Going Green When You Build Your New Home
If you are planning to build a new home, consider "Going Green" by adding or substituting energy efficient improvements.
Read this article to find some good ideas to start with that will save you money.
1.
Dual Flush Toilets - I'm pretty sure you can figure out what these toilets do.
They may cost a little more than a standard toilet, but it will pay off in the long run.
A family of 4 will save 6000 gallons of water per year.
Not only does it save the environment, but you will save on your water bill.
2.
Low Flow Showerheads - I've tried the newer models and they perform like a normal showerhead.
The difference is these showerheads will use 1 gallon of water per minute versus 3.
5 gallons per minute.
Here's another way to save on your water bill.
I can see you smiling already.
3.
On Demand Hot water Heater - These are great because they only heat water only when you need it.
You aren't heating up water needlessly 24 hours a day.
There are different models that you can install depending on how much you want to spend.
The On Demand Systems that provide hot water for the whole house will cost more than a standard water heater, but again you will save on the electric or gas that would be used to heat the water.
4.
Water re-circulators - If a whole house On Demand Hot Water Heater is too costly, you should consider water re-circulators.
These are installed right at the water outlets and will complement your high efficiency hot water heater.
Water Re-circulators are an alternative to running water down the drain until you get hot water to the sink.
These units will instantly heat the water that is already sitting in the water lines that come from your hot water tank.
5.
CFL light bulbs - CFL light bulbs will pay for themselves in 6 months.
The average CFL light bulb will save you $30 in energy costs over its lifetime and last 10 times longer than a regular incandescent light bulb.
If you buy dimmable CFL light bulbs make sure to use it with a CFL light dimmer.
Standard light dimmers will flicker with CFL light bulbs 6.
Programmable thermostats - If set properly, a family should see a savings of $180 per year by using programmable thermostats in their new home.
Why heat or cool your new home when you are not there? 7.
Energy Star Appliances - The average family washes 400 loads of laundry per year.
If you use a High Energy Efficient washing machine in your new home, you will cut your water consumption by half and your energy bill to run the washer by more than one third.
You should seriously consider going green when you build your new home.
The savings in energy costs on a monthly basis will easily exceed the extra mortgage costs to build an energy efficient home.
That's positive cash flow and that is a good thing.
Read this article to find some good ideas to start with that will save you money.
1.
Dual Flush Toilets - I'm pretty sure you can figure out what these toilets do.
They may cost a little more than a standard toilet, but it will pay off in the long run.
A family of 4 will save 6000 gallons of water per year.
Not only does it save the environment, but you will save on your water bill.
2.
Low Flow Showerheads - I've tried the newer models and they perform like a normal showerhead.
The difference is these showerheads will use 1 gallon of water per minute versus 3.
5 gallons per minute.
Here's another way to save on your water bill.
I can see you smiling already.
3.
On Demand Hot water Heater - These are great because they only heat water only when you need it.
You aren't heating up water needlessly 24 hours a day.
There are different models that you can install depending on how much you want to spend.
The On Demand Systems that provide hot water for the whole house will cost more than a standard water heater, but again you will save on the electric or gas that would be used to heat the water.
4.
Water re-circulators - If a whole house On Demand Hot Water Heater is too costly, you should consider water re-circulators.
These are installed right at the water outlets and will complement your high efficiency hot water heater.
Water Re-circulators are an alternative to running water down the drain until you get hot water to the sink.
These units will instantly heat the water that is already sitting in the water lines that come from your hot water tank.
5.
CFL light bulbs - CFL light bulbs will pay for themselves in 6 months.
The average CFL light bulb will save you $30 in energy costs over its lifetime and last 10 times longer than a regular incandescent light bulb.
If you buy dimmable CFL light bulbs make sure to use it with a CFL light dimmer.
Standard light dimmers will flicker with CFL light bulbs 6.
Programmable thermostats - If set properly, a family should see a savings of $180 per year by using programmable thermostats in their new home.
Why heat or cool your new home when you are not there? 7.
Energy Star Appliances - The average family washes 400 loads of laundry per year.
If you use a High Energy Efficient washing machine in your new home, you will cut your water consumption by half and your energy bill to run the washer by more than one third.
You should seriously consider going green when you build your new home.
The savings in energy costs on a monthly basis will easily exceed the extra mortgage costs to build an energy efficient home.
That's positive cash flow and that is a good thing.
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