Shades of Green (3)

Ask your builders for their advice, plus examples of past projects where they successfully installed “green” remodeling materials and systems. Here are some ways to incorporate environmentally smart choices into your project:

• Use “greener” exterior finishes with FSC certified wood or fiber-cement materials.
• Install a more efficient plumbing system – like water heater insulation jackets, tank-less or on-demand water heater, pipe insulation, re-circulation pumps with timers or aqua stats - and replace toilets with ultra-low-flow units
• Use double-pane windows or windows with a low-E coating
• Upgrade your electrical systems – use air sealed recessed cans, lighting control systems, whole house fans, zoned heat-and-cool control, and Energy Star appliances
• Upgrade your insulation to meet new energy code requirements , or use alternative insulation products
• Reduce heat leakage and heating bills by sealing your existing ducts, use sealed combustion furnaces and water heaters, vent your fans and hoods to the outside, use a separate garage exhaust fan or heat recovery ventilation system.

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