Here are a few other changes, recommended by PATH, that homeowners can do to make their property green and save on costs:
- Compact fluorescent lighting: Four times more efficient, can last 10 times longer.
- Curtains to help keep the heat out in summer and keep heat in during the winter. Adding blinds is also helpful.
- Dual pane, impact-resistant windows that provide good insulation and are resistant to debris during storms.
- Using natural fibers for window treatments, upholstery and rugs: wool, cotton and linen, rather than synthetic fibers that may give off harmful gasses
- Installing water conserving toilets (or put a brick in it), low flow shower heads and faucets
- Solar hot water heaters come in different designs, cost, performance and complexity
- HVAC systems and insulation are big concerns. Air conditioning systems with a SEER of 15 or higher, exceeding the code minimum of 12.
- HVAC Sizing – using one that fits the specific house
- Change HVAC and water filters as recommended
- Landscaping techniques: Xeriscaped landscape, using native plants grouped according to water usage
- Add Exterior siding and change shingle roofing to tile
- Tubular skylights – easier to install than typical skylights (PATH Resource – Pathnet.org)
Quick, Easy, and Cheap Green Changes
You have a listing, but the two green homes in the neighborhood sell first. Your client’s house is not only bigger, but also has more land with it, and they want to know how to go green to help it sell. You can tell them about the PATH & LEED Web sites and refer them to an online list of easy and inexpensive ideas that may help. Some examples follow:
- Weather stripping the doors and windows
- Window film to darken windows – check window manufacture first for warranty issues
- Placing a brick in the toilet tank will cause it to use less water.
- Set thermostat higher in the summer (78°F or higher) and lower in the winter (68°F or lower)
- Compact florescent light bulbs
- Leave dead grass as mulch for a greener lawn
- Use natural lighting vs. light bulbs
- Open windows during cooler part of the day
- Close fireplace damper when not in use
- Insulate heating and cooling pipes
- Wash only full loads (clothes / dishes)
- Cover pots and pans when cooking
- Keep dryer filter cleaned after each use
- Use microwave vs. oven
- Use shower-time efficiently
- Use curtains to help insulate from outside air (cold or hot)
- Natural insect repellents or natural pest deterrents, such as ladybugs, bees, and butterflies are just a few. Putting up bird feeders also can help attract birds that eat those pests.
- Attracting hummingbirds to help eat those pests not only helps, they are also fun to watch
- Mowing in the cooler part of the day, less evaporation of fuel saves on the carbon dioxide fumes released into the air
- Use products such as glass (plates, drinking glasses), metal utensils, cloth (napkins, shopping bags, tablecloths)
- Buy items with the least amount of packaging and the highest percentage of product.
