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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Designing a Healthier Home

When updating or designing a kitchen, look for enerfy-effiecient and healthy products like Energy Star appliances, WaterSense faucets, and non-porous, GREEN GUARD-certified countertops surfaces such as Cambria.

For an alternative to paints, stains and conventional wallpaper, try natural wall coverings such as grass, hemp, clay. These can give a room a xozy, earthy feel and are chemical-free. If you paint walls or stain kitchen cabinets, choose a product that is low-to no-VOC or low formaldehyde.

Reclaimed hardwood floors-also with a low- or no0VOC finish-will last a century or more and can be resanded and refinishes as needed.

Choose window treatments made from organic fabrics that allow in plenty of natural light to reduce energy costs. But consider pairing them with neavier, interlined curtains that can be used during the cold winter months to retain heat.

New, low-e windows will save enerfy and reduce hearing and cooling costs, but they can make a house so airtight that you don't get eough fresh ventilation. Consider investing in an ERV-energy recovery ventilation system-to bring in fresh air and improve indoor air quality. A screened-in proch also offers well-ventilated living space naturally.

Basements should be waterproofed, with regular use of a dehumidfier to prevent the buildup of toxic mold.

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