Green Home
Being environmentally friendly can start at home. Below are a few ways to assist you and your home in being a little more environmentally friendly.
As a Mechanical HVAC contractor we must of course mention the obvious…
- Install ventilation and air handling systems that recover energy from stale air before it is exhausted from the building.
- Install High Efficiency heating and or cooling units: boilers, furnaces, de/humidifiers, etc.
- Install Geothermal. High performance renewable heating and cooling use the earth as a natural resource without harming the environment.
- Maintain your heating and cooling units regularly.
- Install different temperature ‘zones’ to help conserve energy.
- Ensure your piping and or ductwork is installed as effectively as possible. It may be something as simple as a sharp corner that should be a smooth curve but it could be costing you monthly.
- Make sure that your hot water pipes are insulated. Zonelife always insulates pipes when completing an install. It is not required by any laws or regulations but we know it makes a difference in conserving energy.
Green Appliances.
One way to help make your home environmentally friendly is to use “green” appliances including washers, dryers, ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators. When choosing an appliance you should look at the following factors:
Geothermal or ground source heat pumps use the temperature of the earth to heat or cool your home, shop, or business.
- Water usage
- Energy efficiency
- Production process
- Transportation
- Front loading washing machines also use less water and energy
It’s the small things that count.
- Try not to leave your doors open for prolonged amounts of time. An effective way to avoid losing either heat or cool air is to have two different sets of doors to enter your home so that one closes before the other opens to avoid losing either warm or cool air.
- Change your shower heads and faucets to high pressure, low flow to reduce water consumption.
- Water efficient, low flow, dual flush toilets can help conserve energy.
- Use a power strip wherever possible and turn it off when nothing on it is being used.
- The old rule our parents taught us still stands: turn off the lights when you aren’t in the room! Also installing fluorescent light bulbs that don’t emit heat, use less energy, and last longer.
- Use a clothes drying rack or clothesline whenever you can.
Home renovations?
- Insulate. Sealing and insulating your homes outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors and floors improves energy efficiency and comfort. If your home is properly sealed, installing an air ventilation system is very important.
- Get an Energy Audit/Evaluation. Finding out how your individual home can be more energy efficient can set you on your way to savings. An energy evaluation is also often required when applying for government grants.
- Use low emitting materials. When doing renovations such as painting, choose products that are lower in volatile organic compounds.
- Install a ventilation system. People often only worry about sealing their home to stop air from escaping in or out but do not consider the need for fresh air and the removal of stale air.
Why have a “green” home?
Even banks pay attention. Many banks offer rebates or lower mortgage rates because you are helping to protect the environment by being energy efficient. Look for “green” features on your banks websites, or just call and ask about it.
Increase the resale value of your home. Having a “green” /energy efficient home can increase your home resale value due to the reduced energy needs and lower overall operating costs.
A “green” home can help eliminate health issues from poor air quality. Using non-volatile organic and non-toxic materials along with a ventilation system will improve the indoor air quality in your home.
Tax benefits. Many local governments are being more active in assisting with both residential and commercial energy efficient retrofits by implementing grants and tax benefits. Ask your accountant or visit your local governments website.