Many of the best home improvement ideas can reduce your energy consumption without your having to lift a finger — smart design and elegant solutions that naturally improve the home’s efficiency. Solar panels and new air conditioners are not your only options. Well-placed remodeling and renovations can make the home more comfortable with less environmental impact.
Simple improvements that can help reduce energy bills include:
- Add caulking and weatherstripping to doors and windows
- Increase insulation
- Use a programmable thermostat
- Open windows for ventilation instead of using air conditioning
Those small steps can keep you comfortable while helping your heating and cooling equipment run less frequently. But are they enough?
A home’s energy efficiency also depends heavily on the layout and materials. If you feel like the house squanders energy and bigger changes are needed, consider the following home improvement ideas.
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
Wherever you have major appliances or plumbing, you have opportunities to boost energy efficiency with modern upgrades. Often a fresh layout and design re-thinking makes sense when renovating a kitchen or bathroom. We can help with home improvement ideas that will improve the ventilation, comfort, user-friendliness, and overall energy efficiency of your kitchen and bathrooms.
Finish the Attic or Basement
Unfinished spaces leak more energy, especially if you actively use them for storage. Finish the attic, and you’ll have a more airtight and insulated space. Even better, this is one of those home improvement ideas that builds equity — saving energy and recouping the cost at resale is a double win.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Exterior remodeling is another great source of home improvement ideas. New windows outperform old ones with better technology in both the glass and the frame. Opt for casement or awning windows with easy-operation levers and you can quickly cool down in the spring and fall. Open or closed, as the case may be, new windows will reduce your energy needs. Don’t forget to upgrade drafty exterior doors, too.
Cool Roofs and Skylights
The roof over your head plays a pivotal role in the real-life efficiency of your home. While your heating and cooling equipment works to control the temperature indoors, plenty of heat energy moves in and out through the ceiling and roof. We can discuss various home improvement ideas that focus on energy efficiency and exterior protection — cool roofs that reflect sunlight and skylights that improve heating and cooling efficiency.
Flooring Options
Everyone loves wood and tile flooring, but some materials make the home colder during the winter. Discuss energy efficiency ratings of flooring materials when considering home improvement ideas.
Talk to a contractor who shares your goals of energy conservation and smart design. McNeil Construction is a LEED Platinum Builder and we specialize in remodeling and construction with eco-friendly practices and energy-saving design. Contact us today to discuss home improvement ideas in the San Francisco area.