Go Green Tips

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Build green and save money

Green building skeptics sometimes argue that it's difficult or impossible to build green without spending a lot more of the green stuff. But real-world examples show that you can build a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design- (LEED) certified green building project for an average of only about two percent more. In addition, extra "first costs" can usually be recovered through energy savings and increased market valuation.

Orientation of your house

There are a lot of factors involved in creating a green home, it can be as basic as the orientation of the house to maximize natural sunlight for heat and light, as well as shade for cooling. As a result, the home's furnace and air conditioning don't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable house. Thinking ahead saves on your energy bill month after month.

Trees to cool the house in summer and slow the wind in winter

One way of making a minimal impact concerns the area on which your home is built. Instead of clear-cutting; take down only the trees that would interfere with construction. The remaining trees can help cool the house in the summer and act as a windbreak in the winter. This also helps with your view as well as the general ambience of your lot.

Use sunlight and shade to cool house

The use of sunlight and shade for heating and cooling is as old as mankind, but there are designs and materials specifically designed to keep the house nearly airtight. With less outside air infiltrating the home, the indoor climate is much easier to control. Airtight houses are critical to energy efficiency, but an unwelcome result is indoor air quality that can be as much as five times more polluted than the air outdoors. Green builders often use some kind of fresh-air ventilation to exhaust the stale indoor air to the outside, bring in fresh air and conserve energy.

LED vs. incadescent

LED lights use a fraction of the energy of regular incandescent bulbs; they last longer and use less power. In addition, they really aren't that much more expensive. Electric lighting burns up to 25% of the average home energy budget. The electricity used over the lifetime of a single incandescent bulb costs 5 to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself.

Energy efficient appliances

Because higher insulation standards and Energy-Star-compliant appliances have evolved over the last few decades, energy efficiency is often the first place to start when going green. Not only are the appliances efficient, but they also save money every single month. Energy Star appliances are certified to meet strict guidelines about how much electricity they require to operate.

Low-flow fixtures

Reducing a home's water consumption through low-flow fixtures. It's true that the earliest low-flow plumbing fixtures caused problems for some homeowners, but today's versions are as good - if not better - than the old ones. One technology is the incorporation of air into the process; the result is a low-flow shower that feels just as strong as the one using much more water. With good water pressure you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.

Sustainable products for design and construction

Emphasizing material conservation and waste reduction while using sustainable products in design and construction. Engineers in the building-materials business have designed all kinds of products to save lumber by using optimal value engineered (OVE) joists and beams that require minimal trimming and boring for mechanical runs. Green builders can go as far as recycling job-site waste and using it for mulch in the newly planted yard.

Green homes don't have to look weird

You don't have to build a weird looking yurt or geodesic dome or mount huge rows of solar panels to be green. The fact is that many of today's green homes are virtually indistinguishable from "typical" homes. And if you do want to go with solar power, there are many ways to integrate solar panels that are both attractive and effective. The nice thing about green solutions is that they save money in the long run.

Finding a green builder

There is often a tendency to separate builders into two groups: the good guys (who build only green) and the bad guys (who don't build green at all). Just about any builder in the area is doing something for green building because it just makes sense. Ask before you employ. If you tell your contractor that building green is important, I'm sure they can accommodate your wishes.

Geothermal heat systems

Geothermal systems are able to transfer heat to and from the ground with minimal use of electricity. Geothermal heat systems use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium instead of the outside air temperature. This allows the system to reach fairly high efficiencies (300%-600%) on the coldest of winter nights, compared to 175%-250% for air-source heat pumps on cool days. When comparing a geothermal system to an ordinary system, a homeowner can save anywhere from 30% to 70% annually on utilities.

Building green improves design and construction practices

Building green means improving design and construction practices so the buildings we renovate and build today will last longer, cost less to operate, and won't harm the health of the workforce or inhabitants. Building green is good for everyone - workers, businesses, and communities, along with the planet. As far as what's new in green building, there's a lot, and more products are being created every day. A short Internet search will reap literally thousands of answers to any questions you could have about going green.

Finding green building materials

Go to any home improvement store, and you'll find aisles upon aisles reserved for green building materials. Some of these green building supplies are legitimate and others could be considered questionable. It might want to investigate the origin, harvesting methods, and production of green materials you're interested in before purchasing.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a grass, not a wood. It renews itself every 3 to 5 years. Inexpensive bamboo is generally younger and not very durable, so ask for premium bamboo, made from adhesives that do not contain formaldehyde. Bamboo can be nailed, glued, stapled or floated, and comes in horizontal or vertical patterns. Also, do not install in areas that can get wet.

