Go Green!! And I'm not talking about the Michigan State Spartans (though my son is leaving for school there shortly - now "Go Green" has two meanings for me!).
As far back as I can remember there has always been a "green" movement, but lately with all of the talk about global climate change, the high price of gasoline, and of course people trying to get or stay healthy, "going green" is getting a lot more attention these days. There are so many different initiatives and opportunities to get greener...from the food we eat and the car we drive to, yes, you guessed it, your home!!
So, you could go out and buy a new single family home that has been built with all of the new green technology. There are two homes for sale in Highland Park right now that, according to the builder are "Energy Star certified." I've been in both of these homes and they are very nicely done - but they cost a lot more per square foot than other homes in the same neighborhood. The homes are healthier for the environment and your family (better indoor air quality). With geothermal HVAC including radiant floor heat and high performance construction, it is supposed to save you money over the long run, with lower utility bills, replacement costs, and more. (Call me if you'd like to see either of these homes - they are very nice.)
There is also a new development of 15 homes, also in Highland Park, that includes many eco-friendly features. For example, the street in this development is made with a special paver brick system that handles rain water in a more eco-friendly way than the typical sewer system. Also, these homes do not have regular gutters and downspouts. They feature rain-chains that guide rain water into a rain garden instead of going directly into the public sewer system.
If you aren't quite ready to dump your current home for an eco-friendly version, what can you do now to lower your utility costs and to make a contribution to improving the environment... well, I am starting to do some research on that topic and plan to report on my findings right here on my blog. Here are two things I've learned about recently:
Light bulbs- Just like the eco-friendly homes, the new eco-friendly light bulbs (compact fluorescent light bulbs - CFL) cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs that you are probably using. However, they are supposed to last longer and use less energy - so they will save you some real money (see detailed information on efficiency, savings and pollution reduction at http://www.1000bulbs.com/Compact-Fluorescents/). CFLs are simply miniature versions of full-sized fluorescent lights. They screw into standard lamp sockets, and give off light that looks just like the common incandescent bulbs - not like the fluorescent lighting you may associate with factories or schools. We've started changing our light bulbs all over our house. I didn't realize that these new bulbs are available for all of those recessed lights we have in the house. The only difference I've noticed is that when we turn on the lights they may be a little dim at first, but then they warm up and everything looks just fine!
Tankless Hot Water Heaters - These provide hot water only as it is needed. The conventional type of water heater produces hot water all the time even when you are out of town on vacation - that is wasting energy and your money! For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, a tankless water heater can be 24% – 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.You can get additional savings if you generally use more hot water, or if you can install these at every location where you actually use the hot water. There are many different types of systems - some are electric others use gas. There may be special venting requirements too. So next time you need to replace your hot water heater, ask about going tankless. More info for buyers is at http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/ .
If you have any eco-friendly ideas you want to share with my readers, please send them in!
Thanks for reading.
nsk