Are Your Current Home Plans Environmentally Friendly?

In a time where green homes are being built in greater number than ever before, EnviroCitizen.org has found that many consumers wish to live in a green, but don't necessarily want to move or build a new home. Some individuals prefer to evaluate their homes so that we can be as sustainable as possible without going through the process of buying and selling. This is a green goal since it means forgoing having something new built or having a home remain empty for some time. EnviroCitizen.org has created some helpful tips to help you determine how sustainable your home is.

First, do an energy audit of your home. Are your rooms lighted well during the daytime?  Are your windows functional?  Are they efficiency windows?  If you want to reduce your energy consumption, consider replacing windows and making changes in the way your home was planned by creating more opportunities for daylighting. Check to see if there are any leaks of air around doors and windows. Seal any you find. Also, check your home for "energy vampires."  These are areas of the house that are not used often but use up energy for heating and cooling; such as attic or spare rooms. Check your insulation around your home. Can you use more of it?  Good insulation means less air leakage as well and will make it more efficient to control the temperature of the home. Check your HVAC system to see if it is working efficiently. Clean all ducts and vents. If anything is in need of replacement, take care of it. If the whole system is in need of a replacement, try investing in an ENERGY STAR rated one. Finally, evaluate your appliances. Are they ENERGY STAR rated?  Are they in need of replacement?  If so, consider switching to better, newer appliances that will save you money and conserve energy use.

Next, examine the water usage. Are there any leaks anywhere?  If so, repair them. Does anything need to be completely replaced?  Consider buying a system endorsed by the EPA Water Sense program. Does your landscape help you to conserve water or reduce water waste?  If not, you can easily change this by replacing it with grasses, trees and other plants that not only can conserve water, but can provide shade and privacy to parts of the house and save energy.

A third area to consider is performing a waste audit. Is it possible to recycle certain things more than is practiced?  Do you compost any biodegradable objects?  Waste reduction is one of the ways to make your home a more sustainable one.
If you really want to commit to making your home green, EnviroCitizen.org has found that many people remodel so their homes are healthier and more sustainable. It is an investment well worth making if the home needs it. A green home is always a better place to live.