20 Eco Friendly Home Trends

Whether you are remodeling your house or embarking on a campaign to green your life, chances are some of the tips below will be helpful.

1. Upgrade or replace your inefficient heating system. This could save you a lot of money.
2. Add insulation. In 2010, the government will give you a tax break up to $1,500 for energy efficient home improvements.
3. Replace old windows with energy-efficient ones. This is also eligible for the tax break.
4. Replace your water heater with an on-demand system or a solar water heater.
5. Add a programmable thermostat. This will help you avoid heating or cooling the house when no one is home or everyone is asleep.
6. Install CFL bulbs in all your lights.
7. Put in low-flow shower heads and faucets.
8. Use low-VOC paints and carpeting. This will help maintain healthy indoor air quality.
9. Seal up cracks and holes in the walls to prevent energy leakage. Check for leaks in your air ducts too.
10. See if you can Freecycle or donate unwanted items rather than throwing them away.
11. Use recycled glass materials for tiles, countertops, and floors. Recycled aluminum and paper products are also available for various home uses.
12. Consider bamboo or cork for flooring.
13. Bring in natural light, even if you have to add a skylight.
14. Visit flea markets and yard sales – or check out Freecycle and Craigslist – to find old materials – doors, lamps, etc. that you can re-use in your house.
15. Compost your organic waste.
16. Look for Energy Star rated appliances.
17. Consider installing solar panels. The federal government will give you a tax break – and states and local municipalities often have their own programs.
18. Consider a cool roof: a white one to reflect light or a green one with plants growing on it.
19. Buy drought-tolerant plants, bushes and trees; this will save on watering costs.
20. Build your deck from recycled plastic or composite materials.

Reither Construction, Denver areas leader in home design and residential remodeling.  Our business is rooted in providing superior craftsmanship and excellent service to every customer, and it has been that way from the very beginning nearly 18 years ago.  So call us today for a free design consultation.