About Green Technology for Homes

Reducing pollution and the efficient use of energy is a topic of much debate and is a growing nationwide concern. As a homeowner, you can make efforts to address this concern by bringing green technology into your home. Learning about this type of technology and how you can implement it is the first step to making your contribution towards energy conservation.

Solar Power

Solar energy is the most well-known type of green technology. Solar panels, installed on the roof or in the yard, capture the prodigious energy radiated upon the Earth by the sun, and turns it into electricity. The advantages of solar panels are that they generate electricity for free, they have no need for fuel or serious maintenance, and they can last for 30 years or more. The disadvantage is the high cost associated with purchasing and installing them, although government rebates may be available.

Construction Materials

It is now possible to construct houses using recycled materials. This includes recycled wood based products, as well as recycled steel. Adventurous and creative homeowners have even built houses out of used shipping containers.

Home Appliances

Homeowners can also save the environment by purchasing everyday appliances that implement the latest technology in energy efficiency. Replace old appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, with Energy-Star rated appliances. These types of consumer durables use less electricity per hour than older devices.

Saving Water

Water meters are a green technology that allows homeowners to monitor their water usage. They can also be used to detect leaks. Shower heads can be designed to conserve water, as can low-flush toilets that use two to three gallons of water per flush, instead of five gallons. A drip-irrigation system uses much less water than water sprinklers, which often water the driveway and sidewalk as much as the lawn itself.