Are You...? - Home Buyer

The benefits of Green Building fall into three main categories:

Financial, Durability, and Health.

Financial:

Gas, electricity, and water rates are going up and up with no sign of relief. There are many ways to immediately reduce your house’s energy and water use:

Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) have an extra long life span and use a small fraction of electricity compared to normal bulbs.

“Low flow” toilets, showers, and faucets can save a large amount of water with little noticeable change to the homeowner. Adding a water barrel to the rain gutters will collect runoff and can be used to irrigate gardens and flowerbeds. Turning down the water heater temperature will reduce energy usage. Why heat water to a scalding level then mix it with cold water? Insulating the hot water pipes at least six feet out from the water heater will reduce heat loss.

Installing attic insulation can be quick and relatively inexpensive. The extra insulation will keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Energy Star appliances use less energy and water than comparable units. Energy Star appliances have met the high standards of energy efficiency set by the EPA and the Department of Energy.

Sealing air leaks in ductwork seams with mastic will increase the effectiveness of the heating and cooling system.

Insulated and draft-free doors and windows save energy.  Weather-stripping gaps will reduce energy loss. Windows with low-emissive (Low-e) coatings greatly reduce the transfer of outside temperatures to the inside.

Creating a “tight building envelope” keeps the house environment separate from the outside.  Controlled air exchange is healthy for the occupants and their wallets.

Durability

With the above mentioned “building envelope”, moisture is controlled. Unwanted moisture in walls and basements is a major contributor to a building’s degradation.

Quality products last longer. Our landfills are full of products that are built to be thrown away. Brick and stucco last much longer than wood or vinyl siding. Metal and slate roofing lasts longer than typical shingles and are recyclable.

Health

Mechanical ventilation from the outside, run through an air filter, controls the air quality when the home has a “tight building envelope.

Carpets and paint can release toxic fumes. Using carpet made from recycled and less toxic material can last longer and make a healthier home. Non-toxic paints are available and a long lasting alternative to your home.

Homes with built-in garages must be sealed off from each other. Besides the potential hole in the “building envelope”, car emissions, and gas and oil fumes are detrimental to one’s health.