Are you interested in making your house more electricity efficient and green? With rising energy costs and sky high utility statements, most of us are looking for ways to cut costs and save some cash. You can begin right at your residence by making a few simple changes to make your home energy efficient and more eco-friendly.
But beyond energy efficiency, there are numerous other important factors that go into the model of a green home. For example, water management, indoor air quality, and the use of safer building materials can all contribute to a more eco-friendly home. This applies to new building, as well as renovating and greening an older house for improvement and sale. Here’s a list of some of the factors to consider when remodeling your home, or buying a green home.
Correct Ventilation – Your home should have the right number and placement of exhaust fans, proper ventilation, vapor barriers, and duct sealing. A well designed thermal envelope can make the home more comfortable and electricity efficient. Ventilation systems should be wrapped and sealed to stop air loss.
Air Quality – To make your home healthier, safe constructing materials ought to be utilized to limit introduction of noxious and dangerous vapors. For example, use zero-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and put in recycled, reclaimed, or sustainable flooring made from materials that don’t have formaldehyde, such as bamboo or cork. Think about installing physical termite barriers in place of chemical treatments, where suitable.
Water Efficiency – Think about installing dual-flush toilets, low- flow shower heads, and a tankless water heater, or at a minimum; a more electricity efficient Energy Star rated model.
Insulation – One of the best choices a shopper can make is to install added insulation. Use formaldehyde-free insulation. Moreover, 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 should have a 90+ rating. The heating and cooling unit magnitude and assignment should be properly thought out to add to efficiency.
Lighting – Install energy efficient fixtures. Compact fluorescent light bulbs should be utilized in place of halogen or normal bulbs.
Windows and Doors – Install double-paned, Low-E windows. Properly shade windows that face the sun, or install window overhangs. Install storm doors where suitable.
Thermostat Timers – Install a programmable thermostat and hot water furnace timer.
Outside – Consider installing low maintenance materials that make sense for your climate and region, such as fiber cement siding, 40-year shingles, and engineered wood framing.
Landscaping – Eco landscaping considers cautious selection of plants, and focuses on water conservation. Use green landscape design practices, such as reducing the size of your lawn. Consider the correct position of trees to help shade the residence and reduce cooling costs. Use hardscape materials to reduce weeds and do away with the use of pesticides and herbicides. Use native plants and xeriscape methods to stay away from the need for excessive care and watering. Compost. Install drip irrigation systems and consider reclaiming water.
From top to bottom, you will look at your whole home indoors and out to look for potential improvements to make it more eco-friendly. It’s not too hard to make your existing house a green residence. By making at least a few easy changes to enhance energy efficiency, in no time you will see the optimistic results in your utility bills. Plus, you have the additional benefit of knowing that you are doing more for the natural environment at the same time, and that always feels nice.
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