first “update your house to go green” idea
copyright image by https://123rf.com/
An updated thermostat
Notes:
- Thermostats today do far more than simply tell the heat and air when to run. Programmable thermostats give us a great deal of flexibility in controlling when we activate the HVAC. They can be programmed to a schedule that aligns with the family’s schedule, running less when no one’s home and then bringing the house to the preferred temperature before everyone gets in from school and work.
- The devices can even be operated remotely with wifi, allowing temperatures to be monitored and controlled from anywhere with an internet connection. That means no worries about forgetting to adjust the temperature before leaving home and the convenience of adjusting the schedule if needed.
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Two quick comments about efficient cooling (and heating):
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Air Conditioning:
cooling your home home can be the most expensive component of your HVAC system. Programmable thermostats can help reduce that cost by running the AC only when at home. But also having an efficient HVAC systems and ceiling fans can save even more. Take a look at our post about the varying cooling systems you can use:
- view post: types of summer cooling units
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Solar Power:
don’t forget the use of solar power to help generate electricity to run HVAC systems – including the heating of water. Solar panels can use placed on roofs or open areas with maximum sunlight for generating electricity:
- view post: Why Go Solar? 5 Reasons to Make the Investment for Your Home
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ideas to view and compare from the photo above
programmable thermostatwifi smart thermostatwifi portable A/C
| Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
| HOW: programmable thermostats work | |
| WHAT IS: eco-friendly house | |
| INFO: secret to programming thermostat | |
| YOUTUBE: install programmable thermostat | |
| SHOP: green home (scroll) | |
second “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by twenty20.com
Shifting to a tiny house
Notes:
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Living Smaller:
With the emphasis on de-cluttering, reducing storage needs, and everyone living busy lifestyles that keep us away from home much of the day, some families are finding that less is more when it comes to home size.
- They’re moving into tiny houses and abandoning big mortgage payments, big upkeep bills, and big heating costs. Thanks to innovative heating mat systems and other efficient technologies, the costs of tiny house heating are much lower for a better system.
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Reducing Costs:
There are savings on property taxes, insurance, and so many more budget items; and the construction of a tiny home uses far fewer materials, reducing the environmental impact of its timber consumption. With the right lifestyle, a tiny house could be just the way to save money for you.
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So what is a tiny house:
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What’s the Size:
a tiny house is something that is less than 500 square feet of living space. This could be the right size for a single person. But for a married couple, it could be a bit tight. Something like a small house might give you a better fit (around 500-1000 square feet).
- The goal is to reduce living costs. So whatever size that fits your style could be a smart move.
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Some Images to View:
- tiny house plans: view samples
- tiny house interior: view samples
- tiny house landscaping: view samples
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ideas to view and compare from the photo above
| Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
| WHAT IS: the tiny house movement | |
| INFO: living tiny house hard? | |
| YOUTUBE: living in style on a budget | |
| YOUTUBE: 5 huge lies about tiny homes | |
May We Suggest Other Photo Remodeling Ideas About
“Eco Living and Sustainment”
third “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by https://123rf.com/
Improved windows
Notes:
- Walls do a great job of insulating until we cut big holes in them and insert thin, leaky windows. Old single-pane windows built-in wooden frames and installed years or even decades ago are a colossal waste of energy. The movement of air through and around substandard windows is a big drain on our utility budgets.
- While it does cost some money to upgrade, it’s well worth it. Better windows make for a tighter home that heats and cools more efficiently. The new models may also prove easier to open and clean than your old ones.
- In addition, they may qualify you for a tax credit. New windows can easily pay for themselves very quickly by providing these financial benefits.
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What do you need to know about windows:
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Window Types:
you have varying types of windows that are better for ventilation to help keep your home cool. Review the varying types and styles
- view post: How Do I Choose a Window Style for My Home?
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Natural Light:
the one great benefit of windows is bringing in natural light. Natural lighting is best for overall health and mood. View reasons why natural light is important and how windows can help.
