SKILL.md
319 lines · 2,235 words
Green Home Guide
When to Use
Use this skill when:
User asks about green home
User needs guidance on green home topics
User wants a structured approach to green home
Do NOT use when:
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At a glance
What it is
Comprehensive guide to creating a healthier, more sustainable home covering energy audit walkthroughs, non-toxic cleaning product recipes and alternatives, water conservation strategies for fixtures and landscaping, indoor air quality improvement, sustainable materials for renovation projects, and understanding green building certifications.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
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SKILL.md
319 lines · 2,235 words
Use this skill when:
User asks about green home
User needs guidance on green home topics
User wants a structured approach to green home
Do NOT use when:
Comprehensive guide to creating a healthier, more sustainable home covering energy audit walkthroughs, non-toxic cleaning product recipes and alternatives, water conservation strategies for fixtures and landscaping, indoor air quality improvement, sustainable materials for renovation projects, and understanding green building certifications.
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What it teaches a bot, what it covers, and the whole file to read.
What it covers
When to Use
Questions to Ask First
Phase 1: Home Energy Audit
Phase 2: Energy Efficiency Improvements
Phase 3: Non-Toxic Cleaning
Phase 4: Water Conservation
Phase 5: Indoor Air Quality
Phase 6: Sustainable Materials for Renovation
Phase 7: Green Home Certifications
Green Home Action Plan
Output Format
Example
Edge Cases
Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
User needs emergency assistance
Do you own or rent your home (determines scope of possible changes)?
What type of home do you live in (house, apartment, condo, townhouse)?
What is your primary goal (reducing bills, improving health, environmental impact, all)?
What is your approximate monthly energy bill (electric and gas)?
What is your approximate monthly water bill?
When was your home built (affects insulation, materials, air quality considerations)?
Have you had any health concerns possibly related to your home (allergies, respiratory issues)?
What is your budget for green improvements?
Are you planning any renovations or major projects?
Which area is most important to you (energy, water, indoor air quality, materials, cleaning)?
Step 1: Insulation Assessment
| Area | How to Check | Target R-Value (varies by climate) |
|---|---|---|
| Attic | Measure insulation depth, check for gaps | R-38 to R-60 |
| Walls | Outlet test (turn off breaker, remove cover, look for insulation) | R-13 to R-21 |
| Basement or crawlspace | Visual inspection, touch test (cold equals poor insulation) | R-11 to R-25 |
| Floors over unheated spaces | Visual inspection from below | R-25 to R-30 |
Step 2: Air Leak Detection
Common air leak locations to check:
Around windows and doors (feel for drafts, use incense to detect airflow)
Electrical outlets and switch plates (especially on exterior walls)
Plumbing and utility penetrations
Recessed lights in insulated ceilings
Attic hatch or pull-down stairs
Fireplace damper
Dryer vent
Where siding meets foundation
Step 3: HVAC Assessment
Age of system (15+ years likely needs replacement)
When was the last professional maintenance?
Filter condition and replacement schedule
Ductwork inspection for visible leaks and disconnections
Thermostat type (programmable or smart?)
Step 4: Lighting and Appliance Assessment
Count remaining incandescent or halogen bulbs
Identify opportunities for LED replacement
Evaluate natural light usage
Check appliance age and Energy Star ratings
A professional audit costs $200-$500 and includes blower door testing, infrared thermal imaging, duct leakage testing, combustion safety testing, and a detailed report with prioritized recommendations. Many utilities subsidize or offer free audits.
| Improvement | Cost | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED lighting throughout | $50-$200 | $75-$200 | Under 1 year |
| Air sealing (caulk, weatherstrip) | $50-$300 | $100-$300 | Under 1 year |
| Programmable or smart thermostat | $25-$250 | $100-$200 | 1-2 years |
| Attic insulation (add to existing) | $500-$2,000 | $200-$500 | 2-5 years |
| Water heater insulation blanket | $20-$40 | $30-$50 | Under 1 year |
| HVAC maintenance and tune-up | $100-$200 | $100-$200 | Under 1 year |
| Window film or cellular shades | $200-$1,000 | $100-$300 | 2-5 years |
| Energy Star appliance upgrades | $500-$2,000 each | Varies | 3-10 years |
| Heat pump HVAC | $5,000-$15,000 | $500-$2,000 | 5-15 years |
| Window replacement | $5,000-$20,000 | $200-$500 | 10-30 years |
Heating season: Home and awake at 68 degrees F, sleeping at 62-65 degrees F, away at 60-62 degrees F.
Cooling season: Home and awake at 76-78 degrees F, sleeping at 72-76 degrees F, away at 82-85 degrees F.
Each degree of adjustment saves approximately 1-3% on heating and cooling costs.
Conventional cleaners contain chemicals linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption. Indoor air quality is often 2-5 times worse than outdoor air. Chemical residues remain on surfaces where children and pets make contact. Effective alternatives are often cheaper and simpler.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 10 drops tea tree or lemon essential oil (optional) in a spray bottle. Shake before use. Do not use on marble, granite, or natural stone.
Glass Cleaner: Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch (prevents streaking) in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Wipe with newspaper or lint-free cloth.
Bathroom Scrub: Mix 1 cup baking soda with enough liquid castile soap to make a paste and 10 drops tea tree essential oil. Apply, scrub, and rinse.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle 1/2 cup baking soda in bowl, add 1/4 cup white vinegar, let fizz for 10 minutes, scrub with brush and flush.
