Transform Your Home into an Eco Oasis: Sustainable Improvements for Healthier Living

Transform Your Living Space into an Eco-Frily Oasis: A Guide to Sustnable Home Improvements and Mntenance

Did you know that approximately 40 of the energy utilized in the United States is dedicated to heating, cooling, and powering buildings - which contribute to a staggering 38 of carbon dioxide emissions? Buildings consume about 12 of total water usage. Yet, it's crucial to understand that our living environments are fundamental to our health, as most people sp nearly 90 of their time indoors 1, 2. Good indoor r quality is not only critical for everyone but particularly beneficial for young children whose lungs and bodies are developing rapidly, as well as individuals with asthma or respiratory issues.

But mntning a healthy home doesn't stop there - it's equally vital that we're exposed to ample natural light and beautiful views regardless of our location. When we feel good in our homes, we feel great overall. More importantly, what could be more important than nurturing an environment conducive to our well-being?

Now that you appreciate the significance of a sustnable home, let's take action together. This guide offers both strghtforward improvements and those requiring time, resources, and planning - think of it as your living document for continuous improvement rather than an exhaustive list of tasks due immediately.

Additionally, recognize that the sustnable home market is rapidly expanding, with new products and solutions emerging yearly to make green living more accessible and affordable 3. This guide serves as a starting point for your journey towards healthier, more energy-efficient homes that rely less on fossil fuels - not as a final destination.

Transform any dwelling into an eco-frily sanctuary

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Harness Renewable Energy When Possible

Explore renewable energy options offered by utilities and communities - many provide programs enabling homeowners and renters to obtn 100 clean energy at home with a slight increase in monthly charges 4. If you're interested in utilizing renewable energy but aren't ready for a home solar system, check with your local utility or community about similar initiatives.

Consider installing a solar roof if you reside in an area with abundant sunlight and warm climates.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Opt for ENERGY STAR-certified appliances.

Utilize the ENERGY STAR Home Advisor to enhance efficiency.

Evaluate your home's energy consumption with the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick.

Install a cool roof during a new roof replacement or when one is needed if you live in warmer climates 5.

Upgrade insulation levels.

Adopt smart thermostats like Nest for automatic temperature adjustments.

Replace incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with LED lights.

Participate in programs like OhmConnect, which encourages energy conservation during peak hours. Contact your utility to learn about similar services avlable in your area.

Seek Professional Advice for New Home Construction or Re

Consider obtning a HERS Home Energy Rating System rating when building new homes or planning renovations 6.

Recycle and Purchase Appliances Responsibly

Choose ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

Disposing of appliances properly: Contact your local waste management company or visit Earth911.org for guidance on recycling procedures.

Replace HVAC systems in an environmentally conscious manner, ensuring proper repr and disposal.

Mntn clean HVAC filters to improve indoor r quality and energy efficiency. Clogged filters strn the HVAC system and increase energy usage:

• Use MERV 8 or higher filters

• Change filters every 90 days when home occupancy is low fall and spring

• Replace monthly during high-use seasons like winter and summer

Protect Indoor r Quality

Test your home for radon annually 7.

Adopt eco-frily cleaning products.

Select Green Label Plus certified carpets and rugs that minimize chemical off-gassing.

Choose Made Safe certified mattresses, furniture, and other items free from harmful chemicals.

Seek green building materials through Rate it Green to find certified products, services, and companies.

Enhance Water Efficiency

Install WaterSense-certified low-flow water fixtures for your bathrooms and kitchens.

Opt for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances that conserve water usage.

Garden with native or drought-resistant plants to reduce water consumption.

Apply mulch in your yard instead of artificial turf 8.

Mntn a healthy lawn by avoiding invasive plant species and using eco-frily fertilizers.

Expand Your Eco-Frily Practices

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References:

1. Link to source about building energy usage.

2. Source providing statistics on indoor r quality and health.

3. Update with latest information on sustnable home markets.

4. Information on renewable energy programs offered by local utilities or communities.

5. Resource for installing cool roofs during new roof replacements.

6. Guide to HERS ratings in construction and remodeling.

7. Annual radon testing guidelines.

8. Sources suggesting eco-frily lawn care practices.

9. Further resources and tips on adopting green habits.
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