So, you want to do your part to save the environment? “Going Green” is all the rage these days, and for good reason. When it comes to your house, there are myriad different approaches that you could take to make it greener. And by making it greener, you aren’t just saving the environment; you’re saving your family’s health as well! By making some simple adjustments, you can lower utility bills, save water, improve indoor air quality and save the ozone. From your friends here at Renew, Colorado’s Remodeling Magazine, we hope these tips will help get you on the way to living a greener life.
Insulate your hot and cold water pipes
-Saves energy and water, reduces water heating costs
Install on-demand hot water circulation pumps, or tankless water heaters
-Delivers hot water faster, saving energy
Replace old bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
-A low-cost option that lowers energy bills
Install lighting controls (dimmers)
-Reduces energy bills
Install high efficiency ceiling fans
-Reduces the need for air conditioning
Install an Energy Star® dishwasher and refrigerator
-Reduces water and energy use
Upgrade your wall and ceiling insulation to exceed Title 24 requirements
-Lowers utility bills and improves warmth, cooling
Install floor insulation under crawl spaces
-Lowers utility bills and increases comfort
Choose windows with low SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) ratings
-Increases energy efficiency, provides greater comfort
Install a whole-house fan
-Reduces electricity usage and moves large volumes of air to achieve comfort at higher temperatures without air conditioning
Plant deciduous shade trees on the west and south sides
-Reduces heat gain in the summer, making your home more comfortable
Add overhangs or awnings over your south facing windows
-Reduces heat gain, making your home more comfortable in the summer
Install a solar attic fan or vent attics
-Increases comfort and reduces air conditioning use
Install a water heater jacket
-Reduces heat loss by 10% on old heaters
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