- view post: Does Your Home Get Enough Natural Light?
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Don’t Forget Shade:
we discussed the importance of natural light, but direct summer rays into the home can quickly heat the home – adding to the cost to cool the house down. That is why shade trees planted strategically in the yard can shade the home from summer heat.
Shade trees allow in natural light but shades the home from summer rays that help keep your house cool. And in the winter, the tree leaves drop allowing more welcomed direct sunlight into the home to help warm it up. Learn more about planting trees.
- view post: 4 Simple Steps To Plant A Tree the Right Way
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ideas to view and compare from the photo above
| Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
| INFO: what is energy efficient | |
| INFO: benefits energy efficient windows | |
| YOUTUBE: energy efficient made simple | |
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fourth “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by https://123rf.com/
Low-flow water fixtures
Notes:
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Why Waste Water:
With all the talk about global warming and our overburdened energy grid, it’s easy to forget that we can all go greener by cutting back on water use as well. The water wasted through our shower heads, faucets, and commodes causes a big burden on municipal water systems.
- They must process more water, which means more purification chemicals and more energy used to move all that water around.
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New Water Saving Devices:
Low-flow fixtures in your home can dramatically reduce your water usage without reducing effectiveness. These new designs have been carefully created for both performance and efficiency.
- You’ll quickly find they work as well or better than your old units, and you’ll really see a difference when your first water bill shows up.
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Speaking of water and water harvesting:
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Water Conservation:
water is a precious commodity – and in some areas of the US (and throughout the world), water is scarce. With rising populations in arid regions, not to mention the needs for farming irrigation, water usage is being regulated to avoid wasteful use and cost penalties.
- view post: Living In a Drought – Ways to Conserve and Save Water
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Water Harvesting:
one option to consider regarding your water usage is harvesting and storing rain water. Imagine the amount of water you can collect by just channeling rainwater that falls on your roof into a receptacle. Be sure to check local regulations regarding rain harvesting – some jurisdictions do not allow it.
- view post: Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting
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ideas to view and compare from the photo above
water saving shower headsautomatic sensor faucetswater usage meter
| References (opens new win except noted) | |
| SERVICES: green energy (see below) | |
| HOW: water saving showerhead works | |
| INFO: 25 ways to save water | |
| PLANNING: green energy home (same win) | |
Find Energy Efficient Services Insulation Windows-Insulation Ducts & Vents Thermostats Roof Installation Skylights Home Automation Generators top-rated, pre-screened local contractors FREE: download contractor selection enter zip code – powered by HomeAdvisor ™
Quick Contractor Guides selecting negotiating working with inspecting
fifth and last “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by https://123rf.com/
Smart house features
Notes:
- Today we can do so much with our homes through a cell phone. We can watch our surveillance video, open doors, operate the security system, and much more. The ability to control home systems with a cell phone sounds like fun, but there’s much more to it than that.
- Sure, it’s nice to be able to preheat the oven on your way home or to watch for intruders through your doorbell, but you can also use these systems to go green. Smart homes eliminate those worries about which lights or appliances might have been left on, reducing the power that they waste during the day.
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The future is coming:
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Internet of things (IoT):
IoT is the future of home automation – where everything is controlled and monitored by cloud technology using wifi devices. You will be surprised what might be in store in home management and living.
- view post: What a Future Smart Home May Look Like
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FINAL REMARKS
It’s not difficult to perform many of these upgrades, and those that are more involved will ultimately give you significant savings that make your investments of time and money worthwhile.
- Start thinking today about how you can help the planet and your bank account by making some simple changes, a few at a time, to make your home greener.
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Quik scroll to other green and eco-friendly homes …
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ideas to view and compare from the photo above
- What comments can you share about
updates to your home that made it more green
| Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
| WHAT IS: internet of things | |
| IMAGES: smart home for beginners | |
| YOUTUBE: start a smart home | |
Cover image credit: update your house to go green by twenty20.com
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