This is a guest post by Krista Peterson. Take it away, Krista.

Photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbines are great ways to go green… for those that can afford them. Unfortunately, the cost of many alternative electricity generating systems remains prohibitive for many of us.  The good news, though, is that by using the energy that we do need efficiently, we can reduce the burden on our earth and on our bank accounts.  There are also benefits to our health, helping us to avoid pollution-related illnesses like sick building syndrome and mesothelioma.

By far, the largest chunk of most inhabited buildings’ electricity bill goes toward heating and cooling. However, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that only 20% of homes built before 1980 contain proper insulation.  The heat resistance of insulation is measured in R-values – the higher the R-value, the thicker and better the insulation, but also generally the more expensive.  The DoE recommends different R-values for different climactic regions of the country, and even provides an R-value calculator to determine the most appropriate type of insulation for homes in your zip code.

However, use caution when checking or replacing your insulation, since older homes are more likely to contain insulating materials with asbestos in them.  When the insulation is intact, it poses little danger and should be left alone.  However, when insulation becomes damaged or worn, it can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air where they can be breathed into the lungs.  In some cases, over time, this can lead to mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen.  Early mesothelioma symptoms can mimic those of other, less serious lung problems, meaning that the disease often goes undiagnosed until it is in its later stages.  If you believe you have asbestos-containing insulation that is in poor condition, contact a professional abatement team to remove and dispose of it for you.

However, even the thickest, safest insulation will do little if there are cracks and gaps around your home where heated or cooled air can escape.  The frames around doors and windows are particularly notorious culprits.  If you believe you have an air leak, wait until a windy day, light a stick of incense or other (safe) portable source of smoke, and hold it near the suspected leak.  If the smoke blows horizontally instead of vertically, there is a gap that needs to be sealed.  Luckily, you can often do this yourself using caulk or weatherstripping.

There is a flip side to having a tightly sealed home, however – it can seal in air pollutants.  Chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and radon gas can build up in the air, contributing to what is sometimes called “sick building syndrome.”  Symptoms can be as mild as headache and nasal irritation or as severe as asthma and tissue damage from chronic exposure.  Most people already have spot ventilation systems in their bathrooms and kitchens in the form of exhaust fans, but whole-house systems can be implemented, as well.  Not only will these systems protect your health, but they will also protect your home from expensive damage due to trapped moisture.

Relatively minor adjustments to your home’s insulation and ventilation can reduce your carbon footprint as well as your energy bill.  Unfortunately, asbestos abatement can be a more costly process, but mesothelioma life expectancy is so poor that it is worth the expense many times over.  Generally, however, being more energy efficient is an economical way to protect your health and go green.

Krista Peterson is a health and safety advocate with a passion for the wellness of others and the environment. Krista uses her writing to spread awareness of such issues to help encourage others to live the healthiest and most eco-friendly life possible. Contact her at krista.peterson925@gmail.com.

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5. Greening Up Your Home this Fall