 |
Ten Ways That your New Dream Home Can be Greener
Author: Calum MacKenzie  | Posted: 20-11-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 23 | Rating: (58)  (?) 
Are you building your dream home? If your dream of the future includes a brand new home, you are in a position to make your dream house one that is good to the environment. Here are ten choices that can make your new construction home a lean green machine.
- Select a site that is handy to public transportation or otherwise reduces your dependence on automobile travel.
If you’re like most people, your biggest contribution to pollution and energy use is driving. When you choose a home site that reduces your need to use an automobile, you’ll be reducing the amount of carbon based fuel that you use as well as reducing the amount of air pollution that you personally contribute. Many of the newest subdivisions and communities are designed to put everything that you need within walking distance of your front door.
- Choose a design that makes use of natural features and lighting to reduce energy use.
The design plan of your home can make use of passive solar design to make the most of natural light and shade to reduce the amount of energy you use to heat and cool your home. A southern facing roof, for instance, is ideal for installing solar water heating panels. Shade trees on the east and west sides of your house can keep the entire house cooler without the need for air conditioning.
- Pick energy efficient windows and doors.
If you’re going to splurge somewhere, splurge on the most energy efficient doors and windows you can find. Low-e glass can make it possible to have those gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows you want in the study without completely destroying your energy profile. Energy efficient doors and windows provide the seal that you need to keep your inside air in and outside air out. They’ll cut down on heat transfer between the indoors and out. Break resistant glass in your windows will increase the ability of your dream home to resist hurricane force winds (which, btw, will lower your insurance costs).
- Use high efficiency lighting systems.
Lighting is about more than light bulbs and fixtures. When you choose your lighting systems, consider using programmable timers to turn lights on and off using a sensor, dimmable lighting controls and task lighting areas that will reduce the amount of overhead light that you need. Outdoors, use motion sensors for landscape lighting rather than lights that stay on all night long. You’ll see the overall result in lower utility bills and less light pollution.
- Use a properly sized heating/cooling system – and be sure that it’s Energy Star compliant.
Over and undersized heating and cooling systems waste energy. Choose the right size system for your home.
- Use sustainable building materials for floors, countertops, cabinets and other surfaces in your home.
Bamboo floors are all the rage in the building trade right now, but bamboo is not the only sustainable, green material out there. You may actually be more green using local wood than importing bamboo from the other side of the world. Consider concrete, which is surprisingly versatile and stylish in the right hands, and is extremely green.
- Install plumbing that conserves and reuses water.
Choose plumbing fixtures that reduce water use without compromising water pressure. These are some of the least expensive choices you can make – aerators in all of your faucets, low flow shower heads, low water use toilet tanks. A new and increasingly popular option is a plumbing system that harvests rain water and reuses “gray water” – water that has been used for washing up, laundry and dishwashing, for instance. Gray water can be used for any purpose that doesn’t require potable water – your washing machine, flush toilets, showers, etc. By reusing water, you cut down on the amount of water going through the municipal wastewater treatment and reduce your need for fresh water.
- Choose low maintenance landscaping options.
Drought resistant grass and native plants can virtually eliminate your need for an irrigation system because they rely on Mother Nature for their water needs. But there are other options that can make your landscape an active part of your greener strategies. Including a roofed porch or patio adds shade to your property and reduces your energy use by providing an outdoor space to escape the heat. If you choose a pool or spa, look for features like an integral cover to prevent evaporation, timers that turn filters off and on and filtration systems that reduce the need for harmful chemicals like chlorine.
- Choose low VOC materials and supplies for floors, finishes, carpets, cabinets and paints.
Volatile organic compounds are gasses that are given off constantly by many of the materials and finishes used in building homes. VOCs can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, skin irritation and other health problems. They’re also damaging to the environment because they contribute to smog. Look for paints, adhesives and other supplies that are labeled low VOC. Opt for light colors when you paint (light colors are usually lower VOC than darker pigments), and avoid carpet and vinyl flooring. Low VOC products are usually comparable price-wise to their conventional counterparts.
- Select appliances and mechanical systems that are in the top 20% of their category in the DOE Energy Guide labels.
The Department of Energy labels appliances and mechanical systems for your home with an energy rating. Choose appliances that meet or exceed the standards for Energy Star compliance whenever possible. Consider a tankless hot water heater instead of the standard hot water tank heater, and pick Energy Star compliant appliances for your kitchen, laundry and heating/cooling systems.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/ten-ways-that-your-new-dream-home-can-be-greener-263804.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Home Improvement Articles
Tips For The Right Window Drapes
By: Chris Jensen | 24/07/2008
Window drapes are called by many names and are one the items in a living space that are stylish yet functional. So, how can window drapes add that extra tough to your home?
