Environmentally conscience North Florida homeowners and North Florida homebuilders concerned with global warming are searching for ways that they can help reduce the effects of this problem. Homeowners and homebuilders have looked at this problem from two perspectives. They look at conditions in the home that can be controlled by the homeowner. They also look at the material used to build the house or used in remodeling projects.

Homeowners, whether in new or older homes, can make decisions about daily living that are eco-friendly while providing cost savings. Lowering the thermostat temperature in the winter and raising the temperature in the summer by just 1 degree will reduce the utility costs by nearly 4 percent. Dressing for the indoor temperature will help the homeowner adjust to the lower temperature in the house in the winter and the higher temperatures in the summer.

Homeowners can install low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads. Water heating costs and water consumption can be reduced by as much as 50% with these eco-friendly fixtures. When purchasing new appliances look for the Energy Star rating. Compare different models as to their energy use. One statistic stated that an Energy Star rated refrigerator would save enough electricity to light a home for about 4 months compared to a refrigerator built in 1990.

Fix those leaking faucets. Ten gallons of water is wasted each week from just one faucet that drips one drop per second. Your local hardware store will be happy to help teach you how to do this simple job. National stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s have seminars that are offered on the weekends.

More Jacksonville Fl homeowners and Jacksonville Fl homebuilders are searching for material that are green friendly when building a new home or remodeling. The “green” concept is based on the premise that there are eco-friendly building materials that will improve the environment. Saving our forests has become a battle cry by “Green” individuals and groups. Selecting products that are made from renewable resources is one solution to this problem.

Bamboo and Cork are two products that are considered eco-friendly. Bamboo is a grass that replenishes itself naturally. Cork comes from trees that can be harvested numerous times. Both bamboo and cork are available in a multitude of products including flooring. BuildingGreen.com has done intensive research into the durability of Bamboo. They stated that all pre-finished products use UV-cured finishes and all the products make an attractive, durable floor. Some areas of the country, notably some counties in California, are giving tax incentives to homeowners and builders to use these materials.  Cork is a natural choice for flooring. It is durable, acoustical, long lasting and is a great choice for those with allergies.

Solar, geo, and wind power are options that are available for the new home builder. High efficiency heat exchange systems are an option for older homes. Windows, insulation, and siding all offer options that can make one's home more "Green" friendly.

It may not be doable to construct a home using all of the Green friendly products. For the new home builder or the homeowner who is making improvements to his abode, it is important to know what Green products are available. These homeowners may not only reap the benefits of saving money but also may help save the planet in the process.