Posted by kwalters – May 23, 2008 9:02 AM
Earlier this year, HGTV.com gave fans a chance to ask Carter Oosterhouse your green questions. And boy, did you ask! We got over 100 questions for your favorite green handyman. From those, we chose five, which we sent to Carter to answer.
Read on for his tips on everything from using cork flooring in bathrooms to finding the best ways to make an older home eco-friendly.
Q: Hi, Carter! I am having a really hard time finding an affordable green builder or green ideas so I can be my own contractor. I really want to generate some of our own electricity and use recycled materials. Can you help?
Karen, Virginia
A: It's a lot easier to build green than you might think. There are many things that are considered standard building practices that can make a green impact; for example, using I-beams for your floor joists that are made from engineered wood products instead of solid wood.
When you're considering producing your own electricity, the two most well-known options are wind and solar. For both, you will need to work with your local installer to see if you have the natural means necessary to have the system make sense. You need to have a certain number of days of sun for the year or you need a certain average wind speed. The great thing about green energy is that your investment will pay you back in energy savings.
Q: Hello! Our family is finally refinishing our basement and would like to use earth-friendly materials. Our main concern would be keeping the basement dry and mold free. Any suggestions?
Sharon, Connecticut
A: When you're looking to finish a basement, moisture is always an issue. There is a product called Dricore Subfloor Systems that works well. Dricore is plywood with a rubber backing that enables your finished floor to keep dry. On the walls you want to use a waterproofing that locks the moisture out, and there are several products that achieve this that you can find at your local hardware store. After those are complete, you can begin with standard framing and finish materials. As far as green goes, you might want to consider using the concrete floor as your finish floor. Concrete floors can be stained and sealed in a variety of finishes for an attractive look and help you save on the cost of a finished floor.
Q: Carter, I have a new home with asphalt shingles. How can I add solar shingles and where can I find prices and contractors in my area to install them?
John, Texas
A: The whole solar industry has made huge leaps in the last 10 years with product innovation and ease of installation, not to mention aesthetics. One of the latest products is BIPV, Building Integrated Photovoltaics. Because solar materials are not yet used in common building practices, you will need to find a company that makes these. Once you've decided on a particular company, ask them for a list of vendors and installers in your area.
Q: Dear Carter,
My husband and I own a 1929 cottage. Aside from replacing the windows, do you have any other ideas that might make a house from this era more energy efficient?
Dana, Mississippi
A: Insulation is at the top of the list when it comes to making an older home more energy efficient. One of the best approaches is to add blown-in insulation in your walls and attic. This can greatly increase your R-Value and decrease your monthly bills. Aside from insulation in an older home, it's good to make sure your outside doors seal tightly, to update your heating or cooling system, replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, and to use low-flow faucets and showerheads. All of these things have an initial investment, but will definitely save you money in the long run.
Q: Carter, can cork flooring be used in a bathroom?
Julie, Minnesota
A:When considering your options for flooring in the bathroom, you have a lot of choices and cork is one of them. However, it would not be recommended for a high-use bathroom due to high moisture levels. Cork is a great green product but is not a very dense product, so it has the ability to soak up more moisture and warp, unlike a dense wood.
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Can't get enough Carter? Check out his latest podcast
Watch HGTV Sunday, June 8, at 8/7c to find out who won the HGTV Green Home and Get More Green Givaway
Tune in to Green Home Central Monday, June 9, to meet the winner and hear them answer your questions
Be the first to comment! Enter your comment in the form below.
Hello Carter! My husband and I are lost when it comes to getting/installing solar power for our home. Is there a recommended list of suppliers and installers (or at least instructions) anywhere on the internet? Also, We are planning on installing a tankless water heater, any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Posted by Charlene – May 23, 2008 1:46 PM
Hi Carter, Beautiful table you made. My question to you is..Where can we find out information about wind turbines for the home? I have not seen any in MI, but I did see on the news that there is a small town farther north of us that has started using them. We would really like to find more information, but everything I have found refers to big companies, not homes. Also, what about the wood burning hot water/furnaces..(I forget what they are called)..that sit outside the house? I would think that burning wood isn't good for the environment, but then you don't use as much or any energy with these?? Thanks for allowing us to ask these questions, and for what ever information you are able to provide. Take care.
