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GREEN LIVING: At Home
25 Simple Ways to Save
Clean the coils behind or underneath your refrigerator with a tapered appliance brush to keep it running efficiently.
Skip prerinsing dishes. Our tests have found that it¹s unnecessary, and you'll save up to 6,500 gallons of water per year.
Opt for the cold-water wash cycle and save about $60 a year.
Put your PC to sleep. Save $25 to $75 each year by using the system standby or hibernating feature on your computer.
Plug electronics into a power strip so that you can turn them all off at once.
Don't overload the dryer. Clothes will take longer to dry, and they'll come out wrinkled. When the weather is warm, line dry.
Open blinds and shades on cold days. Solar heat gain can raise interior temperature significantly. But close them at night to minimize heat loss.
Dust off the slow cooker. You'll use a lot less energy than cooking a meal across several burners and in the oven.
Keep car tires properly inflated. In our tests of a Toyota Camry, fuel efficiency dropped 1.3 mpg when the tires were deflated by 10 psi.
See whether your utility company offers rebates to customers who replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Some states hold periodic "tax holidays" for purchases of energy-efficient appliances.
Lower the temperature a degree or two before guests arrive. A house full of people generates a lot of body heat.
Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during the heating season. Clogged filters force the blower to work longer, raising your electric bills.
String LED lights this holiday season. They last longer. Our tests have shown that they can save up to $11 per season.
Insulate and seal cracks and gaps in your ducts. That can help reduce energy costs by 30 percent.
Lower water-heater temperature to 120 degrees from 130 and insulate hot-water pipes to knock up to 5 percent off your energy bills.
Weather-strip old windows and doors. It's the surest way to close the gaps around openings, reducing heating and cooling costs by 15 to 30 percent.
Control outdoor lights with sensors or timers so that fixtures stay off during the day.
Install a high-efficiency showerhead. It will reduce hot water use by up to 50 percent.
Upgrade to a low-flow toilet and save 4,000 gallons per year.
Drain a bucket's worth of water from your water heater a few times a year to remove sediment, which can decrease efficiency.
Move the thermostat to an inside wall away from windows and doors so that drafts don't cause the heating system to cycle on unnecessarily.
Add insulation. An estimated 80 percent of older homes are underinsulated. Properly insulating and sealing your home can cut your heating and cooling bills by 10 percent.
Plant a deciduous shade tree on the west and southwest sides of a house to save energy.
Zone heat smartly. A portable heater in a room saves money only if you're willing to keep the rest of the house chilly. Wood-burning fireplaces can suck more heat from your home than they put back in.
Call a professional energy auditor. They use a blower door or infrared photography to pinpoint where your home is leaking energy. Some utilities provide free audits; you can also find certified professionals in your area through www.resnet.us.
Posted: September 2008 — Consumer Reports Magazine issue: October 2008
Online Exclusive: What's New on the Green Scene
Sustainability Takes Root
BY BARBARA BALLINGER
Consumers’ interest in being green has never been so high. We bring you up to date on 15 eco-friendly home trends and must-know terminology so you can serve their needs.
The latest environmentally friendly home features aren’t just good for the planet — they look great and are a huge draw for conscientious buyers, too.
From energy-efficient light bulbs to solar-paneled roofs, consumers have gravitated to the idea that they can help the earth by making smarter purchases and lifestyle decisions, even if it’s not always cheap or easy. Many of these changes are happening in their homes, thanks also to manufacturers, builders, and architects who are encouraging green products.
What does this mean for you, a real estate practitioner? In order to be in tune with the growing number of prospects who seek a greener lifestyle, you should know about the latest eco-friendly housing trends. You also should be able to understand and explain the terms you’ll come across as you scout green homes.
What’s Made Us So Green?
“Interest in being green has moved across the country — it’s no longer just for wacky Californians,” says Matt Golden, who founded Sustainable Spaces Inc. in San Francisco three years ago. The company performs environmental audits on homes, which tests for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and other factors.
There are plenty of reasons why focusing on the environment has become so popular lately. Some people thank Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Others point to a growing body of green building standards, advocated by groups such as the National Association of Home Builders and the U.S. Green Building Council. Another factor, of course, is rising energy prices, which has forced Americans to rethink everyday habits and purchases.
Experts say one thing’s clear: The trend isn’t limited to one age group, demographic, or geographic area.
