Showing posts with label going green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label going green. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Things You May Not Know About Green Home Improvements
Important Considerations BEFORE You Make the Green Plunge!By now, we’re all pretty familiar with the term “going green.” When it comes to home improvments and remodeling, however, there are a few facts that you may not have considered. Before you decide to undertake a green home upgrade, it’s important to have all the information.
Protected Trees and Tree Farms
The phrase “tree-hugger” has long been used as a slightly derogatory description of an individual who is environmentally conscious. The implication is that people who care about the natural world are against any practice or industry that disrupts organic processes—like cutting down trees. It’s sort of ironic, then, that one of the greenest construction materials you can buy is wood harvested from tree farms. Farmed trees are cultivated and grown specifically to supply American construction demand; this means that indigenous, protected, or endangered trees are left alone.
Think Global, Buy Local
This mantra has been associated with eco-consciousness for some time, but when it comes to home remodeling it’s an important consideration. You may spend months researching the most environmentally responsible building materials, but if those items have to travel by ship, train, and truck over thousands of miles to get to you, what have you really accomplished? The greater the distance a product has to travel, the more energy it takes to get it to its final destination. Measuring the impact of transport is difficult, so it makes sense to shop as close to home as possible.
What’s the easiest way to do this? Compare prices. It seems simple, but often the price of materials is a good indication of how far it’s had to go to get to your local supplier. You’ll pay more for items that have be shipped all over the globe during the manufacturing process, while materials produced and fabricated closer to home will usually cost less.
Green Today, Green Tomorrow?
Maintenance is an important consideration if you’re thinking about green remodeling. While that natural marble countertop you’ve chosen may seem like the most eco-friendly choice now, you’ll have to frequently reapply sealant that contains high levels of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) to keep it looking great. You can buy zero-VOC marble sealant, but it’s significantly less effective than the nasty stuff. Artificially engineered stone, on the other hand, may seem like an “un-green” choice, but it requires no sealant and minimal upkeep, making it the more environmentally responsible option in the long run.
Residential fencing is another area where the greenest choice is not always apparent at the outset. Based on information we provided earlier, it may seem like wooden fencing is the best option. However, wood exposed to the elements has to receive yearly treatments with high VOC sealants to keep it looking presentable; this means you’re releasing harmful toxins into the air year after year. It may seem that aluminum or vinyl fencing takes a bigger toll on the environment initially, but when you consider how little maintenance they need (a spray with the garden hose or a high pressure wash every couple of years) there’s really no comparison.
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The bottom line is that green isn’t always easy to figure out. If you are truly dedicated to total green remodeling, be sure to consult a qualified professional who can help you make the most informed choices.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Monday, November 15, 2010
Going Green is Simple with Ventilation and Fans
Improved Air Flow Saves Energy, Saves Money, Improves ComfortEnvironmentally responsible home improvements not only save the planet and leave more cash in your wallet, but they can also help improve the health of your home. If you’re overwhelmed by green home improvement options, keep it simple by installing or upgrading your home ventilation system and fans.
Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality. This can make a big difference if anyone in your family suffers from allergies, asthma, or other breathing conditions. Plus...vents and fans keep air circulating through your home so that warm and cold air are more evenly distributed; your heating and air conditioning systems don't have to work as hard or as often.
Green Fan Options
Install a Ceiling Fan: Ceiling fans are one of the easiest, most affordable options if you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency. They move warm air throughout your house during the winter and take some of the work load off your air conditioner in the summer.
Install a Whole House Fan: Whole house fans are another affordable option. These powerful fans are installed near the attic, and cool your home by moving hot air up and out through the attic. Cooler air is drawn in through open windows. In warm climates, whole house fans can effectively supplement air conditioning; in cooler climates they can eliminate the need for an air conditioner altogether.
Green Ventilation
Install a Kitchen Hood Vented to the Outdoors: A kitchen range hood helps remove cooking odors, exhaust, and excess moisture from your home. While some range hoods vent to the attic, a hood that vents to the outdoors is better for your home’s structural integrity and indoor air quality.
