Retrofit Your Old Home With These 6 Savvy Ideas
Do you want to breathe new life to your old home? Are you and your loved ones looking for a new feel in your current living space? Live-in homes can be homey, indeed. Nonetheless, they can feel outdated and make the quality of living of those living in lived-in residences less ideal.
Luckily, there’s a clear and tried-and-tested answer to concerns surrounding old and outdated homes: it’s retrofitting.
What’s home retrofitting and how can it benefit you and your family? Retrofitting revolves around the process of introducing improvements in a living structure, in this case: a residential property or home.
Retrofitting mainly makes the living conditions of residences of a particular building much better by promoting energy efficiency. Aside from that, retrofitting can freshen up and brighten the vibe of a particular space.
Though retrofitting older homes can seem like a daunting task, with the right ideas, it becomes an easier and much more exciting project that adds value and comfort to your property.
In this post are six savvy home retrofitting ideas to help you transform your old and lived-in home into a modern and comfortable living space. Read on to learn more about how to retrofit your old home today.
Make The Switch To Energy-Saving Windows
If you want to retrofit your home, begin with installing new energy-efficient windows. Indeed, replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones can make a whole world of difference. Not only do they lower down your electricity consumption, but they improve the overall comfort of your home as well.
Modern-day energy-efficient windows allow for better insulation, keeping your house’s indoors cool in the summer and warm during the winter months. It’s recommended that you pick double or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings for the best performance possible.
And did you know that installing energy-efficient windows helps with managing noise pollution? If you live in a busy area, you’ll appreciate the much quieter indoor environment thanks to energy-saving windows. Finally, that type of window also protects your furniture, carpets, and many more from the dangers of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing fading and extending their lifespan.
Have A Smart Thermostat Installed In Your Home
A smart thermostat is a small investment that can make a big difference if you want to retrofit your old home. These devices learn your heating and cooling preferences and adjust accordingly, ensuring your home is always at a conducive indoor temperature. Plus, they can be controlled remotely through your smartphone via an app, giving homeowners like you the ability to manage your home’s energy use even when you aren’t around.
Aside from that, today’s smart thermostats can provide energy usage reports to help you understand your electricity consumption patterns and identify ways to save energy. Lastly, some models integrate with other smart home devices in order to create a seamless and efficient living environment.
Insulate Your Home’s Walls And Attics
Unfortunately, many old homes don’t have the proper insulation systems necessary for energy-efficiency, which leads to higher electricity bills and less comfort to residents.
You can avoid that situation by adding insulation to your attic and walls. Why? Taking on that move significantly reduces heat loss rates in winter and keeps your indoors feeling cooler in the summer months. This upgrade is relatively easy and can pay for itself over time through lower utility bills.
And did you know that like energy-efficient windows, insulating your home can help reduce loud noises from outside when they’re heard indoors? This creates a more peaceful indoors.
And finally, insulating your home’s walls and attics can better indoor air quality by preventing drafts and blocking dirt, pollen, dust, and others from entering inside your house.
Switch To LED Lightbulbs And Lighting Systems
Switching to LED lighting is an easy and effective way to reduce energy consumption at home – a straightforward home retrofitting indeed.
Why go for LED lighting? LED bulbs use less electricity and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, they come in various colors and styles, which allows you to maintain the aesthetic of your house while enjoying the benefits of modern and energy-saving lighting technology.
Aside from that, LED lighting systems are said to be safer because they make less heat, which ultimately reduces the risk of accidental fires. Plus, LEDs are environmentally friendly, containing no hazardous materials and being fully recyclable. This simple switch can make a big impact on your energy use and environmental footprint.
Have Solar Panels Installed On Your Roofing
Every homeowner should harness the potential power of the sun – it’s free, abundant, and good for the environment. Having solar panels is indeed a smart move for any homeowner just like yourself.
Why? Solar panel systems can drastically lower down your home’s electricity bills and even provide another reliable source of income if you make more electricity than you consume and give it back to your power company. Although the upfront costs are very high, luckily, there are often government incentives and rebates available to help offset the high initial costs associated with owning solar. Additionally, solar generally requires minimal upkeep and has a long lifespan, making them a reliable and sustainable energy source.
Besides, having solar panels can drastically increase your residential property’s resale value and appeal to many conscious homebuyers if you decide to put up your house in the market later.
Remember: by going solar, you aren’t just saving money and setting up yourself for success in the future; you’re contributing to building a greener future as well.
Update Your Old Home Plumbing System
Did you know that old plumbing fixtures and systems can be highly inefficient and are prone to higher chances of leaks and bursts? Hence, switching to a new home plumbing system can reduce water usage and prevent costly water-related home damage.
When buying new plumbing and water fixtures, look for government labels and certifications that show that they meet authorities’ requirements on efficiency and performance.
Aside from that, use modern plumbing fixtures with features that enhance convenience and hygiene, like no-touch faucets and self-cleaning toilets. These upgrades can make your daily routines more pleasant and reduce the time you spend on maintenance.
To Conclude
Retrofitting an old house doesn’t have to be a difficult affair. By focusing on the above-mentioned savvy retrofitting ideas, you can make significant improvements that enhance comfort, efficiency, and value. Whether you start with small changes or take on much bigger retrofitting projects, each one is a step closer for you to achieving a modern, energy-friendly home.
