Happy Green Year

(ARA) - Out with the old and in with the new hits home for home improvement enthusiasts ready to tackle new projects in the New Year. Get rid of old, leaky windows or drafty doors, heave out furniture with no fashion sense and crack open a renovation project put off for years.

There’s no better time than a new year to start new beginnings in a home. And while you’re at it, make “green” environmentally-friendly choices to keep Mother Earth happy for many years as well.

Pella Windows & Doors, the 2007 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for windows, offers these home improvement ideas to uncork in the New Year with a twist of green.

1. Consider replacing worn out carpet or laminate flooring with bamboo floors. Bamboo, which is actually a grass that gets pressed into flooring, is a renewable source and a highly durable material well-suited for kitchens and other heavy traffic areas of the home.

2. Improve indoor air quality, reduce noise and save energy by replacing old windows with triple-pane wood windows that feature the blind or shade protected between panes of glass. Pella triple-pane windows and patio doors with shades between the glass are rated No. 1 for energy efficiency among top national brands and are proven to help reduce exposure to certain indoor air allergens, according to ongoing research by the University of Iowa’s Department of Occupational and Environmental Health.

3. Switch out electronics to green products with items like ENERGY STAR ceiling fans to circulate heat and air conditioning, programmable thermostats and motion sensor light switches.

4. Adding a new room? Add new windows in key locations for an important green technique -- daylighting. Windows allow for natural daylighting which reduces or eliminates the need for artificial lighting, saving on energy costs. Choose Low-E glass to help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and help protect interior furnishings from fading. Strategic placement of windows and shades helps maximize daylighting and minimize heat gain.

5. Let ‘er rip! Replace old counter tops with eco-friendly brands made of recycled paper and resin or those made from recycled glass and concrete.

6. Add a storm door. A new storm door will improve the look of your home’s entry and create improved airflow in the spring and summer months. Plus, adding a storm door may help save on energy costs.

7. Grow your own garden for a natural outdoor kitchen. Living off the land is a great way to add fresh food to your diet and help the environment by cutting transportation costs. Plan now the best layout and planting time for your soil to grow your own food for the summer. Then do your own canning or freezing to preserve the bounty. If you’re not into gardening, consider shopping at local farmer’s markets as an eco-friendly food option.

8. For a room makeover, consider furniture with reclaimed materials. Look for furniture designed with wood reclaimed from old houses, furniture or previously built items.

Bring in the New Year with snazzy home improvements and curb appeal add-on’s that will turn your neighbors green with envy.

For more information on how energy-efficient windows and doors can improve your home, call your local Pella Window & Door expert at (888) 847-3552 (84-PELLA) or log on to www.Pella.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content