Install a Bathroom Fan Vented to the Outdoors: Bathrooms are obviously the number one source of harmful mold and airborne bacteria that can infect the air you breathe. A bathroom exhaust fan, vented to the outdoors, will remove moisture from your home, cutting down on mold and mildew growth.
Install a Clothes Dryer Vent: Clothes dryers release tons of moisture into the air as they dry your clothes. This air circulates around your home, carrying chemicals from laundry detergents, toxins from synthetic fabrics, and deadly carbon monoxide. A properly vented dryer releases air outdoors, removing these harmful and potentially dangerous airborne pollutants from your home. To compliment a vented dryer, you may also want to consider installing an exhaust fan in your laundry or utility room.
Natural, Energy-Efficient Ventilation is Healthy Ventilation!
Anytime you can infuse your home with fresh outdoor air you are helping to improve the quality of the air you breathe. Here are more green ways to improve the health of air inside your home:
Install Windows and Skylights: Even more effective than fans are operable windows and skylights. Improve your home’s ventilation by simply opening a window. When you open windows on both sides of your home you can create a cross breeze that allows air to flow through your home more easily.
Design Green: If possible, consider the direction of wind against your home and the local weather conditions when designing the structure or replacing windows and doors. Aligning windows and doors to prevailing breezes lets you make the most of natural ventilation.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
- Horizon Heating and Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement
- Horizon Heating Services
- Horizon Air Conditioning Services
- 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home
- Green Your Home...Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- Air Conditioning Alternatives
- Cutting Edge Solutions For Energy Efficiency
- Indoor Air Quality - A Major Problem for Homeowners
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Effective Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaning Without Harsh Chemicals
Advantages of Water Vapor for Cleaning
The average American spends about 70 percent of his or her time at home. This makes it very important that the indoor air quality inside our homes is free of germs, allergens, pollutants, harsh chemicals, and air-borne debris. Steam cleaning with high-pressure water vapor can reduce or even eliminate everything from bacteria and viruses to fleas and dust mites. With steam cleaning, dust mites, fleas and their eggs are killed on contact, while allergens, pollen and pet dander are instantly removed.
Just as steam is used to sterilize medical instruments, baby items, and clean clothes, it can be used in your kitchen and bathroom to effectively and gently disinfect most surfaces. If you or anyone in your home are sensitive to allergens, have asthma, or a condition in which the immune system is weakened, steam cleaning is an attractive alternative to traditional chemical cleaning.
Those living with babies or small children are also sure to appreciate the power of steam cleaning as well as the reduction in the number of poisonous materials around the kitchen, bathroom and rest of the house.
Cleaning Grout with Steam
Many kitchen and bathroom cleaners are simply too harsh to clean grout, and specialty grout cleaners can be expensive. Using steam to clean tile grout is a gentle but effective way to get rid of mold, mildew, soap scum and dirt. However, steam cleaning machines can be bulky, making it inconvenient to drag them to the kitchen or bathroom several times a week. To maintain your grout in between deep steam cleanings, most experts recommend spraying grout with hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or baking soda and water.
Spray the grout after every use, and be sure to open a window if you are using one of the harsher materials like vinegar or alcohol. Steam cleaning just once or twice a month is sufficient to kill mold spores, mildew, bacteria, dust mites, and other organisms that may be hiding in tile grout. Your kitchen or bathroom will look like a million bucks!
Beyond the Kitchen and Bathroom
The same water vapor that can be used to disinfect and clean your kitchen or bathroom can also be used throughout your home to improve overall cleanliness and air quality. Mobile units available for purchase vary in size and price; small machines cost around $100, while larger ones can cost upwards of $1000. Carpet steam cleaners can be purchased at nearly any discount or home improvement store, or can be rented at many supermarkets. Use steam to clean everything from carpets, clothing, toys, and sports equipment to sinks, wallpaper, doors, and glass.
Benefits for your Plumbing and Drains
Steam cleaning is also a wise choice if you want to keep your plumbing and drain system in fine working order. Over time, chemicals from cleaning products can corrode pipes and damage plumbing fixtures. Sediment from cleansers can also accumulate in drains and contribute to clogs. Steam cleaning, on the other hand is gentler on kitchen and bathroom surfaces and won't harm pipes, faucets, drains and plumbing fixtures.
