Compliments of Kevin Hauber, The Mortgage House in SLO - 16 WAYS TO GREEN YOUR HOME
Lower Your Utility Bills 1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be a huge energy saver. Replace some (or all) of your incandes- cent bulbs with fluorescents and enjoy reductions in heat production, energy use, and electric bills! Savings: Changing five of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year on electric bills! 2. Program Your Thermostat When you are at home, keep the thermostat at 78F or higher in the summer and 62F or lower in the winter. Programmable thermostats allow you to program the systems to reduce output when they are not needed (e.g., when no one is home during the day, or in the evening when everyone is sleeping). Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more! 3. Plug Air Leaks This simple step can go a long way toward keep- ing your home at the temperature you desire, saving money on heating and air conditioning bills and more. Common leaks occur around windows, doors, and other wall penetrations. Plugging those leaks with weather stripping and caulk can be a simple task for anyone! Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more! 4. Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System Have a checkup for your HVAC system every 2 years to make sure it is running efficiently. Be sure to clean the filter monthly during times of peak usage; a dirty filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC. Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more! 5. Choose ENERGY STAR ® Appliances ENERGY STAR ® qualified products meet a high level of energy efficiency, which can translate into savings on electric bills. When considering the price of a new appliance, take into account not only the purchase price, but also the long-term savings associated with an energy-efficient appliance. Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $50 per appli- ance per year or more! 6. Reduce Water Use • Indoor: Use less water by adding aerators (avail- able for a few dollars at your local home supply store) to your sink faucets and changing to low- flow showerheads. • Outdoor: Incorporate native plants in your land- scape plan and minimize high-maintenance landscaping such as turf grass to conserve water, while still maintaining a beautiful lawn.Savings: Reduce your water bill by as much as $100 per year! 7. Switch to Green Power Green Power is an optional utility service for custom- ers wcl ienh thelp expn ang the produptian anm-ablr energtechnologiells. with g
own VOC-free cleaning products using simple household materials like baking soda, vinegar and borax.
10. Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certified Wood Products The type of flooring and cabinetry materials you use can have a positive effect on your health and pocket- book while reducing your environmental impacts. • Consider using environmentally preferable and rapidly renewable products such as linoleum, bamboo, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet. • Choose wood products from sustainably man- aged forests, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). • Use locally sourced products when possible to reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of those products.
11. Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials Now there are affordable, durable, and rich-looking flooring options made from grasses and trees that ma- ture in roughly half of the time (or less!) than it takes hardwoods to reach market size. Bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus flooring products are a sustainable alterna- tive to traditional hardwoods.
Green Your Yard 12. Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection for Your House This simple step can help you save money on heat- ing and air conditioning bills while providing beautiful views around your home.
13. Use Native Plantings Native plants have been growing and evolving in your area for thousands of years and, as a result, have adapted to the local soils and climate. As a result they are more likely to thrive with minimal care, unlike exot- ic plants. That can mean less need for water, fertilizer and pesticides. Additional info on green landscaping techniques can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/re- g3esd1/garden/.
14. Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their families, and pets at increased health risk. Nearly half of all households have pesticides stored within reach of children. About 230,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries relating to various lawn and garden tools. Our clean air and drinking water are affected by pesticides and garden equipment emis- sions.
Green Your Transportation 15. Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike When Possible Environmental responsibility does not begin and end at your doorstep; green transportation means can greatly reduce your energy expenditures and carbon emissions from your daily routine.
16. Buy a High-efficiency Car. See the U.S. Department of Energy's list of most fuel efficient cars at
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/best- worst.shtml.
About the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED ® for Homes The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. With the help of a cadre of national experts and experienced green homebuilders, USGBC has developed LEED for Homes as a voluntary initiative to promote the transformation of the mainstream home build- ing industry towards more sustainable practices. It provides a much-needed nationally ap- plicable tool for homebuilders and other professionals in the residential industry for building environmentally sound, healthy, and resource-efficient places to live. For more information about LEED for Homes, visit the USGBC Web site at www.usgbc.org./leed/homes.e House in SLO. Reprinted with permission...
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