Finishing, renovating, or updating your basement with eco-friendly alternatives has never been easier. Nowadays, homeowners have access to countless supplies and options for creating a more sustainable, healthier, and eco-friendly basement.
If you are looking to create an eco-friendly basement, the best place to start is with a home energy audit, or home energy assessment. This assessment determines the amount of energy your home or basement uses. It assesses waste and reveals areas to fix or update. This assessment provides a better understanding of your basement and the immediate areas to tackle.
Lighting
Basements are notoriously darker than the rest of a home. A good way to add ambiance and warmth is through lamps and light fixtures. One cost-effective and easy way to immediately add efficiency is with better light bulbs. For instance, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) can last up to eight to 10 years. Consider adding smart bulbs, which can be operated and programmed through a phone app. The app allows the user to create a schedule or easily turn off forgotten lights with the click of a button from anywhere in the home (or even outside of the home). This alternative is a great way to ensure lights are on when you arrive home without leaving them on for hours at a time. If the budget allows during renovations, expand or extend existing windows, or add extra windows or doors to create more natural light.
Windows
Another way to increase energy efficiency for an eco-friendly basement is through better windows. Energy efficient windows are often double or triple-paned, keeping healthy warm or cool air indoors and preventing leaks and seepage.
Insulation
Ensuring the basement is adequately and properly insulated will also increase efficiency. Proper windows allow for a warmer or cooler basement and prevent energy costs from skyrocketing.
Appliances
Your basement appliances will also have an impact on an eco-friendly basement. Old appliances use far more energy than newer models. Energy Star appliances meet certain standards and will aid in creating a more sustainable home. If you have a kitchen and laundry room in your basement, consider swapping out the existing appliances for greener options.
Water Heater
Wrapping your water heater and pipes is an inexpensive, yet effective way to protect a heavy piece of equipment and also eliminate energy waste. Wrapping pipes will keep water warmer during the cold months and prevent your water heater from overworking.
