Why Go Green?

Green or energy efficient homes have been gaining traction over the last few years.There are any number of reasons why somebody would want a green home.However,the most popular reasons are to have a healthier home,reduce energy load.desire to recycle and have a more comfortable living space.While some of this rational is subjective,being able to reduce water,energy, and electric useage can be easily quantified.Reducing the energy load or amount of material recycled, can be compared to the house prior to the retrofit was completed.In the case of new homes,using the HERS Rating System can be used to compare homes to similar homes of the same size.
The degree to which a home is green depends on the individual owner and the budget available to the home owner.On a very elemental level,a person can reduce their energy load by using low flow toilets,or shower heads,CFLs,power strips and other devises.Monotoring use of electricity,water and fuel use sounds unimportant,but does play a significiant role in this process.Proper insulation,use of shades. and sealing cracks and other openings can help reduce heat loss in the winter and the cooling effects of an A/C in the warmer months.Use of programable thermostates are an inexpensive way to help control heating/cooling costs.More expensive methods of controlling/reducing enery costs are buying newer energy efficient hot water tanks,furnices and other appliances.While these devises are costly,there may be rebates and tax incentives after they are purchased.Reduced energy/water use can also help defray the cost of these devises.
The most important goal is to determine a game plan of what your goals are to go green and determine the best way to approach this process