Eco-Friendly Retrofitting

Retrofitting refers to the addition of new technology or features to older systems. In our homes, EnviroCitizen.org has found that retrofitting often includes replacing things like our electrical systems or water fixtures. This is an easy way to make your home a more sustainable place.

Lighting is a place that is changed that can easily be improved. Try installing fixtures with dimmers that are more efficient. Motion sensor lighting works great in places that are very busy or for those with limits on mobility. Since motion sensors use electricity and sometimes require batteries, they're best for those who have difficulty remember to turn off lights. A reasonable fix for a person who wants to live green can include the use of an energy efficient bulb with a motion sensor built in. The MotionBulb turns on automatically when you enter a room and turns off automatically when you leave using a fluorescent bulb that only uses 20 watts while emitting the equivalent of 75 watts of light. This light can be put in regular light sockets. Each bulb has a five year warranty. The company is promising new alternatives such as LEDs in the future. If doing an entire fixture is too much, then try simply using more efficient lights. These usually use a fraction of the energy as regular and last much longer. Each high-use bulb you replace will save 100 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year, and they last for many years.

Saving water is the most important thing to consider when doing a makeover. Although much of your household waste consumption is caused by bad habits, installing and maintaining water-saving fixtures is an important step. Start by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets as well as toilets and showers. Next, fix any leaks as soon as they happen. This is done rather inexpensively and will save gallons of water in the future as well as money.

Water heating is another point to consider. More than 10 percent of our energy bills typically come from heating up water. Although the best way to reduce that number is to use less of it for bathing, washing your hands and doing household chores, you can also consider a few options. First, consider setting up a solar water heater. They are now reasonably prices and very effective. You can also install a waste-heat recovery system that preheats the shower water with the warm water going down the drain. Consult a green building expert on how to do this. There are other things that can be done such as creating better ventilation. This can be done with fans and an upgraded HVAC system.

With so much that can be done, EnviroCitizen.org has found that any home can be retrofitted into being a better place to live for both you and the Earth.