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The Green Corner by Michelle Sagatov

Some Things to Make your Home a Little Greener

Indoor plants: Some recent studies (including one from NASA) have shown that particular plants can help to improve your indoor air quality. Bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, Gerbera daisies, English ivy and Peace lilies are among the list of beneficial houseplants.

Window coverings: Try using natural materials and heat reflecting window treatments. Some eco-friendly sustainable window coverings include those manufactured from high quality rapidly renewable grasses, reeds, bamboo, hemp or other cellulose fibers. When you replace curtains or blinds, keep these green choices in mind.

Low-Flow fixtures: Replace your toilets with low-flow (1.6 gallon) and dual flush toilets, and put low-flow faucets throughout your home. Just replacing a shower head can save from 3 to 28 gallons of water for a 5 minute shower!

Hot water heaters: Go with solar water systems or tankless, on-demand water heaters. The solar heaters use the sun so your energy costs are non-existent, and the tankless heaters only heat water when you need it, removing the constant energy loss associated with a standard hot water heater. Plus, you never run out of hot water.

Mattress: Naturally flame retardant wool and cotton mattresses and futons used with organic linens allow for air circulation and a healthier sleep environment. Take a look at some of the offerings the next time you're in the market for a new mattress.

Lighting: Increase natural light (let the sunshine in!), and make the switch to compact fluorescent bulbs and energy star fixtures.

Furniture: Green furniture is getting easier to find everyday. Sustainably-grown solid wood furniture with non-toxic finishes, organic fabrics and natural cushioning materials are kinder to the environment and to the health of your family, too.

Flooring: Use natural fiber area rugs in combination with non-toxic flooring materials.

Appliances: As your appliances age, replace them with Energy Star rated models. You'll be helping to save the planet, cutting your energy bills, and sometimes even getting a tax credit.

Cleaning products: The aisles of your local grocery store are filled with alternative cleaning supplies: non-toxic, fragrance-free products; and you can always look into old-fashioned (but effective) homemade methods.

The Green Corner by Michelle Sagatov

Here are some tips to keep money in your pocket while you live a little Greener!

Free - Things that Cost Nothing & Save Cash

• Turn down water heater thermostats as appropriate.
• Turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Set thermostats to 68 degrees in winter when you're home, and down to 55 degrees when you go to bed or you're away. (Programmable thermostats do this automatically.)
• Use energy-saving settings on washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
• Avoid wasting water, hot or cold, inside and outside your home.
• Clean your refrigerator's condenser coils once a year.
• Air-dry your clothes, when practical.
• Close heating vents in unused rooms.
• Repair leaky faucets and toilets (5% of water "use" is leakage).
• Close drapes (and windows) during sunny summer days and after sunset in the winter.

Simple and Inexpensive--Things that will Pay for Themselves in Lower Energy Bills in Less than a Year

• Install a water-saving 2.5 gallon-per-minute shower head ($15).
• Install water-efficient faucet heads for your kitchen and bathroom sinks ($2 each).
• Install a programmable thermostat ($26).
• In the attic and basement, plug the air leaks a cat could crawl through, and replace and re-putty broken window panes (about $20).
• Clean or change the air filter on your warm-air heating system during the winter and on air conditioning units in the summer ($2).
• Install an R-7 or R-11 water heater wrap ($12).
• Insulate the first three feet of hot and inlet cold water pipes ($6).
• Install a compact fluorescent light bulb in the fixture you use the most ($15).

If you keep these tips in mind and make the changes one at a time, you'll be keeping the planet a little greener, and keeping a little green in your pocket!

Allergies?? Duct Cleaning may NOT be the solution!

Allergy season has hit! Can duct cleaning minimize the allergens circulating throughout your home? Certainly, the ads want you to believe there are health and energy saving benefits. But be cautious--this might not be the answer. A thorough annual furnace and air conditioning maintenance program may be a more appropriate approach.

Unless there are specific, identifiable problems, such as mold, the evidence does not support the duct cleaners' claims. An EPA study found that "duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems," nor do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.

Actually, duct cleaning may do more harm -- and it is costly. The cleaning process involves using negative pressure by connecting a very large, powerful vacuum cleaner to the ductwork, sucking out loose dust and debris using a rotary brush, compressed air nozzles, or a special tool called a skipper ball. This process churns up dust and may break the duct system seals. Cost is a major consideration. A 3000 sq ft living space on 3 levels is in the range of $600-$750.

Consider other steps before hiring a duct-cleaning service. Change or upgrade your air filter and clean and maintain your heating and cooling system. Consumer Reports recommended the 3M Ultra-Allergen Reduction 1250. It has a MERV rating of 11 and costs about $16.

An annual HVAC maintenance contract may be best way to go. Duct cleaning services may not include cleaning the heating & cooling equipment (heat exchangers, cooling coils, condensate drain pans, fan motors, blades and housings). Cleaning the blower fans and evaporator coils helps the system work more efficiently and avoids dirt and mold build up. Whether you use a duct cleaning firm or an HVAC contractor, always ask if these services will be part of the regular maintenance. Checkbook magazine periodically rates AC contractors.

One caveat -- duct cleaning may be necessary if there is evidence of mold growth, infestation of insects or rodents, or substantial deposits of dust or debris, for instance if the registers were not sealed during a renovation project. If your allergies are off the chart, consult with your physician to identify the problem and suggest other remedies before considering duct cleaning. 

How Long Will It Last?

Your home is made up of parts, all working in unison. From the roof to the foundation, and front door to back, your home consists of thousands of components. How long can you reasonably expect these components to last? A study from the National Association of Home Builders provides some answers that should help you plan for the future.

All types of insulation should last a lifetime if they are properly installed, not damaged, and kept dry. Since insulation results in reduced energy use & expenses, plus increased home comfort, this is always a good investment.

Windows Have a much shorter life expectancy, since they are often exposed to extreme weather conditions. Aluminum windows should last 15-20 years, and wooden windows over 30 years. Replacing your single pane glass windows with double pane glass is another energy-wise move, and one you can actually do yourself, if you're so inclined.

Local weather conditions, maintenance, & quality of materials will affect your roof's life expectancy. Slate, copper, & clay/concrete roofs should last more than 50 years; asphalt shingles around 20 years; fiber cement shingles - 25 years, and wood shake roofs - 30 years. Be proactive to prevent emergency and expensive repairs. Look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing where roofing and siding meet vents and flues, and damaged mortar around the chimney.

Home exteriors need to be painted every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the paint & exposure to moisture & traffic. Quality paints can last up to 20 years. Watching for dirt, mold, cracking, peeling, fading & rusting -- and repairing immediately by scrubbing or power washing will save you money on costly repainting jobs in the long term.

These numbers are averages, of course. Chances are that changing trends will dictate shorter life spans, as you update and remodel your home.