“Empty-nester clients like the low energy efficiency, and younger couples gravitate because of environmental concerns and the healthier indoor air quality,” says St. Louis builder Matt Belcher, chairman of his local Home Builders Association’s Green Building Council.
Consumers Get What They Want:
Home builders, retailers, and product manufacturers are seeking to satisfy consumers’ appetites for anything green, offering everything from eco-friendly condos to water-saving toilets.
Time Equities Inc.’s 62-story condo-hotel going up at 50 West St. in downtown New York City will have solar panels on the roof, windows that help to keep out the heat, and an energy-efficient HVAC system that will automatically adjust cold or hot air.“We’re even building our condo-hotel without a garage to promote public transportation,” says Phillip Gesue, Time Equities’ director of acquisitions and development.
Belcher predicts that in a few years green construction will become so pervasive that the term “green” won’t even be needed. “More manufacturers are building components for the growing market,” he says. “It will be a standard practice.”
Trends to Know
Whether or not you specialize in selling green homes, you’re likely to meet clients who are interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle. Here’s a look at the green housing trends you ought to know as you navigate today’s market.
- Copper roofs. Copper and copper alloys, such as brass and bronze, are showing up on roofs, entryways, facades, gutters, and downspouts. Despite being quite pricey to purchase and install, they’re seen as a good long-term investment because they tolerate inclement weather. “A copper roof that’s installed properly will last beyond 100 years versus a composition roof that may last only 30 years,” says Ken Geremia, manager of communications for the Copper Development Association in New York City. Copper elements also can be completely recycled, so you’ll never find them left on a site or plowed under a foundation, says Geremia.
- Timber framing. Timber framing requires significantly less lumber than the traditional “stick-built” housing and almost always incorporates superior insulating panels (SIPS), which keeps heat and air conditioning from escaping the house. There’s less waste when large timbers are used, compared with conventional construction that produces sawdust and waste every time a 2-by-4 stud is planed, says Frank Baker, president of Insulspan and Riverbend Framing, part of PFB Corp. in Calgary, Canada. In addition, less energy is needed to power machines and kiln dry wood because timber framing uses freshly cut wood, he says. Timbers are prefabricated and arrive at the building site ready to be assembled, paring construction waste. Costs vary according to finishes selected, just as they do with stick-built housing.
- Windows that beat the heat. Low-emittance (Low-E) windows, doors, and skylights offer natural light while blocking the sun’s UV rays that heat up the inside of a home, sometimes necessitating air conditioning. The special low-E glazing also stops the sun from fading fabrics, wall coverings, and artwork. When shopping for low-E windows, find out what percentage of rays are blocked by checking the UV label on the glass, advises Rod Clark, product marketing manager for Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors in Klamath Falls, Ore. Most low-E products block 70 percent to 90 percent. Next, examine the glass for clarity. “Most people want glass that’s clear rather than with a slight tint or color,” he says. Though some manufacturers may tout triple over double glazing, Clark says it’s usually more than you’ll need.
- Rainwater holding tanks. Capturingrainwater and storm runoff helps reduce the burden on local sewer systems and captures water that can be used in other ways, such as for watering the yard or flushing toilets. In the National Homebuilder Mainstream GreenHome, a 4,000-square-foot demonstration home being completed in Raleigh, N.C., a rainwater cistern and detention tank system will show that 95 percent of stormwater on a site can be recycled, reused, and absorbed. The rainwater cistern will collect water from the roof and gutters, filter it multiple times, and direct it to indoor plumbing, the laundry, and the sprinkler system. Overflow from the cistern will be funneled into inexpensive detention tanks to be absorbed gradually back into the ground.
- Chemical-free lighting. LED lighting (LED stands for light emitting diodes) is a semiconductor that emits light when an electric current is applied. One big advantage: It contains no hazardous chemicals like other lighting does. For instance, compact fluorescents contain mercury and incandescent bulbs have gasses that hurt the ozone layer. In addition, an LED fixture uses 80 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb and has the ability to last up to 20 years, says Ron Lusk, chairman, president, and CEO of the Dalllas-based Lighting Science Group Corp., the first company to market a high-output, dimmable, Edison-base white-LED light bulb. LED bulbs also provide quality crisp light that shows colors in a natural palette, Lusk says. The downside: the initial cost. A typical 40-watt LED light will run about $39 while an incandescent light will cost $4 to $5, Lusk says. He believes that prices will come down as more businesses and home owners switch, as power companies offer better consumer rebates, and if the government makes the purchase of these energy savers deductible.
