Building Green Tips!
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1. Plan and research your ideal kitchen for maximum efficiency: When planning a new kitchen design it is important to focus on the space you have to work with and your individual kitchen needs. Not everyone has use for a large, gourmet refrigerator or stand alone freezer. The individual needs you have for your space is just as important as which tools you need based on how often you cook, how you cook, storage needs, and the placement of your items. Make sure the height and placement of appliances is ergonomically appropriate for the kitchen users. An energy efficient kitchen is one which saves you money, saves time, and makes your time spent there as low stress and low maintenance as possible. Have a detailed remodel plan in place well in advance of starting any work.
2. Incorporate Energy Efficient Appliances: This is where your remodel can really pay off. If your current appliances are 10 years old or older they may be costing up to 40% more on your electric bill than Energy Star appliances. When you see the Energy Star Logo you will also find the actual dollar amount you could save by using that particular appliance. When shopping for new appliances, refer to your research from Tip #1 when it comes to the size of the items you will need. If you currently have a small refrigerator and a stand alone freezer, based on your plan you may only need to upgrade to a larger fridge/freezer combo. Eliminating items that are of little use can save valuable money and space in your remodel project.
3. The All-Electric Kitchen for Savings: Having energy efficient electric equipment and appliances in the kitchen will save you money. But, what if you have a gas stove? If your gas stove is the only gas appliance you have, consider going electric. Gas stoves limit the control you have over usage and temperature and can be wasteful in the long run. Not to mention the risk of leaks and noxious fumes in your home. Again, based on your individual needs, you can find small, more efficient versions of your large gas appliances.
4. Lighting: Your lighting choices can be Energy Star rated, also. But don't forget to look at door and window placement or consider adding a skylight to brighten up your kitchen space. Choosing natural lighting over flipping a light switch is a definite money-saver. LED lights are the most popular choice right now but can be slightly more expensive to install initially. However, LED's are brighter, last longer and are cheaper to run over time than almost any other lighting choice.
5. Insulation/Ventilation: Remodeling your kitchen to be more energy efficient is best when the space is well ventilated to keep the air quality at its purest. And if you still have a gas stove, the carbon monoxide given off when cooking can be dangerous if not properly ventilated. Check doors and windows for air leaks before renovating. This can save time and money later if you have leaks that need repair. You definitely don't want your hard earned money literally floating out the window, so look in to energy-saving window coverings also.
Making the choice to remodel your kitchen to be more energy efficient is beneficial for many reasons. Saving money on your energy bills is probably the biggest reason but making your kitchen space a healthier and more functional part of your living space can mean peace of mind. Finding a good, reputable contractor that specializes in energy efficient kitchen remodel projects can help make your remodeling project as simple and cost effective as possible.
At some point almost every homeowner needs to change something in their home, whether it's a bathroom, kitchen or set of windows. Or they may want a new, large patio or the whole back yard landscaped. In all of these situations the best route to go is to hire a contractor.
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