By perfecthomedigest 
Environmentally Friendly Home Renovation Projects
Environmental protection is a huge concern in modern times. Many people are striving to make their homes more efficient, not only to reduce their bills but also to reduce the negative effects they have on the environment. There are plenty of home renovation projects that can help with this task. Most of these projects work better for homes that residents intend to stay in for several years since the financial benefits will come gradually over the years.
Solar energy and thermal heating panels
Solar energy and thermal heating panels that get installed on one’s roof are major energy savers. Many people have started putting these on their houses because, though the installation and panels themselves are expensive, they will reduce your bills enough to eventually pay for themselves. This is why many people prefer to undertake this task only if they know for certain they will remain in their homes for decades.
They work by converting solar energy into the heat and energy you would normally have to pay for. This makes homes need less man-made electricity. It also makes homes less reliant upon fuel to heat them. The panels require very little maintenance and have no negative aesthetic effect on your roof. Another large and more immediate benefit people get is the enormous tax cut for doing something so good for the environment.
Energy-efficient insulation
Energy-efficient insulation is of great importance, as well. The better insulated your house is, the less power you will require to heat it. Many may note that older houses are often very cold in the winter because insulation technology is not as good. Fiberglass insulation is often used. It is fire-resistant and conducts heat quite well. The problem is that it is not biodegradable, which means when any major repairs are done to a house, the discarded insulation pollutes the environment.
Other products can be used as insulation which is better for the environment. For example, mineral wool is completely biodegradable and conducts heat just as well as, if not better than, fiberglass insulation. The only negative aspect is that it is not as flame-resistant.
Pellet stoves
Pellet stoves are another great option to live green. Instead of using logs to power them, they only use wood pellets. The design enables them to get just as much heat out of much less wood. It has the dual purpose of making people less reliant on fuel and electricity and also keeping more trees from being chopped down. Pellet stoves are so good for the environment that they can be another large tax write-off. Energy is never wasted in them because they come with sensors so they shut off when a certain temperature is reached and turn on again when it gets cold.
Wind turbines
Wind turbines are not quite ready for single-home usage, but they will be within the next few years. All people should consider having them installed once the size and installation processes are more reasonable for private families. They harness the wind in the same manner that windmills used to, only they convert wind power into energy to power homes. They are already being used by large companies and by different governments.
Even if you do not intend on staying in your home for an extended period, there are small things that can be done to preserve energy and keep your bills low. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Draught-proof all windows and doors so heat does not escape. Recycle as much as you possibly can and have an efficient recycling system in your house so separation of materials is easier. Put electronics on timers so they automatically shut off after a certain time when you are sure you will not need to use them.