Frequently Asked Questions

What is a green home?
A green home operates with minimal impact on the environment, using resources such as energy and water as efficiently as possible, thus costing the owner less money to maintain it.

What are green measures?
Green measures are specific improvements that allow a home to operate at maximum efficiency.

How much does the LiveGreen Inc. Assessment cost and what is the value?
Typical home assessments cost $250 and include approximately 3 hours of green home professional testing and inspection of many items within your home. From the assessment, the green specialist can point out specific home improvements that will ultimately save the homeowners money.

The LiveGreen Inc. Assessment includes 3 compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow faucet aerators and shower heads. In addition, a complete home energy evaluation is conducted, which includes a duct blaster and blower door test to determine how much and where air is leaking out of your home and HVAC system. The assessment also includes a review of lifestyle and management opportunities.

How much does a GreenOver cost?
The cost varies from home to home. The green specialists' objective is to point out simple measures that can make significant improvements. Typically, homes require between $250 - $3,000 of improvements to meet the LiveGreen Inc. Certification.

LiveGreen Inc. Certification does not require thousands of dollars for solar panels or other extreme measures. Rather, it requires implementation of simple solutions to maximize efficiency.

What are the LiveGreen Inc. Standards?
LiveGreen Inc. was built on the expert input of a network of industry specialists who developed green standards for existing homes. From the LiveGreen Inc. Standards, an Assessment was created to serve as the foundation for evaluating existing homes. The basic premise of the standards was to find cost effective, proven measures for improving a home's environmental impact. By implementing the recommended measures, a home becomes more eco-friendly and costs much less to operate.

What are the benefits of having a sealed crawlspace?
A vented or open crawlspace relies on air movement to keep it dry and to regulate the temperature. In eastern and central North Carolina the average temperature and humidity are significantly different than what is desirable for any building materials or for human health. It requires more energy to heat and cool the rest of your house because the air under your house is so humid and so much cooler or warmer than indoors. By sealing the crawlspace, you trap the air leaking out of your house and HVAC system and keep it inside the conditioned space of your house where it belongs. Sealed crawlspaces are also much cleaner, brighter and healthier since they alleviate mold and insect problems.

How can I lower my utility bills without spending a ton of money?
By sealing your crawlspace, upgrading insulation in key areas, air sealing your house and ducts and using low-flow plumbing devices, you can save 60% or more on your utility bills.

Our bedroom is always freezing and the kids' room is burning up. What can I do about it?
An HVAC expert, such as a LiveGreen Inc. professional, can adjust how much air is being delivered to each room in your house. We can also make your HVAC work more effectively so it will keep you more comfortable and cost you less to operate.

My house uses a lot of energy heating water, and it never has enough hot water for everyone. Do I need a larger hot water heater?
You may only need to make some minor modifications to your existing water heater. A tankless, or solar, water heating system may better fit your needs. LiveGreen Inc. can help you decide on the best option and make sure the solution is implemented correctly. We can also help with your Energy Star Tax Incentives, assuring that upgrades cost you as little as possible.

Who can install the recommended measures from the LiveGreen Inc. Assessment?
LiveGreen Inc. is a full-service green company. Our green specialists not only conduct the LiveGreen Inc. Assessment, but they are also capable of providing the recommended improvements. A LiveGreen Inc. specialist can handle everything from installing water saving toilets to sealing a crawlspace to providing attic insulation and any other necessary improvements.

I am building a new home. Can LiveGreen Inc. help to ensure my builder is taking all necessary steps to provide a LiveGreen Inc. Certified home?
Yes, the specialists at LiveGreen Inc. can provide input at many levels to help with new construction. Click here to contact us.