Green Guide

Old House Green Guide Articles

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• Go Green by Going Native
Planting things in your yard would seem to be the very essence of going green, but the truth is that all plants are not created equal.
• Bailout Bill Extends, Expands, Reinstates Green Investment Tax Credits
It has barely been mentioned that the final version of the bailout plan contains provisions to extend some tax credits for investment in green technology.
• Going Green Can Save You Money
Going green around the home is good for the environment and your wallet. Here are some tips on making energy efficient improvements to your old home.

• Consider Your Green Remodel's Carbon Footprint
By following those environmental cardinal rules, you can lower your carbon footprint more than if you never used a plastic bag again.
• Are You Eligible for Green Tax Credits?
Being green can save you money at tax time. Here are some tips for how to take advantage of tax credits available to those who buy energy efficient homes or make green home improvements.
• How White House Renovations Can Inspire Home Remodelers
When the new First Family moves into the White House, Americans will be watching as they renovate the historic residence. What changes can the Obamas make to green the White House and serve as role models for the rest of the nation?
• How to Make Your Home Energy Smart
Someday, your home may be smart enough to tell you when you're being an energy hog. But until then, there are a growing number of green gadgets available to help you shrink your carbon footprint.
• Home and Garden Shows Provide Green Remodeling Ideas
Although there might still be snow on the ground, it's not too early to plan for spring home and garden projects. Consider attending your local area's upcoming home and garden show to meet contractors, learn about products, and get ideas.
• Good Reads to Help You Make Green Resolutions
As you weigh your options and outline your home improvement budget for the coming year, consider a trip to the library or local book seller to help determine how to meet your goals for a greener, more cost effective home.
• Enjoy New Electronics and Appliances Responsibly
Getting a new TV or appliance is always fun. But what do you do about your old stuff? This year, resolve to be green in how you enjoy your new toys: turn off items when they're not in use, and always recycle--or find new homes for--old appliances and electronics.
• Composting: The Original Garbage Disposal
No one disputes that the best option is to compost organic waste, particularly for those with septic systems, because garbage disposals aren't the best option. Composting turns organic waste into food for your garden, and with modern composters is both mess and hassle free.
• Stimulus Bill Offers Incentives to Go Green
In the debate leading up to the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which came immediately on the heels of the bank bailout, many people wondered, "What's in the bill for me?"
• Green Energy: The Basics of Geothermal Systems
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are expensive, but with tax credits and low-interest financing, they pencil out over the long-term.
• How the Economic Stimulus Bill Benefits Green Remodelers
The recently passed $787 billion stimulus bill includes billions of dollars for green remodelers like you. Tax credits for replacing windows, doors, and roofs, among other things, have been increased to entice you to make your home more energy efficient, which will help the planet--and struggling contractors, too.
• Is Your Garage Costing You Heat (And Money)?
Because you're an energy-conscious homeowner, you periodically check and replace the weatherstripping on your doors and windows--but what about your garage? People often skip the garage and this can be a mistake. Your garage can be a major source of heat loss, but it doesn't have to be.
• Zero-energy Attic Ventilation
Green renovation and home improvements are basically about one thing--cutting consumption. If your attic is adequately ventilated, you can accomplish several green objectives--reducing energy usage to cool your home; preventing roof shingles from overheating, which extends their life; and preventing moisture buildup in your attic during the winter, which can cause your roof to rot.
• Use History As Your Green Remodeling Guide
The history of your home may be the best asset you have when embarking on a green remodel. Historic photographs, plans and other materials can help guide you to not only restore your home to its former glory, but also reuse materials that are true to your home's period.
• Is Wind Energy Right For Your Home?
More than 30 years ago, the federal government--and many states--began offering substantial tax credits for investment in residential alternative energy equipment, and until the tax credit ended in 1985, many people took advantage by installing wind turbines on their property to generate electricity. With a similar tax credit included in the recently passed stimulus bill, history might be about to repeat itself, but with one key difference--the wind turbines available now are actually worth the investment.
• Net-Zero Green Remodeling Possible for Old Homes
You don't have to live in an "earthship" to take your green lifestyle to the extreme. Advances in sustainable technologies and their growing affordability have made taking your green remodel to the limit more attainable--and desirable--than ever.
• A Green Home is a Healthy Home
What does it mean to have a healthy home? You can read all about it from some of the first people to define that from a green building and remodeling perspective, John and Lynn Bower.
• Adding solar electric panels to an old house
Using "building integrated" photovoltaics makes the installation unobtrusive.
• When Will Green Remodeling Be Normal
Green remodeling requires not only a shift in what you buy, but also how you--and the rest of America--thinks about what's "normal." While it might not feel like progress, cutting back on consumption of water, energy and other resources should be at the heart of every project.
• Debunkin Green Remodeling's Cost Myth
You've heard green remodeling doesn't have to cost a lot of green. But usually that comes with a caveat of tax rebates and the like. As the upfront out-of-pocket costs of green remodeling slide downward, its cost factor is becoming largely irrelevant.
• Do You Want a Green Stamp of Approval for Your Next Remodeling Project?
