Air purifiers belong in a green home

Remodeling your home is a perfect time to make your dwelling more eco-friendly too. And air purifiers make the list of top tips for making a home greener, from the New York/Long Island chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Not surprisingly, half the tips are directly related to indoor air quality and air purification.

1. Recycling:Of the nation’s total building-related construction and demolition debris, 40 percent is from renovation and remodeling projects. Appliances, masonry materials, doors and windows are all recyclable.

2. Renewable Resources:Renewable green remodeling products on the market include bamboo, cork and eucalyptus. Use products sourced locally, because some products will consume large amounts of energy in transit from the point of origin to distribution.

3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):VOCs, found in everything from paint to carpeting, pollute indoor air and can have short-term and long-term effects on health. Using products labeled low- or no-VOC can protects the quality of the air in the home. Also, avoid toxic glues and binding materials.

4. Low-Flow Products:Water is one of the scarcest resources worldwide. For faucets, toilets and showerheads, low-flow water-saving options are now available. Sink aerators add pressure so less water is needed. There are some toilets with dual flushing and assisted flushing options to conserve water. Homeowners may also consider a tankless or solar-heated water heater

5. Insulation:Adding to the R-value of a home’s insulation offers energy savings in heating and cooling, which equals less CO emissions. Some alternative materials used in green insulation include recycled paper, hemp and recycled denim.

6. Efficient HVAC:In green remodeling, homeowners should consider maximizing natural heating and cooling, and then install an EnergyStar-rated HVAC system.

7. Green Windows:Some windows use wood harvested from managed forests. Also, look for water-based finishes and high-performance, low-E4 glass creating greater energy efficiency in both heating and cooling.

8. Air Purification and Ventilation:Better ventilation and air purification within a home can address the problems of pollutants, toxins, allergens and mold. A good air purification system includes air exchange, replacing old air with fresh, filtered air, controlling moisture, and removing harmful contaminants. (Editor’s Note: The IQAir Perfect16™ whole-house air purification system fits existing HVAC systems, uses no electricity and provides medical-grade air cleaning.)