Are you interested in making your residence more energy efficient and green? With rising energy costs and sky high utility bills, most of us are looking for ways to cut costs and save some money. You can start right at house, 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 house. For example, water management, indoor air quality, and the use of safer constructing materials will all contribute to a more eco-friendly residence. This applies to new building, as well as renovating and greening an older home for improvement and sale. Here’s a list of some of the factors to think about when remodeling your home, or purchasing a green house.
Correct Ventilation - The residence 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 house more comfortable and energy efficient. Ventilation systems ought to be wrapped and sealed to prevent air loss.
Air Quality - To make the house healthier, safe constructing materials ought to be utilized to limit introduction of harmful 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 its 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 energy efficient Energy Star rated model.
Insulation - One of the top choices a shopper may make is to install added insulation. Use formaldehyde-free insulation. As well, install a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof, where suitable.
Roofing - Consider 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 ought to have a 17 SEER rating or better, and furnaces ought to have a 90+ rating. The heating and cooling unit size and placement ought to be correctly thought out to increase efficiency.
Lighting - Install energy efficient fixtures. Compact fluorescent light bulbs should be utilized in place of halogen or incandescent 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 heater timer.
Exterior - Think about installing low upkeep 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 careful assortment of plants, and concentrates on water conservation. Use green landscape design practices, such as reducing the dimension of the lawn. Consider the proper placement of trees to help shade the residence and reduce cooling costs. Utilize hardscape materials to reduce weeds and do away with the use of pesticides and herbicides. Use native plants and xeriscape methods to avoid the need for excessive care and watering. Compost. Install drip irrigation systems and consider reclaiming water.
You can see that from top to bottom, you will 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 home a green residence. By making at least a few simple changes to enhance electricity efficiency, in no time you will see the optimistic results in your utility statements. Plus, you have the added benefit of knowing that you are doing more for the ecosystem at the same time, and that always feels nice.
