As the dominant species on this planet, human beings owe a duty of care to future generations to preserve and protect our environment to the best of our ability. We understand that it's tough to make time to save the environment when we hold full time jobs, raise families, and attempt to maintain some sort of a social life. However, it is very possible to live a green life without major sacrifice, and even much benefit, according to PlanetSave.
Through green home buying and renovations, anyone can transform their home into an energy-efficient, money-saving machine. The green home was designed to minimize environmental footprints, while still preserving a comfortable and healthy indoor living environment.
With all of the variables considered, it’s initially more energy efficient to purchase an existing home. This is the case because it preserves natural resources that would be needed to build a new home. In addition, you would avoid disturbing the preexisting neighborhood with construction. On the flip side, building a new, energy-efficient home would allow you to focus on specific green features that would fit your lifestyle. While a green home often costs more money up front, the money that you’ll save over time in utilities will be substantial. With both your wallet and the environment benefiting from owning a green home, there are still decisions that need to be made, in order to make sure that a green home is the right home for you.
Size
Traditionally, Americans have believed that “bigger is better.” Recently, we have started to reexamine this belief. Take a step back and consider how the layout of your home fits your needs. Do you really need all of that open, unused space? A well-designed, smaller home will help you to save money by cutting down on your utility bills, as well as save energy that would otherwise be going to waste.
Location
Your lifestyle, finances, and job will have a significant impact on where you decide to live. If you live for the social scene, quick and easy access to restaurants, shops, sporting events, may cause you to choose a city rather than a rural area. This will help to prevent the excess use of your automobile, and its emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition to your lifestyle, you will also want to research the state of the housing market in the area where you are looking to live. This can help to give you an idea of the current costs, and future worth of your house.
Home Site & Landscaping
If you’re planning on building a new home, the exact site and orientation are very important. You might choose to orient thermally efficient windows to the south for maximum solar gain in the winter, with overhangs to keep out the summer sun. Or, you may opt to retain the surrounding trees and vegetation so as to minimize the impact you have on the surrounding environment. Keeping trees, especially those to the south and west of the home, will help to provide natural shade on hot summer days. You may also want to consider looking into site irrigation to help preserve the water quality of your property. Rain gardens are useful for keeping your property healthy and recycling the use of water.
Conserving Water
It’s common sense that reducing the water flow in and out of your home will help save you money and ensure that there is enough water for other people and wildlife. You can do this by using Energy Star rated washers, and low-flow shower and faucet heads. High-efficiency, dual-flush toilets only use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, so they are another product to consider when building your green home.
Energy Efficiency
Homes that waste energy also waste money. Energy-efficient homes will be well insulated and nearly airtight. Energy Star–rated heat equipment, appliances, and light fixtures will help as well. Efficient gas and electric hot water heaters will curtail energy costs as well as the expulsion of greenhouse gases. Nationwide, energy use is responsible for over 20% of CO2 emissions, so while you’re saving money you will also be saving the environment.
Healthy Indoor Living
You always want to feel comfortable in your home. Moisture problems can be solved with foundation waterproofing, grading that slopes away from the house, and installing proper flashing around the windows and doors. A well ventilated home will keep the moisture levels below that which produces mold. Another tip to consider is to use carpeting selectively. Carpets trap dust, dander, and other pollutants that can be harmful to you and your family.
Source: Planetsave (http://s.tt/1hz4H)
With all of the variables considered, it's initially more energy efficient to purchase an existing home. This is the case because it preserves natural resources that would be needed to build a new home. In addition, you would avoid disturbing the preexisting neighborhood with construction. On the flip side, building a new, energy-efficient home would allow you to focus on specific green features that would fit your lifestyle. While a green home often costs more money up front, the money that you'll save over time in utilities will be substantial. With both your wallet and the environment benefiting from owning a green home, there are still decisions that need to be made, in order to make sure that a green home is the right home for you.
Size
Traditionally, Americans have believed that "bigger is better." Recently, we have started to reexamine this belief. Take a step back and consider how the layout of your home fits your needs. Do you really need all of that open, unused space? A well-designed, smaller home will help you to save money by cutting down on your utility bills, as well as save energy that would otherwise be going to waste.
Location
Your lifestyle, finances, and job will have a significant impact on where you decide to live. If you live for the social scene, quick and easy access to restaurants, shops, sporting events, may cause you to choose a city rather than a rural area. This will help to prevent the excess use of your automobile, and its emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition to your lifestyle, you will also want to research the state of the housing market in the area where you are looking to live. This can help to give you an idea of the current costs, and future worth of your house.
Home site and landscaping
If you're planning on building a new home, the exact site and orientation are very important. You might choose to orient thermally efficient windows to the south for maximum solar gain in the winter, with overhangs to keep out the summer sun. Or, you may opt to retain the surrounding trees and vegetation so as to minimize the impact you have on the surrounding environment. Keeping trees, especially those to the south and west of the home, will help to provide natural shade on hot summer days. You may also want to consider looking into site irrigation to help preserve the water quality of your property. Rain gardens are useful for keeping your property healthy and recycling the use of water.
Conserving water
It's common sense that reducing the water flow in and out of your home will help save you money and ensure that there is enough water for other people and wildlife. You can do this by using Energy Star rated washers, and low-flow shower and faucet heads. High-efficiency, dual-flush toilets only use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, so they are another product to consider when building your green home.
Energy efficiency
Homes that waste energy also waste money. Energy-efficient homes will be well insulated and nearly airtight. Energy Star–rated heat equipment, appliances, and light fixtures will help as well. Efficient gas and electric hot water heaters will curtail energy costs as well as the expulsion of greenhouse gases. Nationwide, energy use is responsible for over 20% of CO2 emissions, so while you're saving money you will also be saving the environment.
Healthy indoor living
You always want to feel comfortable in your home. Moisture problems can be solved with foundation waterproofing, grading that slopes away from the house, and installing proper flashing around the windows and doors. A well ventilated home will keep the moisture levels below that which produces mold. Another tip to consider is to use carpeting selectively. Carpets trap dust, dander, and other pollutants that can be harmful to you and your family.
Read more about indoor air quality and water-saving devices.
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