Living in an eco-friendly, energy-efficient home is not only good for the environment, but also for our pocketbook.
“Green” homes can save us money in the long-run, as well as saving natural resources for our planet.
While the best way to have a green home is to buy one that was built that way, there are lots of things you can do to make your existing home more eco-friendly — and save you some green at the same time!
What constitutes a green home? In general, it’s a home that uses less energy, less natural resources and fewer toxic chemicals. It may have been constructed with environmentally sensitive and sustainable building materials, include eco-friendly furnishings, promote healthy indoor-air quality, and feature water and energy efficiency.
So if you want to “regreen” your existing home, where do you begin? Here are 10 things you can do right now:
1. Start with an “energy audit”
Have an energy audit done by the local utility company or some independent energy consultants. You can also visit Home Energy Saver, a Web-based energy audit site, at hes.lbl.gov. Audits can help pinpoint problem areas and measure energy savings after you improve your home’s efficiency.
2. Put a damper on things
An open damper in a fireplace can increase energy costs by 30 percent, and attic doors and dryer vent ducts are notorious energy thieves. Install fireplace draft stoppers, attic door covers, and dryer vent seats that only open when your dryer is in use.
3. Become a draft dodger
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that sealing off drafts can reduce energy usage 5 to 30 percent. Keep doors and windows airtight by weather-stripping or caulking the cracks. Don’t forget to insulate the attic, basement and crawl space, since 20 percent of energy costs come from heat loss in those areas.
4. programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat costs less than $50, is easy to install, and will pay for itself in one year through energy savings. By maintaining more constant heating and cooling levels, and automatically turning down the heat at night, the average family could save $150 a year.
5. Paint with healthier paints
Conventional paints contain solvents, toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOC) that can cause smog, ozone pollution and indoor air quality problems. These unhealthy ingredients are released into the air while you’re painting, while the paint dries and even after the paints are completely dry. Opt instead for zero- or low-VOC paint.
6. Fix those leaky faucets
One faulty faucet can waste three gallons of water per day. Sometimes a leak is just a matter of a quick tightening with pliers or a pipe wrench. Other times a leak may be more complicated. In those cases it is worth calling a plumber. Not only will you see lower water bills over time, you decrease the risk of mold, a serious threat both to home value and indoor air quality.
7. showerheads and toilets
More than 30 percent of indoor residential water comes from toilets. New, low-flow models now use less than a gallon of water per flush vs. five gallons on older models. A low-flow showerhead can slash bathing-water consumption 50 to 70 percent.
8. energy-efficient light
Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) use 66 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 32-watt CFL can save $30 over the life of the bulb.
9. Buy Energy Star Appliances
The blue-and-white Energy Star label assures you that an appliance is at least 10 to 50 percent more efficient than standard models, depending on the type of product. A home fully equipped with Energy Star products will use about 30 percent less energy than a typical house, saving $600 a year.
10. Don’t forget your yard
Evergreen trees on the north and west sides of your house can block winter winds, and leafy trees on the south and west side provide shade from the summer sun. Use light paint for your home’s exterior. Lighter colors reflect heat better than darker ones.
Bob Bronswick is president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Sacramento/Tahoe.
