Energy-Efficient and Eco-Friendly Kitchen Remodels

Posted by Erika Rogers on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 7:04 PM By Erika Rogers / January 21, 2014 Comment

If you are thinking about a kitchen remodel, energy-efficient and eco-friendly is the way to go.Going green with your remodeling project will also help you sell your home for more and faster in the future. Therefore, I have some green remodeling tips that can help you along your remodeling journey.

You can get some of the highest rated top green products at home improvement expos, home improvement showrooms and appliance stores. Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping.

Kitchen Cabinets – Look for sustainable cabinets that are made from wood that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. These wood products will be free of glues and will have low volatile organic compound finishes that give off very little to no toxic fumes. If you’re not sure about the wood product, ask a specialist.

Countertops – Going green with your countertops is easier than ever. Look for low-toxicity binders that are used in the manufacturing process. Countertops made with recycled paper, cement and recycled glass hold up very well when all combined. Cement countertops are another great option since there is an array of ways to color and personalize them.

Flooring – Eco-friendly flooring made of cork and linoleum are good options. They are made with renewable resources that make them wonderful sustainable options. They are durable and look good.

Appliances – Energy Star products are a great choice for reducing energy consumption and saving on your utility costs. If you see the Energy Star label, you can rest assured that the appliance has been tested and rated to be energy-efficient. You can also get rebates for buying Energy Star appliances in many states.

– Dishwashers with the Energy Star label will have shorter cycles that save time, water and energy. Look for models with an air-dry option for even more savings.

– Refrigerators with the Energy Star label will have more insulation and better technology. Today’s models save 75% more energy than models made in the mid 1990’s. That is over $100 savings each year.