Renovation Ideas That Can Lower Your Energy Bill

Here at Terra Mia in Las Vegas, we love when our clients ask how they can enjoy a lower energy bill with creative renovation ideas. Here are a few of our tips towards making your home or business more energy efficient after a remodel!

Smart home systems

A smart home system can save you money by putting your energy usage in the hands of technology. So, it’s something that we highly encourage that you think about incorporating in your remodel.

There are different kinds of smart systems on the market these days, but most are capable of adjusting your thermostat, indoor lights, pool, garage doors, electrical outlets, outdoor flood lighting and more. The technology is designed to cut down on excess energy use while keeping your family comfortable!

Switch to LED lights

When you’re looking to install recessed lighting, mounted light fixtures, bedside lamps, and pool lights, LEDs are the energy efficient choice! According to the Department of Energy, LEDs have the potential to use 90% less energy than traditional light bulbs. And they can last up to 25x longer!

Upgrade your insulation

If your renovation project includes taking down and building walls, or replacing and repairing drywall, don’t miss the opportunity to invest in new insulation. Safely removing your old insulation and replacing it with spray foam insulation is considered one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Install UV protective windows

Here in Las Vegas, it can be tough to maintain a comfortable internal temperature when that desert sun is beating down on our windows. That’s where UV protective windows can make a difference. These specially-designed double-pane windows keep UV rays from ruining your furniture, wallpaper, and flooring while also keeping you cooler.

We love this option for renovation projects because it allows our clients to let the natural light in while also enjoying a lower energy bill.

Swap out your old appliances

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, laundry room, living room, or office, it’s time to say goodbye to your electricity-guzzling appliances. True, energy efficient appliances will take up a larger portion of your budget than other materials. But, the savings you’ll enjoy long-term are absolutely worth the upfront cost.

Improve your HVAC system

Your heating and cooling system is a huge factor in your home or office’s energy efficiency. During the remodel, ask your contractor whether this could be an opportunity to install a new system, or make changes to the existing one to be more energy efficient.

Choose energy-efficient flooring

Our Las Vegas climate offers us some real challenges when it comes to finding flooring that is both energy-efficient and durable enough to withstand dry, arid conditions. One of the best options? Polished concrete. This modern material has a dense thermal mass, which means that it has superior temperature regulating capabilities. Concrete can even be poured over radiant heating and cooling systems, giving you more control over the temperature of your flooring.

Another good option for a lower energy bill would be natural stone. Like concrete, natural stone absorbs and releases heat slowly. That means that it will feel cool to the touch during the day, while giving off warmth throughout the night. Perfect for our intensely hot days and cool desert nights.

If you don’t live in a dry climate like Las Vegas, there are other options for energy efficient remodels! Carpeting and hardwood floors, for instance, are a great way to maintain heat during the cold winter months in many areas in the US.

Make your bathroom more energy efficient

There are a few key ways that you can lower your energy bill with thoughtful bathroom remodeling, such as:

Low flush toilets. Here in Las Vegas, we’ve always got an eye on water consumption. And a low flush toilet is a fantastic option for conserving water.
Low flow showerheads. Likewise, low flow showerheads save water. And, don’t worry about these features changing the quality of your showers! They’re specially designed to maintain satisfactory water pressure while saving water.
Motion detector lights. These are great for families and commercial settings to cut down on electricity use.
Energy efficient water heaters. A bathroom remodel is the right time to think about upgrading your water heater. Like the other appliances throughout your home an energy-efficient model will offer a lower energy bill!
Better pipe insulation. Speaking of water heating, make sure that energy isn’t lost on the way through your pipes by upgrading your insulation!

This is just the beginning of how the right renovation can give you a lower energy bill!

Want more ideas on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home or business? Call our remodeling team at Terra Mia to learn more about how the right changes to your space can give you a lower energy bill!

Terra Mia Construction