What are the best ways to turn my regular house into a more eco-friendly green house?

Question

I have baseboard hot water heat, and a gas-powered hot water tank. No central air... just window units in the bedrooms. I have a fireplace, but don't use it much. I live in cold New England. Lots of trees around the house.

I just want to go green, but I don't want to move. What can I do without spending too, too much money?

Answer 1

You might want to look at

http://retirerichguide.com/Earth4Energy....

Good luck

Answer 2

Basically you would have to move to a warmer climate without spending a small fortune. Short of burning a lot of wood, in a cool climate, there really aren't that many options-in the summer, go solar panels on the roof for a hot shower. Double up on the attic insulation-R-30 twice; do it yourself and its a few hundred dollars. Anything short of wearing a thick sweater is going to increase your carbon footprint. Anything else will cost you and then there is the energy needed to manufacture all that fancy hardware, much of which is made in Europe and has to be shipped over here in oil burning cargo carriers. Its' kind of like the movie stars who insist on driving a hybrid vehicle but don't hesitate to take the red-eye to New York to promote their latest work. Insulate to the nth degree and use the most efficient fuel-natural gas.

Answer 3

going green is a large term many companies use today and it used to widely, mostly for profit. but that does not mean the little people cant go and do a little green them selves. just short of rebuilding a house, you can help by recycling all paper and plastics and glass etc.... then start reducing the amount of electricity you use by using a digital A/C thermostat, change your bulbs from incandescent to compact florescent bulbs (home depot, Lowe's) (remember to check your local trash company for disposal when they burn out)bad for environment but cheap to use, check your  electric company web sites, they usually have great tips on how to reduce power in your home. start using paper bags at the grocery store instead of plastic. all of the things i listed are cheap to start and very inexpensive to do...... going green is not always changing all of the products in house but adjust to help the environment, that alone is going green...

hope this has help you!!!!

Answer 4

Draperies for windows that are thermal insulated can be a big help, or replacing older windows.

Blow in more insulation into the walls and attic areas.

Plan your refrigerator trips so you don't leave the door open while staring at food.  If you have a list of what is in there, it will be convenient for trips to the grocery as well!

I hate to say this, but lots of heat is going up the chimney, even when it is NOT in use.  Consider glass doors, or replacing fireplace with small pellet stove insert or something.

Minimize air conditioning use, but I guess that one is obvious.