Six Ways to "Green" a Home and lower utility bills

According to an article by Susan Thurston published on December 28th in the St. Petersburg Times, Green remodeling may pay off significantly — in lowered utility bills, and in buyer appeal when the property is sold.

Here are a few "green renovation" "find a green home" options to consider:

• Site selection. Prefer infill development instead of a new subdivision in a far-flung new suburb that gobbles wetlands and displaces animals.

• Energy-efficient products. Choose Energy Star appliances, double-paned windows, low-flush toilets, and compact fluorescent light bulbs.

• Spray foam insulation. Seal the home with insulation that doesn’t let the heat or cooled air leak out.

• Sustainable wood flooring. Select flooring certified by Forest Stewardship Council, which protects forests by managing the amount of wood harvested annually.

• Locally made products. Buy products made less than 250 miles away to reduce transportation costs. Granite, for instance, is generally imported from afar.

• Nontoxic paint. Use paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — chemicals that evaporate into the atmosphere. Look for Green Seal certified brands.