Ethical Global Business Resources

Are you interested in making your house more electricity efficient and green? With rising energy costs and sky high utility statements, most of us are looking for ways to cut costs and save some cash. You can start right at house, by making a few simple changes to make your house energy efficient and more eco friendly.

But beyond energy efficiency, there are several other vital factors that go into the design of a green home. For example, water management, indoor air quality, and the use of safer constructing materials can all contribute to a more eco-friendly residence. This applies to new building, as well as renovating and greening an older house for improvement and sale. Here’s a listing of some of the factors to consider when remodeling your house, or purchasing a green residence.

Correct Ventilation – The house 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 home more comfortable and electricity efficient. Ventilation systems ought to be wrapped and sealed to stop air loss.

Air Quality – To make the residence healthier, safe constructing materials should be used to limit introduction of noxious and dangerous vapors. For example, use zero-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and put in 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 appropriate.

Water Efficiency – Think about installing dual-flush toilets, low- flow wash heads, and a tankless water heater, or at a minimum; a more electricity efficient Energy Star rated model.

Insulation – One of the top options a consumer can make is to install additional insulation. Use formaldehyde-free insulation. Additionally, install a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof, where appropriate.

Roofing – Think about 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 increase efficiency.

Lighting – Install electricity efficient fixtures. Compact fluorescent light bulbs ought to be used 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 appropriate.

Thermostat Timers – Install a programmable thermostat and hot water furnace timer.

Outside – Consider installing low upkeep materials that make sense for your climate and area, 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 activities, such as reducing the size of the lawn. Consider the correct position of trees to help shade the residence and reduce cooling costs. Use 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 think about reclaiming water.

You may see that from top to bottom, you may look at your whole residence 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 house. By making at least a few simple changes to enhance energy efficiency, in no time you will see the optimistic results in your utility statements. Plus, you have the additional benefit of knowing that you are doing more for the natural environment at the same time, and that always feels nice.