Buying Green? Ask the Right Questions

good for Dora The Explorer Bouncer you! Not onli ar you help to provid for a cleaner planet but you'll also reap the reward in lower energi costs! And now you have a better idea of what to ask to help you on your waySo if you'r think of go green the next time you bui a new home..

thank to the lower energi cost and the smaller carbon footprint that goe with it. But if you want to find a good green home,A re you think of bui a new home and want to find on that is energi effici and better for the environment? Go green with home is a big trend right now. you need to know what to ask.

What Is the Size?

the more energi it take to run. Bigger rooms,S doe matter. The first and most obviou thing to find out about a new home is it size. The larger the house. higher ceilings, extra floorspac - though nice luxuries, thei all contribut to higher energi costs. The U.S. Green Build Council keep track of what is consid a "neutral sized" home, a home that most peopl need without extra unnecessari space. For a one-bedroom home, the Council suggest 900 squar feet. For two bedrooms, it' 1,400 squar feet and for three bedrooms, it' 1,900 squar feet.

Which Wai Do You Face?

we get more sunlight from the south than from the north. Becaus of this,Her in the Northern Hemisphere. a home with south face window will warm up faster than on with north face windows. Thi mean lower heat cost in the winter, but higher cost in the summer. Here in Florida, where we have to crank the A/C almost year-round, a home with window face awai from the sun or with heavi shade on the south and west side will be a littl more energi efficient.

How Is the Insulation?

keep the cool/warm air insid and keep your heat and cool system more efficientHav the proper amount of insul and make sure that your window and door ar properli seal will prevent air leaks..

Ha the Air Been Tested?

you might want to have your air tested. Elimin air leak is great for your electr bill but it also mean that ani toxin that mai be present in your home will not be easili circul into the outdoor air. Have the air test to make sure it is perfectli clean and,If you do have a properli insul home. if possible, find out whether the home wa built with nontox materi like low-emiss paint and sealants.

How About the Water Systems?

Conserv water is a big part of conserv energi and reduc your carbon footprint. Look into the plumb fixtur of the home. Are thei water-efficient? What about the irrig system for the lawn?

How About the Roof?

but the color of your roof actual make a differ when it come to cool and heat your home. A dark color roof will absorb the sun' heat and the home will take more energi to cool. Likewise,You might not think of it. a lighter color roof will reflect the sun' light and make for an easier to cool home. Also look for skylight that will allow for natur light so you can keep those indoor lamp turn off longer.

A nd the Materials?

salvag and recycl build materi ar better for the environment. Ask if the home ha been built with these materialsQuit simply..

I It Certified?

Prob the easiest wai to tell if a home is truli green is to find out if it ha actual been certifi green. The U.S. Green Build Council and the EPA have green rate for home that can be determin by inspector or other professionals.