If a person is remodeling their home and it includes some big changes such as tearing down walls and adding new windows etc., they can plan to make their home more energy efficient by adding better or more insulation and by using air sealing materials.

During a remodel, insulation can be added to ductwork, pipes, exterior walls, crawlspaces, basement walls, attic floors, finished attics, all of the floors in the house, and the outside walls of the foundation. Adding this insulation can drastically improve the energy efficiency of the home.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one area in the home that uses a lot of energy and electricity. A person can plan to make their kitchen more energy efficient during a home remodel. They can get new appliances, such as a dishwasher, oven and stove, refrigerator and freezer, as well as lighting that are more energy efficient. Usually just upgrading the models of these appliances can increase their energy efficiency.

Appliances that are labeled with an ENEGY STAR able are great to help a home be more energy efficient. Lighting that is energy efficient will also have the ENERGY STAR label.

Bathroom

A bathroom can also become more energy efficient during a home remodel. A person can put in more energy efficient lighting and ventilation fans. They can put in new windows with better insulation in their bathroom to increase the energy efficiency of their home as well.

One place that tends to have very little insulation is the walls that are behind showers and bathtubs in the bathroom. If a person plans to remodel their bathroom they can open these walls and seal off any air leaks using expanding foam or caulk and then installing some insulation. During this part of the remodel, a person should also plan to air seal around any electrical penetrations and plumbing in the bathroom too.

There are windows, skylights, and doors that are now labeled with the ENERGY STAR label. These are a great choice for making a remodeled home more energy efficient. It can cut down on cooling and heating costs. ENERGY STAR ventilation fans can help decrease mold and mildew growth in the bathroom too.

Basements

Basement remodels are a great time to plan to do some things to make the home more energy efficient. During a basement remodel air leaks should be sealing off, insulation should be installed, and vapor retarders should also be installed. The water heater should be wrapped, as should the piping. Ducts in the basement should be sealed well and a person might even decide to upgrade to ENERGY STAR labeled air conditioners and heaters.

Laundry room

The laundry room should also be included in a home remodel to increase its energy efficiency. A person can upgrade their washer and dryer to more efficient models. They can also make sure that the dryer is well ventilated.

Comfort and style

A person who is remodeling their home does not have to worry about their ENERGY STAR appliances, lighting, windows, doors, etc., not fitting their needs. The ENERGY STAR appliances, lighting, windows, doors, etc., or not only energy efficient, they are also very stylish, versatile, and they make the home more comfortable.