There are numerous options to consider when tinkering with the layout of your home in order to make it greener. Here are a few possible green adjustments to consider as you’re building or remodeling your home.
Green Roofing – Green roofing replaces the shingles on your roof with soil and plants. This type of roof is only viable on smaller, single-family homes, but it provides superior installation, absorbs harmful CO2 chemicals and creates oxygen.
Solar Heating Systems – Solar thermal collectors can be mounted on the roof or on a ground rack, and can both pre-heat domestic hot water and circulate hot water to in-floor radiant heating systems. Each room can be an individually controlled “zone,” and many systems are controlled by smart thermostats or even via the internet. Solar hot air systems are available for existing homes that were not oriented to take advantage of passive solar heating through Low-E windows.
Daylighting – This is a low tech method of strategically placing windows, skylights, and light tubes throughout your home so that you can maximize the amount of natural light, and minimize the amount of artificial light in your home.
Low E-Windows – Low E-Windows are appropriate for any climate. They are coated with layers of microscopic metallic oxide that provide excellent insulation. The outer panels of the window prevent heat from entering the home in warmer climates, and the inner panels trap heat in the home if you live in a colder climate.
Compact Fluorescent and LED light bulbs – These light bulbs last up to ten times longer, use 85% less energy, and generate 90% less heat than standard light bulbs. The only downside to these bulbs is that they contain small traces of mercury in them, so they could be dangerous if broken and there are young children in the house. Additionally, there may be long-term disposal issues with CFLs. These same issues also exist for traditional flourescent lights, which are also extremely efficient. The new LED bulbs are about as efficient as CFLs, with none of the mercury hazards, but are more expensive.
Patrick Merryman is a writer for the Total Mortgage Blog and the Total Guide.
