National Property Inspections of Rochester, NY Blog

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The greenest product is one that has a minimal impact on the environment and on your health. Some flooring may come coated with toxin-emitting stains and adhesives.

• When selecting flooring materials, choose from materials like:

o Bamboo
o Cork
o Concrete
o Linoleum
o Recycled tile and stone
o Reclaimed/salvaged lumber

• If the flooring requires adhesive, stain or polish, buy one that has a very low VOC content. Choose sealants and stains made from natural pigments. For polish upkeep, look for hardwax and natural oil polishes.

• If the flooring requires grout or glues, make sure you purchase non-toxic products with low VOC contents.

Protect the environment and your health with non-toxic, eco-friendly flooring.

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Simplifying home energy systems is now a reality.

Micro-cogenerators, or combined heat and power

systems (CHP) combine heat, air conditioning,

electricity and hot water from a single source.

Micro-cogenerators not only reduce energy costs, but also

reduce dependence on foreign oil, carbon emissions and

greenhouse gases.

Micro-cogenerators are 90 percent efficient and are both

environmentally friendly and a money saver. In simplest terms,

micro-cogenerators work like a car’s engine, equipped to

generate electricity and provide domestic hot water and heat.

These devices can operate on natural gas, fuel oil or biodiesel.

While micro-cogenerators are considered to be money-saving

and energy-efficient models, the main problem is cost due to

the lack of current popularity.

Micro-cogenerators can be installed in homes, offices,

restaurants, markets, convenience stores, hotels, and farms.

Micro-cogenerators are likely to become more popular in the

United States and Canada as the cost of home-heating fuel and

environmental awareness increases.

Home owners are attracted to the idea that they can

help the earth by making smarter purchases and

lifestyle decisions. Here are a few products you may

not be familiar with:

Chemical-free lighting. LED (light emitting diodes)

may just be a beacon for the future of residential

lighting. They contain no hazardous chemicals like other

lighting does. In addition, a LED fixture uses 80 percent

less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb and

has the ability to last up to 20 years.

Green toilets. You may have heard of the low-flow

toilet, but here are a few you may be less familiar with.

A dual-flush toilet has two buttons giving a home owner

the option of flushing with a half or full tank. A pressure-

assist toilet reduces water by using compressed air to

assist with the flushing of the toilet, all without additional

pumps or power.

Nontoxic paint. Some consumers are using paints

that don’t contain toxic VOCs (Volatile Organic

Components) to keep indoor air clean and cut down on

landfill pollutants. These paints are offered in a variety

of colors and finishes.