The January Challenge in the Eco All Star Group is to write about 3 Unique Green Things that we have done to our home to make it Greener. Although I have done some things, I don't know that they are unique...but I will share. :) The unique things that I will be doing will be later this year.
Over the Holidays, I finished up some Home Repairs and also redid 2 Bathrooms and my Bedroom. The 3 Rooms I painted were done with a Monarch PPG Low VOC Paint. It was Green Certified and although it said 'Low VOC' there was virtually NO ODOR. Absolutely amazing.
The ceiling fan was one that I picked up on Clearance at Home Depot one day for $39. It is Energy Star Rated and should be good during the Summertime to help lower utility bills. All light fixtures and other materials will be taken to the Recycling Center. Still in my Garage...but that is where they are going eventually. :) I hope to do the other bedrooms too.
Some of you may remember my Insulation Experiment. I realized last year how much Insulation I DID NOT have in my attic. To the left is the 'before' picture. The company I hired estimated my R Value at a whopping 8.25!!??!! I took it up to R-38 and it has made a tremendous difference on not only the comfort level in my home but the utility bills. December 2006 and December 2007 my kwh usage was reduced by appx. 1000 kwh. Holy Cow! That was just ONE month!
Here is the After picture taken from virtually the same location in the attic. Big Difference!!
While last year I focused on Utility Bill Reductions, this year I will be focusing on other stuff. Here is what I am going to try and get done...money allowing. :)
- Replace Sliding Glass Door to Vinyl Double Pane
- Replace Large South/West Facing windows with Vinyl Double Pane
- Put an Insulated Door going to the attached garage
- Replace ALL Kitchen Appliances with Energy Star
- Put on a Hot Water Heater Blanket
These are all nothing too fantastic or unique, but all are excellent ways to reduce emissions and Utility Bills.
I have something else lined up....but it's a Doozie! I'm not sharing right now. :) Too good to let the cat out of the bag yet. Best thing about it? IT'S FREE!!!! You'll have to stay tuned.
Miss Stephaine ~ Houston's Best Realtor,
As always you do such a great job on your green posts. More importanly (for me personally) I always learn from you, thank you for always being so willing to share and keep up the great work.
Stephanie-
Wow! The projects you've already completed and are planning certainly green your home! :-)
I'll be waiting to hear your mystery project, too!
~Emily
The San Diego Real Estate Expert
WOW you did a number on that ceiling!!! That's going to help you immensely!
And a paint that doesn't STINK ( P U ) I'm going to have to check that out because I have a bathroom I want to paint in our new home. It's Eggplant now, and I'm going to turn it into a beach theme.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Stephanie,
I just painted my rec room with a low VOC paint. You are right, it is amazing. It applied well, looks great, and I wasn't overwhelmed with all those fumes. Great painting experience :)
Stephanie,
I'm green with envy...nice post! Most people don't realize that heat loss is greatest overhead...and additional insulation there can pay off big time...it can put you in the 'pink'! Thanks, Fran
FREE? Bring it on. Here's to selling a whole pile of homes so you can knock all those items off your wishlist!
Hi Lynda, LOL. Thanks. :) You are so sweet.
Hi Emily, :) It's a good one. The mystery deal...
Hey Katerina, I think I may try to do the windows myself :-0 Haven't decided yet. I'll bet those windows are awesome!!
Hi Mary, Updating doesn't have to break the bank. :)
Hi Fran, The ceiling fan...I had to re-pull electrical wires for it. They didn't skimp on insulation in the hard to reach areas...I can attest to that. :) Took me atleast 1/2 an hour just to get from one end of the house to the other through all of that.
Hi Rob, It was amazing! My mom is really sensitive to a lot of odors and she couldn't even smell it when she came over that evening! THAT was unbelievable.
Hey Fran, :) That is so true. Wish it was cost effective to do the exterior walls too.
Hi Frank, I don't even want to know what those look like. :)
Hi Dena. LOL. :) I bet you do too.
Thanks Mary, it will be a good one!
Hi Chris, That will all cost less than what I spent on Disney World last year IF I decide to do the windows myself. Still can't decide...
Hi Joan, These are a great place to start...especially if you want to lower your utility bills.