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Remodeling

Timing Is Everything

The WaterSense logo for showerheads, faucets and toilets tells consumers the product meets performance and water use standards (Photograph by Mark Gilliland/Pioneer Utility Resources)
Cut Your Utility Bills

July 1, 2022

Miranda Boutelle

I write this from deep in the throes of a remodel that, like many remodels, has lasted much longer than planned. 

Remodeling is a great opportunity to take care of energy-efficiency improvements by adding them to the scope of work. If your house is already under construction, take the extra step to make your home more efficient.

Planning for efficiency is the first step. Look at the scope of your remodeling project to see what energy-efficiency upgrades you can add. There may be cost savings and convenience in getting both done at once. 

Here are examples of energy-efficiency upgrades for common remodeling projects. 

Kitchen Remodel

If your kitchen remodel includes new appliances, buy Energy Star models. Energy Star refrigerators are about 9% more efficient than standard models. Energy Star dishwashers save both energy and water. 

As for kitchen faucets, there are options available with multiple flow rate settings. You can save water by using a lower flow rate on your faucet when washing dishes, vegetables or your hands, but you can change the setting to quickly fill a pot for cooking. 

Bathroom Remodel

If you plan to remodel your bathroom, include a high-performance showerhead. Look for the WaterSense logo for showerheads, faucets and toilets to ensure the product meets performance and water use standards. 

Check the fine print on your existing equipment to see how much you can save. The gallons per minute rate is usually printed on showerheads and faucet aerators, and the gallons per flush rate is usually on toilets.

High-performance showerheads and faucet aerators conserve water and save energy used to heat water. Using less water can lower your water bill and possibly increase your septic system’s lifespan. 

Basement Remodel

This is where I find myself right now. Our basement has gone from a wide-open space with concrete walls to a nearly completed living space with a den, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a laundry room. 

We air sealed and insulated the sill plate and rim joist—the framing between the concrete foundation and the main level floor. We built and insulated walls around the basement’s perimeter, ensuring a cozy living space and a more comfortable home. 

We upgraded our electric storage water heater to a hybrid—or heat pump—water heater, which is 70% more efficient than a standard electric model.

Also, we ran power for an electric vehicle charger while the walls were open. It is much less expensive to run the power supply while you have access. 

Lighting

Whether it’s under cabinet kitchen lighting or can lights in the basement, LED options use less energy than traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs. 

Attic Insulation

Often, remodeling requires work in the attic for new lighting or venting bath or kitchen fans. During any project that takes you into the attic, check insulation levels. Work in the attic can negatively impact attic insulation by crushing it or removing it to access work areas. 

If more insulation is needed, air seal and check ventilation. Also, make sure all bath and kitchen fans vent to the exterior of the house. 

Insulation is not as pretty as new countertops, but it can reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable. 

New Siding or Exterior Paint

The best time to confirm your wall insulation is adequate—or see if you have wall insulation at all—is when you replace your siding or paint the exterior of your home. 

Wall insulation saves energy costs, makes your home more comfortable and reduces outside noise. 

Batt insulation, spray foam or foam board are good options if you are removing the siding. If you are painting, you can have a contractor blow insulation into the wall cavities through holes cut into the siding or from inside the house. The holes are then plugged and prepped for paint.

A little planning during a remodel can go a long way toward improving your home’s energy efficiency. It’s more difficult and more expensive to go back and do energy-efficiency projects after your space is finished. 

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