Living in Michigan, you may have bought a home that has a lot of the retro or vintage features you love. It feels good to remodel and renovate an older home rather than tearing it down. When the snow starts to fall and the cold winds blow, you may realize some updates don’t just look good. They also help you conserve energy, protecting the environment. Energy-efficient windows and patio doors, energy-efficient appliances, programmable thermostats and eco-friendly materials can be part of an eco-friendly home makeover.
Use earth-friendly products
One of the most important rooms in any home is the kitchen. Your eco-friendly makeover can start there. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient windows can help you reduce utility bills. A bay window can give an old kitchen added character. New kitchen windows, hardware, trim and grilles can be chosen to complement new kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplashes. According to an article by Better Homes and Gardens, recycled products are being used to create countertops and backsplashes, while fast-growing bamboo looks great for kitchen floors. The article suggests choosing high-performance windows with low-emissivity or Low E glazings to save on heating and cooling costs.
Insist on professional installation
Even if you like to grow your own vegetables and enjoy woodworking and making things by hand, it’s important to have professionals install your energy-efficient windows. Many DIY people regret taking on home improvement projects without assistance. To avoid losing money due to DIY disasters, rely on experts. Professional window installation is often included as well as a limited warranty. Recycled-glass countertops and other special materials may also need to be installed by people with the right tools and know-how.
Other ideas for a green makeover for your home include replacing old and outdated patio doors and replacing outdated air-conditioning system with a high efficiency one.
At Renewal by Andersen Michigan, we can help you with some of your eco-friendly makeover goals. For more information on replacement energy-efficient windows and patio doors for your Michigan home, please contact us.
