Have you ever wondered how to make your home a more eco-friendly environment?
Avoid the difficulty of using solar panels, fuel cells, and wind mills
by following these seven easy ways to help the earth become a better
place while living comfortably.
1. Energy Efficient Windows
Using Energy Star windows saves you money on your energy bill and
keeps the cold out during the winter and the cool in during the
summer. These windows work by consisting of two or more panes of
glass with warm-edge spacers between each pane. The improved framing
materials use a Low-E coating which is a microscopically thin metal
or metallic oxide that is deposited on windows to reduce heat flow.
2. Home Insulation
At least half of the energy used is the home is for heating and
cooling. Eliminate this by increasing the amount of R-Value of insulation
which is the measure of thermal resistance. By doing this you will
reduce the cost of heating and cooling bills and do the earth a
favor.
3. Eco-Friendly Flooring
Slower growing hardwoods should be replaced by bamboo, cork or eucalyptus
flooring products. These alternatives grow in nearly half the time
that it takes for hardwoods to grow. By using these stylish products
you are saving money and helping the earth's forests.
4. Water Efficient Toilets
The older styles of toilets accounted for about 30 percent of water
usage, but the new models only account for nearly 25 percent. The
newer toilets have been redesigned with bowls and tanks that use
less water and function more efficiently.
5. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Using CFL's is a simple way to make a big change. These lights are
a low-cost and energy efficient addition to the home. CFL's use
70 percent less energy than regular bulbs and can save you at least
$30 in energy costs during each bulb's lifetime.
6. Tankless Water Heaters
Instead of storing it, tankless water heaters supply you with hot
water on demand. By replacing electric water heater with a solar
model will reduce costs up to 80 percent per year. The tankless
water heater prevents more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
over its 20-year lifespan.
7. Energy Star Products
When you decide it's time to upgrade any of your house-hold appliances,
consider choosing an Energy Star-rated product. These products consist
of refrigerators, dishwashers, and vent fans which all incorporate
technological advancements that use
10-15 percent less energy and water. The cost of these products
is slightly higher, but well worth it in the long run.
What Is a Green Home?
As defined by the U.S. Green Building Council, a "green home"
is characterized by features that include:
" Using less energy
" Using less water
" Using fewer natural recources in construction
" Creating less waste
" Having better indoor air quality
The USGBC goes on to say that the benefits of having a green home
consist of lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas
emissions, and less exposure to mold, mildew and other dangerous
indoor toxins.
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