A few adages hold great practical value despite their ancientness. “Every adversity brings about an opportunity” is one such saying and it rings very true for the emergency repairs that a home owner may have to seek.
For all he knows, there can be innumerable reasons for a repair. Let us say the heater broke down or the Air Conditioner unit just began to pass off the condensed air backwards.
Looking for more reasons? How about this- a tree falls on the roof, or bushfire-blown shrapnel hits the window shield. I can keep them coming but I think the point is made by now.
Each emergency repair is an opportunity for home energy savings
To elaborate on the “adversity-opportunity” adage, let me harp a little on how these situations can be turned to our advantage.
A broken window shield can be replaced by a double glazed window tint. It will save more energy, provide greater insulation and offer higher degree of eco-friendliness.
Your basement, ripped apart by storm water, can now be remodelled using smart energy-efficient techniques too. The same goes for HVAC, only perhaps in a bigger way.
Home energy professional can be a handy guide
Seek the help of a home energy professional. He is the best guy to advise you on the heating systems, pros and cons of different insulations, the Go-Green varieties of the day, solar panels and so much more.
Do not bother about lack of remodelling insurance
If you are falling short of executing your plans only because the repairs are not fully covered by your insurance, think again? As a first, the cost of upgrades is pretty reasonable.
Second, the costs are offset over a relatively short time period by the money that the energy-efficient installations save for you.
A small recommendation- while upgrading even the tiniest of objects, think holistically. For instance, how would a new furnace fit in the full scheme of your home?
Green homes are more energy efficient
Home renovation is not a child’s play. One has to tackle structural deficits, work towards eliminating moulds, moisture issues, Sick Building Syndrome (if any) and so on. On top of this is the risk of disturbing the metaphorical bee’s nest. Renovation means a free-way for the hazardous materials.
- More lead chips off from wall paint during remodelling
- Mites have a field day
- Risk of VOC contamination
Green homes never suffer from the Sick Building Syndrome because they have tackled the worries proposed above. Subsequently, they become more energy-efficient.
Homes are good examples of the Butterfly Effect
Just remember that each home suffers from the “Butterfly Effect”. If you make a change in the kitchen, it might have some repercussion in the living room or the bathroom. Installing a range hood for kitchen can yield unwelcome carbon monoxide in the living room (sucked back via the chimney vent).
On the contrary, if you tackle this well, a new range hood might also mean lot of energy savings.
Home staging must incorporate energy-efficient ideas
Think of all the upgrades we make as part of our home staging plans. Who does not want more out of selling a home? Even home buyers are inclined towards homes which have an eye on energy-efficiency. Surveys yield that homes with LED retrofits arrest buyers more; the same goes for double glazed windows or spray foam insulation.
Which is the most energy-efficient device that you use in your home?