Home Improvement: Eco-Friendly, Green Trends

Home improvement trends have become more and more green, or eco-friendly and the cost of the improvement methods and products have fallen in most instances. In the past ten years making almost any home improvement brings with it an opportunity to use green/eco-friendly materials or products. Energy Star ratings are on appliances, doors, windows, electronics, building materials, insulation and so many more home improvement products. The trend is to consider the environment in every home improvement project, material used and product purchased; it all adds up to a protected environment for everyone, lower energy use and cost savings for you.

One of the earliest energy and cost saving home improvements I can think of is the installation and use of an energy saving thermostat. Easily installed in your home, this device can be programmed to control energy use and lower cost by automatically controlling the heating/cooling units. Energy use is lowered as the thermostat is programmed to meet the heating/cooling needs of the home owners daily schedule; energy use is adjusted to such events as work/school schedules, day/night settings, activity levels and comfort.

Appliances have been available for more than ten years which carry an Energy Star qualification, allowing you to replace older or non-working appliances with newer, and more energy efficient models. These appliances add eco-friendly, cost saving, home improvements in the kitchen: stove, range, oven, cook top, dishwasher, refrigerator, and so many more choices. The Energy Star rating helps you understand the costs expected with each appliance.

Many home improvement projects are to remodel or renovate the kitchen or bath. Green/eco-friendly products and materials are available to assist in these projects. Recycled counter tops are made from so many different green/eco-friendly materials; shopping for these elements will take some time. Flooring is another area where materials are now available from sustainable or renewable resources, recycled materials and green/eco-friendly manufacturers. Even paint has new, green/eco-friendly varieties.

Replacing windows, doors or adding a skylight are more home improvements which not only add curb appeal and comfort for the occupants, but also offer more green/eco-friendly materials and products. Both windows and doors, as well as garage doors and skylights, can lower energy use in the home by creating a better seal against drafts, better insulation, and lower exchange of heat/cold. All of these products are available with ratings which will allow you to choose the materials/products best suited to your needs.

Roofing methods, materials and products have been given a lot of attention lately. Replacing the roof is a home improvement which adds beauty/curb appeal, protection, insulation, reflection, and now can even add an energy source through the use of Uni-Solar PV Shingles. Metal roofing materials offer extra insulating and reflection qualities.

Attic insulation and ventilation are home improvement trends that also offer green/eco-friendly products, energy savings and lower costs to the home owner. Insulation materials and methods have changed a lot over the past ten or more years, offering increased benefits, better materials and lower cost. Ventilation is now available to lower home temperatures through solar powered vents/fans.

Heating and cooling systems include: solar, geo-thermal, hybrid, electric, gas, and more. Depending on your location, energy source, and needs, you will need to do some research on the best system for your home. Many of these systems are very expensive home improvements to make, however, the benefits will eventually make the cost worthwhile as well as green/eco-friendly, energy saving and a wise investment in the future.

Water heaters use a lot of energy; most are not energy efficient. A major home improvement may be the installation of a new energy efficient water heater; choices are available in solar, electric, gas and flash water heaters, which heat the water on demand.

Power for your home was not an option to consider a decade or more ago; however, now you may be considering either supplementing your home's power or going completely off the grid. Solar power and wind turbine systems are available, with the necessary systems to power your home through one, or a combination, of the two.

One resource I would highly recommend isLivingLike ED: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life by Ed Begley, Jr. I found this book to be very helpful in presenting a guide for home renovations and improvements. The book is also a great resource for helpful information to begin more eco-conscious living; and, is entertaining as well.