Laundry Booster: Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash cycle for brightening, softening, and deodorizing.
| Ingredient | Concern | Found In |
|---|---|---|
| Phthalates | Endocrine disruption | Fragranced products |
| Chlorine bleach | Respiratory irritation | Disinfectants, bathroom cleaners |
| Ammonia | Respiratory irritation | Glass cleaners |
| "Fragrance" | Undisclosed chemicals, allergens | Almost everything scented |
| Formaldehyde | Carcinogen | Some disinfectants |
| Triclosan | Antimicrobial resistance | Antibacterial soaps |
Look for EPA Safer Choice label or EWG rating of A or B. Trusted brands include Seventh Generation, Branch Basics, Dr. Bronner's, Ecover, and ECOS.
| Strategy | Water Saved | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Low-flow showerhead (2.0 GPM or less) | 20-40% per shower | $15-$50 |
| Faucet aerators (1.0-1.5 GPM) | 30-50% per faucet | $5-$10 each |
| Dual-flush or low-flow toilet | 20-60% per flush | $200-$400 |
| Fix leaking faucets and running toilets | Hundreds of gallons per month | $0-$50 |
| Full loads only (washer and dishwasher) | 15-45 gallons per avoided load | Free |
| Shorter showers (target 5 minutes) | 10-20 gallons per shower | Free |
Landscaping strategies:
Xeriscaping with drought-resistant native plants
Mulch (2-4 inches) reduces evaporation by 25-50%
Group plants by water needs
Reduce lawn area
Choose native grasses that need less water
Irrigation improvements:
Drip irrigation (90-95% efficient vs 50-70% for sprinklers)
Water early morning to reduce evaporation
Install a smart irrigation controller that adjusts for weather
Use rain sensors to prevent watering during rain
Rainwater Harvesting: Rain barrels (50-100 gallon capacity) cost $50-$200. Connect to gutter downspouts and use for garden watering. One inch of rain on 1,000 sq ft of roof yields approximately 600 gallons. Check local regulations first.
| Pollutant | Sources | Health Effects |
|---|---|---|
| VOCs | Paint, furniture, cleaning products, air fresheners | Headaches, respiratory irritation |
| Formaldehyde | Pressed wood products, insulation | Eye/nose/throat irritation, cancer risk |
| Mold and mildew | Moisture, poor ventilation, leaks | Allergies, asthma, respiratory infections |
| Radon | Soil beneath foundation | Lung cancer (second leading cause) |
| Carbon monoxide | Gas appliances, fireplaces | Headache, dizziness, death at high levels |
| Dust mites and dander | Carpets, bedding, upholstery | Allergies, asthma |
Ventilation:
Open windows when weather and outdoor air quality permit
Use exhaust fans when cooking and showering
Ensure bathroom fans vent to the outside, not the attic
Run kitchen range hood when cooking, especially with a gas stove
Source Control:
Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and finishes
Avoid plug-in air fresheners and synthetic-fragrance candles
Use fragrance-free cleaning products
Remove shoes at the door
Test for radon (kits available for $10-$30)
Install and maintain CO detectors on every level
Filtration:
Change HVAC filters regularly (every 1-3 months)
Use MERV 11-13 filters for better particulate removal
Consider a portable HEPA air purifier for bedrooms
Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum weekly
| Material | Sustainable Options | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, FSC-certified wood, natural linoleum | Virgin tropical hardwood, vinyl/PVC |
| Countertops | Recycled glass, reclaimed wood, recycled composites | Engineered stone with high-VOC resins |
| Cabinets | FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood, formaldehyde-free plywood | Particleboard with urea-formaldehyde |
| Paint | Zero-VOC, natural clay paint, milk paint | Conventional high-VOC paints |
| Insulation | Cellulose, wool, cotton, mineral wool | Some spray foams |
| Roofing | Metal (recyclable, long-lasting), recycled rubber, clay tile | Asphalt shingles (short life) |
| Decking | FSC-certified wood, recycled composite, reclaimed wood | Pressure-treated wood, tropical hardwood |
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Sustainably harvested wood
GREENGUARD: Low chemical emissions
FloorScore: Low-emission flooring
Cradle to Cradle: Material health and circularity
Energy Star: Energy-efficient products
| Certification | What It Means | Cost to Certify |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Star Home | Meets EPA efficiency standards (30%+ better than code) | Built into construction |
| LEED for Homes | Comprehensive green building standard | $2,000-$5,000+ |
| Passive House | Ultra-low energy standard (90% heating reduction) | Design and verification |
| HERS Rating | Home Energy Rating System (lower number equals more efficient) | $400-$800 |
| Pearl Certification | Home performance and value certification | $200-$500 |
The HERS Index uses a scale where 0 equals a net-zero energy home, 100 equals a standard code-built home, and 130 or higher is typical for existing older homes. Lower scores mean greater efficiency. Each 1-point reduction equals approximately 1% energy savings. Typical existing homes score 100-180, Energy Star homes score 60-80, and high-performance homes score 30-60.
Switch remaining incandescent bulbs to LED
Seal visible air leaks with caulk and weatherstripping
Adjust thermostat by 2 degrees
Install faucet aerators on all sinks
Switch to a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner
Fix any dripping faucets or running toilets
Replace HVAC filter if overdue
Conduct or schedule a professional energy audit
Install a smart thermostat
Test for radon
Add attic insulation if below recommended levels
Install low-flow showerheads
Set up a rainwater collection barrel
Upgrade to Energy Star appliances as current ones need replacement
Install solar panels
Replace windows if single-pane or failing
Upgrade HVAC to high-efficiency heat pump
Use sustainable materials in any renovation projects
A green home is a journey, not a destination. Start with the changes that save the most energy and money for the least investment, and build from there.
GREEN HOME OUTPUT
=================
Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations
Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable
Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next stepsInput: "Help me get started with green home"
Output: A structured green home plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.
Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
SKILL.md
319 lines · 2,235 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
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