About Green and What it Means
"About Green and
              What it Means"
In all the years we have been building houses for shelter in America there has never been a change like the change we are just beginning.

It does not have to be difficult. You just have to change your way of thinking. Ultimately we want to save energy and the natural resources it takes to build a house and keep it healthy and low maintenance for ever.

Here are links with Great Information,
           we will add and change as needed.

Tax Credit Information  
www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm 

www.energystar.gov 


 CrawlSpaces -  Learn about crawl spaces encapsulate or not?  www.crawlspaces.org 


   Let's face it the two basic essentials for all people are shelter and comfort. Our largest monthly bills are your home (mortgage) and your utilities which are water and energy. Energy is your Electric and if you have gas, then that would be included.

 As far as building your house green think of every thing like this example. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house. You can choose to roof your house with asphalt shingles which you have to replace every 20 or so years. They should be removed before a new roof can be installed, therefore filling landfills. If you choose to install a metal roof, it will last the life of the house with little maintenance. It will cost more initially but the life long cost and benefits will save you and the earth. Even if you had to tear down the house, the metal can be recycled. This way of thinking when we plan and build our houses will save energy and protect the earth. Actually, everything will cost less to maintain and operate for years to come.
We all need to change the way we buy things. If we spend wisely on the front end, we save much more over the life of the project, and make the earth a better place doing it..

At the beginning of every change there always are new methods techniques and products. New information, greater technology is available. Who do you believe and which way is best? Unfortunately this is the downside of new and better. This section of the Web Site will constantly change to be current. 

www.ncfi.com   This web site is full of information on "Green". After all they have been in the industry for 40 years. Use their experience and knowledge. You can also get more information by visiting www.greensolutions.org .

As we enter "Green" there will be many organizations with different ways of getting there. Be patient and do your home work and use common sense. Here are some of the Leading groups and certification information.

LEED :Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design


The "Green Movement" is really in it's infancy. It does not have to be difficult or confusing. Let's keep it simple. Here is a list of things that are green.

Recycle or buy things that are biodegradable. We cannot keep putting trash into the earth. We must learn different ways.

      Conserve Energy

 Seal up and insulate your houses. We loose up to 80% of our thermal exchange through air. Depending on when your house was built and what modification have been done to it over the years, some houses are very drafty and leak. There are solutions to every problem. Get an energy audit on your home if necessary. Develop a plan based on your individual needs. All houses are different. No two are ever built the same.

The largest bill you pay every month other than your mortgage or rent is your energy bill.

  The overall energy efficiency of your home is mostly what you pay for comfort and indoor air quality. That is your Heating and Air Conditioning system. It is a major part of your energy cost. The more efficient your system is, the less you will pay for energy. As you make your house tighter and more energy efficient, make sure the HVAC system is updated as well. Unfortunately, all HVAC companies are not up to date on new technology or have the desire to change with the times. The most important service company you will have working on your house is the Heating and Air Conditioning Company. It should be on a first name basis.  Be careful, it should not be about the cheapest price. Do your part in finding professionals who care about the big picture.
 One more fact everyone should understand. The summers in Charlotte are very humid and very hot. We pay more on our electric bills in the summer than we do heating in the winter. The reason is HUMIDITY, not heat.
Sure, the heat is part of it. But, 78 degrees is comfortable with a humidity level of 50%. 78 degrees is very uncomfortable with a humidity level of 65%.
     If we all do this we can close coal burning energy plants.


Energy Conservation Tips for the Cold Months

Replace all incandescent light bulbs to CFLs. (Compact Fluorescent Lights) Each bulb saves up to 70% over incandescent bulbs.

LED lights are coming into the market place. They are even more efficient.

Replace all broken Window Glass.

Weatherstrip doors with Good weatherstripping. 

 Seal Attic Stairs and Penitrations
Attic access holes need to be sealed. Disappering stairs in the main body of the house. Whole House vent fans.  Knee wall access doors.   VERY IMPORTANT   www.attictent.com
Check Dryer Vent
Dryer vents should be checked, cleaned and repaired to gain the most efficient air flow. A clothes dryer is all about air flow. That is the vent. www.almetaldryervent.com

Check attic for proper insulation.

Check all duct work for leaks. The industry average is 30%.

Remember what you seal up in the winter will save you more in the summer. You just feel the cold more in the winter. Use it to make repairs for the summer. You will cut your energy bill significantly.

If you have made all the repairs you can, then you may want to get a Energy Audit on your house. That will tell you exactly where the largest problems exist.