Tips for a Green Kitchen Remodel Design: Save Money and the Environment
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These days, the idea of using energy-efficient appliances and environmentally friendly building materials is almost a given, but it’s not always obvious exactly how to incorporate environmentally friendly renovation methods into your kitchen remodel design. So you don’t miss opportunities to save now and in the future, here are a few ways to make your kitchen remodeling project “greener.”
Read the Labels
Check the energy usage data for any appliance you plan on buying. The Energy Star Logo only tells you that an appliances uses anywhere from 10% to 50% less energy than standard models, but doesn’t tell you which one of the appliances with the logo is the most efficient. To find the best, you’ll have to do your own research.
Save More Water
Install low flow plumbing fixtures. Early models has a reputation for causing more hassle than they were worth, but current designs strike a better balance between water efficiency and practicality. These will help you save water—and lower your water bill—without getting in the way.
Go Natural for Lighting
Natural light is not only pleasant and easier on the eyes that electric lights are, it’s also a lot more energy efficient. Install windows and skylights in strategic locations, such as near the sink, to take advantage of the sunlight. Steer clear of recessed and track lighting, neither of which light efficiently. Use light colors such as white and yellow to add more brightness.
If your kitchen remodel design involves a complete overhaul of the lighting, consider installing LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. These are energy-saving, simple to install and don’t cause the problems, such as headaches, that energy-efficient fluorescent lights can.
Plan for Long-Term Gain
When you’re renovating a kitchen on a tight budget, it can be tempting to go for less expensive materials even though you know they won’t last very long. The problem, of course, is that in the long run having to replace these materials costs you more money and time. They also don’t add much value to the house, should you decide to sell.
If at all possible, save up a little more and invest flooring, countertops and cabinets made from high quality materials that are made to last.
Choose Safe Paints
If you need to repaint any part of your kitchen, opt for paints with low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are chemicals that can vaporize in a normal household environment, entering the air and your family’s lungs. They’re bad for the environment and your health, so the less of them you put in use in your kitchen remodel design, the better.
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