As the need to be more environmentally conscious increases, it is important to look into ways to do your part. If you are looking into remodeling your kitchen, there are a few great ways to make your home more green, without having to spend too much money or change your kitchen’s functionality. We’ll talk about some of the things that can make your kitchen remodel in Southgate Michigan save on energy costs and be more eco-friendly in this article.
How To Make Your Kitchen More Eco- Friendly With A Remodel in Southgate Michigan
One of the most important rooms in the home is the kitchen. Even if you don’t do much cooking, the kitchen seems to be the one place in the home where the entire family congregates and aren’t subjected to attention grabbers like the television. One thing that the kitchen needs is functionality. When you can marry this functionality with great design and eco-freindly you surely have a winner. Before you take on a kitchen remodel project on your home be sure to talk with a home improvement contractor about the options that are available to you in your project to increase these three points.
Consider The Materials You Are Using
Having a more environmentally friendly kitchen isn’t just about using greener cleaning products. It is also important to look into the construction of the different aspects of your kitchen and what materials are used. One of the most harmful materials frequently used in your kitchen are formaldehyde. That and other toxic materials, known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs are often included in finishes to make the materials more durable and last longer. This includes resins, paints, coatings, glues and sealants. You should also avoid conflict materials and materials that have a high carbon footprint to produce.
While it can mean taking more time to maintain your eco-friendly materials, it is important to use materials that are not going to negatively impact the environment. It is also crucial that you look into the materials used to treat and finish your kitchen. Check to verify if the materials are certified by Greenguard to see just how eco-friendly the different materials are.
Remember Your Indoor Air Quality
The air inside your home is far more polluted than the air outside because of the closed off design. If you don’t have proper ventilation in your home, your air quality suffers and so does your health. To keep your home safe for your lungs and eco-friendly, it is important to go with energy efficient ventilation options.
Check Your Insulation
Insulation is key in separating the inside of your home from the outside. Without enough insulation, your home can require extra energy to keep you warm or cool. This means increased monthly energy bills and more of an environmental footprint. Have the amount of insulation in your home and kitchen checked and replaces or increased if necessary.
Use Energy Star Rated Appliances
Energy Star is the standard for energy efficiency. They test and evaluate all the products that come their way and guarantees via their rating how good the product is. You should always check your appliances before buying to look for the Energy Star rating to make sure it is going to be both eco- friendly and safe you money.
Trade In Old Bulbs For LEDs
Your standard light bulb is both inefficient and costly with their low life span. Choosing an energy efficient and environmentally friendly lightbulb is not only going to save you money, but be safer to have in your home. LED lights are highly recommended for kitchens.
Don’t Hesitate To Ask Questions
If you are confused or concerned about how to make your kitchen more eco-friendly, you should never be afraid to ask questions. There are many contractors who specialize in green remodels and there is a plethora of information available from environmentally conscious groups. You should also take your time and look into all your options and their pros and cons before making a decision. While it may take longer, it will be highly beneficial in the long run.
To get a free in-home consultation about your new kitchen remodel project in Southgate Michigan be sure to call All Point Construction today at 734-407-7110. They are a fully licensed and insured home improvement contractor that offers a no-obligation quote for free on your project.
