Living Green on the Front Range
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Treat Your Home This Holiday |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Feb 01 2008 at 10:51 AM |
| Living Green on the Front Range >> Green Living Tips |
Chance Parker, The Green Team
Now that old man winter is tightening his grasp it’s a good time for you to tighten up your older home. While time and finances often present obstacles for owners of older home to retrofit these timeless and classical homes in our area, there are an endless number of cost effective improvement options an older home can benefit from. These treatments can increase the efficiency and comfort of an older home. And most of these can be done easily and also fairly inexpensively. And you will feel great because your improvements not only help your monthly utility bill but also help cut your contribution to green house gases!
Add Attic Insulation
The roof is the major heat loss element in your home. So, you should look at addressing your attic insulation levels. You'll increase comfort, reduce noise and save energy. For those who enjoy the experience of “knowing your home” more intimately, blowers and hampers can be rented, or might even be free for use after purchasing a minimal amount of 85% cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newsprint. EPA recommends at least R-38 for ceilings. Otherwise contact a local trained professional for a free estimate.
Seal your HVAC ducts
Poorly sealed ductwork can greatly reduce efficiency. Ductwork can be sealed with mastic or metal tape at joints and areas needing repair. Check for leaky duct connections at joints, returns, registers, kinks, and the filter slot. Make sure there is no obvious blocking of registers by furniture or other objects. Insulate ducts with duct insulation that carries an R-value of 6 or higher. EPA recommends hiring a professional contractor for duct improvement/repairs.
After sealing your ductwork have your entire ductwork system vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized by a licensed professional. This will ensure a much higher indoor air quality and increase efficiency and performance of your HVAC system.
Caulk and Weatherstrip
Windows and doors are usual suspects for heat loss in your home. Energy used to offset heat losses through windows in homes across the U.S. accounts for approximately ¼ (25%) of all energy used for space heating. While the ultimate solution is to replace existing windows with high performing double or triple pain, Low-E (low –emittance) versions(use a cost savings analysis), there are many cost effective options to control air leakage and heat loss. Caulking and weather-stripping should be a high priority. Doors and windows benefit greatly from new and additional metal, vinyl, rubber, felt, or foam sealing. Storm windows can be acquired readily and inexpensively from reclaimed building supply centers (such as our local Resource) and even through private individuals. Insulated shades, shutters, or drapes also can have a substantial impact on minimizing heat loss. Even the dreaded window film has a practical and functional role in creating air space and minimizing air leakage.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
The hot water pipes in your home travel through the coldest of places and emit heat along the way to your facet. When and where ever possible encase them in rubber or polyethylene foam tube. The tubes come with an adhesive-coated slit down the middle, so you just ease them over the pipe and press the ends closed. Seal the seams with duct tape. Tests show that insulation can double the cool-down time in 1/2-inch pipe and triple it in 3/4-inch pipe.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat by now, stop what you’re doing and go get one, even for investment and income properties. No other improvement will pay for itself quicker than this. And you’ll never forget to turn the heat down.
To find out exactly and precisely how to improve the efficiency and performance of your home an energy audit will help you to determine and prioritize where to spend your money. This is also an outstanding asset to have when buying or selling a home. Know what you’re getting into and be able to demonstrate to prospective purchasers what you’ve done.
To find out more about a complimentary energy audit, contact The Green Team-- your area's only real estate team committed to green practices, methods, and evolving technologies!
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