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Increasing energy efficiency is the key factor in every green home, and it is quite practical for almost all homeowners to achieve. An energy-efficient home can save costs in various areas during a green renovation, it will also provide the homeowner savings each year through lower utility bills and maintenance expenses.

GRNY Renovation looks forward to helping you in your next project.

Green Renovation: How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Easy Ways to Green your Home

A few simple changes in your house can go a long way to combat both high energy bills and global warming. Below are a few examples on how GRNY Renovation can help you to make your home more energy efficient. To be green, you've got to be efficient.

Reduce the size of your living space. Consider subdividing larger houses to accommodate multiple households, grow your household to fill the space you have, or just close off rooms you rarely use.
Insulate, insulate, insulate! For older houses, insulate from the inside. On newer houses, you can insulate from the outside. To maximize the insulation's effectiveness, consistently apply it throughout the house. For example, a well-insulated wall is virtually useless next to an open window. Use foam board insulating sheathing instead of, or apply it on top of, the structural OSB or plywood. It works for both insulation and moisture/condensation control.
Ensure that your home is airtight by eliminating air leaks in your home.
Install quality windows (low emissivity coated, double or triple glazed with argon fill gas). Your building supply store should clearly label these. Whenever possible, reduce the size of your windows; they can represent a huge source of air loss.
Install energy-efficient appliances including water heater, furnace and air conditioner when necessary. Look for an energy-efficient label at the store. Aim for a tankless instantaneous hot water heater (EF=~0.85), a 90% condensing furnace and a 12 to 13 SEER air conditioner. For warmer climates, get a 14 or higher SEER air conditioner instead.
Reduce your electricity use with fluorescent lighting. If you've had bad experiences with fluorescent lighting in the past, give it another chance. Compact fluorescent technology is continually improving. You must wait for fluorescent bulbs to attain full brightness, so don't judge them after you first turn them on. You might also pair fluorescents with incandescent light bulb to trim energy usage. With a flick of a switch, this duo can deliver bright light with a good spectrum.
After handling your heating, cooling and water heating needs, address the electric loads inside your house. The refrigerator is probably the most important appliance since it's always on. You can sometimes make up the cost of the new appliance in electricity savings within a year. You can also buy an efficient washing machine. The Energy Star horizontal-axis or front-loading washer saves both water and energy. It even rinses more detergent out of your clothes. Whichever machine you chose, make sure it carries a good Energy Star rating.