What Makes a "Green" Home?

While "green" has become quite the buzzword when it comes to home building and design, what exactly it means isn't always clear. There are a few standards for eco-friendly homes, but the term "green" doesn't have a universal definition beyond being a color made by mixing yellow and blue. So how does a consumer know when a home the builder is calling "green" is actually built with an ecological focus, or at least enough of one to justify its price?

Some of the standards for ecologically minded homes include increased insulation. To be really energy efficient, a home should be insulated beyond the minimum local requirements. This includes floor insulation, which in some cases is built right in to the concrete foundation. In addition to the walls, floors and ceilings, windows should also be insulating. Therefore, double paned and/or vinyl windows are becoming the "green" standard.

Energy efficiency should be continued throughout the home. Low water use toilets are a must, and those that have different flush options are extra eco-concious. These options allow you to have a more efficient flush for solid waste, while liquid waste just gets much more conservative flush. Shower heads, washing machines, faucets and dishwashers can also be equipped to limit the water used without compromising function. Air conditioners, refrigerators, heaters and all other appliances within the home should be of the highest standard of energy efficiency. In addition, compact fluorescent lights should be used throughout the home, or replaced by LED lights wherever those are suitable.

Beyond energy efficiency, use of non-toxic, ar at least less-toxic, materials is important in "green" homes. Look for a home with low VOC paints. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are toxins that gas-off from conventional paint. Remember the lighter the pigment, the lower the VOC's, so white or off-white walls are healthier than some of the bolder, trendy colors. This is because it is the paint base that is quality controlled, but it is impossible to take the VOC's out of some pigments.

Another finishing detail that is popular for eco-friendly homes is bamboo or cork flooring. Bamboo is popular because it grows so quickly. It takes about five years to grow bamboo to the right size to make flooring. It is versatile and comes in a variety of styles and colors. Cork is an option because it is sustainable to harvest - removing cork does not damage the cork tree, as it replenishes its cork bark every year anyway. Cork makes a lovely, soft and springy floor surface that is also naturally warmer than many other flooring options.

For our final indoor consideration, eco-friendly homes will use more natural fabrics such as wool and cotton for carpets and window dressings.

Outside the home leaves plenty of room for "green" considerations, too. Xeriscaping is a popular means of landscaping utilizing plants native to the area being built in. These plants are naturally drought-resistant because they are acclimatized to the local environment, needing less watering and maintenance than lawns or beds full of foreign flowers.

Another "green" outdoor trend is utilizing permeable paving stones. These actually absorb water, which then is naturally filtered through the earth and goes back into the ground-water supply. These avoid the toxic run-off that can be caused by water rushing over cement and into drains, carrying oil and exhaust residue straight into the drainage system, which ultimately ends up being a nearby body of water.

If a home you are looking at is being promoted as being "green", don't hesitate to ask the builder about some of these features. If they don't measure up, don't buy it.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power

Solar power is starting to go main stream. While this technology has been around for some time, many people are just starting to learn about alternative fuels such as these. They have been getting a lot of buzz because of high oil costs. The inability to afford rising fuel costs, have forced some individuals to think of new ways to run their homes. One way is to use energy from the sun. There are advantages and disadvantages of solar power. Let's discuss the advantages first.

There are many well noted benefits of sun energy. The ones that are most often discussed include cheaper energy costs, clean fuel and less dependence on oil.

In recent years, utility bills have gone through the roof in many parts of the world. Oil prices are skyrocketing and global supplies are diminishing. This trend is not going to cease worsening. Some people have been unable to pay their bills, while others have had to cut back drastically in other areas of their life affecting their lifestyles to a great measure. There have been many families who have had to go without heat simply because they could not come up with the money to pay their utility bills. Because the sun is a free fuel source, it is now possible for us to cut back on costs.

Sun energy is also good for the planet. It does not emit any harmful gases. It also makes people who use it less dependent on oil. Their monetary outlays are also not dependent on oil prices.

As noted earlier, there are advantages and disadvantages of solar power. We have already discussed the advantages, now let's discuss the disadvantages.

The biggest disadvantage of tapping on sunlight as a fuel source is the high cost of purchasing the panels and then having them installed. Thankfully, there are online guides that will give step-by-step instructions to build and install your own. For around $200 worth of materials, you can do everything yourself.

