5 COST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

Cost Effective Energy Efficiency 

Today's article will feature educational tips from the experts at Modernize.  They have shared 5 simple ways to upgrade your Halifax home by making it more energy efficient.

via Modernize

From energy efficient appliances and light bulbs to solar modules, the benefits of going green in your home are dual sided. Not only are you lessening your carbon footprint and taking better care of the earth—if you make the right upgrades, you’re saving money. Investing in energy efficient changes in your home may feel like a big step, but it’s one that will soon pay off both in financial rewards and in a feeling of doing good. Check out these cost-effective changes you can make, then head over to Modernize for more ideas on increasing the energy efficiency of your home.

Low Flow Filters

Every time we flush the toilet or wait for the shower to heat up, we are wasting water. Countless gallons of water are wasted every day. Low flow filters help you and your family consume water more thoughtfully by regulating the amount that comes out when you turn on a faucet. While you may want a professional to help you upgrade your toilet, you can easily switch out fixtures like your faucets and showerheads on your own. Prepare to save on your utility bills!

Windows and Doors

Living Space by Case Design/Remodeling

The more tightly you seal the spaces around your windows and doors, the less cool air sneaks into your home to cancel out the efforts of your HVAC. When your HVAC isn't having to fight cold air coming in from outside, it doesn't cost you as much. Weatherstripping is one of the most cost-effective measures—the supplies you need are affordable hardware store finds, and you can easily do the job yourself.

Programmable Thermostat

Heating and cooling are the biggest money-eating monsters in your home. But so much of what you spend on heating and cooling may be unnecessary, especially if your settings stay the same when you’re gone as when you’re at home. A programmable thermostat takes the gray area out of making your home the right temperature. Instead of leaving your AC on full blast on a hot summer day while you’re at work, you can program it to kick in an hour before you get home. Smart thermostats take it even further by allowing you to program it from your device and giving your updates on your HVAC’s energy efficiency.

Ceiling Fans

Direct current (DC) fans use up to 70 percent less energy than alternate current (AC) ceiling fans. DC fans are often quieter and lighter, and they generate less heat. Take a load off of your HVAC system by relying on your ceiling fan to help out—even AC ceiling fans are pretty energy efficient.

Insulation

Attic by Case Design/Remodeling

Air leaks and improper insulation waste a lot of energy. They also contribute to difficulty stabilizing indoor temperatures. By replacing the insulation, especially in an unfinished attic, you can not only save money but also reduce pollutants, reduce noise coming from outside, and keep out potentially destructive humidity. Even though you don’t see the leaks or feel the air from outdoors sneaking in, failing to properly insulate your home is as bad for your wallet as leaving a door open.

HOME DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2015

A New Year is here already and we all know what that means — time to make some resolutions to start fresh in the New Year. This is the perfect time to consider making some home improvements! Giving your home a makeover, even if you only chose one or two spaces, can help to rejuvenate you and your family and make 2015 the best year yet. Check out some of these 2015 home design trends to incorporate in your next remodel or redesign.

If a contemporary look is your style, check out this clean and sleek kitchen. Smooth lines and solid colors help to create a chic look, perfect for entertaining guests. Cool tones such as white, gray, and silver create the feeling a clean slate or fresh start, reflective of the feelings of starting a new year with new possibilities. The trend in this space for 2015 is the absence of wall cabinets- storage in an island or below counter space is often underutilized. Wall cabinets can be bulky and may distract from the sleek look of the room, so consider installing cabinets below or even choosing a piece of furniture to store plates and glasses for quick access.

Contemporary Kitchen by: Buttrick Projects Architecture + Design

Accent walls of all different materials are something to keep an eye out for in 2015. If you enjoy natural vibes in your home, consider incorporating a timber, wood plank accent wall. It can take a seemingly plain or utilitarian space to a space with the flare of the rest of your home. Consider, too, mixing textures and patterns- course timber matched with smooth, white porcelain fixtures can be the exact juxtaposition your space needs this year.

Wood Plank Accent Wall by: Capital Building Home Builders

Another way to capture the playfulness of an accent wall would be through the use of patterned wallpaper. Choose a wall with enough space that the wallpaper pattern will be shown with high visibility, but maybe one with less surface area, so as not to overpower the room. The wallpaper should be the center of attention that drives the rest of the room, so choose other paint colors, fixtures, and appliances accordingly. It’s bold and daring, and what a better time to try something different than when starting a new year.

Accent Wall by: Robyn Clarke + Co

The laundry room probably receives the least amount of redesign attention, but this year could be your chance to revamp this space. Consider making this room not only a place to do laundry, but a place to store pesky home items such as an ironing board, various cleaning supplies, etc. Making just a few changes can easily make the laundry room your favorite room for 2015.   

Laundry Room Remodel by: Case Design/Remodeling

If you’re interested in making some of these 2015 trends part of your home, contact our Halifax, NS office and speak to a Case Design professional today. (902) 454-CASE (2273)

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6070 Almon St. Suite 112 | Halifax NS | B3K 1T8 | 902.454.CASE (2273) | www.casehalifax.com | halifax@caseremodeling.com