Posted by deb – May 23, 2008 2:25 PM
I love the green home, and that lake in back of it. The green home has gorgeous view of the lake.
Good luck to everyone.
Posted by Anonymous – May 23, 2008 3:58 PM
How come everyone on HGTV wears eye protection but DOESN'T wear ear protection?
Posted by Annette – May 23, 2008 4:12 PM
How come everyone on HGTV wears eye protection but DOESN'T wear ear protection?
Posted by Annette – May 23, 2008 4:12 PM
My questions is.. Did you pick my name yet? hopefully and praying to get the grand prize to change our life.
The Green Home is wonderful, gorgeous, amazing and peaceful. Its remembering everything where we live back home Philippines.
Thank you very much for those brilliant people who involved this amazing Green Home specially Mr. Carter and the interior designer.
God Blessed & More Power!
Gina Gabica
Veneta, Oregon
Posted by Gina Gabica – May 23, 2008 7:00 PM
Hi Carter! Great Table! When We Built our house (1986) we were advised not to use solar pannels becouse in our part of OH we only average 97 sunny days a year! Summer we have hot, humid overcast or cloudy days/ Winter is freezing and overcast Do you think it would be worth the cost to install them here? We had a heatpump but replaced it this year with an enegy efficient gas funance and seperate C/A. Thanks Nancy
Posted by Nancy L Argoe – May 24, 2008 12:28 PM
i am trying to find out who manafactured the solor pannels used on the green home i e-mailed hgtv but have not received an answer i realy want to know where/who and how to get the solor pannels as i want to install them on my house. thank you for you time i hope this time some one sends me the info
Posted by helen allison – May 24, 2008 1:47 PM
HI HOW MANY PEOPLE ENTERED THIS DRAWING
Posted by CRYSTAL – May 24, 2008 7:51 PM
what are the room sizes of the 08 green home? why is it such a secret?
Posted by mhmontgomery – May 25, 2008 2:11 AM
GOOD LUCK to everyone who entered for the Green Home Give-Away! There are so many people that are commenting on this site that would be so thankful & so well-deserved of this once in a life time opportunity!! Thank you once again HGTV for giving someone a dream come true!! Marie Miller
Posted by Marie Miller – May 25, 2008 8:43 AM
Hudson Reed have introduced a fantastic new range of water saving flow regulating Products.
News Content:
Introducing 'Eco Flo' In line with some of todays key environmental issues, we are pleased to offer a range of water saving devices that can be retro fitted into most of the Hudson Reed range of luxury designer taps and showers.
By installing Eco-Flo water regulators to your fittings, you restrict the maimum flow rate to 6litres per minute - in line with current environmental guidelines.
Not only will this help the environment, but it will reduce your own water consumption and reduce running costs.
Hudson Reed are the largest independent manufacturer of taps (faucets) and showers in the UK their products are available from Traditional Bathrooms Limited:
www.victorianbathrooms4u.com
At Traditional Bathrooms Limited we have also developed a range of small free standing roll top baths the sizes start from 1500mm. This range of baths are ideal for those people that want a stylish designer bathroom, yet don't want to ruin the planet to achieve the look.
Posted by Uk Bathroom Superstore – May 25, 2008 5:36 PM
I have been watching to wee who won the Green Home. I have never seen anything about it on HGTV since the time ended for entering. Really enjoy your show and like that big smile hou have!! June
Posted by June Weaver – May 25, 2008 9:08 PM
Dear Carter Oosterhouse: One of the single most important changes my husband and I made when we moved into our 1984 condo on the ocean, was to replace all the windows to Energy Efficient Windows!! The climate where you live plays a large role in making the right choice when it comes to replacing windows in your residence. We replaced our windows with vinyl windows with ENERGY STAR ratings...what a difference!! I actually had to open the slider in order to hear birds sing!! We have not used our heater since we replaced all our windows..talk about a savings & energy conservation!!