- Green toilets. Water-conserving toilets can boost your budget while also helping the environment. “Make smart choices in choosing products throughout your house, and you can save 30 percent to 50 percent on your annual water bill,” says Ori Sivan, co-owner of Greenmaker Supply Co. in Chicago, which sells environmentally sensitive building products and materials. New green toilets conserve water in different ways: low-flow toilets use about 20-percent less water per flush, dual-flush toilets with two buttons give home owners the option of flushing with a half or full tank, and pressure-assist toilets reduce water usage by half and yield a powerful whooshing sound, says Sivan. Toto’s Aquia dual-flush toilet with a soft-closing seat (pictured at right) costs $300, comparable with other quality toilets, Sivan says.
- Solar orientation. Face a home or an addition in the right direction and build it with the right materials, and you’ll reduce the amount of heat and cold that enter from the outside. That’s what home owners Ross and Tami Bannister did with their new T-shaped farmhouse (pictured at right) in Grapevine, Texas. They wanted the look of a 19th-century structure, but the functions of a modern-day green structure. When completed this September, the 2,300-square-foot house will be a demonstration project for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program. The Bannister’s farmhouse was built near the back of its lot in a north-south direction to take advantage of prevailing winds that come predominantly from the south. The home has deep porches on the east and west to shade the home from the harsh summer sun. Large pecan trees provide more sun protection. In addition, the roof is insulated with a new DuPont product called AtticWrap — a breathable membrane that creates an airtight seal to reduce air leakage. The house also has low-E windows.
- Induction cooktops. Unlike traditional cooktops that heat up the cooking surface, the coils of an induction cooktop release their energy directly to the pot or pan and its contents. That means less energy is diffused in the cooking processes. It also means that the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, making it less likely that cooks or kids will burn themselves, says Amir Girgis, managing director of Diva de Provence, a company that first produced induction cooktops for restaurants and has manufactured them for home chefs since 2002. The company’s 30-inch and 36-inch cooktops will be joined by a 36-inch induction range this fall. The technology still is more expensive than comparable quality electric and gas appliances, though home owners should see energy bills eventually drop. Cooks also must use pots and pans with a ferrous metal base, says Girgis.
- Geothermal heating and cooling. Instead of using a traditional furnace that heats or cools air and emits carbon monoxide during the process, geothermal pumps are filled with water and glycol and rely on the earth as a heat exchanger. In winter, the system sends warm air into rooms; in summer, it brings cool air. Though the initial cost is twice as much as a traditional heating and cooling system, the payback comes five years down the road when you start reaping the benefits of much lower heating and cooling costs, says developer Ron Fleckman, president of Cyrus Homes in Evanston, Ill. His company is building 40 townhouses in Evanston’s Church Street Village development, which uses a geothermal system and other green elements. It is one of the first communities nationwide to test this type of construction. “Because the cost of natural gas is climbing, the payback will be quicker,” he says. Home owners can also retrofit an existing house with this system.
- Attic heat blocker. TechShield roofing panels, produced by LP Building Products in Nashville, stop the domino effect of inefficient roofing material. Poorly insulated roofing lets radiant heat into the attic, which then spreads throughout a home and requires the owners to turn on the air conditioner. By contrast, TechShield blocks up to 97 percent of the radiant heat, reduces the attic temperature 30 degrees, and cuts energy consumption and carbon gases as a result. “You can cut monthly energy bills by as much as 20 percent,” says Rusty Carroll of LP Building Products. The panels are made of a thin layer of aluminum foil laminated to OSB (oriented strand board) roof sheathing, which is made from fast-growing trees, and installed in the attic of new construction. The panels are used in conjunction with insulation rather than as a substitute, Carroll says. He recommends them both for houses in the South and Sunbelt where rays are strongest. A 3,000-square-foot house might cost $1,000 to $1,500 to outfit with the panels.
