As homeowners continue to find ways to reduce their environmental impact and reduce long-term utility costs, they’re considering and completing energy-efficient home renovations. Upgrading to more sustainable solutions conserves resources and saves on energy bills.
However, while many energy-efficient home renovation projects can be DIY, others require hiring a professional. Even if you’re handy, there are licensing and safety considerations to think about. You don’t want to get into hot water by damaging your home or getting injured.
Whether you’re looking to tackle a DIY project or hire a professional, making your home more energy-efficient is an investment in long-term savings and a healthier planet. Let’s start with the easier stuff: DIY.
DIY-Friendly Home Improvements
These four DIY renovations range from simple to more involved.
- Insulating attic and walls.By adding or renewing the insulation in your attic and wall, you can boost your energy efficiency by slowing temperature changes in your home. Insulation prevents heat from escaping in the winter and keeps your home cooler in the summer, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature. Adding fiberglass batt or blown-in cellulose insulation can be a straightforward, budget-friendly solution for homeowners comfortable with DIY projects.
- Sealing gaps and drafts. Gaps and drafts around windows and doors can significantly increase your energy bills. A simple caulking project can seal these gaps, preventing air from leaking and reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems. Replacing weatherstripping around doors and windows is another easy yet effective way to keep your home insulated from the elements. A well-fitted, new garage door can also save energy.
- Getting new appliances.Solar appliances reduce or even eliminate the need for electricity. As one of the cleanest energy sources available, solar energy is renewable and doesn’t produce harmful emissions. Examples include solar-powered water heaters, generators, lighting, ovens, and fans.
- Low-flow fixtures. Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads is an easy DIY project that saves water and energy. These fixtures reduce the amount of water used, which lowers the energy needed to heat that water. Over time, you’ll notice a reduction in your utility bills, especially in households with high hot water consumption.
Careful, Now: Wiring for DIY Projects
While small electrical projects like installing light fixtures or replacing outlets are manageable for many DIYers, it’s essential to understand the basics of electrical wiring before attempting them.
Even small DIY electrical projects (installing small appliances or lighting) can become hazardous if you’re unfamiliar with wiring color codes. Experts created the color system for safety and ease of use. In the U.S., we follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is occasionally updated.
In addition to the familiar black, red, white, copper, green, gray, blue, and yellow, there are three-phase wire color codes. Safety should always be a priority. If you’re unsure about any electrical work, hire a professional to protect yourself, your family, and your home.
Renovations That Require a Professional
Unsurprisingly, these are the two main kinds of energy-efficient renovations that require a professional:
- Electrical work and wiring. We’re back on this topic because it’s so important. Electrical systems are complex, and incorrect installation and repairs can lead to significant safety hazards, such as electrical fires or shocks. Even minor errors in wiring can result in unsafe conditions. A licensed electrician can complete upgrades or repairs correctly, meeting all safety codes and providing peace of mind that the work is up to standard.
- Garage door repairs. Improper garage door repairs or installationscan lead to safety hazards, expensive damages, or malfunctioning doors. While DIY tackling a malfunctioning garage door or an installation might seem tempting, attempting repairs without the proper tools and knowledge can be dangerous. Garage doors are heavy and use tension springs that, if mishandled, can cause injury; modern ones have electrical components like motion sensors and motors.
Greener Outdoors
If you have a large enough property, you can build a small backyard farm powered by solar energy. Yup, we’re talking about raising chickens, getting fresh eggs, and having endless supplies of free fertilizer. This plan requires an initial investment and a lot of ongoing work; even so, this trend has real momentum throughout the country.
For everyone else, eco-friendly landscaping is a more practical option. Consider planting drought-resistant plants that require less water and reduce the need for irrigation. Installing a rainwater harvesting system can further reduce water consumption, providing an environmentally responsible way to keep your garden hydrated without relying heavily on the local water supply.
Start Planning Your Energy-Efficient Home Renovation
Energy-efficient home renovations are a great way to save money and contribute to a more sustainable future. While improvements like insulating your home or sealing drafts are ideal for DIY projects, contact professionals for other projects.
By carefully considering which upgrades are right for your skill set and hiring the right experts when necessary, you can create a more energy-efficient home that benefits your budget and the environment. Start planning your home renovations today with sustainability in mind, and make improvements that will pay off for years to come.