St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, which for most means corned hash, Guinness, and the color green.
However, when we at Case Design hear “think green,” we aren’t just thinking of adding a splash of emerald green to the walls or a throw pillow on the couch. Our team of project developers and designers will focus on making your home more eco-friendly. While many people look for energy-efficiency in new home construction, what most people don’t recognize is that older homes—like so many in the Washington, DC metropolitan area—can achieve great results with just a few simple renovations.
With temperatures (hopefully) rising soon, an investment in energy-efficient window panes may take a backseat to the installation of new ceiling fan fixtures. Ceiling fans are great because they can help cut down on AC energy bills by using wind-chilling effects to help you feel cool. Nowadays, ceiling fans aren’t just a utility, they can add design elements to your room too.
In addition to cooling, another savvy renovation in hot summer months is the move towards more efficient plumbing: be it sinks, showers, or toilets. New faucets and showerheads can deliver equal or better performance with reduced water usage through faucet aerators and lower-flow showerheads. These new fixtures are often easy to integrate into any bathroom.
In addition to replacing larger, older appliances in the kitchen with more energy-efficient ENERGY STAR ones, you can save on energy costs by better utilizing natural lighting and opening space for your appliances to work properly. When space allows in your redesign, relocating your refrigerator out of direct sunlight and away from warm appliances like your stove, oven, and dishwasher will cut down on the energy required to keep it cool.
These tips just scratch the surface of what’s possible when seeking to make your home green during a renovation. The U.S. Green Building Council maintains a comprehensive website for all things green during remodeling as a resource. Further, Case designers are always willing to discuss options with you on how your renovation can also be a move towards a greener future.