- Reclaimed wood countertops. Fast-growing plants like bamboo, and already-cut woods that aren’t being used, find new life as gorgeous countertops thanks to entrepreneurs like Ken Williamson, founder of Atlanta-based The Craft-Art Co. The wood he uses is readily available and comes in many variations of color and texture, from antique heart pine found in shuttered Southern mills and old dilapidated farmhouses, to red oak and Douglas fir just waiting to be recycled from the bottom of pickle vats. To keep the countertops looking their best, Williamson uses a clear, organic tongue-oil varnish.
- Nontoxic paint. To keep indoor air clean and cut down on landfill pollutants, many consumers are using paints that don’t contain toxic Volatile Organic Components, or VOCs. These paints come in a variety of colors and finishes, and are offered by mainstream paint companies, from Sherwin Williams to Benjamin Moore. But for a more unique look, check out Italian-made Oikos paints, which come in 26 unusual finishes such as Venetian Stucco, Velvet, and Pearl.
- Formaldehyde-free insulation. Building products such as insulation can emit traces of the chemicals they’re made with, which pollutes the air inside of homes. That’s why manufacturer Johns Manville in Denver made the decision in 2002 to remove formaldehyde from its building insulation and duct board. By removing the formaldehyde from its plant and manufacturing facility, the staff isn’t subject to it, and it also improves the environment around our plant so it helps neighbors, says Scott DeShetler, director of marketing and communications for the company.
- Smart irrigation systems. WeatherTRAK controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on the needs of your landscape and local weather conditions. The system’s “brain” receives satellite data with information about local weather conditions. An additional moisture sensor shuts down the system if it starts to rain when the sprinkler is on. Manufactured by HydroPoint Data Systems Inc. in Petaluma, Calif., the basic model starts at $500 and prices climb to $5,000, based on the number of sprinkler heads. Besides better looking lawns, home owners reap lower water bills and contribute to a healthier environment.
- Green furniture. When old barns, factories, and farmhouses are torn down, their wood can be salvaged for artistic furniture. Eric Mann, owner of New England Country Custom Interiors in Clinton, Mass., sells furniture made from materials that would most likely end up in a landfill. Mann also works “green,” using solar heat to power machinery to craft his early American furniture reproductions. He also finishes pieces with biodegradable milk paints rather than oil or latex choices. A farm table with a barn-board top measuring 5 feet by 8 feet runs between $500 and $1,500.
Indoor Plants as Air Filters
http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/122/1/Indoor-plants-as-air-filters.html
By Green Living Tips
Published on 06/28/2007
Plants not only provide us with oxygen and look nice in the home, keeping plants indoors can also help clear your house of common environmental pollutants.
Using indoor plants to clear the air
There's nothing quite like the scent of forest air - the real thing, not an air freshener :). The trees and plants of a forest are constantly circulating oxygen and carbon dioxide, unlike in the midst of a concrete jungle when the air we breathe can get somewhat stale or downright poisonous.
Our homes aren't an oasis from our toxic modern environment; in fact the inside of our houses can have very poor air quality due to fumes from cigarette smoke, furnishings, paint and other items. Some items can give off these fumes for many years - that smell of fresh paint and new carpets isn't harmful just while you can detect it.
The airborne chemical cocktail inside our home often includes:
benzene - used in oils, paints, plastic, rubber
trichloroethylene (TCE) - paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives
formaldehyde - foam, clothing, particle board, carpets.
All of the above have been shown to be potent environmental pollutants and likely carcinogens in humans.
Keeping indoor plants not only adds a nice green touch to our homes; some indoor plant species have proven to be effective filters for pollutants such as the above and carbon monoxide (an element of car exhaust).
I came across a couple of very interesting studies by NASA carried out in the late 80's and early 90's that included information on the plants NASA found useful as indoor air filters to combat these chemicals.
Beneficial plants include (scientific name followed by common) :
Aloe vera
Aglaonema Modestum - Chinese Evergreen
Chamaedorea Seifritzii - Bamboo Palm
Chlorophytum elatum - Green Spider Plant
Chrysanthemum morifolium - Pot Mum/Florists' Chrysanthemum
Dracaena Janet Craig - Janet Craig
Dracaena Marginata - Marginata
Dracaena Massangeana - Mass cane/Corn Plant
Dracaena Warneckii - Warneckii
Gerbera Jamesonii - Gerbera Daisy/African daisy
Hedera Helix - English Ivy/Common Ivy
Philodendron Domesticum - Elephant Ear Philodendron
Philodendron Oxycardium - Heart Leaf Philodendron
Philodendron Selloum - Lacy Tree Philodendron
Sansevieria Laurentii - Mother in law's tongue
Scindapsus aureus - Golden Pothos
Spathiphyllum Mauna Loa - Peace Lily/Mauna Loa
Some of the above are more effective than others at filtering particular chemicals, so if you'd like to learn more about the NASA research, here's the study:
Interior Landscape Plants For Indoor Air Pollution Abatement (PDF 17 megabytes)
Time I got down to the nursery and loaded my office with plants it seems; I'll need a jungle :).