Here are some other great ideas to energize your home: Keep thermostat set at 65°F to 68°F during the day and 58°F at night or when you will be gone four hours or longer, lower your thermostat setting to 55°F during winter vacations or long periods away from home, on sunny days, open window shades or draperies to let the sun warm the house, other times, keep window coverings closed to insulate against cold outside air, insulate shades or draperies or hang liners behind draperies, keep fireplace damper closed when not in use, keep basement, garage or attic doors which connect with the house, closed if these areas aren’t heated, use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans sparingly, close doors to unused rooms, turn off lights and TV when rooms are unoccupied, keep light bulbs clean...even a thin film of dust reduces their efficiency, fluorescent bulbs use less energy than incandescent bulbs...they give more light and last longer, cut down on electrical energy use during the "peak hours" of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., check the Energyguide labels when shopping for new appliances....improved design and materials make new major appliances much more efficient.
Thank you HGTV and Carter Oosterhouse for all the eco-friendly ideas and information found on this site!! Good luck to all on June 8th when the winner of the "Green House" is announced!!
Marie Miller
Posted by Marie Miller – May 26, 2008 8:21 AM
Hey, I wanted to give a shout out and say thanks to whomever made the suggestion to save the water left over when cooking pasta or boiling eggs. I never gave it a second thought before I dumped it down the drain, but yesterday I poured the water in a plastic container to use for watering plants later. Water conservation is a small but important step to staying "green", so why dump out that water if you can safely use it someplace else? What a great idea, THANKS SO MUCH! Of course, my husband looked at me like I was insane, but that's another story...lol!
Posted by Michelle, Atlanta GA – May 26, 2008 2:02 PM
These are great comments and ideas.....gonna use them.
Posted by Dennis Blackmore – May 27, 2008 9:47 AM
Hello
Birthday Girl here !! June 8th !!
My fam. & I will be having friends over on Sat. evening for a back yard swim & grill B'day social. Everything will be settled down on Sunday for the HGTV-GH announcement. There can only be one winner & I would love to be this person. Big Bow--Ice Cream & Cake !! WOW !!
What a B'day gift this would be !! dee
Posted by dee – May 28, 2008 10:45 PM
Hello
Birthday Girl here !! June 8th !!
My fam. & I will be having friends over on Sat. evening for a back yard swim & grill B'day social. Everything will be settled down on Sunday for the HGTV-GH announcement. There can only be one winner & I would love to be this person. Big Bow--Ice Cream & Cake !! WOW !!
What a B'day gift this would be !! dee
I forgot to tell the winner to sing "Happy Birthday" to me.
Posted by dee – May 28, 2008 10:48 PM
IF you want info on how to DIY solar power, go here. Tons of info and the sell panels in packages. And if you are in Cali, stop on by! Their place is amazing and inspiring!
www.realgoods.com
http://www.realgoods.com/category/solar+power.do
Posted by hcp arch – May 29, 2008 12:08 PM
Only TEN more days to wait for the announcement of the Green House winner!! In the meantime, we can all join together in an effort to energize our homes with all the GREAT ideas passed on to us by our fellow bloggers!! Thank you to everyone & GOOD LUCK!! A special thank you to Carter Oosterhouse & of course, HGTV, for giving us the chance of a lifetime!! Marie Miller
Posted by Marie Miller – May 29, 2008 12:47 PM
Hello Carter and crew!
Guess my anticipation is as high as others. Todays the 3rd of June....And can't help but want to ask, have you picked the winner or called anyone yet?
Im living on a prayer, guess my chances are as good as anyone, entered almost everyday....My dream area to move to,and again, living on a prayer.
But, will congratulate the winner, sure they are living on prayers too.
Can you tell us, has the winner been choosen yet?
The house is a dream, and Green, so it's "Dream Green"! You all did a wonderful job on the house, and it will make a someone very happy...I do have my fingers crossed!
Good luck everyone!
Posted by Maria – June 3, 2008 6:53 PM
Hello Carter and crew!
Guess my anticipation is as high as others. Todays the 3rd of June....And can't help but want to ask, have you picked the winner or called anyone yet?
Im living on a prayer, guess my chances are as good as anyone, entered almost everyday....My dream area to move to,and again, living on a prayer.
