The initial stages of a remodel can be daunting for homeowners, decreasing energy consumption is one of the primary goals of green remodeling. This can be achieved in a myriad small ways begun quite simply by fostering environmentally sound habits: turning off appliances and lights, decreasing use of heating or air-conditioning, etc.Structurally, there are many ways of improving the energy efficiency of the home without putting unnecessary stress on one’s bank account. Sealing cracks and perforations that allow air leakage in ducts and pipes, and adding insulation to the attics, floors or walls are not particularly expensive renovations, yet they yield impressive results.
In one home improvement report, the money saved by the repaired and insulated ducts surpassed the initial cost of the improvements within two years, and continued to save the homeowners money. When one considers the amount of energy spent annually on heating or (as clearly evidenced by our most recent bout of infernal Sacramento heat) air conditioning, it makes sense that maximizing the efficiency of the systems that support these functions would be both profitable and environmentally sound.
There are many other simple ways of increasing the energy efficiency of your home. The implementation of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and fans can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a home and are relatively inexpensive, unlike other commendable –yet impractical—measures such as installing an all-new energy saving appliances or new, insulating windows. While it is true that both of these changes can help reduce energy consumption the overall effect on the energy level of the structure is minute, while the cost is quite high. For the same price, it is possible to make several other, smaller changes to the home, with a much greater affect upon the overall energy consumption, and a gentler effect upon one’s finances.
I recently remodelled my kitchen using many green features (some from green Sacramento). I now want to insulate the floors on a tight budget. Mine is a one story Eichler style home with all hardwood floors and, for the most part, a very narrow crawl space underneath the house with a mish-mash of ducts and pipes making some places under the house awkward or impossible to reach. What products/options might be best for insulating under the house?
ReplyDeleteIn thinking about the limited access and the mechanical obstructions, I would recommend a blanket insulation with minimal thickness. It would provide an R-value at the floor that would be a noticeable difference. The reason for the blanket would be primarily the minimal thickness.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing such a good article.
It’s really good to know about the real estate and home decoration and renovation in detail. It seems that home remodeling has become one of America's favorite pastimes. While the housing market may be experiencing a temporary downturn, Sacramento remodeling projects continue to hold steady simply because many Sacramento home owners have decided to stay put in their current homes, opting to upgrade rather than move.
Thanks,
- Michelle Francis