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 money. You can begin right at residence, by making a few simple changes to make your residence energy efficient and more eco friendly.
But beyond energy efficiency, there are several other vital factors that go into the model of a green residence. For instance, water management, indoor air quality, and the use of safer building materials will all contribute to a more eco-friendly house. This applies to new construction, as well as renovating and greening an older house for improvement and sale. Here’s a listing of some of the factors to think about when remodeling your house, or purchasing a green house.
Proper 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 house more comfortable and energy efficient. Ventilation systems ought to be wrapped and sealed to prevent air loss.
Air Quality – To make the home healthier, safe building materials should be utilized to limit introduction of harmful and harmful 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. Think about installing physical termite barriers in its place of chemical treatments, where suitable.
Water Efficiency – Consider 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 options 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 – 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 should have a 17 SEER rating or better, and furnaces ought to have a 90+ rating. The heating and cooling unit size and assignment ought to 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 heater timer.
Outside – Think about 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 assortment of plants, and concentrates on water conservation. Use green landscape design practices, such as reducing the size of the lawn. Consider the proper position of trees to help shade the home and decrease cooling costs. Use hardscape materials to reduce weeds and eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides. Use native plants and xeriscape techniques to avoid the need for excessive care and watering. Compost. Install drip irrigation systems and think about reclaiming water.
You may see that from top to bottom, you may look at your whole house indoors and out to look for potential improvements to make it more eco friendly. It’s not too hard to make your existing residence a green home. By making at least a few simple changes to enhance electricity efficiency, in no time you will see the optimistic results in your utility bills. Plus, you have the added benefit of knowing that you are doing more for the environment at the same time, and that always feels good.
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