Build walls with reclaimed or salvaged wood

Reclaimed or salvaged lumber can be used to build walls, as support beams or in roof construction. Many green companies specialize in obtaining building materials from older homes that are about to be torn down or dismantled. Instead of filling up landfills, previously used lumber is put back into new construction. Home owners can buy hand-hewn wood beams or rough sawn lumber such as oak, cherry, maple or pine, many of which are aged to a density and hardness that you cannot find in new lumber.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Sunlight comes through windows in a visible and invisible spectrum. In the invisible spectrum is where infrared and ultraviolet exist, which fade furniture and floors. Low-e is a hard glaze coating on windows that block some of the damaging rays, while reducing heat loss in the winter and keeping homes cooler in the summer. Dual pane windows offer insulation against the elements and soundproofing qualities. Inefficient windows cost Americans over $40 billion dollars each year in higher utilities costs.

Zero- and low-volatile organic compound paints

When the dust has settled and the carpenters have left, you'll want to brighten things up with a layer of paint. But paints can release gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You can now find zero- and low-volatile organic compound paints just about anywhere paint is sold, and even better, the cost is comparable to conventional latex paints.

Reduce energy bills with concrete

When designing today's home, smart builders are able to realize considerable savings by using concrete - its natural energy efficiency can justify smaller heating and air conditioning systems. This results in a comfortable home with similarly smaller heating and air conditioning bills. Keeps you comfortable year-round all while reducing your utility bills.

High Mass Radiant Heating to reduce heating bills

High Mass Radiant Heating is an exciting new option if you are building a new home or business. Potentially it can reduce your heating bills by 75-90%. Which is an absolutely jaw-dropping percentage. They say this method maintains a temperature of 55 degrees or above throughout the winter and can provide a 100% fossil-fuel free heating environment.

Save money by building the right size house

The single most important thing you can do when building your green home is to size the building appropriately. The size of an average American home has more than doubled since the 1950s. Evaluate whether you will really need that much space. Not only will you save money on materials by downsizing, it may allow you to afford some extra insulation or solar panels which will also add to the cost savings in your energy bills down the road.

Use dual-flush toilets

Up to 40% of the water used in your home goes right down the toilet. Dual-flush toilets let you decide whether you need a small flush or a big one. This simple choice can save as much as 6,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four. They do cost a little more, but will earn their worth back in no time. Low-flow shower and sink fixtures will save additional water and money, too.

Buy locally

This saves massive amounts of gas used to transport materials and it mean you're supporting people and places that live where you live. Local contractors and builders live near you and are accountable to you and the community for their environmental practices.

Build close to where you work

Think carefully about where you're going to build. Is it close to where you work, shop, or play? You may pay more for a lot close to town, but you'll save in gas and time. The average American spends over 100 hours each year commuting.

Insulation as an energy saver

Great insulation is the most cost-effective energy saver there is. Solar panels or geothermal systems won't help you much if it all the heating and/or cooling leaks out. Try to get your attic to R-50 and your walls to R-30. It may cost you more up front but it will pay for itself within 5 years. Install weather stripping around exterior doors and use expanding foam to seal gaps around the outside of your home. Proper insulation can save the average home $245 per year.

Landscape with native plants as much as possible

When planning your landscaping projects, try to impact the surrounding landscape as little as possible. Use only plants that are adapted to the climate and zone that we live in. It means a greater survival rate for your flowers or greenery as well as less of your time needed to try to help them adjust. It saves water, saves time, and saves money.

Solar panels

If you decide to go with solar panels, leave out the batteries. By staying connected to the grid, any time you produce more electricity than you use, it gets sent back to the grid for someone else to use - and your meter runs backwards. So in essence, you're helping supply green energy to your neighbors as well as saving money on your electric bills. Besides batteries (which are not so good for the environment) can only store so much before the energy is wasted.

Consider a metal roof

They are long lasting, often made with highly recycled materials, and don't give off toxic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). In comparison, asphalt shingles are short-lived, made of oil, rarely recycled, and give off toxic VOCs. If you do end up with asphalt, make sure you go with 50-year shingles that include recycled content.

Don't side your home with vinyl

If you're going to be siding your home, avoid vinyl. It contains one of the most toxic substances on our planet - Dioxins. It is not biodegradable and less than 1% can be recycled.

Face your house south

By facing your new build to the south and putting most of your windows on the south side you can let the sun light up your home during the day and warm the house in winter. Planting trees on the south side and extending your roofline will block out the sun's rays in the heat of summer.

Rooftop windmills

Small and quiet, rooftop windmills put a new kind of spin on a clean, renewable energy source. Lower your electricity bills by 30%. The energy produced by a new windmill is pumped right into your house. Small windmills can be customized to fit onto any structure as long as it has an open 250-ft radius.

Cabinetry without formaldehyde

Go for cabinetry produced without the use of urea formaldehyde, which is used as a bonding agent in most particleboard. Urea formaldehyde continues to off-gas into the air even after it's dry. 32% of US lumber consumption goes to making cabinets and furniture, so choose sustainably-harvested wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Reuse bulding supplies

Reuse building supplies like antique bricks and cobblestones for driveways, walkways, floors, and walls. Products are reclaimed from buildings and streets throughout the United States. Add a little history and character to your home and the beauty and character of antique brick cannot be matched!

