Green Is Easier Than You Think

When an industry goes through a rough stretch, it tends to contract a bit. Managers look for ways to cut overhead or change production processes. They renegotiate deals and seek out better and more efficient ways of doing the things they must do. This axiom holds as true in one business as it does in another, from car dealerships to home building and renovation. What happens next is generally an evolution of the standards of doing that work: businesses get smarter, and ultimately stronger. They are forced to adapt. And, while it might not always be pleasant at first, those who do come out the other side with an improved model for success, or better products, or happier customers... the list can go on.

When it comes to home building and renovation, very few would say the last few years have been the best they can remember. The same goes for those looking buy, sell or renovate their house on their own. But, as this field picks itself up, the last few years have seen some very exciting and progressive methods and breakthroughs... and green is the color of the season, and many seasons to come, according to experts over at Moore Supply Co. and Copeland Insurance Group.

“There are certainly a lot more options, when it comes to green building, than there were a few years ago,” said Brad Silver, General Manager of Moore Supply Co. He attributes this rise in popularity to people simply know more – about what they want, about what’s available, about how the process works. “Education among the public has gotten a lot more prevalent,” Silver stated. “Several years ago, people really didn’t care or pay much attention [to the products put in their home], and I think whether it’s for political reasons or environmental reasons, they have taken a greater interest. And, it helps out in their pocketbooks, as well.”

It’s true. There is money to be saved when installing energy efficient products and fixtures. Though most of that money is on the back end, there are multiple ways to get the cash. For starters, in 2011, the Federal Government extended tax credits to homeowners who purchased certain Energy Star-rated appliances. An Energy Star rating distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time. Though not all appliances qualify for the credit, the reduced bills do offer value. These products include anything from washing machines and refrigerators, to central air conditioning units and water heaters.

Speaking of water heaters and energy bills, I’m sure we’d all like to save a bit on that gas bill... Silver mentioned certain products have really caught on over the last few years that can help. “The tankless water heaters are really a great product,” Silver said. “You might save a bit of water, but really the savings are in the gas bill, or perhaps the electric, bill – depending on your setup. You just don’t have to pay the money to keep a tank full of hot water sitting in the heater out in the garage.”

Another of the largest areas of savings can be found not only in the reduced bills due to the decrease of energy consumption, but also in reduced water consumption. It’s not something we worry about as much in East Texas as our friends in, say, Arizona, might. But, water conservation is still an issue. Turning the water off when you brush your teeth or shortening your morning shower are obvious ways to have a positive impact on the environment, for sure. But, when you install products like low-flow aerators or low-flow toilets, you don’t even have to think about it once it’s installed!

“Many faucets are eventually going to come with these aerators, without you even having to ask for them” said Silver. “Now, some come with a $5 up-charge in some cases but, people don’t actually mind it.” These aerators basically mix air into the stream of water from the faucet – so resulting water flow looks the same, feels the same and does the same job, with an up to 50 percent reduction in the actual amount of water being used. Along with the faucets, one of the great water-wasters in the home is the toilet. Each flush uses roughly six gallons of water.

“There’s been a legislation passed in California and New Hampshire already that requires all new toilets to be at least 1.28 gallons per flush, and eventually Texas will be adopting that,” informed Silver. “I would have to check my facts here but I think they are adopting it at the end of the this year. So what was standard at one point – 6 gallons per flush – is now going to be required to be 1.28 gallons. That’s pretty drastic but a lot of manufacturers have done a really good job staying ahead of the curve and fine-tuning the engineering line on them to make them with 1.28 do what the old amount use to do.”

But, to be quite honest, when we’re building or renovating our home, we can be very particular about the way things look. No one redoes the guest bathroom and wants to make it uglier! Luckily, going green absolutely does not mean sacrificing style.

“There is not too much to worry about there,” said Silver. “Business now carry many brands that offer green products. A great example would be the Kohler company. It’s very stylish yet everyday product line. They make everything from commercial products to $4,500 toilets – and they’ve taken the initiative to change all their toilets to 1.28 even before the government made them. In that case you’re getting style, a nice look, and you’re going green without even knowing it.” Of course, Kohler and other brands make a wide array of products – and to be honest, you can find energy efficient products at Moore Supply Co., Best Buy or many other shops – it all depends on the looks, style and service you’re searching for.

“There are a lot of other areas where you can help the environment, from tankless water heaters and there’s also solar water heating... which hasn’t caught on quite as well in Tyler Texas, honestly because we have trees and lots of them,” Silver joked. ‘But there are lot of new mousetraps out there”

Once you’ve invested your time and money in home building and renovation with an eye for the environment, you’ll want to protect that investment. While the insurance industry might not be as far along as those engineering the products, there is progress being made.

“Now there are optional coverages that you have to buy, but so they do have optional Green Rebuilding Coverage,” explained Dana Parr, Vice President of property and casualty with Copland Insurance Group. “That expands coverage limits by up to 10 percent. So if something happens to their house, and if they rebuild using environmentally friendly materials that processes or upgrade to more efficient or environmentally friendly systems, this coverage, they have higher coverage limits.”

Currently, Parr said there aren’t many insurance advantages to be gained from an already-existing home with green features, but it could be coming down the pipe soon, so to speak. “We have more and more people asking about it every day, where there used to be none.

“So many other factors come into play, like the age of the home and different updates, when examining the home. There are just a few green things people are doing and at the moment, but it doesn’t affect current coverage. But, the insurance business is learning as the technology advances, and there are new developments and policies being written. We definitely see it becoming more of an entrance business in the future.”