What is a green home and what is green building? Everybody is into going green these days, so it is only necessary that you know what this means.
Actually, going green, green building or a green home is the kind of environmental impact that the materials you use around your house have.
Simply put, a green home is a home that has environmentally friendly materials and energy-effective appliances and home systems.
Nowadays, it is strongly emphasized that people should look for green alternatives to building homes, using appliances that are friendlier and other items and systems in the house.
Global warming and the depleting of the ozone layer are both serious threats to the earth.
Another great way to go green is to adhere to the LEED Standards.
It stands for The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design that hastens worldwide adoption of sustainable green building practices.
Do your share of helping protect and preserve nature by doing simple changes in your home, which could go a long way to fight against high-energy bills and global warming.
Below are tips in making your home green.
1.
Replace your light bulbs with Energy Star CFL's or Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs.
This will not only let you protect the environment but will also do wonders in lowering your electricity bills.
2.
Program the thermostat on your heating and cooling systems by setting them back when no one is around the house or if you are away.
You can program it to 78 degrees or higher during summer and lower during winter.
Choose Energy Star programmable thermostats.
3.
Install caulk and weather stripping to prevent costly drafts and to improve comfort around your home.
Air leaks are huge energy waster so you should ensure that you seal your home drafts thoroughly.
4.
Maintain your HVAC systems and have them tuned up every couple of years.
This will help you save on your cooling and heating bills.
Ensure to replace or clean the filter once a month.
5.
Install low-flow showers and faucets to save on water resources.
6.
You can also optimize your water heater by installing insulative jacket around it and insulate the pipes around it.
Turn the water heater temperature down to 120 degrees to save money and avoid scalding.
7.
Plant trees around your home.
This is a sure-fire way to preserve nature and can significantly reduce your cooling costs.
Furthermore, trees also provide habitats for birds and can shade your home from cold winds.
8.
Use Energy Star appliances or replace your old appliances with Energy Star ones.
9.
Choose low VOC paints and finishes to avoid health hazards.
Look for the green seal when choosing paints and use non-toxic natural products for cleaning the house.
10.
Make sure that there is proper insulation in your house.
Insulation is your protection against heat loss.
As a homeowner, your own little ways of preserving nature can go a long way in helping protect the environment.
Keep in mind that we only have one planet, and if we don't act now, there would be no safe and healthy place for our children and our children's children.