Green building isn't just for new construction. If you want to truly separate your eco-conscious remodel from the pack, you can now get it green certified, thanks to a new National Association of Home Builders program.
• Eco Banking: The Latest Trend in Green Remodeling
Some banks are seeking refuge in the growing green building industry. Traditional banks and brand new institutions are offering special deals to lure a desirable demographer, and green remodelers can cash in on special financing to achieve their eco dreams.
• Energy Retrofit for an Old House
For an energy retrofit on an old home, consider working from the outside instead of gutting the interior.
• Green Building Products Dominate Top 100 List
Green building products have become so mainstream that they make up more than half of Building Products magazine's annual Top 100 list.
• Green Remodeling Hoped to Assist in Industry Rebound
When it comes time to sell, the prettiest house on the block might get passed up for the most energy efficient house. These days, adding insulation and new windows trump new kitchens, baths and garages.
• Green Remodeling: Are Wind Turbines Realistic Options?
Thanks to federal tax rebates of 30 percent, adding a wind turbine system is becoming a real option for green remodelers. Wind offers reduced energy bills of between 50 and 90 percent and a price tag comparable to solar.
• Green your house, get a lower mortgage rate?
What if you could lower your mortgage rate to 3 percent simply by greening your house? One man proposes doing just that as a way to rebound the U.S. economy.
• Has Green Building and Remodeling Hit the Tipping Point?
Has green remodeling hit the mainstream? The National Home Builders Assocation reports that more than more than 3,100 builders, remodelers and designers, among others have earned the designation Certified Green Professional.
• Finding Your Niche Online: How Social Media Can Help You Remodel Green
Social media sites, Twitter, especially, allow old house remodelers to find, follow and learn from others who are embarking on similar home improvement projects. If you haven't tried microblogging, give it a shot. You might be surprised.
• In Summer, It Can Be Cool to Be Green
Whole house fans, evaporative coolers and high efficiency air conditioners offer green remodelers good options for cooling their old homes.
• Insulation: Boring But Important... and Very Green
Insulating your home is one of the greenest--and most cost effective--home improvements you can make, especially now, thanks to government incentives to increase home energy efficiency.
• Is a Green Kitchen Your Recession Dream?
As the recession has pushed more people to stay home instead of dining out, having an updated kitchen has become even more desirable. Green remodelers take note: don't skimp on the heart of the home.
• Is Wind Energy Right For Your Home?
More than 30 years ago, the federal government--and many states--began offering substantial tax credits for investment in residential alternative energy equipment, and until the tax credit ended in 1985, many people took advantage by installing wind turbines on their property to generate electricity. With a similar tax credit included in the recently passed stimulus bill, history might be about to repeat itself, but with one key difference--the wind turbines available now are actually worth the investment.
• It Took a Recession to Push Green Living into the Mainstream
Your neighborhood hardware store might still be old school, but as new eco-conscious retailers enter the scene, you can bet that's going to change.
• Remodel Green, and Conserve Your Budget Now
Remodeling green and saving money isn't impossible. Even in today's economy, you can increase the value of your home with green improvement projects, which are notorious for a high return on investment.
• The Era of the New House is Over
As an old house enthusiast, it was probably always puzzling how many new homes were being built in recent years. But now that era is coming to a close, as the recession tightens belts and people turn to fixing up what they have rather than buying new.
• The Facts About Cool Roofs
Cool roofs, which use light-colored shingles to reflect the sun's heat, were briefly popular in the 1960s, but they tended to become dingy over time and quickly lost favor. It took 40 years, but those issues have largely been resolved and cool roofs are finally making a comeback.
• The High Cost of Green Remodeling on the Cheap
Green remodelers can't help but justify their splurges by vowing to "do-it-themselves." You're saving the earth, after all. But before you install your own solar panels, consider how much it might cost to pay someone to fix your mistakes. You might just change your mind.
• Use History As Your Green Remodeling Guide
The history of your home may be the best asset you have when embarking on a green remodel. Historic photographs, plans and other materials can help guide you to not only restore your home to its former glory, but also reuse materials that are true to your home's period.
• Is an Eco Hardware Store Opening in a Neighborhood Near You?
Green hardware stores are taking a page out of the natural grocer handbook. They're offering ease of sustainable shopping and wide product selections to snag remodelers of all sophistication levels.
• Refinish Your Old Home's Hardwoods the Green Way
While it may always be best to use what you have rather than buy new building materials, refinishing your old home's gorgeous hardwood floors can be toxic if you don't take the right precautions.
• Green Remodeler Goes Behind the Drywall to Connect with Customers
Saving money is a strong selling point of green homes, but sometimes it takes a little more to convince people to sustainably remodel their homes. Here's how one old house remodeler has connected with new customers.
• Radiators: Working Hard (and Green) for 150 years
They take up valuable space, weigh a ton and sometimes do too good of a job heating your home, but your old home's radiators are more than relics from the past. They are more energy efficient than baseboard or forced-air heating systems.
• Are You a Greenlord?
Landlords have fewer reasons than ever to waiver on green remodeling, thanks to a new Web site for green renters and the emerging trend of "greenlording."
• Take the Energy High Road with Low-E Windows
Getting rid of single-pane glass should be your first order of business when you begin remodeling and replacing your old house windows.