But, will congratulate the winner, sure they are living on prayers too.
Can you tell us, has the winner been choosen yet?
The house is a dream, and Green, so it's "Dream Green"! You all did a wonderful job on the house, and it will make a someone very happy...I do have my fingers crossed!
Good luck everyone!
Posted by Maria – June 3, 2008 7:23 PM
I would love to build the green home on my farm.. How can I see a plan and have a place to start?
Posted by mary larson – June 4, 2008 12:45 PM
I just absolutly love the green home.What a wonderful job you have all done.This will inspire so many people to build greener homes.I would love to be the winner of this wonderful home so, I will keep hoping and praying that I have been chosen....GO GREEN.....
Posted by Susan – June 5, 2008 12:10 PM
Hi Carter, I would still like to know if there is a website I can visit or if you know where I can find out about wind turbines for the home. We are have looked at the wood burning furnaces/water heaters, (I think it's a furnace also..hubby loooked at it). The economy here in MI is real bad, and I would sell my house if I could, but wouldn't get what it's worth. Therefore, anywhere we can save money and help the environment would be dual purpose. Thanks
Posted by deb – June 8, 2008 8:59 AM
Carter what is the name of the product you used on Red Hot and Green kitchen redo for the synthetic concrete countertop that you could cut w/ a circular saw? I keep looking on the episode description but there is none. Thanks
Posted by Stephanie Zachary – July 15, 2008 3:01 PM
hi carter it is kristina the 12 year old hwo wants to become a desighner i thought my comment didn't go through but it turns out it did. im excited to redo my bed room, i think it will be fun do yuo think they will have a j.r. design star. is cherry wood cabinets good to redo my kitchen, i am also doing concrete counter tops and stainless steel energy star appliences.
Posted by kristina metz – August 27, 2008 2:45 PM
hi carter, my niece,has just scratched up my wooden kitchen table. It doesn't look to deep, but I would like to fix it the green way. I think she did it with her leapster, it has like a spiral binding. Any suggestions on ways to take the scratches out & stay green?
Thanks Sandy Turner
Love your show
Posted by sandy turner – September 11, 2008 1:33 PM
Hello, i hate my ugly kitchen.(cabinets color a light mauve) They are made of Formica. My question is can Formica be painted,and if so what product do i use, and how??And will the product stay on the Formica? I wish i had the money to rip them out and get new,but i can't.My kids are all out of the home and 2 of them are iin the military.I have health problems,so i need the money for my meds.Not to use for new cabinets. Thank you, i'll be looking forward to your answer. Sandra Weinberg, Florida
Posted by Sandra Weinberg – September 13, 2008 5:13 AM
I know going green is important, but seems as though on HGTV they destroy perfectly good cabinet, counters and flooring because they are "out of style" rather than refinishing very usable products. I love the shows but it seems like a contradiction to your "Change the World" campaign.
Posted by Nancy Becker – September 22, 2008 9:11 AM
Hello,
Really wish there was more information and shows on redoing place with health and enviro friendly items, how to just rearrange or charge alittle what already have, So much repetive shows.
Also more craft (knit,dyes....) and not just on at 3:30am. Like red hot green, the cents show.
Havent seen the eco house commented on by most.
More on what to do with old items( there's a place in our county that takes them and resells to fund habitat for humanity.
Thankyou
Lynn
Posted by Lynn – October 2, 2008 5:32 PM
Carter, I am the daughter of a very good carpenter, unfortunetly he passed away. He saved things so they could be reused. What I have are 2 dump truck load of broken concrete. The pieces are about 4-6 in thick, and are approximetly 10-12" in width. Random shapes. I want to use them to make a patio off the back of my house, I was thinking about using some earth tone stain on them and smoothing the edges with a hammer. My question is how should they be set? The house is 50 yrs old and the area I want to use is pretty well settled. My idea was to set each one at the right depth and cut the shape into the ground with a knife. This would leave some grass between the pieces. Is there anything else I should consider when placing them? I know about sloping away from the house. The area to be used is fairly flat. Any Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Sally
Posted by Sally – October 3, 2008 3:01 AM
