Why should you add new appliances when remodeling your kitchen?
If you’re looking for a home improvement project that will instantly add value to your home and help the planet by “going green,” then you definitely want to put a kitchen remodel on your to-do list. Our contractors have many years of experience in designing and constructing energy-efficient kitchens that take advantage of advanced technologies and design techniques. Yes, energy-efficient kitchen appliances are a big part of it, but as you can see below, that’s just one way that you can conserve electricity with your new kitchen:
Conduct an Energy Audit
Even before you start thinking about energy-efficient kitchen appliances or any other specific details of your kitchen remodel, you need to conduct an energy audit. This is performed by a professional who will analyze your house’s infrastructure, the appliances you’re currently using, the condition of your insulation, and other related details. They’ll then provide suggestions that will help you optimize your energy goals while keeping your budget in mind.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Okay, now that the energy audit is out of the way, it’s time to think about which energy-efficient kitchen appliances you’d like to use. Even if you have a low budget, you should only choose Energy Star-certified appliances. You can easily compare different models of a refrigerator, stove, and other appliances by looking at the energy-efficiency details on each Energy Star label.
Install a Smart Thermostat
One of the most popular trends for improving energy efficiency is the installation of a smart thermostat. The newest models have advanced features such as wi-fi connectivity, energy usage reports, energy usage alerts, remote monitoring, etc. Like standard programmable models, you can set specific times each day when your HVAC system will turn on and off to help you control energy usage.
Improve the Insulation
Many homeowners don’t realize that they’re wasting a lot of energy because the insulation they’re using is either not enough or not the right type. During your energy audit, the professional can take a look at your insulation and give you suggestions on where it needs to be added, whether it’s the walls, ceiling, or floors. This can make a significant difference in your kitchen’s energy efficiency and, as a result, your energy bills.
Hire an Experienced Remodeler
As you might expect, your kitchen remodeler will have a lot to do with how energy-efficient your new kitchen can be. An experienced remodeler will understand how even small details of a remodel can influence the amount of energy you use on a daily basis. If needed, they can suggest specific energy-efficient kitchen appliances that past clients have found useful in lowering energy costs.
Upgrade to LED Lights
Perhaps the simplest way to conserve energy and lower your monthly electricity bills is to upgrade to LED lights. The truth is that incandescent light bulbs are a thing of the past. They’ve served their purpose, and it’s time to move on. LED lights not only use a fraction of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs, but they also have a much longer operational lifespan, which means fewer of them end up in landfills.
Use Some Natural Light
There’s a big, bright sun outside your home, so why not use that to your advantage? Natural light is a wonderful way to not only save on electricity but also make your kitchen more attractive and soothing. Depending on your current layout and what you’d like to accomplish with the kitchen remodel, this may include the installation of new windows or a skylight.
Optimize the Kitchen Layout
Speaking of the kitchen layout, this makes a huge difference in how much energy you’re using. One way this is done is by positioning certain features, such as an appliance or countertop, so that they take full advantage of natural light during the day. You also may want to avoid placing your fridge in the path of direct sunlight or other heat sources to help it operate more efficiently.
Change to Low-Flow Faucets
Another thing that many homeowners don’t seem to think about when it comes to developing an energy-efficient remodel is the kitchen faucet. If you want to save water, then you should consider switching to a low-flow faucet. Depending on where you live, you might even receive incentives for this and other energy-efficient upgrades because of water scarcity issues in certain parts of the country.
Contact Avery Home Remodeling to Find Ways to Conserve Electricity with energy Efficient Home Appliances
Avery Home Remodeling employs the best bathroom and kitchen contractors in Clearwater and the surrounding areas. Whether you need assistance with energy-efficient kitchen appliances or deciding what your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project should look like, call our office at (855) 447-9675 today to schedule a FREE same-day estimate!