Where to Find Steam Cleaners
You can find quality steam cleaning equipment at most hardware and home stores as well as online at websites like Amazon.com. Commercial home cleaning services can also provide a thorough steam cleaning of your kitchen, bathroom and whole house for those who are all thumbs in the clean-up department.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Friday, May 7, 2010
Energy Efficient Home Financing Options 2010
Most of us want to reduce our impact on the environment and are interested in ways that we can lower our monthly utility costs by making our homes more energy efficient. The one thing holding us back is the high initial cost of many of these greener alternatives.
Thankfully, there are several emerging options to help first-time buyers and established homeowners finance energy efficient initiatives.
Some government-sponsored loans and private lenders now offer special financing packages for energy efficient new construction or existing structure improvements. Many states also have special programs for qualified residents. It’s a good idea to check with the U.S. Department of Energy or your state’s energy office for more information about available programs and eligibility standards.
Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) are among the most popular home financing options available today to consumers. EEMs are divided into two categories: new home construction and improvements or upgrades to an existing home. An EEM allows you to buy or refinance a newly-built home that already adheres to certain energy efficiency criteria, or to buy or refinance an older home that will be in compliance with energy efficiency guidelines following renovations and upgrades.
The amount of financing offered for energy efficient homes depends on the home’s energy rating. The higher the rating, the more money you may qualify for. Energy ratings generally involve extensive inspection by a certified professional who is accredited on the state or national level in home energy rating systems (HERS). HERS depends on where the home is located and may be affected by other factors.
When it comes time for en energy ratings inspection, the examiner will look at all of the energy-related attributes of the home: insulation, windows, HVAC systems, air leakage, drafts, and more. Following a comprehensive inspection the rater will provide you with a detailed report that clearly states your home’s energy rating, as well as information regarding your family’s average annual energy consumption and costs. The report could also include recommendations for improving energy efficiency, estimated costs of these improvements, and a breakdown of potential savings or return on the initial investment.
Once the energy rating report has been submitted by the inspector, it must show that the structure is already sufficiently energy efficient or that any suggested improvements are cost effective—that is, any improvements will eventually save you more money that you have to borrow to implement them. The energy rating will determine how much a lender is willing to extend in financing. A favorable rating will incline the lender to add the cost of improvements into the mortgage or may extend your debt to income ratio, helping you qualify for a better interest rate.
Energy efficiency is having an increasingly strong impact on the real estate market. For sellers, energy efficiency financing lets you make improvements that add value to your home and will make it more attractive to potential buyers. If you’re in the market for a new home, choosing energy efficient amenities can help you get more for your money, as lower utility bills mean you can afford to expand your mortgage budget.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Geothermal Heating - What You Need to Know
“Green living” is a growing trend across the nation. Homeowners are looking to take proactive steps to reduce their impact on the environment and to combat the rising cost of household utilities at the same time. Initiatives like energy efficient lighting, solar power, and water conservation are a big part of new home construction and are increasingly attractive upgrades for existing homeowners.One of the most popular environmentally and energy conscious improvements is geothermal heating. Geothermal heating is a process that uses the natural heat energy within the earth's surface to heat or cool a building. Long considered prohibitively expensive, the fact is that this eco-friendly approach to home heating is becoming more and more affordable while still offering a clean, natural source of heat. HVAC manufacturers are producing more affordable geothermal heating units and systems than ever before. If you think it might be time to take a closer look at geothermal heating for your home, here are some things you should know.
1. Geothermal heating is more popular than you think. Many of us still consider “going green” a passing fad, but the fact is that eco-friendly home improvements are gaining mainstream popularity every day. Geothermal heating is leading the way on this front, as many experts estimate that the number of units installed in American homes each year is close to 50,000.
