Can an existing house be made into a “green” house?

This is a question that many homeowners raise.  What can be done to remodel an existing house to make it “green”.   I have been remodeling my own home and have attempted to incorporate as many green features as possible.  The hardest part is determining the best order for the remodel projects, i.e why replace windows if you don’t have enough insulation in your attic?  This is where you can benefit from outside help.

The GreenBuildingAdvisor’s next segment in the series addresses what is often called “retrofitting” the existing home.  So, to answer the question “can an existing house be made into a ‘green’ house?”:

To a point, yes.

Some parts of the structure are going to be tough to change. The foundation, framing, wiring and plumbing all are components integral to the house. Although an unlimited renovation budget opens all kinds of doors, altering these parts of the house can be very expensive and beyond the means of many homeowners.

That said, there are many upgrades and changes that will make a house more energy efficient, healthier and more durable. Upgrading windows and heating and cooling equipment, putting more insulation into the attic, sealing air leaks, installing ventilation equipment, and switching to low-VOC paints and finishes all are examples of positive steps. (VOC is shorthand for volatile organic compounds, which include environmentally harmful solvents that evaporate into the atmosphere after paints or other finishes are applied.)

Keeping sustainable building practices in mind during routine maintenance and repairs can help. Let’s say you need new siding. Wrapping the house with an inch or two of rigid foam insulation before the new siding goes on can mean substantial energy savings. If you need new windows, why not choose high performance versions designed for your climate?

Once again, it boils down to applying the principles of green building to the decisions we make. Books and magazines that routinely deal with this topic are a good start.

Source:  GreenBuildingAdvisor

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