Springtime is the Right Time for a Green Home!
Larry Hogard is a Certified Home Inspector and Energy Advisor with Superior Inspections, based out of Thunder Bay ( www.superiorinspections.ca) and serving the entire Northshore, whose aritlces will be featured regularly on OntarioNewsNorth.com, watch the Editorial Columns list for this addition.larry@superiorinspections.ca
High efficiency furnace. Photo courtesy Superior Inspections.
Spring is the time when everything starts to turn green. It’s also the time for planning a home renovation. Adding some ‘green’ into your home is healthy, cost effective and it is respectful of the environment.
The term ‘green home’ refers to design techniques and building materials that are sustainable and products that conserve energy and natural resources. A green home represents healthy living.
Many building and finishing products, as well as general items in the home, are unhealthy. They are manufactured using unsustainable production methods and they can introduce toxins into your home?
Toxic chemicals called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) exist in products such as paint, carpet, furniture, cleaning supplies, caulking, adhesives, air fresheners, aerosols, and office equipment.
Over long periods of time, VOCs evaporate or off-gas, and they can cause on-going health problems that are allergy or flu-like, such as asthma, headaches, dizziness, coughing, and throat/eye irritation.
Low VOC products such as paint, carpet, rugs, cleaning supplies and tile and wood (with a low VOC finish) are healthier choices. Consider them for everyday living or if you’re planning a renovation.
A ‘green home’ is not only healthy, but cost effective. It can save you money up front & in the future.
High efficiency boiler. Photo courtesy Superior Inspections.
The challenge is finding a balance between initial cost savings and saving money over time. Sometimes you need to invest more money up front to save money down the road. This is called being “cost neutral.”
Start thinking about a ‘green home’ this spring. Think about eliminating the drafty areas and about upgrading inefficient appliances. Think about adding extra insulation and using sustainable materials and home products. You can learn more on the web or ask your retailer for information.
Think green this spring for a better, healthier and richer life.
MORE INFO
- Follow the “Climate Idols” challenge as 8 families from Thunder Bay and Duluth adjust their lifestyles and live sustainably for 1 year. To read about the Challengers’ stories, log onto:
- Questions or comments? Post them below or email Larry at larry@superiorinspections.ca
