Save your energy dollar

Think green when building or renovating

Dan Moran and Katie Bright switched to solar hot water to reduce their use of electricity. Katie reports "We’re very happy

with the system. We hardly know it’s there since the water is always hot, from the solar heater on sunny days and from

the back up unit on other days." Their unit is mounted on the roof. 

 

     Rising energy costs and climate change have ushered in a new era that demands energy efficiency.

    With some advance planning on energy systems for your new -- or existing -- home, you can avoid being stuck with an old energy guzzling design. 

    Besides wasting money, an energy inefficient building is bad for the planet. A large portion of greenhouse gas pollution comes from the making of electricity by burning coal and other fossil fuels. 

    It is tragic to see new homes and buildings go up without a thought to measures as simple as making sure there are many south facing windows. 

    Properly oriented windows can capture a tremendous amount of heat in the winter. In summer the sun is higher in the sky, and a proper eave will prevent it from heating the home. Passive solar buildings require little additional energy for heat.

    Another environmentally friendly way to heat, as well as cool, is a geothermal system. These have been popular for years.  In these systems, the more moderate underground temperature assists in heating and cooling.     

    Solar hot water is another cost effective way to save energy. Solar hot water provides very hot water even in winter. But don’t worry, there is electric back up for when there is a string of cloudy days.

    When designing new buildings, there are lots of other wonderful possibilities.  Why buy water to flush toilets when waste water from the sink or shower will do perfectly well? Install dual flush toilets (widespread in Europe), which let you choose the flush depending on the need. Why buy electricity for artificial light in the daytime when solar light tubes over desks will bring in bright natural light?

    Go to http://www.bluegrassgreendirectory.org/ to see what energy efficient building supplies and services are available in this area.

    For significant projects, it will be well worth your while to talk to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) architect or consultant.  “LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings,”  according to the U.S. Green Building Council. 

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy also provide advice about energy efficient homes. “Most builders will tell you that they build energy-efficient homes. But builders whose homes earn the ENERGY STAR back up their claims. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are inspected and tested by an independent Home Energy Rater to meet EPA's new and more rigorous guidelines for energy efficiency.”  You can find out more at www.energystar.gov.

    Expect builders and contractors to use energy smart design. Don’t have them build a home exactly the same way they would have twenty years ago. When replacing old systems, such as an electric hot water heater, consider upgrading to something greener. 

    Thinking green before you build will ensure you aren't stuck well into this new century with an energy guzzling home that is a money drain and contributes to global warming.

Copyright 2008 Christine Missik