything – the floor plan, the finishes, and even the location.

Looking at new homes for sale is an exciting prospect, but it can sometimes be overwhelming. Just where do you start, and with so many things to consider, it’s easy to get frustrated or feel lost in the process.

The good news is that you have complete control over your new home. You can make all the decisions from big-picture choices like location, floor plan, and overall look to more specific details like the individual lighting fixtures and door fitments.

Depending on the builder, you might even have some say over more practical elements such as soundproofing and energy efficiency standards — not just aesthetics.

So even though buying a new house can be intimidating, it’s also hugely empowering because with each decision comes an opportunity for total customization. With a combination of careful planning, thoughtful design choices, and due diligence on research, you’ll be able to create your ideal dream home!

A new build home is typically more energy efficient and has better insulation than a resale home

When it comes to choosing a new home, many people find themselves weighing the benefits of buying an existing resale property versus building a new one. It’s true that a resale property can offer advantages like more immediate availability and established neighborhoods, but there are some key advantages to consider when opting for new construction.

A major consideration is the energy efficiency and insulation offered by a newly built home — features that don’t always come standard with a resale.

New homes are constructed up-to-date with insulation standards and energy-efficient appliances, meaning they require less energy to heat or cool than older homes. Additionally, you’ll often find higher quality windows on newer models, which helps to seal in the air more effectively than pre-existing single-pane glass technology that may be found in older homes.

So while there may be a temptation to buy existing due to the convenience factor, don’t overlook the importance of investing in modern insulated architecture that could give you substantial cost savings over time.

You can personalize your home to fit your unique lifestyle and needs

Any home is a reflection of its owner and the activities that are taken place there. It makes sense to personalize your living space in such a way that it compliments your habits and lifestyle. By making thoughtful design choices and adding personalized details, you can make your home unique while expressing who you are.

Adjustments to suit your family’s lifestyle will also help you create an environment conducive to productivity, relaxation, and inspiration. A few simple changes, like painting the walls a different color or changing the style of windows, can make all the difference in how your home feels.

Add lighting fixtures that fit each room’s mood and decorate according to what you enjoy looking at. Prioritizing storage solutions and organizing items can help reduce clutter, creating a more comfortable atmosphere for everyone who lives in the house.

Personalizing your living space is one of the best ways to ensure you get precisely what you want out of life.  With just a few minor adjustments here and there, anyone can make their house feel more like home in no time at all!

A new build home will likely appreciate in value more than a resale home in the same neighborhood

When it comes to making a real estate investment, deciding between building a new home or purchasing an existing one can be challenging.

Appreciation over time

On the one hand, buying an existing home allows you to move into it right away and can often come with desirable features like mature landscaping and a larger lot size. On the other hand, building a new home may provide more appreciation over time- especially considering that many resale homes remain stagnant in terms of value or sometimes even decline over time.

Boosted curb appeal

In most neighborhoods, resale homes will have reached their peak value once purchased from the previous owner and won’t go up much in price until significant renovations are done. Meanwhile, constructing a new residence means buyers can pay for all sorts of modern updates and enjoy the boosted curb appeal before prices take off in the area.

So, if you’re looking for long-term economic security and stability, a new build home may be worth considering over other real estate options available in the same neighborhood.

You don’t have to worry about repairs or renovations with a new build home

Moving into a new home can be a hugely exciting experience. But when you move into a resale property, you’re never entirely sure if the previous owner was completely honest about the home’s condition until you move in.

building your own home

With a new build home, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing there won’t be any hidden problems or expensive repairs to worry about. Instead, you’ll get to start out with a high-quality and modern home, so everything is fresh and up-to-date.

All in all, when considering the pros and cons of choosing a newly built home versus a pre-owned one–the advantages of having no repairs or renovations needed easily win out!

Our Roundup

So, if you’re considering buying a new build home, here’s our summary of the top reasons why you should go for it:

  1. You will get to choose everything about your home
  2. It will also be more energy efficient
  3. It’ll appreciate in value over time.

You won’t have to worry about any repairs or renovations that may need to be completed once you’ve moved in.

How to Realistically Lower Your Utility Bills

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Homebuilders are starting to pay more attention to sustainability in the construction process since they’re more mindful of eco-conscious buyers and the rising cost of utilities. For example, the use of cellular glass insulation is becoming more common in the building industry.

