| Going green on your kitchen remodeling project, not | | | | The type of insulation you use in your kitchen walls |
| only makes sense for the environment, but can save | | | | and ceilings can ensure you and your family will be |
| you money. Keep these kitchen ideas in mind for your | | | | warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Your |
| remodeling project. | | | | kitchen design should be based on the proper amount |
| Use natural light as much as possible. Strategic use of | | | | of insulation based on your own climate. |
| windows and skylights can make a huge difference in | | | | Use building materials that are made to last. Even |
| your energy bill. Your lighting should be designed to | | | | though the materials may have an environmental |
| take advantage of nature. Overuse of recessed and | | | | appeal, they need to be able to stand up to every day |
| track lighting may not be necessary. Use as much | | | | use. Kitchen materials that don't last will have to be |
| lighting as you need. | | | | replaced. This will end up costing you more money in |
| Pay careful attention to your appliances. There is a | | | | the long run. Remember this as you choose your |
| common misconception that having the Energy Star | | | | countertops and flooring. |
| Logo is the answer. The truth is that by researching | | | | Consider using a solar water hot water heater. One of |
| the actual usage of your different kitchen appliances | | | | the biggest expenses for any home is hot water. Your |
| you can save hundreds of dollars in energy costs. | | | | kitchen uses a large amount of hot water. Going green |
| Most appliances now display the Energy Star Seal. | | | | in this area can save big dividends. |
| Research your appliances as some may be more | | | | If a solar hot water heater is not possible, consider a |
| energy efficient than others. Energy use of your | | | | tankless on-demand water heater. There are a |
| appliances can vary greatly among brands and | | | | number of different types available. You will not be |
| models. Make sure you check. | | | | wasting energy costs on unused hot water. You will |
| Make sure all of your plumbing fixtures are low flow. | | | | only be paying for water that you actually use. |
| Wasting water is never a good idea. You will be | | | | Remember with the best energy plan for your kitchen |
| saving water with low flow fixtures and you will use | | | | remodel, you not only will help the environment but you |
| less hot water, which will also increase your energy | | | | will also be saving money. Going green can add up to |
| savings. | | | | big savings for the planet and your wallet. And nothing |
| Don't discount the energy saving power of insulation. | | | | can be better than that. |