Like a certain small frog says “It’s not easy being green”.    It sounds simple, ‘Build Smart and Efficient and Save Money’ through the life of your home.   The problem is how to make the correct choices when every product claims to be green and efficient.    There are many guidelines and certification programs which contain volumes of good information about green building.    What I would like to do is offer some common sense ideas to make your home Energy Efficient and Green as well as reasonable to construct.

The bulk of your energy dollar goes to heating and cooling your home.    Heated air rises so adding additional insulation to the ceiling is where I would start.   Don’t forget cold air returns.   Check with a heating and air conditioning professional to see how many cold air returns are recommended for the size house you are building.    Windows and doors are the energy holes in your walls.    Windows with Low E glass and Argon are vital and worth the investment.   Insulation works best as a complete envelope.   If your home has a basement, insulate the walls.    House wrap and insulated sheathing will raise the insulating values of the walls.    Caulking is a simple procedure that offers a great protection from air and moisture penetration.   Stop air filtration and be sure the insulation and caulking are installed correctly.

The heating and cooling system you select can vary enormously in terms of efficiency. Some options are:

1. A computer controlled variable speed furnace and A/C which selects the most efficient speeds and output based on demand.
2. Heat Pumps may be more efficient than a direct fuel furnace in your climate.
3. Geo-thermal uses the temperature of the earth to condition your home.
4. Flex fuel furnaces can switch between gas and electric depending on price.

Insulation values are measured in “R” power.    “R” is the resistance to heat flow.   The higher the “R” value the greater the insulating power.

After heating and cooling your home water heating is your next big energy expense.   Check the energy rating on water heaters to make an informed choice.   Also available are instant water heaters which eliminate heating a tank full of water and keeping it hot.   I have heard mixed reviews on this method..  Do your homework!

The next biggest chunk of your energy dollar will go to running your appliances.    Check energy star and other energy ratings to make an informed decision.

By switching to florescent fixtures in closets and storage areas you can create more light for less dollars.   Florescent bulbs and fixtures are becoming more attractive each day and can be a good choice for many lighting tasks.

Your new home will be equipped with water saving toilets and shower heads.    By checking the water consumption as well as energy consumption of washers and dishwashers you can save energy as well as water.

When someone mentions “green” and “efficient” often images come to mind of “avant-garde” or “way-out” homes.   What I have intended to do is point out how to make a home more cost effective to operate by doing simple common sense things that will save money without blowing the construction budget.