When you think of Essex County, you're likely picturing beautiful locations like Montclair, Maplewood, Livingston, and West Orange. These places are well-known for their architecture, which is altogether charming and character-filled. However, what these homes have in common, besides their beauty and history, is that they are ‘vintage’, which means they are likely not the most energy-efficient or eco-friendly.
Fortunately, something can be done about this, and that ‘something’ is energy-efficient remodeling. At G&L and Sons Renovations, our team is well-versed in eco-friendly home improvements in Essex County. We’ve helped several homeowners explore energy-efficient home remodeling and green home remodeling ideas, and we can help you.
That’s why in our latest blog, we’ve shared insight into why you should consider sustainable living in Essex County, NJ, and the best energy-efficient home improvements to undertake if you’re ready to remodel. Here's what you'll find in this blog:
Why Go Green with Energy-Saving Home Improvements?
Top Energy-Efficient Remodeling Ideas for Vintage Homes
Upgrade to the Best Energy-Efficient Insulation
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Switch to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Incorporate Smart Lighting and Controls
Consider Modern Renewable Energy Options
Work with Local Remodeling Experts for Green Upgrades
One of the smartest things you can do for your home is to undertake sustainable home renovations. With energy-efficient upgrades, you can make your home more comfortable, save on monthly bills, and know you’re doing something good for the environment.
It's the trifecta. It also doesn’t hurt that when you work with the right remodeling company, like G&L and Sons Renovations, your home will retain its charming vintage nature in Essex County.
Going green also doesn’t mean you need to make massive changes that you might regret later. With the right upgrades, which we can recommend during a remodel, your character-filled home will retain its beauty, regardless of the size or scope of the improvements.
If you are ready to bring your vintage home into the modern age without losing its charm, here are some of the best energy-efficient home improvements that can work for older properties.
Your home's temperature is regulated by its insulation, and the best energy-efficient insulation can help keep toasty warm air in and breezy cool air out, and vice versa, as the seasons cycle. If you’re considering green home upgrades in Essex County, NJ, insulation is one of the primary changes to explore.
We often recommend upgrading with spray foam, dense-pack cellulose, or mineral wool, as each is an effective option. These insulation choices are also designed to be installed in older homes and won’t damage your existing architecture.
It may not seem like it at first, but replacing older windows with energy-efficient ones is an excellent way to enhance thermal performance and reduce energy bills.
We often recommend switching to gas-filled panes, low-emissivity glass, and insulated frames for those looking to install energy-efficient windows in Essex County, NJ.
Nowadays, these frames and panes come in many different styles and colors that match period homes, and we can help you select the right ones to suit your needs.
If you’re looking to reduce your home's energy bills, consider upgrading to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, such as ductless mini-splits, heat pumps, and zoned HVAC systems. Not sure how things like heat pumps can save money?
Well, according to the respected U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can lower electricity use for heating by about 75% compared to electric resistance heating. These upgrades also work well with green energy upgrades for homes, such as solar power, and they help make your home a more comfortable place to live. Who doesn’t want that?
During a renovation, it is usually the perfect time to look at upgrading to energy-efficient appliances for your home. They might cost a little more upfront, but the long-term savings, especially in kitchens and laundry rooms, can make them well worth it.
Swapping out older appliances for ENERGY STAR® models can cut down on both electricity and water use, which means lower utility bills. Plus, there is no need to worry about style.
Today’s energy-saving options come in a variety of finishes and designs, so you can pick something that suits your home, whether you love a modern look or want to stay true to a traditional style.
In our professional opinion, one of the simplest ways to ensure energy efficiency in your home is to incorporate smart lighting and controls. Smart lighting systems allow you to control brightness, timing, and usage from your phone or through voice commands, which is quite handy.
We also find that LED fixtures and dimmer switches save energy and last longer than most traditional bulbs. These updates are simple green home upgrades that fit any style of home, so you don't need to worry that they will diminish the look of your home.
If you want to switch to smart lighting and controls during your remodel, you can speak with us, and we’ll walk you through your options when discussing other eco-friendly home improvements for Essex County homes that make sense.
Should you have the budget for it, consider adding renewable energy systems like solar panels, geothermal systems, or hybrid water heaters to your home. We can often assist with these renewable energy options or collaborate with experts who specialize in this area.
It might seem like a hassle, but these green home upgrades can be installed with minimal impact on your home’s vintage exterior appearance and help cut costs significantly while reducing your environmental impact.
When it comes to upgrading an older home, it helps to work with a renovation team that understands both preservation and modernity. At G&L and Sons Renovations, we recognize the unique charm of vintage homes in Essex County, but we also know that they can be highly inefficient in terms of home energy use.
That’s why we want homeowners of these architectural masterpieces to know that when they choose to remodel with us, we can help them go green. As eco-friendly contractors in Essex County, NJ, our team has helped many homeowners in the past make their charming abodes more energy efficient through bathroom, kitchen, basement, and whole-home renovations.
To recap, plan your project carefully and take the time to explore what matters most to you.
If you live in our northern NJ area and are ready to create the project of your dreams, we'd love to hear from you.