What's the difference?

Many people may wonder exactly what the difference is between a green home remodel and a regular home remodel. There are actually some specific differences. There are certain elements that are involved in a green home remodel that are not involved in a regular home remodel. The differences include: proper ventilation, low toxic finishes, recycled wallboard, recycled insulation, wood trim that uses wood that has been harvested from previous structures, healthy paint, natural lights, water efficient faucets, water and energy efficient appliances, and even recycled plastic decks, etc.

Cooling and heating

One important part of a green remodel is replacing the heating and cooling systems in a house. There are new Energy Star appliances, natural ventilation, water heaters that are on-demand, and even solar water heaters that are more energy efficient and a person can use them for their green remodel. The new type of blow-in insulation can help to keep the warm or cool air in the house and the cold or hot air (depending on the season) out.

Double-pane windows are a great way to keep the warm or cool air that is inside the house, inside. And fans cost less and use less electricity than air conditioners while doing the same job so they could be a great addition to a green home remodel.

Water

Another part of a green remodel is to reduce the amount of water that is used. A person can get a new and more efficient washing machine, new toilets, new faucets, and a low-flow shower head to reduce the amount of water that is used and wasted. They can also move a water heater closer to the places that it is used and landscape their yard with plants that do not need a lot of water.

Front loading washing machines are one example of a new appliance that can save water. Though they may cost more initially, over time they will save a person a lot of money. They use a lot less water per load than regular top load washers and have several other perks that the front load washers do not have.

Sustainable materials

A person can help the environment by using sustainable materials in their remodel. Using hardwood that has been reclaimed or wood that is from a sustainable managed forest is a great way to make a home remodel a green remodel. A person can also use cork or bamboo in their green remodel. These materials replenish themselves very quickly therefore it is better for the environment. There are also countertops that can be used in a green remodel. They are made out of recycled material, such as glass.

Air

When a person is remodeling their house, chances are they will paint, maybe re-carpet an area, or they will be refinishing some furniture. All of these things are great for remodeling a house, but to make it a green remodel a person just needs to make a few adjustments. They should use non-toxic finishes and non-toxic paint. It is better for the air not to use a lot of carpet since carpet traps dusts and allergens. A person could have wood floors and use area rugs instead of carpeting an entire room. All of these adjustments makes the air cleaner and can make the home remodel a green remodel.