Best House Floor Plans

Heating your home in the winter can be costly and environmentally unfriendly no matter what type of home or house plan you have. Taking steps to winterize your home and carefully considering your heating options can save you money while helping to make your home green. If you are considering geothermal heating this winter, a recent post on the Hoffmann Brothers St. Louis heating and cooling blog mentioned the following recent regulations regarding geothermal heating and the energy tax credit:

“On December 1st 2009 The Environmental Protection Agency announced revised regulations for residential geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). The new requirements approve water-to-water geothermal pumps to qualify for the Energy Star label. In the past, the geothermal standards were conventional pumps, only. This means that homeowners are entitled to a 30 percent tax credit with the installation of any geothermal heating pump.”

For a more efficient form of heating this winter consider geothermal heating and its value to your home and the environment.

Related Articles:

10-Things to Know About Geothermal Heating and the Energy Tax Credit

 Simple Green Home Energy Tips

Is Eco-friendly paint another marketing gimmick? What does it mean for the home?
Is eco-friendly paint healthier than traditional paint?

Eco-friendly paint is key to green living. Since, it minimizes the level of pollutants enclosed in the home, it promotes good health. Conventional paints contain toxic elements, which are linked to causing various types of cancer, fatigue, headaches, respiratory illnesses and other chronic ailments.

Based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American homes have higher levels of pollutants than most outdoor environments. Of course, it is not applicable to industrial communities.  But, it’s the invisible chemicals released from paints, stainers, and other household products that contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Long after conventional paint dries on a wall, a chemical release transpires. The toxic element is known as volatile organic compounds or (VOC) and supplies the home with indoor air pollution.  It’s also one of the reasons that eco-friendly paint has become such a high commodity.

On the contrary and depending on the brand, natural paints come with a few drawbacks. Unlike paints that contain VOC, natural paint requires more coats and is not intended for exterior use. Nonetheless, eco-friendly paint is available in a number of natural forms. Today, we’re reviewing clay and lime wash natural paints:
Clay Paint

Clay is a popular eco-friendly paint choice. While, it comes in an assortment of earth tones, orange, blue and white tints, clay paint has limited color options. However, the natural paint is a good alternative because it adheres to just about any surface and doubles as an odor absorber. On the downside, clay paint tends to be expensive and does not take well to stains. In other words, clay paint is not intended for washing or wiping away prints.

Lime wash

Quite affordable and a definitive green living preference over the traditional, lime wash is made of a calcium-based mineral. It is known as limestone. When mixed with water, this natural paint turns into a white wash. Since lime wash absorbs into the subsurface, it develops an antique appearance. While lime wash is ideal for porous materials (in example: wood, brick, concrete and plaster), it does not work well on drywall or already painted surfaces.

With the green home movement continuing to gain steam, earth homes are continuing to gain popularity. Earth homes are known for their natural materials. They are known for being comfortable, affordable, and energy efficient. They can help homeowners cut down on fuel costs and increase natural lighting.

 House Plans and More’s resource center features several articles on living green, green building, and building materials. Get the facts on going green before building your new home. A great design can help decrease costs and let the sun shine in.

 The Rundown

Check out the Down to Earth Homes article on at MotherEarthNews.com to get more facts.

GulfBreezeNews.com has a great article on designing your Earth Style home.