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| Stacey Stephenson |
(415) 389-5626 |
(415) 446-8882 |
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| 1). Solar Electricity: Photovoltaics are technologies that convert radiant light energy to electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) cells, also called solar cells, are the building blocks of this technology. PV cells are connected together to form larger modules. A module is typically placed near or on a home to provide a portion of, and in some cases all of, the building's power and in turn electricity. Click here for U.S. Dept. of Energy Solar Power information 2). Roofs – Durable and Lasting: Slate, clay, concrete, and composite shingles, as well as metal roofing, offer longevity advantages over common asphalt-based shingles. Properly maintained, roofs made of slate, clay or composite shingles as well as metal roofs in traditional standing seam or batten seam applications, can easily last a century. All non-asphalt options provide freedom from reliance upon imported petroleum products. Installed costs are nearly always greater than short-lifetime asphalt shingles. However, over the lifetime of the lasting roofing material, costs are usually lower than short-life alternatives. Over the span of a century, building owners may expect 4 to 5 roof replacements of asphalt shingles. The attendant labor and landfill costs are often several times that of a long-lasting roofing material. Also, landfill costs are expected to increase. For the homeowner who typically moves every five years, the real value of this measure is in its ability to increase resale value. Click here for U.S. Dept of Energy Roofing information 3). Radiant Floor Heating: Radiant floor heating can be extremely cost-effective and comfortable. There are three types of radiant floor heat: radiant air floors, electric radiant floors, and hot water radiant floors. Hot water radiant floors, or hydronic systems, are the most cost-effective systems for homes or buildings in heating-dominated climates. Hydronic systems heat water in a boiler and pump the heated water through tubing underneath floors. Most find radiant floor heat to be one of the most comfortable types of heating, because heat is evenly distributed from the floor, warming up the feet and body first. The benefits to radiant floor heating are numerous and include increased levels of comfort due to the silent operation of the system. Radiant floor heat eliminates drafts and dust problems associated with forced air systems. Additionally, radiant floor systems are invisible. There are no heat registers or radiators. The estimated cost savings associated with the use of radiant floor heating range from 10-40% on utility bills. Due to the fact that radiant heated floors distribute heat evenly, homeowners can set their thermostat 2-4 degrees less than in a forced air heating system, which leads to reduced energy costs. Click here for U.S. Dept. of Energy Radiant Heating information 4). Low Flow Toilets: Low-flow toilets are specifically designed to use less water during each flush. Low-flow toilets make simple sense by conserving a natural resource used for routine and mundane tasks. To gain an appreciation of what a low-flow toilet can mean to you and our community, take a field trip to our local sewage treatment plant and look at the effort and expenditure required to treat sewage and reclaim water. Low-flow toilets make sense, particularly in water-constrained areas. Water is still an under-valued resource but general understanding of its importance is growing. Mark Twain may have had it right when he commented "We know the worth of water when the well runs dry." A state-of-the-art low-flow toilet may consume less than two gallons of water per flush compared to five or more gallons with "old" technology toilets. The new toilets can cut your expenditure for flushing in half, or more. Yet flushing is only part of your annual water budget and you should pay some attention to the performance of your clothes washer and dishwasher as well. |
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