What about existing and especially older homes, however? How can you realistically lower your utility bills and be more sustainably minded?

The following are things to keep in mind.

Tips to Realistically Lower Your Energy Bills

After-the-Fact Insulation and General Efficiency

While you might not be able to re-insulate your entire house, there are still things you can do to make it more insulated overall.

First and foremost, the winter season is here, and you should go through your entire house to make sure there aren’t any air leaks in your windows and doors. You can use caulking and weatherproofing strips to combat them. You can also install a window insulation kit.

If you have thick, lined curtains, this will keep heat in your house. If you don’t want to buy new curtains, you can add material as a liner, like fleece. During the day, keep your curtains open in the winter, so the sun will warm them up. Then, as the sun is setting, close them to seal the heat in.

Some people use so-called door snakes, which are essentially just something made from materials like old socks that you put at the bottom of your door to block the cold air.

If you have a chimney, plug it in while it’s not in use. In one study, household heating bills were 30% higher when a house had a missing or broken fireplace damper. If your flue doesn’t properly seal, you’re potentially losing a lot of heat through the chimney. You can use a chimney balloon to seal it.

If you have an attic, take a look around. Heat can escape through the attic. You can add foil sheets to the rafters in the roof so that the heat is reflected and goes back into your living space.

Check the seals on your appliances, just like you do for your windows and doors because you want your cold air staying where it belongs.

Improve your heating and cooling efficiency by fixing leaky ductwork, and if you’re sleeping or not at home, set your thermostat back anywhere from 10 to 15 degrees. A programmable thermostat will do the work for you.

Regularly change your air filters because when an air conditioner or furnace has a dirty filter, it makes running your appliances more expensive. It also makes your home dustier. Make sure you’re changing your filters every 60-90 days.

clogged filter of AC

Water

The hot water you use in your home is likely your second-largest power-related expense, based on data from the Energy Department.

Taking shorter showers is simple enough, but there are other things you can do here as well. Replace your showerhead with one that’s efficient, and don’t wash clothes in hot water.

Adjust the temperature on your water heater since the default is typically 140 degrees. If you lower it to 120 degrees, you can reduce the costs of heating your water by as much as 10%. If you’re going out of town, turn the heater to the lowest possible setting.

Lighting and Power

Your electronics and lights make up around 11% of your energy usage.

The easiest fix here is swapping out your old lightbulbs for LED bulbs with an Energy Star label.

Dimmer switch installation isn’t necessarily as easy, but it can save you a lot. Dimmers let you adjust brightness as you need, so you’re saving electricity, and you’re also in control of the ambiance of your room.

Some electronics don’t ever actually power off. They might be in standby mode, so over time, they’re using a continuous trickle of electricity. You can use a smart power strip, which will cut the current if these devices aren’t being used.

You’ll often hear these devices referred to as vampire appliances. A vampire appliance can be anything that doesn’t need to be plugged in all the time yet is.

You can get a home energy monitor that will tell you more about the use of electricity in your home via a mobile app. These devices plug into your electrical panel. You can buy them online, and then it will show you how plugging in or unplugging different devices could impact how much wattage you’re using.

reduce electricity bill

Only run your appliances, like your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, when they’re full. No matter how full they are, they’re using the same amount of energy, so wait until you can do a complete load.

Get An Energy Audit

If you’ve never done so, with the likely soaring costs of energy this winter, it could be a good time to consult a professional for an energy audit.

During an energy audit, the person conducting it may do blower door tests, which will check for drafts. They can also use infrared cameras and do other types of inspections to assess the house, the features, and your habits.

These take between one and five hours to complete and usually cost around $400 on average, although they can be more depending on where you live and how big your house is.

Some energy companies offer audits for free or at a discount to their customers, so before you pay, talk to your provider.

The Department of Energy says that if you make efficiency upgrades, it can save you between 5-30% on your bills.

Finally, look at the size of the machines you’re using for both work and entertainment. More people are doing more things at home than ever before, but this could be negatively affecting your energy usage.

Your desktop computer, for example, is going to use more energy than a laptop. Laptops are more efficient overall, and you can unplug them more easily when you’re not using them.

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Video game consoles are another example. They’re a lot less efficient than a smaller streaming device. Some people use video game consoles to stream TV shows and apps, but you should only use these consoles for games. Get a dedicated streaming device for TV because a console will use as much as 20 times more energy.

