| Are you thinking of buying a new home and want to | | | | great for your electric bill but it also means that any |
| find one that is energy efficient and better for the | | | | toxins that may be present in your home will not be |
| environment? Going green with homes is a big trend | | | | easily circulated into the outdoor air. Have the air |
| right now, thanks to the lower energy costs and the | | | | tested to make sure it is perfectly clean and, if |
| smaller carbon footprint that goes with it. But if you | | | | possible, find out whether the home was built with |
| want to find a good green home, you need to know | | | | nontoxic materials like low-emission paints and |
| what to ask. | | | | sealants. |
| What Is the Size? | | | | How About the Water Systems? |
| Size does matter. The first and most obvious thing | | | | Conserving water is a big part of conserving energy |
| to find out about a new home is its size. The larger | | | | and reducing your carbon footprint. Look into the |
| the house, the more energy it takes to run. Bigger | | | | plumbing fixtures of the home. Are they |
| rooms, higher ceilings, extra floorspace - though nice | | | | water-efficient? What about the irrigation system for |
| luxuries, they all contribute to higher energy costs. | | | | the lawn? |
| The U.S. Green Building Council keeps track of what is | | | | How About the Roof? |
| considered a "neutral sized" home, a home that most | | | | You might not think of it, but the color of your roof |
| people need without extra unnecessary space. For a | | | | actually makes a different when it comes to cooling |
| one-bedroom home, the Council suggest 900 square | | | | and heating your home. A dark colored roof will |
| feet. For two bedrooms, it's 1,400 square feet and | | | | absorb the sun's heat and the home will take more |
| for three bedrooms, it's 1,900 square feet. | | | | energy to cool. Likewise, a lighter colored roof will |
| Which Way Do You Face? | | | | reflect the sun's light and make for an easier to cool |
| Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we get more | | | | home. Also look for skylights that will allow for natural |
| sunlight from the south than from the north. Because | | | | light so you can keep those indoor lamps turned off |
| of this, a home with south facing windows will warm | | | | longer. |
| up faster than one with north facing windows. This | | | | And the Materials? |
| means lower heating costs in the winter, but higher | | | | Quite simply, salvaged and recycled building materials |
| costs in the summer. Here in Florida, where we have | | | | are better for the environment. Ask if the home has |
| to crank the A/C almost year-round, a home with | | | | been built with these materials. |
| windows facing away from the sun or with heavy | | | | Is It Certified? |
| shade on the south and west sides will be a little | | | | Probably the easiest way to tell if a home is truly |
| more energy efficient. | | | | green is to find out if it has actually been certified |
| How Is the Insulation? | | | | green. The U.S. Green Building Council and the EPA |
| Having the proper amount of insulation and making | | | | have green ratings for homes that can be |
| sure that your windows and doors are properly | | | | determined by inspectors or other professionals. |
| sealed will prevent air leaks, keeping the cool/warm | | | | So if you're thinking of going green the next time |
| air inside and keeping your heating and cooling | | | | you buy a new home, good for you! Not only are |
| system more efficient. | | | | you helping to provide for a cleaner planet but you'll |
| Has the Air Been Tested? | | | | also reap the rewards in lower energy costs! And |
| If you do have a properly insulated home, you might | | | | now you have a better idea of what to ask to help |
| want to have your air tested. Eliminating air leaks is | | | | you on your way. |