May 14, 2007 – No matter what color you plan to paint your kitchen,
you can Green it up with energy efficient and sustainable products.
With a few simple steps, homeowners can turn a kitchen renovation
into a green renovation. These upgrades can significantly reduce
utility bills while looking great for years to come.?
Refrigerators
Average life-span: 13 years.
Energy-efficient fridges only save about $6-$9 a year over other
models you can buy because these appliances are much more efficient
than they used to be. However, you can save more than $100 a year
replacing a fridge 10 years and older.
Dishwashers
Average life span: 9 years.
Energy Star-rated models use 41 percent less energy than other
dishwashers, saving up to $90 over the product?s life. However, when
replacing older dishwashers, homeowners immediately reduce their
energy bills by $30 a year.
Microwave Ovens
Average life span: 9 years
People know that microwaves can cook much faster than conventional
ovens. But, they also can use up to 80 percent less energy. While
microwaves are not appropriate for all cooking, using them can save
time and money.
Oven/Ranges
Average life span: 13-15 years.
Gas burners use 55 percent of the energy produced compared to 65
percent for electric cooktops. Consider induction cooking, which
uses 90 percent of all energy produced. When choosing ovens, convection
ovens can save up to 20 percent on energy use compared to non-convection
models. Additionally, self-cleaning ovens tend to have more insulation,
making them more efficient as well.
Kitchen Cabinets
Average life span: 50 years.
Consider recycled or reclaimed wood when replacing cabinets. Particleboard
offers another economically and environmentally friendly alternative
? though it can be less durable than solid wood products.
Countertops
Average life span: lifetime of
home.
Counters come in all shapes and sizes, but recycled glass and concrete
have a great modern look and give these old materials a second chapter.
Many of these same products also work as tiles for your kitchen.
Flooring
Average life span: 10 years to
lifetime.
Carpeting only lasts up to 10 years and linoleum up to 25 years,
while wood floors last a lifetime. Consider using renewable flooring
like cork or bamboo. These flooring options offer easy maintenance
with a long-lasting natural look for your kitchen.
