10 Tips for Home Buyers to "Go Green"
With “going Green” the hottest topic in Real Estate these days, it can sometimes be a daunting task getting your head around all that “Green” involves and includes. This helpful article gives a better sense of ten items to look for when you want to go green on your next home. For the full article; http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23255669
1. How big is it?
The bigger the home, the more energy it uses. The U.S. Green Building Council considers a “neutral size” home — basically what most people need, without what might be considered luxury space — to be 900 square feet for a one-bedroom home, 1,400 square feet for two bedrooms and 1,900 square feet for three bedrooms. A 100% increase in the size of the home adds anywhere from 15% to 50% to energy use.
2. Where is it?
Can you walk to public transportation? Are there sidewalks or easy places to walk in the neighborhood, so you don’t always have to drive?
3. How is it oriented?
South-facing windows can trim heating costs in the winter. Shade from trees to the south and west can reduce cooling costs in the summer.
4. Is it well-insulated, and are doors and windows sealed tightly against air leaks?
The U.S. Energy Star Web site, energystar.gov, features a calculator to help determine how much insulation you need, based on your location.
5. Has the indoor air quality been tested?
Well-insulated, well-sealed homes not only hold in heat and cooling, but also can retain toxins such as formaldehyde, mold, asbestos and lead
6. If it’s an older home, have insulation, heating and cooling systems and appliances been upgraded?
Newer products are far more efficient than those bought several years ago.
7. How efficient is the water usage?
Are the kitchen and bathrooms equipped with water-efficient plumbing fixtures?
8. What’s on the roof?
A lighter-colored roof reflects more heat than a dark-colored roof, which absorbs heat, putting more strain on the cooling system.
9. Where did the home’s materials come from?
Recycled or salvaged building materials reduce the home’s impact on the environment.
10. Has it been certified green?
The U.S. Green Building Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and others offer ratings on homes, based on inspections by trained third-party professionals.