2. You can afford geothermal heating. Yes, geothermal heating units cost more to install than traditional HVAC systems. The truth is, though, that geothermal units pay for themselves in a short period of time—just under 10 years, according to some estimates—and the energy savings you’ll see makes them a cheaper option in the long run. An added bonus: Eco-friendly home upgrades are a major selling point for many potential buyers so making these improvements now could get you an attractive return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home.
3. Geothermal heat is a long-term solution. The interior components of most geothermal systems will last at least 20 years, while the outdoor and underground mechanisms will last nearly twice as long. Good luck finding a furnace that will last 50 years!
4. Geothermal heat pumps are not just for heating. Not only do geothermal systems heat your home with clean, renewable energy but they can also cool it, too. The same ductwork that carries warm air through your house can also convey cool air with just the flick of a switch. There are even some geothermal units that can heat your hot water, too.
5. It’s the perfect time to consider geothermal heating. Geothermal heating is one of the most desirable options for home heating right now. The systems currently on the market are some of the most affordable, energy-efficient, and easiest to install. What’s more, the federal government is offering tax incentives to homeowners who install them. In some cases, those credits add up to as much as $2,000. Even if you installed a geothermal system a year or two ago, you may still be eligible for tax credits if your unit meets the government’s Energy Star qualifications. Many state governments are also offering attractive tax incentives to homeowners who replace their older heating units with new geothermal systems.
For More Information About Geothermal Heating…
Contact Horizon Services and schedule a FREE, no-obligation In-Home Energy Analysis. Horizon’s experienced comfort consultants will prepare a detailed assesment of your home and heating requirements and tell you if geothermal heating is a viable option for your house.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Green Plumbing at Home
Innovative Plumbing Solutions That Can Save The Earth AND Save You Money!One of the best arguments for making your home green is that a few simple changes can save you lots of money on utility costs. While green plumbing solutions can be a bit more expensive up front, the long-term savings are significant enough to warrant serious consideration of some of the following products.
The gold standard for energy-efficient appliances, electronics, lighting, and yes, even plumbing fixtures, remains the Energy Star label. You can find this designation clearly marked on qualifying products. However, green innovation is an evolving industry and there are lots of exciting new options on the market these days.
Toilets:
Composting toilets do exactly what you think they do. Without water or a septic/sewer connection, these units collect solid waste and convert it to—ahem—organic fertilizer. Worried about the smell? Several companies offer odorless models.
Low flow toilets or dual flush toilets are hot items right now in green home construction and remodeling. They use significantly less water than traditional commodes and dual flush toilets let you choose how much water to use depending on the type of waste you need to dispose of.
Waterless urinals are odorless, hands free devices that use scent-blocking biodegradable chemicals to filter liquid waste and force it down the drain. They claim to be not only cleaner and more environmentally friendly, but also easier and cheaper to maintain.
Showers and Sinks:
Low flow aerators are popular and easy additions to green your faucets. These small metal devices attach directly onto the head of the fixture—no special tools needed—and allow you to adjust the flow of water out of the faucet. The best part is that aerators don’t affect water pressure in the slightest.
Low flow showerheads are similar to aerators—you can modify rate of water flow without sacrificing pressure. There are several models on the market; look for those with non-aerating spray, which can shorten the time it takes for water to heat up and will save energy.
Motion sensor faucets are really popular in new commercial restroom construction. We’ve all used them—put your hand under the faucet and the water comes on; move your hand away and the water shuts off. There are now several models appropriate for residential use.
Water Heaters:
Instant spigots provide hot water on demand, saving energy because water does not have to be kept continuously heated in a storage tank.
Solar water heaters harness the power of the sun’s UV rays—which are completely free, by the way—and convert them to usable energy. There are many different types of solar water heaters out there; a qualified dealer can help you find the one that’s right for you.
Point of use water heaters are actually a series of small tanks only where you need hot water. Rather than store and heat enough water for an entire home’s worth of various uses, these miniature units hold just enough water for a specific task like taking one shower or doing a load of laundry.
Related Plumbing Information...
