Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Energy Efficient Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Suggestions

While it is still too early to think about Fall, and if you’re remodeling your kitchen or bathroom this summer or fall -- keep these things in mind: attempt to incorporate energy efficient savings in your remodel.

Your kitchen consumes substantial amounts of electrical and water energy. Reducing energy and water use will provide the biggest improvement and savings in your kitchen. Consider replacing your refrigerator and dishwashers that are more than 10 years old. Replace your stove if it is more than 20 years old. If you’re using an electric stove, consider switching to a gas stove or induction stovetop.

Refrigerators use 14% of the home’s electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Today’s most efficient refrigerators use 47% less electricity than the 1993 models.

Dishwashers use up to 80% of their electricity to heat water. Today’s more efficient models use less than half the water and one-quarter of the electricity of 10-year old models.

Additional savings can be done if you do the following: Save electricity in your refrigerator by keeping its temps between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Reduce your dishwasher electricity use by 15 to 20% by washing only full loads of dishes and using unheated air to dry your dishes.

Your bathroom(s) are the largest user of water as well as electricity. In your bathroom remodel – see if you can use natural light by installing insulated energy efficient skylights. Additionally if you have windows in your bathroom, be sure to replace them with energy efficient windows with vinyl or fiberglass frames. Wood frames is not a good choice – it is bound to rot in the moisture rich environment.

Replace your toilet with a low flow toilet. This will save thousands of gallons of water each year. (And lower your water bill too) They look and cost the same as their traditional counterparts.

Install low-flow faucet aerator for your sinks (both bathroom and kitchen). Faucet use accounts for 15.7% of an average household daily water consumption.

If you need a pre-screened qualified professional contractor to help you with your kitchen or bathroom remodel, contact Adam Helfman at Hire it Done!