Page 13 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

COMPLETION
Renewable energy such as solar panels or wind turbines can
now handle your home’s demand, and may even charge your car.
Prices are lower than ever.

POWER UP LED lighting lasts longer and produces light up to 10X more
efficiently than incandescent or halogen lamps. Save about 10%
on energy bills by switching to this technology.

ADD SMART CONTROLS
To maximize water savings, install low-flow
showerheads and faucets, dual-flush toilets with bidet
seats and graywater with smart irrigation controls for
any exterior irrigation.

PUSH FOR NET-ZERO-PLUS
Durability is a green characteristic. On the roof, opt
SPECIFY SUSTAINABILITY HARVESTED/MINED MATERIALS for metal, clay tile, recycled rubber or extended-life
(recyclable) asphalt roofing. Side with fiber cement,
OPT FOR cedar, brick veneer or other long-lived products. Build
LOW- or decks and patios with recycled plastic composites or
NO-VOC long-lasting wood species.

PAINTS SWITCH TO LED LIGHTING
Look for formaldehyde-free wood floors, natural
carpet fibers, tile or other low-toxicity materials.
Choose countertops with high recycled content.

OPTIMIZE WATER
HEATING SELECT RATED APPLIANCES LOWER H20 FLOW

SPECIFY HIGHEST RECYCLED CONTENT MATERIALS Consider alternatives to wood
framing such as Insulating concrete
forms, structural insulated panels, or
light straw. Each has strength and
resilience for certain geographic regions.

OPTIMIZE HVAC OPT FOR DURABILITY SPECIFY GREEN SURFACES
Carefully cover gaps
around windows,
doors and pipes with
caulking or adhesive
UPGRADE SHELL flashing. Tape all
INSULATION THINK BEYOND WOOD SEAL OPENINGS seams in house wrap.
SPECIFY RE-USED/SALVAGED MATERIALS Make it tight.

LOCATION EDUCATION HOUSE SIZE

Doubling a home’s size triples
If you don’t understand basic green principles, you’re its annual energy use for the life
likely to make decisions you later regret. Reading the of the home. Think small and
Homeowner’s Handbook is a great primer for building it right. clever, not big and boxy.

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