"choosing windows"

choosing windows / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

Passive solar home design

...windows with low-e coatings to ensure that the heat gained in the daytime outweighs the heat lost at night - or if really wishing to Optimize window performance, consider choosing some of the latest generation suspended-film insulating-glass glazing units or windows like those from LiteZone. It's important to keep in m...

Insulation and soundproofing

How to choose between open cell and closed cell spray foam and which is best?

...choosing the best insulation. That and our page about choosing the best wall assembly you will likely come up with a suitable alternative to closed cell spray foam insulation or open cell foam that works well, reduces the climate impact and even saves you money. For older houses with stone walls, adding insulation can ...

Healthy indoor air quality

DIY recipe for natural healthy paint

...Choosing zero-formaldehyde and VOC-free new furniture Step-by-step guide to making laundry soap with buckeyes Learn more here about the benefits of a free Ecohome Network Membership and promote your business for free!

Cleaning and maintenance

Tips for keeping air clean during renovations

...windows open. Seal air vents: At least during the time work is happening, covering vents (unless they are operational) will reduce a build up of dust that will be spread around your house long after construction is complete. Dirty air ducts © Ecohome Material selection: This is less about what you will breathe as wor...

Healthy indoor air quality

The impact of ambient fragrances on our health

...windows or ventilation systems, so right off the bat the best air quality you can hope for is at 'par' with what is outside. Now take that and add formaldehyde and other chemicals from manufactured wood products, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) found in finishes, paints and adhesives. Following that are the perfu...

Excavation

Things to look for when purchasing land for building a house

It is not illegal to sell an unbuildable lot, so buyers beware. Any number of roadblocks can prevent you from building the house you want, or any house at all, so before you make a purchase make sure you can proceed with your plans. Issues to consider before making an offer: Zoning: First check that you are allowed to ...

Exterior cladding

Shou sugi ban carbonized wood siding from Japan, what is it & how to make it?

What is Shou sugi ban siding? © Resawn Timber Co. Shou sugi ban is an ancient Japanese carbonized wood finish created by burning the surface of wood to preserve it. The final product is also known as Yakisugi (yaki means to cook/burn and sugi is the Japanese name for cedar), but shou-sugi-ban seems to have won as the...

Insulation and soundproofing

Does 'insulating paint' work?

...windows and when should you repair them? How to choose the best windows- see our buyers guide for windows Sign up for a free Ecohome Network Membership and promote your business for free!

Kitchens

The Cosentino ECO is a kitchen countertop made of recycled plates, bottles and mirrors - video

...choosing a healthier kitchen. Firstly, some beautiful kitchen cabinets, preferably built from FSC certified woods and formaldehyde-free plywood boxes, and that's even before choosing sustainable kitchen countertops, starting first of all with finding something you like to look at and to work on. But in order to like so...

Healthy indoor air quality

A comprehensive guide to air cleaning and filtration in homes

...windows closed for extended periods. Regulations: Air quality guidelines vary by country but generally align with WHO recommendations. The EPA provides standards for indoor air quality in the U.S., while Canada and Mexico have their own guidelines. Meeting these standards is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor env...

Lifestyle, location and commuting

The best electric car - find the EV that is right for you

...windows and keeping passengers warm. Very hot weather will also reduce range as running the A/C will use power, and opening the windows will create drag and reduce efficiency. © Flo Chargers Choosing an EV in tune with your lifestyle: If you do a lot of long-range road trips it may not be your time to switch yet, th...