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Green Savings
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Steps you can take to reduce costs for your home while helping the environment
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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been replaced by integrated systems like solar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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 By
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 By
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After undergoing a $30 million renovation, Wales’ Celtic Manor Resort is ready to host the country’s first Ryder Cup
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