 

Energy conservation and alternatives

Microwaves use less energy than stoves

Be a speedy chef. Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.

Save water with dishwasher

Push a button to wash your dishes. Surprise! Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let dishes air-dry to save even more!

Keep the fridge full

Fill up the fridge. Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool.

Cold water to rinse clothes

Do your laundry efficiently by using the warm or cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes. (Save: 4 percent)

Line dry your clothes

Line dry clothes whenever you can. This will save up to 5% of energy use in your home!

Load up that dishwasher

Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle and air-dry dishes instead.

Turn it off

Eliminate wasted energy. You can save more money than you think by turning off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use.

Unplug to save energy

Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use-most new electronics use electricity even when switched "off." Turn computers and printers off at the power strip.

Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don't really need it. This will save you up to $150 per year!

Replace air filters

Dirty air filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit.

Plug those leaks

Plug your home's leaks. Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.

Whole house fan

Install a "whole house fan." A whole house fan is permanently installed in your attic and draws cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Use after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and in the early morning to cool your house and help reduce your air conditioning use.

Shade your home

Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home.

Solar control window film

Solar control window films applied to existing glass in windows and doors is an effective method to reduce peak demand during hot months and conserve energy anytime air conditioning might be required. In addition to the energy management benefits, the use of these films can also reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and reduce glare.

Energy Star air conditioner

Invest in a new air-conditioning unit. If your air conditioner is on the way out, buy an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner. You'll save up to 10% of your summer energy use!

Seal your ducts

Seal your ducts. Leaking ductwork accounts for 25 percent of cooling costs in an average home, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor.

Energy Star refigerator

Replace your refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR® model.  Refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer design can save you an additional 2-3% on your bill compared to a side-by-side design.

R-30 attic insulation

Increase attic insulation. If your existing insulation level is R-19 or less, consider insulating your attic to at least R-30.

Energy Star windows

Install ENERGY STAR® windows. If your windows are due for replacement, ENERGY STAR® windows can make your house more comfortable year-round.

Water heater blanket

Buy a water heater blanket and keep your water heater insulated. You'll save $40 per year.  Water heater insulation blankets are designed for gas, oil or electric heaters. A white vinyl backed fiberglass blanket includes adhesive tape for easy installation.

Flourescent bulbs can save $50

Replacing a single incandescent bulb with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulb (one of those "squiggly bulbs") can save up to $50 over the bulb's lifetime.  Did you know that if every U.S. home swapped out just ONE incandescent bulb for a compact fluorescent "squiggly bulb", the energy saved would be enough to power 2.5 MILLION homes!?!

Close drapes to retain heat

Up to 16% of your homes heated or cooled air can escape through unprotected windows. Close your drapes at night or install insulating shutters to retain heat, close them at night to retain cool.

Front-loader washing machines use 25% less energy

When choosing your next washing machine, pick one with a front-loader. Front-loader models use 25% less energy than a standard model.

Switch to warm/cold cycle to save money

Simply switching from a hot/warm cycle to a warm/cold cycle when washing laundry can save you 10 cents a load. That adds up when you think about how many loads of laundry you do a year!

Use fans wisely

Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely; in just 1 hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done the job.

Fireplace damper

Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a 48-inch window wide open. It allows heated or cooled air to go right up the chimney.

Thermostat settings

Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

Interior fan and air conditioner working together

Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.

Keep appliances away from thermostat

Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

Attic vents to ensure proper airflow

Ventilation plays a large role in providing moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills. Attic vents can be installed along the entire ceiling cavity to help ensure proper airflow from the soffit to the attic, helping to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Remove sediment from water tank

Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to remove the sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. The type of water tank you have determines the steps to take, so follow the manufacturer's advice.

Take more showers than baths

Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household. You use 15 to 25 gallons of hot water for a bath, but less than 10 gallons during a 5-minute shower.

Use trees to warm and cool your house

Trees that lose their leaves in the fall are the most effective at reducing heating and cooling energy costs. When selectively placed around a house, they provide excellent protection from the summer sun but permit winter sunlight to reach and warm your house.

Use task lighting

Iinstead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops under cabinets.

Energy efficient night lights

Consider using 4-watt mini-fluorescent or electro-luminescent night lights. Both lights are much more efficient than their incandescent counterparts, and the luminescent lights are cool to the touch.

Curtains that take advantage of daylight

Take advantage of daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room while preserving privacy. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.

Compact flourescent lightbulbs for exterior lighting

Exterior lighting is one of the best places to use compact fluorescent lightbulbs because of their long life. Because we live in a cold climate, be sure to buy a lamp with a cold-weather ballast.

Dishwashers with internal heating elements

Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer's recommendations on water temperature; many have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater to a lower temperature.

Don't allow frost to buildup in refrigerator

Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers. Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running. Don't allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.