Green Technology

Understanding the hype when it comes to going green in your home requires a bit of research and math on your part as the homeowner. Green technology is becoming more popular and will be the way of the future. The biggest question is in regards to the return on investment and what the actual savings are over time. What you need to do is examine the heating and cooling system that already exists in the home along with the insulation, windows used and roofing. A total home makeover might be required in order to achieve full green status and benefit from all of the cost cuts to come. Some real estate companies work with banks that have specific programs for energy efficient mortgages.

Green Technology and Options

What confuses consumers the most is what green technology actually means. Green technology refers to the practice of continuously evolving methods and materials to generate non-toxic products. Now, this can be anything from cleaning products to building products. Technology does not always mean electronics.

Keep in mind that there are dozens of options for making your home a green home and various home improvement loans are made available to support green home projects. Replacing cleaners that contain chemicals with natural cleaners, or making your own is one option. Using reclaimed wood to build your home or to replace flooring is another. Waterless water tanks instead of the clunky hot water heaters saves on water consumption, heating costs and the energy costs to power the tank. Homes can be built entirely with reclaimed and recycled goods. There are also interior paint options for homes that contain no toxins and are labeled as green. Owning a vehicle that runs on recycled vegetable oil or battery power is another option to maintain a green lifestyle and home. The average cost of a green compliant vehicle is $45,000. There are more options for green transportation than you can think of or maybe, you are just not aware of. A little contribution would mean a so much to the environment.

1) Solar Panels

When it comes to solar panels for the roof of your home, consider the size and cost of installation for each panel. The average cost to install a single solar panel is $6.21 per watt. As far as return on investment, up to 30% of the cost of installing these panels is credited to your income taxes. It is not a rebate or deduction; it is a credit that decreases your tax liability. On top of that, there is the significant reduction in energy costs. While some energy will still need to be consumed by the home, it will be minimal. Your energy bill can be reduced by up to 70 – 80% depending on how much solar energy is generated from the panels purchased and installed.

You can also read our ebook on Solar Panels here.

2) Green Cleaners

There are many companies that offer green cleaning products that are also classified as organic. Making your own cleaning products by using vinegar and water mixtures is more cost effective, saving you over $100 per year. The lesser amount of toxins you put into the air in your home from cleaning products, the healthier your family will be. Toxins do cause eye and skin irritation as well as breathing difficulties in some people. Eliminating this saves money on doctor visits and prescriptions.

3) Reclaimed and Recycled Building Materials

Green technology has made it possible for items to be reused for additional purposes, such as building homes and furniture. Reclaimed wood products such as wine barrels, benches and other wood products are great options for flooring in your home. Not only does it come with a story, it is unique as each piece of wood is likely to be a bit different from the other. As far as support beams are concerned, when buildings are torn down, inquire from the local excavating companies about leftover or extra beams from those structures. In most cases you can purchase the beams to support your home from them at a lower cost than purchasing new ones. Other buildings that are optimal for using reclaimed wood are old barns and churches.

Countertops are another item in the home that can be made from recycled or reclaimed items. Glass bottles can be crushed or melted down to make a custom countertop. The character from the mismatched colors and shapes adds character to the space. Reusing these items keeps them out of landfills. It does take over one ton of glass bottles to create countertops for an average size kitchen. This can cost up to $5,000 depending on the amount of material needed.

While using recycled items for your home may cost about 10% more than non-green items, it is worth it to keep the preservation toxins out of the home. Buying reclaimed items can save you up to 40% on materials as they are discounted heavily. Light fixtures and accent pieces are also available in reclaimed or re purposed states. The savings on these items is often 60% or more to keep them from being thrown away.

Other Green Technology Options

With all of the items and options mentioned above, there are still dozens to consider. Many major appliance and electronics manufacturers offer ENERGY STAR and/or green compliant products. The items still function at their optimum performance levels but use a minimal amount of electricity to run. Other items to consider are energy efficient windows, which do cost an average of $80 more per window but end up saving you at least $100 per year in heating and cooling costs. Smart technologies do tie in with green compliance. The cost of making your home a smart home does get up into the tens of thousands of dollars, but it allows you to control everything in your home from a single device. You are able to set timers for lights and televisions along with controlling the temperature settings in your home at the same time. These conveniences help you to maintain your energy costs with a savings of 25% or more per year.

Conclusion

After reviewing all of the options discussed above, you will see that taking on a green lifestyle is actually rather simple. Although the initial up-front costs of transitioning to this lifestyle are a bit more, the savings over time more than make up for it. It is a healthier lifestyle and keeps unnecessary toxins out of your home from cleaners, materials and outdoor elements. Weigh the options available in your local area as some communities do offer instant rebates for purchasing energy efficient windows or appliances. Most will haul away the old items at no cost to you. Speak with your realtor or mortgage company about energy efficient mortgages and what you need to do in order to qualify. In some cases, you are able to refinance your home after making the necessary changes to comply with the terms.

This article is written by Dean Brady, a Green Housing Business Developer. Adept writer with experiences in sustainable financing and real estate. Advocates green living is the way in achieving a better life – physically, mentally, and financially.