Cecily O'Connor
Redwoodage.com
Want to help the US save about $8 billion in energy costs?
Replace your home's five most frequently used traditional light bulbs with ones labeled "Energy Star," and the nation's tab would fall. That light bulb switch also would save the greenhouse gas equivalent of emissions from 10 million cars.
This is one of several tips the National Association of Home Builders is urging as we mark Earth Day on Tuesday. While many new homes are built with environmentally friendly standards in mind, some existing dwellings need a makeover for reduced energy use. Increased awareness among homeowners is key to cutting energy use.
Energy efficiency is an important driver in the green building movement and usually accounts for about half the costs of making a traditional home a green home, according to NAHB.
Per square foot, new homes consume less than two-thirds the energy of older homes for heating and air conditioning, according to federal utility use audits and research by NAHB economists.
"More than 100,000 green homes have been built by our members in home builder association programs around the country," said NAHB President Sandy Dunn, a West Virginia home builder. "We're moving the market - in a voluntary, cost-effective way."Emission Omission
Emissions can be measured by a "carbon footprint," or the total amount
of carbon dioxide emitted by an individual or a household. However, most people
don't realize how much energy they use in their home, and the subsequent carbon
emissions that are emitted into the air. Only 9 percent of baby boomers
have looked up their personal or household carbon footprint, compared to 11
percent of all Americans, according to a Harris Poll.
While people may not be looking up their carbon footprint, most Americans claim that they are doing things that will reduce it and their carbon emissions. Almost two-thirds said they may have reduced the amount of energy they use in their home, while 43 percent have purchased more energy efficient appliances, Harris found.
Green Tips
Eco-enthusiasts can also work with a growing number of "green"
builders and contractors who specialize in enviro-friendly renovations focused
on energy efficiency, indoor air quality and the use of sustainable building
materials.
That approach resonates with many baby boomers who want to make a difference and feel that upgrading homes is a great way to help the environment. Some boomers have health concerns about materials such as toxic paints. Others are interested in improvements such as solar panels - which come with significant up-front costs, but stand to save money over time.
The NAHB's Dunn suggested other measures that can make a difference for a homeowner's bottom line.
- Change the air filter in heating and air conditioning systems. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends changing the filter at least every three months, and more if it looks dirty. A dirty filter slows down air flow, making the system work harder and use more energy.
- Seal and insulate. Home owners can typically save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.
