Green building and remodeling is a big trend right now, but many homeowners still think making their homes more eco-friendly will be expensive and difficult. The good news from Angie’s List – going green doesn’t have to be either. 

Angie's List the nation’s leading consumer ratings service conducted two nationwide polls on green living. One poll found only 15 percent had an energy audit on their current home. In a separate poll, nearly 50 percent would like to add green building elements to their home, but need to learn more first. More than 40 percent plan to add Energy Star products this year.

While experts say going green can add up to 5 percent to the cost of your project, the payoff is worth it. Green remodeling can lead to energy savings, possible tax credits, and a healthier environment, and you can start small. An Angie's List member, who is considered a pioneer in the green movement, has a house that now serves as a national green model. She started decades ago by focusing first on green cleaning products.”

Finding a green contractor requires the same attention and research in detail as hiring any other professional for your home. The contractor should be able to explain more than just the “green” approach, but also the benefits to you and your home.

Angie’s List is responding to the green demand, too. We will soon begin posting icons next to companies that have received LEED certification, use green work practices and products or ensure that work site debris is recycled or reused whenever possible.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The United States Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) created LEED as a rating system for green building. Projects must meet certain prerequisites and performance benchmarks within each category.

If you’re just starting on the green bandwagon, follow Angie’s List 5 tips for a green home:

1. Determine the energy efficiency of your home with an audit. An audit can help you assess how much energy your home uses and evaluate what measures you can take to improve efficiency. Contact your utility company to see if they offer free or discounted home energy audits.

2. Install low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets. Low-flow faucets reduce water consumption and the cost of heating water by as much as 50 percent.

3. Update your water heater. Water heating can account for 14 percent to 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home. A tankless water heater provides hot water only as it is needed. A solar water heater can be used in any climate.

4. Energy Star Appliances: If your appliances are more than 10 years old, you can most likely reduce your utility bills by replacing these appliances with high-efficiency models.Cut energy consumed by your appliances by buying Energy Star models (www.energystar.gov). They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. Also, size your appliances to your needs. Dishwashers and refrigerators work more efficiently when they are full. If your appliances are usually only half full, consider smaller models.

5. Buy water-based paints with low or no volatile organic compound levels (VOC): The less glossy the paint, the fewer VOC’s it contains. VOC’s are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals; some of which may have short and long term health affects.