Home & Garden
Green Kitchen Renovations To Do In Iowa
Here's how you can make your space more eco-friendly this season.
Green building and renovations is a growing trend here in Iowa. The most "green" projects start from the ground up, so it's best to focus your energy on larger fixes. That's what makes kitchen renovations a great way to go green.
Whether you're upgrading countertops, cabinets, appliances, plumbing, or all of the above, you can talk to a contractor about how to do so in a green manner. And, chances are it won't break the bank as much as you may think.
In fact, most green building materials are cost-competitive to traditional ones. Eco-friendly plumbing and appliances can also save you big on energy costs later. Plus, you will feel good about adding value to your home and the environment. Ready to go green? Here are some top renovations you can do in your kitchen.
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Energy Star Appliances
Replacing your old appliances with Energy Star–rated models can reduce the cost of running them by more than 30 percent. A new refrigerator alone can save enough energy to power the lights in your home for three months!
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Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Poorly insulated pipes lose a lot of heat as water runs from your hot water heater to the faucet. Insulating your pipes can lessen the demands on your hot water heater.
Install Low-Flow Faucets
Low-flow water faucets can reduce water usage by up to 60 percent.
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Add An On-Demand Hot Water Pump
On-demand hot water circulation pumps send hot water to fixtures throughout your home in seconds. That means you won’t waste water running the tap while you wait for it to heat up. Plus, your water heater will operate more efficiently.
Install Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating doesn't just increase energy efficiency; you’ll also enjoy a more comfortable, consistent heat. It can also do double duty, providing heat for the basement below and kitchen above.
Add Green Flooring
Bamboo, cork, recycled ceramic tile, stone flooring, and FSC-certified engineered wood flooring are some of the best-looking flooring on the market. Plus, they’re incredibly low maintenance for a high-traffic area like your kitchen.
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