Green Pinwheel

As the effects of climate change are felt across the world and with the construction industry is responsible for as much as 40 percent of man-made carbon emissions, both governments and individuals are beginning to take the task of building eco friendly houses much more seriously.

Eco friendly Homes

Fuelled by increased demand a new industry of eco friendly home building has grown up and a whole host of technological innovations have created an arsenal of eco friendly building materials and techniques. From wind turbines, to solar panels, to high efficiency lighting, ultra efficient insulation, glazing, water conservation, plumbing, recycling and much more. Read much more at Green Innovation.

Introduction to Energy Saving at Home

You can save energy while improving your home's comfort and helping the environment by making your home more energy-efficient. In fact, making your home energy efficient is the first step to green. And indeed, energy efficiency will save you money, allowing you to invest in other green technologies to make your home more healthy, comfortable and sustainable. For basic recommendations, strategies and tips for energy efficiency improvements and products for your home, EPA developed the ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR is the government backed symbol for energy efficiency. An ENERGY STAR labeled product, appliance or building indicates superior energy performance. The ENERGY STAR Program is a great place to begin whether making improvements to an existing home or building a new home. Learn more at Energystar.gov to understand your home and the steps necessary to improve its energy efficiency.

Get an Energy Audit

To be successful in saving energy at home, start by having a home energy audit conducted by professional Home Energy Auditor. Such a procedure involves having your home professionally inspected to see how efficiently it uses energy and to identify areas in the home where improvements can be made. According to the EPA, such improvements can save significantly on monthly energy bills.

Seal and Insulate

Your home's envelope - the outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors and floors - may be letting too much air into or out of the home. Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can create as much airflow as an open window, and can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder.
Sealing coupled with insulating your home's shell is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort.Download the Do-it-yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR to better understand the importance of air sealing and insulating and key steps to sealing and insulating your home.

Cooling and heating

About half of your energy costs go toward heating and cooling. It's simple to reduce your energy footprint and improve air quality, which is good for your health.
-Change your filter every three months
-Have your HVAC system tuned up yearly
-Seal your heating and cooling ducts and check your roof insulation
-Install a programmable thermostat

Limit lighting

Considering that lighting accounts for about 15% of your home's electric use, making changes in this area can result in substantial energy savings. Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, which last up to 10 times longer and use 75% less electricity.
Consider occupancy sensors that turn lights off when you leave a room to save energy. Outdoor motion-sensor lighting also saves energy and improves safety.

Windows

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Envelope and Windows R&D Programs, windows in the United States cost consumers approximately $35 billion per year in energy. Today's energy-efficient, insulated windows could cut that total by half.

Costs to Consider: 4 Unexpected Home Owner Expenses

By: Nancy Mann Jackson

After several years of a slow housing market, buying is picking up. Housing prices have dropped significantly during the recent slowdown, and mortgage rates remain at historic lows, meaning that purchasing a house is more affordable than it has been in years. However, if you're wondering, "Should I buy or rent?", it's important to realize that your housing costs will go beyond your monthly mortgage payment.
As a renter, you don't need to worry about anything beyond your monthly rent, but owning a home comes with a wide range of financial obligations. As a homeowner, you'll be responsible for several costs.

Things to Consider when Buying a House

1. Property Taxes - As a homeowner, you are responsible for paying annual taxes on the property you own. Often, these taxes are bundled into your monthly mortgage payment and held in an escrow account, and the mortgage company pays them for you each year. If you choose to pay taxes this way, be prepared for your mortgage payment to be a little higher each month to cover taxes.

2. Home Insurance - As a renter, you may have purchased renters insurance to cover the cost of your belongings inside the home, but as a homeowner, you must pay to insure your entire home from fire or other damages. If you live near water, you may be required to pay extra for flood insurance. This expense is also frequently included in your monthly mortgage payment and held in escrow until annual premiums are due.

3. Ongoing Maintenance - When a homeowner wakes up to a broken water heater and a cold shower, you can't call the landlord or the maintenance department for help. You must find a plumber, pay the bill, and purchase a new water heater or parts or whatever is needed. As a homeowner, it's important to have a cash fund available for emergencies - you never know when you may need to fix a leaky faucet, a broken lawn mower or buy a new dishwasher.

4. Utility Bills - Some landlords cover water and sewer bills, and others include cable or Internet access with a lease agreement. As a homeowner, you won't benefit from any such perks; you'll be responsible for paying all the monthly bills, including some that you might not even think of as a new homeowner:

• Electricity
• Gas or oil
• Water
• Sewer
• Trash pickup
• Landscaping and/or snow removal

If you are financially prepared for the costs associated with owning a home, it may be the best choice, as it will allow you to build equity that you can benefit from for years to come.