Using Silk Drapes to Decorate Your Room
By: Chris Jensen | 24/07/2008
Hanging silk drapes in your home can give a classy and regal look to the rooms.
The Guide to Deep Carpet Cleaning
By: Seomul Evans | 24/07/2008
Maintenance of a carpet takes time and loads of effort and is not so easy to keep your carpet in the same tip-top condition. A majority of the people uses the vacuum cleaner for the cleaning carpets however this is not sufficient enough as carpets need deep cleaning. People are...
How to Effectively Deep Clean Carpets
By: Seomul Evans | 24/07/2008
To buy a carpet may be easy but the real job begins when we need to maintain it, which in a way is quite though. Loads of Time and efforts are necessary to maintain the good condition of the carpet. Over time, carpets collect dust as also germs and so...
Everything About Effectively Cleaning Air Ducts
By: Seomul Evans | 24/07/2008
Is the air in your residence dirt free? at what time we are at home a majority of the people are hesitant on the subject of how dirt free the air inside their house is. The air has many contaminants that we breathe and that are a fact. The air...
Water Removal After a Home Flood
By: Abe S. | 24/07/2008
Having a home flood is never a fun experience, especially if the flood damage is extensive. A flood in the basement or first level of your home can be devastating to your life - it can cause cracks in the foundation of your home, cause mold to form, and...
Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning
By: Abe S. | 24/07/2008
Keeping your home clean and well maintained is essential in feeling good about yourself, your life, and where you live. Remember, your home is an extension of yourself, and keeping every part of it clean and attractive is essential, even down to the carpets. While it is possible to keep...
An Introduction to Portable Table Saws
By: JT Miller | 24/07/2008
Bench top table saws are portable saws which are ideal for beginner woodworkers but still have some drawbacks.
More from Calum MacKenzie
Salt and Chlorine Pools: Which is Best?
By: Calum MacKenzie | 22/07/2008 | DIY
For those of us who don’t enjoy swimming in chlorinated water, it’s good to know that there’s an alternative available. Salt water swimming pools are increasingly popular, but how safe are they? Salt or chlorine—which does a better job at keeping your pool clean?
Choosing the Right Pool Heater for the Job
By: Calum MacKenzie | 17/07/2008 | Remodeling
Which heating system is best for your swimming pool? In most cases you’ll be able to choose between electric, gas, and solar heating systems, but the best system for your situation will vary depending on where you live and what your specific needs are. So which is best? The answer to that question depends on a fairly long list of factors, including your budget, location, the size of your pool, and how and when you normally use it: check out the full article to find out more.
Understanding Florida Real Estate Taxes With Florida’s Amendment 1
By: Calum MacKenzie | 30/06/2008 | Real Estate
Trying to determine your Florida real estate taxes is like trying to determine if you qualify for an IRS tax break, near impossible. If you're trying to understand Florida property taxes this article explains everything you want to know, but were afraid to ask, including information on Florida's New Amendment 1 passed by voters on January 9, 2008.
Get Ready for Florida Hurricane Season
By: Calum MacKenzie | 29/05/2008 | DIY
With the Florida hurricane season almost upon us, it’s important to make sure you’re ready. A family disaster plan and a disaster supply kit are two important actions you can take to make sure you’re not caught out if a hurricane cuts off your electricity, isolates you in your home, or forces you to evacuate.
Florida Home Inspections: Common Issues
By: Calum MacKenzie | 20/05/2008 | Real Estate
The warm, moist Florida climate means that we often have our own special set of common issues that crop up during home inspections. Why is it important to learn about these? It not only gives you some forewarning when you’re buying a new home, but it also means you’ll know where to concentrate your maintenance efforts on the home that you buy.
Florida Property Insurance Changes Will Affect Most Homeowners
By: Calum MacKenzie | 16/04/2008 | Insurance
The last week of March saw the Florida Senate approve some changes to property insurance that might end up increasing property insurance rates by around 3%.
The Emergence of Spring Brings Termite Trouble
By: Calum MacKenzie | 03/03/2008 | Real Estate
What does the month of March mean to you? For most people it means Easter, or the promise of nice weather. For anyone who has suffered a termite infestation, they know that between the months of March and May, termites begin to congregate and search for homes to start new colonies.
The Science of Buying Bath Towels
By: Calum MacKenzie | 03/03/2008 | Interior Design
There is nothing more luxurious after a relaxing bath or a hot shower than to wrap yourself in a large, plush bath towel. Not a cheapie version, but a soft, velvety towel with some weight to it. Buying really nice towels is a bit of science.
|
|
Home Improvement 
