5 things to know when Remodeling or building GREEN
Going green can be expensive. Its important not to get carried away and just start buying things you see on tv or online before researching your home. When remodeling, the main thing is to have your house diagnosed and see how it fares on the Home Energy Rating System. Here is a list of local providers.
There are five essential things to keep in mind:
1. Aim for a tight thermal envelope. Getting the outside tight so there is no leakage of conditioned air.
2. Thinking solar doesn’t just involve solar panels. Pay attention to where the sun streams into your house. Controlling the amount of light coming in can drastically affect your heating or cooling bills.
3. Consider your home’s circulatory system. Evaluate the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems and make sure they are running at peak efficiency.
4. Factor in fluids. If it’s time to upgrade your washing machine, consider water-saving and energy-efficient front loaders. For the yard, think about sprinkler systems that automatically respond to weather conditions.
5. Power-up. Always consider Energy Star appliances, compact fluorescent lightbulbs and flooring and paints with low-volatility organic compounds. They’re less toxic and may leave you breathing easier.