Saving Energy When Cooking
http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/252/1/Saving-energy-when-cooking.html
By Green Living Tips
Published on 08/8/2008
Many appliances we use in cooking are real energy suckers. Pick up some tips on saving juice (electricity and gas that is) when cooking your food.
12 tips for conserving energy when cooking
I was marvelling at how energy efficient my gas camp stove is - 4 pound bottle lasted me 3 weeks - and wondering why the ones in domestic kitchens aren't the same.
Some of the reason is due to the type of gas; but much of the issue is noise - a camp stove is quite noisy compared to a household gas range, but it's this feature that makes it so efficient - the size and number of holes in the burner. It's another example of how we have swapped efficiency for aesthetics to our wallet's and environment's detriment.
We do use a heck of a lot of energy when cooking - think about how long it takes to bring a pot of water to boil on the stove - turned up full blast, it's chewing around 2400 watts per hour. While there may not be noxious fumes pouring out of your kitchen, they are produced elswhere; for example, where your electricity is generated. Coal fired electricity generation is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions; the main culprit causing climate change.
There are some ways to work around the inefficient appliances in our kitchens; here's a few tips
1. Cover up
Where possible, cover up your pots and pans. This will help your food to cook more quickly and generates a higher temperature allowing you to turn down the stove.
2. Taking the heat off
Instead of turning off the stove when the food is done, experiment a little with switching it off just before the food is cooked. An electric frypan can be switched off a minute or two earlier, and oven up to 10 - 20 minutes depending on how well it's insulated and sealed. It may not sound like a huge saving, but particularly with electric stoves, the dollars will add up.
3. Nuke it
Instead of boiling water in a pan; zap it in a microwave instead. In fact, try to use a microwave as much as possible as it will save a stack of electricity.
4. In the raw
What is it with cooking carrots? They taste great uncooked in my opinion; as do many other veggies. Experiment a little more with raw foods. You'll not only save electricity and gas, but nutrients which cooking destroys.
5. Be prepared
I fired up the fry pan tonight and then started slicing and dicing - tch tch; wasted a bit of gas in the process. Always ensure your ingredients are prepared as much as possible for turning on the heat.
6. Slow food
Growing up in the 70's, crock pots were all the rage. These were heavy pots that took ages to cook anything, but cooked at a very low temperature. The idea was to switch it on before you head off to work and by the time you came home, the food was done. Saved power and was delicious too!
7. Hot stuff
Not ready to eat just yet? Instead of having the stove top going to keep it warm, wrap the pot up in a towel - this will help insulate it for quite a while.
8. Splurge on pots and pans
Resist buying cheap pots and pans - they'll cost you more in the long run. A good sturdy, thick walled set will last you a lifetime and while they take a little longer to heat up, the heat distribution is better and they'll also store heat for longer. Glass and ceramic pots and pans are said to be the most efficient, but personally I like heavy steel as I'm a bit of a klutz at times.
9. The right pan for the job
If you can see the heating element or the gas flame is licking a little on the side of the pot or pan, it's too small and much of the heat is being wasted.
10. Keep the door closed
How's your oven door glass looking? It's worth spending the time to keep it clean so you can see in rather than opening the door to check on the food.
11. Drop the pilot
(Apologies to Joan Armatrading). Older gas ovens may have a pilot light that burns 24/7. While it's a small flame, over the period of a day, it uses a lot of gas. Consider switching it off (properly).
12. Water, water everywhere
Only use as much water as you need in a pot. Every extra drop requires more energy to heat and will increase the cooking time.
Observing some or all of the points above won't single handedly save the environment, but when millions of us take these small steps in conserving energy, it certainly adds up!
Have some tips you'd like to share on saving gas and electricity when cooking? Please add them below!
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