Are you interested in making your home more energy efficient and green? With rising electricity costs and sky high utility statements, most of us are looking for ways to cut costs and save some cash. You can start right at house, by making a few simple changes to make your home electricity efficient and more eco friendly.
But beyond electricity efficiency, there are numerous other vital factors that go into the model of a green house. For instance, water management, indoor air quality, and the use of safer building materials can all contribute to a more eco-friendly residence. This applies to new construction, as well as renovating and greening an older residence for improvement and sale. Here's a list of some of the factors to consider when remodeling your house, or buying a green residence.
Correct Ventilation - The residence ought to have the right number and placement of exhaust fans, proper ventilation, vapor barriers, and duct sealing. A well designed thermal envelope can make the residence more comfortable and electricity efficient. Ventilation systems ought to be wrapped and sealed to stop air loss.
Air Quality - To make the residence healthier, safe constructing materials should be used to limit introduction of noxious and dangerous vapors. For instance, use zero-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and install recycled, reclaimed, or sustainable flooring prepared from materials that don't have formaldehyde, such as bamboo or cork. Consider installing physical termite barriers instead of chemical treatments, where appropriate.
Water Efficiency - Consider installing dual-flush toilets, low- flow wash heads, and a tankless water heater, or at a minimum; a more electricity efficient Energy Star rated model.
Insulation - One of the top options a shopper may make is to install added insulation. Use formaldehyde-free insulation. Additionally, install a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof, where appropriate.
Roofing - Think about metal or cement tile roofing, or durable shingles rated for 40 years or more.
Appliances and Furnaces - Use Energy Star rated appliances. The HVAC (air conditioning) systems should have a 17 SEER rating or better, and furnaces ought to have a 90+ rating. The heating and cooling unit range and placement ought to be correctly thought out to add to efficiency.
Lighting - Install energy efficient fixtures. Compact fluorescent light bulbs ought to be utilized in place of halogen or normal bulbs.
Windows and Doors - Install double-paned, Low-E windows. Correctly shade windows that face the sun, or install window overhangs. Install storm doors where suitable.
Thermostat Timers - Install a programmable thermostat and hot water heater timer.
Exterior - Think about installing low maintenance materials that make sense for your type of weather and region, such as fiber cement siding, 40-year shingles, and engineered wood framing.
Landscaping - Eco landscaping considers cautious selection of plants, and concentrates on water conservation. Use green landscape design practices, such as reducing the size of the lawn. Consider the correct placement of trees to help shade the home and decrease cooling costs. Use hardscape materials to reduce weeds and do away with the use of pesticides and herbicides. Use inhabitant plants and xeriscape techniques to stay away from the need for excessive care and watering. Compost. Install drip irrigation systems and consider reclaiming water.
You will see that from top to bottom, you may look at your whole home indoors and out to look for possible improvements to make it more eco friendly. It's not too hard to make your existing residence a green residence. By making at least a few simple changes to improve electricity efficiency, in no time you will see the positive results in your utility bills. Plus, you have the extra benefit of knowing that you are doing more for the environment at the same time, and that always feels nice.
But beyond electricity efficiency, there are numerous other vital factors that go into the model of a green house. For instance, water management, indoor air quality, and the use of safer building materials can all contribute to a more eco-friendly residence. This applies to new construction, as well as renovating and greening an older residence for improvement and sale. Here's a list of some of the factors to consider when remodeling your house, or buying a green residence.
Correct Ventilation - The residence ought to have the right number and placement of exhaust fans, proper ventilation, vapor barriers, and duct sealing. A well designed thermal envelope can make the residence more comfortable and electricity efficient. Ventilation systems ought to be wrapped and sealed to stop air loss.
Air Quality - To make the residence healthier, safe constructing materials should be used to limit introduction of noxious and dangerous vapors. For instance, use zero-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and install recycled, reclaimed, or sustainable flooring prepared from materials that don't have formaldehyde, such as bamboo or cork. Consider installing physical termite barriers instead of chemical treatments, where appropriate.
Water Efficiency - Consider installing dual-flush toilets, low- flow wash heads, and a tankless water heater, or at a minimum; a more electricity efficient Energy Star rated model.
Insulation - One of the top options a shopper may make is to install added insulation. Use formaldehyde-free insulation. Additionally, install a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof, where appropriate.
Roofing - Think about metal or cement tile roofing, or durable shingles rated for 40 years or more.
Appliances and Furnaces - Use Energy Star rated appliances. The HVAC (air conditioning) systems should have a 17 SEER rating or better, and furnaces ought to have a 90+ rating. The heating and cooling unit range and placement ought to be correctly thought out to add to efficiency.
Lighting - Install energy efficient fixtures. Compact fluorescent light bulbs ought to be utilized in place of halogen or normal bulbs.
Windows and Doors - Install double-paned, Low-E windows. Correctly shade windows that face the sun, or install window overhangs. Install storm doors where suitable.
Thermostat Timers - Install a programmable thermostat and hot water heater timer.
Exterior - Think about installing low maintenance materials that make sense for your type of weather and region, such as fiber cement siding, 40-year shingles, and engineered wood framing.
Landscaping - Eco landscaping considers cautious selection of plants, and concentrates on water conservation. Use green landscape design practices, such as reducing the size of the lawn. Consider the correct placement of trees to help shade the home and decrease cooling costs. Use hardscape materials to reduce weeds and do away with the use of pesticides and herbicides. Use inhabitant plants and xeriscape techniques to stay away from the need for excessive care and watering. Compost. Install drip irrigation systems and consider reclaiming water.
You will see that from top to bottom, you may look at your whole home indoors and out to look for possible improvements to make it more eco friendly. It's not too hard to make your existing residence a green residence. By making at least a few simple changes to improve electricity efficiency, in no time you will see the positive results in your utility bills. Plus, you have the extra benefit of knowing that you are doing more for the environment at the same time, and that always feels nice.
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