Today's "green" homes are even more efficient than those made just a few years ago. Today's green homes have many different innovations incorporated into them so that they're even more efficient and better at saving energy. These EnergyStar homes are becoming increasingly common in every area of the country.
In order to be registered as an EnergyStar home, the home has to be at least 15% more efficient than homes built prior to 2004, and also has to include many additional energy saving features that can make them even 20-30 percent more efficient than standard residences.
The EnergyStar program begins with new construction, and today's green homes have many energy saving features. For example, today's wall insulation is not fiberglass. Instead, it's recycled cellulose insulation that provides better insulation than fiberglass and also fills up wall spaces and those in the attic much better than fiberglass did. You can also install this type of insulation either in dry form or by using it as a semi liquid that you can spray between the walls. Besides these benefits, cellulose is a much better thermal protectant than standard types of insulation are.
Power sources, too, can be changeable with a green home. You don't just have to be connected to a power grid, but can incorporate renewable power sources including wind, solar, and geothermal energy, depending on where you live. If necessary, you can also combine different types of power sources (such as solar and wind) so that your power source is more reliable. You can put this type of "alternative energy source" supply in an existing home as well as in new construction. Getting your power from these types of alternative energy sources can give you many advantages, such as not having utility bills he is high (or not having utility bills at all), and not having to depend on the power grid for your power, such that you will be immune to brown or black outs, as those using conventional power sources might.
Alternative power sources are just one facet of green energy, though. High efficiency appliances are also part of the program, and cost roughly the same as other regular appliances. These can include appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, stoves, tankless water heaters, or high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. Power sources are interchangeable here, too. For example, if you are still connected to a traditional grid setup, you can use more energy-efficient, clean propane or natural gas as your power supply for those appliances.
For windows, there are many high efficiency windows with double panes. Some are infused with inert gases between the panes to help keep out harmful UV rays, and at the same time, keep heat and air conditioning from escaping. There are less expensive ways to save energy on windows, there are many types of film that can be applied directly to the window panes that provide the same protection.
There are lots of new techniques available that can make your home more efficient even if you don't have an "EnergyStar" residence, but when it comes to new home construction, you may be asking, "How much more does it cost to construct a 'green' home?" The answer to that is that these types of homes are up to 17% more expensive to build initially, but energy savings will recoup that extra cost over time.
To learn more about EnergyStar homes and appliances, do some research online. Many materials like cellulose insulation or tankless water heaters can be found at your local home improvement store, so that you can save on shipping costs. Many websites will have information for you that will provide the plans and kits you need to install your own alternative energy power sources.
In order to be registered as an EnergyStar home, the home has to be at least 15% more efficient than homes built prior to 2004, and also has to include many additional energy saving features that can make them even 20-30 percent more efficient than standard residences.
The EnergyStar program begins with new construction, and today's green homes have many energy saving features. For example, today's wall insulation is not fiberglass. Instead, it's recycled cellulose insulation that provides better insulation than fiberglass and also fills up wall spaces and those in the attic much better than fiberglass did. You can also install this type of insulation either in dry form or by using it as a semi liquid that you can spray between the walls. Besides these benefits, cellulose is a much better thermal protectant than standard types of insulation are.
Power sources, too, can be changeable with a green home. You don't just have to be connected to a power grid, but can incorporate renewable power sources including wind, solar, and geothermal energy, depending on where you live. If necessary, you can also combine different types of power sources (such as solar and wind) so that your power source is more reliable. You can put this type of "alternative energy source" supply in an existing home as well as in new construction. Getting your power from these types of alternative energy sources can give you many advantages, such as not having utility bills he is high (or not having utility bills at all), and not having to depend on the power grid for your power, such that you will be immune to brown or black outs, as those using conventional power sources might.
Alternative power sources are just one facet of green energy, though. High efficiency appliances are also part of the program, and cost roughly the same as other regular appliances. These can include appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, stoves, tankless water heaters, or high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. Power sources are interchangeable here, too. For example, if you are still connected to a traditional grid setup, you can use more energy-efficient, clean propane or natural gas as your power supply for those appliances.
For windows, there are many high efficiency windows with double panes. Some are infused with inert gases between the panes to help keep out harmful UV rays, and at the same time, keep heat and air conditioning from escaping. There are less expensive ways to save energy on windows, there are many types of film that can be applied directly to the window panes that provide the same protection.
There are lots of new techniques available that can make your home more efficient even if you don't have an "EnergyStar" residence, but when it comes to new home construction, you may be asking, "How much more does it cost to construct a 'green' home?" The answer to that is that these types of homes are up to 17% more expensive to build initially, but energy savings will recoup that extra cost over time.
To learn more about EnergyStar homes and appliances, do some research online. Many materials like cellulose insulation or tankless water heaters can be found at your local home improvement store, so that you can save on shipping costs. Many websites will have information for you that will provide the plans and kits you need to install your own alternative energy power sources.
About the Author:
About the author: Jerry Dyess has been in the Texas Electricity business for the past 7 years. Get more information on Texas Electric rates.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar