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| Eco Friendly Home Tips |
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So, you want to do your part to save the environment? "Going Green" is all the rage these days, and for good reason. When it comes to your house, there are myriad different approaches that you could take to make it greener. And by making it greener, you aren't just saving the environment, you're saving your family's health as well! By making some simple adjustments, you can lower utility bills, save water, improve indoor air quality and save the ozone layer. From your friends here at Renew, Colorado's Remodeling Magazine, and Coldwell Banker, we hope these tips will help get you on your way to living a greener life. Save EnergyInsulate your hot and cold water pipes
-Saves energy and water, reduces water heating costs
Install On-Demand hot water circulation pumps, or tankless water heaters
-Delivers hot water faster, saving energy
Replace old bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
-A low-cost option that lowers energy bills
Install lighting controls (dimmers)
-Reduces energy bills
Install high efficiency ceiling fans
-Reduces the need for air conditioning
Install an Energy Star® dishwasher and refrigerator
-Reduces water and energy use
Upgrade your wall and ceiling insulation to exceed Title 24 requirements
-Lowers utility bills and improves warmth, cooling
Install floor insulation under crawl space
-Lowers utility bills and increases comfort
Choose windows with low SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) ratings
-Increses energy efficiency, provides greater comfort
Install a whole-house fan
-Reduces electricity by eliminating need for air conditioning
Plant deciduous shade trees on the west and south sides
-Reduces heat gain in the summer, making your home more comfortable
Add overhangs or awnings over your south facing windows
-Reduces heat gain, making your home more comfortable in the summer
Install a solar attic fan or install attic vents
Increases comfort and reduces air conditioning use
Install a water heater jacket
-Reduces heat loss by 10% on old heaters
Save Your HealthFor exterior projects, use treated wood that doesn't contain chromium or arsenic
-Reduces human contact with harsh chemicals
Add chlorine filters to showerheads
-Reduces chlorine absorbed by the skin
Install water-filtration units on faucets
-Reduces contaminants in water
Install a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
-Reduces microparticulates from the air
Install a separate exhaust fan in your garage
-Creates healthier indoor environments
Have a fireplace insert placed into your old fireplace
-Reduces drafts, decreases heat loss from the house, improves indoor air quality
Use Low/No VOC paint, wood finishes and adhesives
-Improves indoor air quality, reduces smog and is healthier for installers and occupants
Install whole house vacuum system
-Expels dust from inside the house, improving indoor air quality
For flooring projects, use natural linoleum instead of vinyl
-Reduces exposure to toxins, is durable and healthier for occupants and installers
Save WaterInstall low-flow heads on faucets, showers
-A low-cost option that saves water
Upgrade your toilets to add ultra-low-flush components
-Saves water
Get a washing machine with water and energy conservation features
-Uses less water than conventional top-loading washers
When landscaping, try to protect the native soil
-Helps to conserve irrigation water, also reduces storm runoff and lowers the need for fertilizer and pesticide while improving water quality
Provide for on-site water catchment/retention in your yard
-Reduces the need for treated, potable water for lawns and gardens
Save the EarthUse existing bushes and trees when adding on or making exterior modifications
-Prevents soil erosion and eliminates risk of noxious weeds/plants
Use sustainable materials for decks and landscaping
-These contain recycled content materials, are more durable and reduce demand for old-growth timbers
Install a kitchen recycling center (a modified kitchen cabinet will do)
-Makes it easy and convenient to recycle
Upgrade insulation with cellulose or low-impact insulation materials
-Uses recyclable/recycled content materials, contains no formaldehyde and reduces air infiltration
Install air conditioning units with non-HCFC refrigerants
-Reduces depletion of the ozone layer
Use rapidly renewable flooring materials
-Reduces demand for old-growth hardwood
Use recycled-content kitchen and bathroom tiles
-Easy to maintain
Install recycled-content carpet
-Reduces need for virgin fibers
Use fiber-cement siding materials
-Fiber-cement siding materials last longer, are fire resistant and reduce maintenance costs
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