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages of solar power. Sun power can replace oil based fuel. As a result, an individual can save money and do something good for the environment. The main disadvantage of using sunlight to provide energy is that it can be costly if you pay someone to install such a system for you. However, you can save a ton of money if you create and install the solar panels yourself.

Tired of high electric bills? Discover how thousands of families are using homemade solar power systems to power their homes!

Who Wants to Save Money While Saving the Environment?

Many of us feel that there must be a better way of doing things. For example, you pay that utility bill each month but you haven't got any real control over where this electric power is coming from, and it seems the costs keep going up.

Perhaps you also have a nagging feeling that you would like to do something here and now to save the environment. You have probably heard of the global warming, which is caused by the enormous global use of fossil fuels.

Personally, I think we all need to do everything we can to halt this process -- yes, we need to "go green"! But what can ordinary people like you and me really do to change the world -- after all, we are dependent on so many factors outside our control. Like the utility company.

What if there was a way to:

- save money
- save the environment
- and become more independent

OK, I think there is such a way. If you are a homeowner, then you can for instance install photovoltaic panels on the roof of your house. Then, you can make your very own electricity and thumb your nose at the utility company! Or, actually, you might be able to make money by selling some of your electric power back to them.

"No, that won't work -- such solar panels are so darn expensive" you might say. To which I answer: No, not nowadays. True, some years ago solar panels cost a minor fortune, but this has changed. Manufacturing processes have improved, and you can also save money by some do-it-yourself work.

To learn more about how you can install cheap solar panels and make your own electric power, click here now.

And this is the URL: http://www.GoSolar-Now.com

You Can't Afford That Garage You Need

For those of us who have a home that did not come with an attached or detached garage but could use one to house our cars or need one for storage, it is overwhelming to find out how much it costs to build a standard garage.The foundation alone is more than most of us can afford right now.

There is also the hassle of the code process with the local building departments as well as hiring a good and competent contractor who can deliver the job for the quoted amount.It seems that, in the world today, very few jobs come in at the quoted price.It just does not make since when you break it all down into dollars and cents.

Now what to do?What you need costs more than you have but you still need a garage!Believe it or not, you do have a few choices.If you need some type of covering for your vehicles, a carport may work for you or a portable garage that is more like a plastic sheet structure that can go from place to place.

Even though you may think it crazy, you will need to check with your local codes or community boards to find out if you need any type of building permit to construct these structures. It is always better to find out before you purchase and install any of these than to find out you have to tear them down because you did not get the correct permit.

Another great and cheaper way to go is to put up a plastic garage, otherwise known as a vinyl garage.These garages have a great reputation for being sturdy and come in various sizes so you can customize whatever you need.The more extra storage you need for storage, the deeper the garage you can buy.

Another great garage that is a lot more inexpensive and comes in varying colors, shapes and sizes are the metal garages that can be put up over a weekend.These are economical for residential and commercial uses and are a good choice for many areas of the country.You can determine by your region the correct structure for snow load and wind speed.

The bottom line here is if you are in need of a garage, there are a lot more choices than you may realize.Find the one that works for you and go for it!

It's easy to construct a Duramax garage. There are other great outdoor products and structures for your home and garden to choose from.

Renewable Energy - Did You Know This?

Renewable energy is not that easy to define. The definition has to be all-encompassing as it is the general term for a whole range of unconventional sources. Most experts mean that it is something that occurs naturally and very widely.

Several renewable power sources depends on nuclear. This meaning that the nuclear power comes from our sun. In a huge reaction, the sun produces light and heat and reaches us as a natural energy-source. The sun is the best source of renewable E among wind power, biomass and other. Fossil fuel could be categorized as biomass, but is limited and have plenty of fatal side effects.

The US federal National Renewable Energy Laboratory has a good renewable power program that researches the latest saving building techniques. Scientists have realized that efficiency is the way to go, and this body educates people in this aspect.

They work in synchronization with the big shots of the construction industry, highlight efforts towards building with renewable systems and inform producers as well as consumers about what financial gains they may make from using this form of power. NREL also cooperates with agencies to set guidelines for buildings and other consuming appliances.

Renewable power is beneficial for the environment in the polluted world of today. Wind and solar are two of the most prominent types. Bio fuels, geothermal and wave or tidal power are fast becoming popular, though some of these may potentially harm the natural world.

Can you tell the difference between renewable and alternative E?

Many people don't know the fine difference between the two. The renewable one is fundamentally natural; it's the power we get from the sun, wind or waves. Alternative E, however, includes both bio fuels and nuclear sources which are not really healthy options for us to use.

