California has always been a leader in many fields, including sustainability. The California Green Building Standards Code, popularly known as CALGreen, is the nation’s first green building standards code. The other states are now playing catch-up, but California is way ahead of the other 49. Besides being the first such code in the U.S., what makes it so important is that the green standards the code envisages are both practical and easily implemented.

If you haven’t started making your home green and sustainable, this is the time to begin. The upgrading of the house can be done in simple, easy steps so that the domestic routine is not disturbed and family finances do not suffer.

10 Easy Green Upgrades for Your Home

1. California environmental laws now mandate that all new homes have rooftop solar panels, so this upgrade makes a lot of sense.
2. Use faucets with aerators to reduce water consumption.
3. Upgrade your lighting by using energy-efficient LED bulbs. Additionally, look at ways to reduce the use of electric lighting indoors, especially during the day.
4. Making your home smart by installing intelligent thermostats, smart wall outlets, and more will result in a significant positive impact on your home’s energy consumption and its cost.
5. Upgrade your window glazing. Studies show that almost a third of domestic energy consumption is the result of heat loss through windows.
6. Rainwater harvesting is easy. Filling up barrels of water and connecting them to your gutter system by running hoses is all that is needed to have a large quantity of fresh water always available.
7. Using native and drought-resistant plants in the garden will reduce your water usage for the yard.
8. Using green cleaning products will significantly reduce your home’s negative environmental impact.
9. Although lead is no longer used in paints, using non-toxic paints in your home will reduce your family’s exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and prevent them from leaching into the atmosphere.
10. When upgrading appliances, choose the energy-efficient options.

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Read More: Breathing Easy: 6 Signs Your Home’s Air Quality Needs Attention

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A great way to start upgrading is by installing tubular skylights and solar power ventilation. Tubular skylights are the ideal alternative to the use of electric lights when the sun is shining. Most homes have rooms or spaces that could do with more natural light during the day. Tubular skylights capture sunlight from the roof and carry it to even the most interior parts of the house, where elegant light fixtures diffuse the light to illuminate the space. Dimmers mean that the amount of light can be controlled. Using solar-powered ventilation fans means that not only does the indoor air stay fresh and clean, but air conditioning use (and the consequent power consumption) is also reduced. This simple start and the positive impact it will have on your utility bills and domestic budget will be all the incentive you need to move further down the road of eco-friendly sustainability. An added incentive is the tax credits available on the purchase of these products. These are basic but very effective solar home solutions for a sustainable lifestyle in Santa Clara.

The leader in tubular skylight and solar-powered ventilation technology is Solatube. To get started, go to the website of Sunlight Concepts, the Solatube premier dealer of the Bay Area. You can ask for a free consultation where you will get all the information you need on tubular skylights and how to reduce home cooling costs with smart ventilation.

Information on the CALGreen standards can be found at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/calgreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are tubular skylights and how do they help?

Tubular skylights capture daylight from the roof and bring it into dark areas of your home, reducing electric light use.

2. How does solar-powered ventilation improve air quality?

It circulates fresh air indoors and cuts down on air conditioning use, saving energy.

3. Can I install rainwater harvesting systems at home?

Yes, it’s easy. Use rain barrels and connect them to your gutter system to collect fresh water.

4. Is solar power mandatory for new homes in California?

Yes. California law requires rooftop solar panels on all new homes.

5. Who installs tubular skylights in the Bay Area?

Sunlight Concepts is the Solatube Premier Dealer in the Bay Area. They offer free consultations.

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