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Home Energy Audit Can Help You Go Green and Save Green
"Going green" is an inescapable buzz-phrase these days, and we’re all looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment. And in today's economic climate, "saving green" -- ie. cash -- is just as important. When it comes to energy usage and savings in your home, "waste not, want not" should be your mantra. Thus, it's imperative that you become aware of those items, areas and behaviors that are causing you to needlessly waste energy.The key to becoming aware of your energy usage is to perform an energy audit or assessment of your home to help you figure out how much you’re using and where you can make changes to become more energy efficient. An energy audit will also identify areas that could be costing you money and pin-point things you can do to help you save on utility costs.
You can conduct a simple do-it-yourself energy audit or hire a professional for a more thorough inspection. Both options should give you a comprehensive picture of your energy consumption and provide solutions for saving money and improving efficiency.
If you choose to do your own energy audit, the government-sponsored Energy Star program has a fantastic tool called the Home Energy Yardstick. You’ll need to collect your utility bills from the past 12 months and know your home’s primary energy source (e.g. gas, electricity, oil, propane) You’ll also need to know the square footage of your house and the year it was built. If you can’t locate bills from the past year, you can request a 12 month utility summary from your energy provider. The website will help you calculate and compare your home’s energy efficiency with similar homes in your area and around the country. It will also give you tips for making improvements. The best part is it only takes about five minutes to complete.
Professional energy auditors use a variety of equipment to perform tests on all different aspects of energy efficiency and can give you very specific recommendations for implementing changes. Some of the tests a professional auditor might run include using blower doors that check for leaks and drafts, and infrared cameras that can detect problems with insulation. Some utility companies offer incentives or special discounts for customers who participate. To locate a professional energy auditor near you, ask for a referral from your utility company, search your local yellow pages under ‘Energy’ or use Energy Star’s partner locator.
You can conduct a simple do-it-yourself energy audit or hire a professional for a more thorough inspection. Both options should give you a comprehensive picture of your energy consumption and provide solutions for saving money and improving efficiency.
If you choose to do your own energy audit, the government-sponsored Energy Star program has a fantastic tool called the Home Energy Yardstick. You’ll need to collect your utility bills from the past 12 months and know your home’s primary energy source (e.g. gas, electricity, oil, propane) You’ll also need to know the square footage of your house and the year it was built. If you can’t locate bills from the past year, you can request a 12 month utility summary from your energy provider. The website will help you calculate and compare your home’s energy efficiency with similar homes in your area and around the country. It will also give you tips for making improvements. The best part is it only takes about five minutes to complete.
Professional energy auditors use a variety of equipment to perform tests on all different aspects of energy efficiency and can give you very specific recommendations for implementing changes. Some of the tests a professional auditor might run include using blower doors that check for leaks and drafts, and infrared cameras that can detect problems with insulation. Some utility companies offer incentives or special discounts for customers who participate. To locate a professional energy auditor near you, ask for a referral from your utility company, search your local yellow pages under ‘Energy’ or use Energy Star’s partner locator.
If you live in Delaware, Pennsylvania or Maryland, your local utility company has many online tools that can help you perform a home energy audit:
Some of the most common recommendations that result from energy audits are really simple changes you can make almost immediately that can have a significant impact on your home’s energy consumption.
- Inspect lamps and light fixtures. Consider using traditional bulbs with lower wattage or switching to compact florescent bulbs. These last longer than regular light bulbs and can save more than 3% on your electric bill.
- Take a look at your heating and cooling equipment regularly. Look for problem areas, replace filters often, repair tears in ductwork right away, and have units professionally cleaned at least once a year. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly insulate pipes that pass exposed through unheated places.
- In older homes, inspect insulation levels in basements, attics and walls. Check for any signs of deterioration, animal activity, gapping, or moisture accumulation. Damaged or insufficient insulation can increase your energy usage and cost you money.
Horizon Can Help You With Your Energy Audit Needs!
Contact Horizon Services to schedule a FREE, no-obligation In-Home Energy Analysis and Consultation. An experienced Horizon Comfort Advisor will come to your home to discuss with you your energy-saving needs. He/she will inspect and measure your home, assess your current heating and air conditioning system (including ductwork) and review heating and cooling options that will use energy more efficiently and can save up to 35% off your utility bills!
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