The infrastructure we have is suited for fossil fuels, even though renewable or green E is more cost effective. Our government has not been busy taking any steps to change things and go in for green energy-sources. With the present situation worsening every day, we have to get a change really soon.

If we try to find one positive thing about fossil fuels it could be that we can store the power we get from them, which is more difficult with green sources. Solar power, for instance, is less effective in cloudy weather. Calm days there is not very much use of a windmill. This and initial costs to get power from these unconventional sources are still a bit high, could be a small drawback as compared to traditional earth-killing sources.

Visit the website and find out more about renewable energy

Remodel Your Home For Ease of Use - Universal Design and Aging in Place

As aging baby boomers consider staying in their homes, Universal Design and Aging in Place will be gaining more momentum in the years to come. Here are some practical home modification tips to promote safety, comfort and independence in everyday living.

What Is Universal Design and Aging in Place?
Universal Design is a concept that focuses on comfort, ease of access, and maneuverability within homes for all people, while aging in place is a popular lifestyle option for older homeowners preferring to safely and independently live in their homes.

Did You Know?
89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely, while National Association of Home Builders cites 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work.

Suggested Universal Design and Aging in Place home modifications include:
- Installing lights strategically to maintain a well-lit hallway

- Having non-slip interior and exterior flooring

- Replacing knobs with levers handles

- Setting up pantries and cabinetry with rollout cabinets and lazy Susans

- Mounting adequate handrails for stairways and ramps

- Building or installing a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads

- Installing a no-curb shower

Local Certified Remodeling Professionals
To address the growing number of consumers looking for local specialized professionals, the Remodelers Council of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has created a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) resource directory for homeowners. You can visit their website for a list of local specialists in your area.

When remodeling for ease of use, look for simple and practical products which are safe to use and easy to maintain. With these simple and practical home modifications, you can design your home for how you would like to live now and for the future.

You are welcome to publish or reprint this article, free of charge, as long as the article remain unchanged, all hyperlinks are active, and the "About the Author" section is included in the reprint. The author is not liable for any loss profits, expenses, or any other damages resulting from the use or misuse of articles published on this website.

Villette Nolon is the President and CEO of HomeSavvi.
HomeSavvi provides free home remodeling instant inspiration. Online guide features home remodel design ideas, photos, expert advice, including bathroom and kitchen designs, budgets and costs and other helpful information.

Generate Your Own Solar and Wind Power and Reduce Your Utilities Bill, Even by Up to 80%

With steadily increasing energy prices and a desire for more environmentally friendly living, wind generated power is becoming more and more popular. Large wind farms are being built in locations around the country, and individual property owners are building their own smaller turbines. While wind generated power won't be enough to supply all of your energy needs, if you want to build your own it will most certainly reduce your electric bill. A wind turbine also makes a great supplement to an already existing solar or water power generator.

Building a wind turbine on your property is not difficult, but you'll need some tools, some basic knowledge of electrical systems, and a willingness to do it right. Before beginning a turbine project you should check with your local municipality to see if turbines are regulated in your area. Once that hurdle is cleared, you can begin the design phase, assemble the parts, and begin building.

The standard wind turbine can be broken down into six basic components: the generator, blades, tail assembly, pivoting mount, mast, batteries, and load controller. For small DIY projects, a generator can be a simple motor from an old tape deck, kitchen blender, or any scrap appliance you have laying around. The key to the generator is to find a motor that gives the most volts at the lowest RPM. Normal winds are in the range of 15-20 mph, so on average your turbine won't be turning 7200 RPM all that often.

Blades can be made of wood, PVC, plastic, whatever you can get your hands on. You'll need some scrap wood for the tail, conduit or steel piping for the mast, some deep cycle batteries, and some common electrical components for the controller. Parts lists and assembly instructions can be found all over the internet. A few hours of research should yield just about all the information you need. If you're not confident enough to build from scratch, you can also purchase a kit which just requires assembly.

Once your turbine is up an running you'll be spending less money with the local electric utility, and producing power without pollution. Those are two pretty good reasons to go wind powered.

Sam Stone

For more information on how to generate your own power: http://timelessprincipals.com/solarpanel

I have a passion for conserving the environment and I try and do my part to help reduce my carbon foot print. I now have solar and wind power generators powering all my utilities and i never have to pay of power again but more importantly I am helping save the planet. http://timelessprincipals.com/solarpanel