Alex Ram

Today's "green" homes are even more efficient than those made just a few years ago. Today's green homes have many different innovations incorporated into them so that they're even more efficient and better at saving energy. These EnergyStar homes are becoming increasingly common in every area of the country.What does it mean to be an EnergyStar home? An EnergyStar home has to be at least 15% more efficient than those homes built before the year 2004. This type of home also has to have other features that allow consumers to save energy, thus making them at least 20 to 30% more efficient than those houses or residences not marked EnergyStar.Beginning with new construction, today's green homes incorporate some of the newest energy saving ideas. For example, today's insulation is not the old traditional fiberglass insulation used previously. Instead, it's made of recycled cellulose insulation that's better than fiberglass and also fills up wall spaces much better than fiberglass does. The cellulose insulation can be installed either in dry form or as a semi liquid that can be sprayed between walls. It also gives better thermal protection than standard installation does.Power sources, too, can be changeable with a green home. You don't just have to be connected to a power grid, but can incorporate renewable power sources including wind, solar, and geothermal energy, depending on where you live. If necessary, you can also combine different types of power sources (such as solar and wind) so that your power source is more reliable. You can put this type of "alternative energy source" supply in an existing home as well as in new construction. Getting your power from these types of alternative energy sources can give you many advantages, such as not having utility bills he is high (or not having utility bills at all), and not having to depend on the power grid for your power, such that you will be immune to brown or black outs, as those using conventional power sources might.Along with alternative power sources, there are also high efficiency appliances that are readily available, at costs comparable to other regular appliances. These can include inline, tankless water heaters, highly efficient heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and clothes washers. You are not limited to power sources here either. If you are still connected to the grid, you can use clean burning propane or natural gas.For windows, there are many high efficiency windows with double panes. Some are infused with inert gases between the panes to help keep out harmful UV rays, and at the same time, keep heat and air conditioning from escaping. There are less expensive ways to save energy on windows, there are many types of film that can be applied directly to the window panes that provide the same protection.There are lots of new techniques available that can make your home more efficient even if you don't have an "EnergyStar" residence, but when it comes to new home construction, you may be asking, "How much more does it cost to construct a 'green' home?" The answer to that is that these types of homes are up to 17% more expensive to build initially, but energy savings will recoup that extra cost over time.You can find out more about EnergyStar homes and appliances online. Many of the materials, like the cellulose insulation, inline water heaters, and many other green items can be found at local home improvement stores, saving on shipping costs. There are many websites for those do it yourself people that provide plans and kits for alternative energy sources.About the author: Jerry Dyess has been in the Texas Electricity business for the past 7 years and has published many articles on Texas Electric news.