Green House
Because of the many environmental concerns, threats, and considerations, many buyers and homeowners today have become more – and – more concerned with various factors, often referred to as a green real estate. There are many considerations, variations, and degrees of greening individuals are interested in. Some (however, a minority) are real environmentalists and want their homes to exhibit their concern and attention to this critical issue. Others merely want to proceed in a somewhat balanced manner and wish to include reasonable green characteristics. This article will be a basic one and discuss, in general terms, six considerations regarding making your home greener.
1. Windows and doors: Energy conservation is a primary environmental concern. We often speak about a business’s carbon footprint, but certain houses are far more energy-efficient than others. When were your windows replaced and upgraded, and are they efficient? Do they keep out most of the cold in the winter and minimize the heat that enters in the hottest weather? What materials are your windows and doors made of? Do your doors leak? Begin by having someone do an energy inspection and see if you are losing much heat because of inefficiencies. Doors can often be made more efficient by having them re-hung and putting an adequately installed sweep on the bottom of the door. How much money and energy are you wasting?
2. Solar, geothermal, etc.: Some houses are candidates for solar panels, while others are not! What direction does your roof face? Are there any large trees blocking your roof? How many hours a day of the sun does your roof experience? Have you had your home examined to discover whether you might be a good candidate for geothermal? This often requires combining and evaluating your property, pitch, location, and layout.
3. Energy-efficient burners/ boilers and air conditioners: When was the last energy efficiency evaluation you performed? How old is your burner/ boiler, and is it efficient? What type of air conditioning do you use, and what is the Energy Efficiency Rating?
4. Roof: Light-colored roofs reflect heat, while darker ones absorb it. Therefore, doesn’t it make sense that warmer climates should use lighter ones and colder ones have darker ones? What is the material being used? Is it efficient, effective, and safe? How old is the roof?
5. Insulation: What is your insulation rating, and how well insulated is the house? Have the walls (especially outside ones) checked for efficiency? Older homes tend not to have updated insulation or may contain less than the safest materials. An ounce of prevention makes lots of sense!
6. Materials: Using safe, sustainable materials in your house? This is generally more relevant in newer houses or extensions, but if you are concerned with the environment, consider your home’s sustainability, safety, and impacts!
There are numerous environmental considerations. Whether you are genuinely committed to the environment or merely want to be responsible and save money (and be safer), it makes sense to think green!