Why You Should Work Towards an Energy-Efficient Home?

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An energy-efficient home is something we should all work towards. It will save you money, decrease your carbon footprint, and make your home and lifestyle more environmentally friendly. Most of us think that achieving an energy-efficient home is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many little things we can do to decrease the amount of energy we waste and to reduce the amount of money we spend on running our homes. Today, we will be taking a look at what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home and why this will benefit you in the long run.

Upgrade Appliances

If your home appliances are old, chances are they are not very energy efficient and will be costing you more than they should to run. When you purchase any new appliance, you should look for one that comes with a stamp of approval, also known as an ‘Energy Star’ rating. This means the new appliance is classed as energy-efficient, which means you will save money on energy bills in the future.

Check Boiler Efficiency

In most UK households, the cost of running a boiler will be more than all of the other home appliances combined. To ensure that you aren’t spending too much on your boiler, you should assess its efficiency levels. There are simple tools you can use to do this. If you are spending too much, replacing a boiler is an option, but it’s expensive. Instead, you can look into cheaper ways of improving its efficiency. It is also important to get your boiler serviced annually in order to get the most out of your boiler without compromising on its efficiency.

Install Insulation

Energy that should be heating your home will be lost through your windows and doors when your home is poorly insulated. If your home is properly insulated, you will pay less to heat your home because the building will retain the heat more efficiently. It doesn’t cost too much to do and the money you spend on it will be made back over a couple of years through reduced energy costs.

Switch Energy Supplier

Some energy suppliers are greener than others, and many of the more sustainable ones also offer surprisingly cheap tariffs. By using an energy comparison website you should be able to find a new supplier that can improve your household’s carbon footprint while also lowering your household bills.

Use Renewables

Renewable energy comes from a resource that is naturally replaced on a human timescale. This includes wind, sunlight, waves, tides, rain, and geothermal heat. Using renewable energy is a great way to help the environment and to save money on energy bills. It can be expensive to install, but it comes with many benefits for you, your home, and the environment.

As you can see, the main reason many of us should choose to have a more energy-efficient home is to save us money, but it helps the environment too. We are all aware of the changes taking place in our environment, so protecting it and saving money while doing so is an offer we shouldn’t refuse.

How Working on the Facade System Can Make a Building More Energy Efficient

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Today, everyone is looking to save on his energy bill. The cost of electricity and gas is simply out of control, in many European countries, and there is no end in sight. One of the ways to make a building more energy efficient is to work on its façade system. Here is what can be done to become more ecologically friendly in the construction industry.

How Facade System can make Building more Energy Efficient

Let there be Light

When working on facade systems, one must keep in mind the importance of natural light that comes inside. If it isn’t sufficient, you will need to use more electricity to light it, which is the first issue. But it is not the only one. If you do not choose to position as many aluminium windows as possible on a building, you may find yourself with rooms that are unfriendly to those who have to work or live inside them. This is a problem that new houses usually don’t have, as they all use extra-large aluminium windows, to let in as much natural light as possible, for the comfort of people, as well as for the energy efficiency factor.

Protection from Extreme Natural Events

Choosing the right materials for a façade system is crucial in the way that it will protect the house against natural events that can occur. When a storm comes in, it will hit the building with high winds, rain and snow. It may even throw the garbage that it will find along the way onto its walls and windows, as well as other natural elements, such as leaves and branches. The building needs to be built, so that it can protect itself against them. First, to sustain the attacks, but most importantly so that it doesn’t affect the temperature inside. Otherwise, the property will need to consume more energy.

Layers of Insulation

When you are building the façade system or renovating it, what you want is to add layers of insulation, one on top of the other, so that it is able to keep the warm air in winter time inside the house, without letting any of the cold come in. The same is true in summer time, when the air conditioning is used inside the house. Good insulation will keep the heat outside and the fresh air inside. Insulation needs to be handled inside the walls of the building, but also on the roof, where the sun beats down, during the warm months of the year.

A Façade System that is Airtight

What can be the weak points of a façade system? The ones that come to mind first, are certainly doors and windows. That is because they can let in some air from the outside to the inside, if they are not airtight. However, the new technology used in aluminium windows and doors has solved this problem. Nowadays, the glass panes that are used have been produced for optimal thermal protection. Therefore, adding more windows on a house to façade systems, in order to let the natural light in, is not an issue anymore.