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Green Savings

Steps you can take to reduce costs for your home while helping the environment

By Bridget McCrea

Green Home

Pavers: Permit rainwater to seep between blocks and back into the ground where it is naturally filtered and recharges the water table, instead of running off into the stormwater system. Also help to preserve environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands and ponds.

Solar Panels: Installing just a few panels on an existing home can significantly reduce or even eliminate dependence on fossil fuel-derived energy consumption. The unsightly panels of old have been replaced by integrated systems like solar ties.

Rainwater Catchment System:
Every inch of rain translates into nearly 600 gallons of water for every 1,000 square feet of roof area. Gutters act as the conveyance system, cisterns hold the water, filters and/or purifiers treat the water, and a pump system delivers it.

Steel Roof:
Works particularly well with harvesting rainwater, lasts a lot longer than shingle or tile roofs, and can be recycled; also reflects a good portion of the sun’s rays, which means less heat buildup in the home and lower cooling bills.

Energy Star Appliances: Products with the Department of Energy’s seal of approval cost 10 to 30 percent less to operate. They also reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 25 million cars last year and saved homeowners $14 billion from their utility bills.

Modern HVAC system: The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system can consume nearly half your energy bill. A correctly sized unit with the right energy rating that is installed properly is critical, as is a yearly tune-up. Go to dsireusa.com for incentives available to homeowners looking for improved energy efficiency.

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Smart Homes

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