10 Reasons to Build a Zero-Energy Home

Zero-Energy homes and buildings are becoming more and more desirable when considering the spiraling energy costs and substantial savings that may be realized over time. Not to mention environmental and health benefits that provide additional reasons to build a Zero-Energy home. With the tax credits and rebates that are now available, alternative building and solar energy are now more feasible than ever.

Here is a list of 10 reasons to build a Zero-Energy home:

  • Zero-Energy homes and buildings offset the energy they use from the power grid with energy produced from renewable sources such as solar electric and solar-thermal systems. Because of the reduced energy consumption and capacity to create electricity and send it back into the grid, the net result is that the energy created equals the energy used.
  • With Zero-Energy home construction methods homeowners benefit from energy efficiency and lower utility costs, increased comfort, better indoor air quality, increased resale value, and a sense of environmental responsibility.
  • Utility companies benefit from less peak demand and a more stable grid as well as meeting their renewable production targets and quotas.
  • Public benefits from reduced air emissions, less reliance on energy imports, and a reduction in the vulnerability of the energy infrastructure. As fossil-fuel sources become depleted and energy prices climb, Zero Energy becomes more and more of a necessity.
  • Two basic elements in building Zero-Energy homes: –First is the design and performance of the home’s thermal, heating, cooling, and lighting systems. This includes passive solar, shade structures, the type
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“Green Building” Your Existing Home

With all the yelling and screaming going on today about Green Building, you may wonder what you can do if you already have your home constructed. First, be wary of late-night TV ads that promise to save you thousands of dollars on electric bills or save more fuel oil than you can use in a whole year. Too good to be true? More than likely. There is no magic insulation or magic electric device that goes in front of the panel to save you money. These are just as you thought. Rip-offs. Everyone can go greener a little at a time without spending a bundle. Have tons of cash? OK, go for the solar arrays or thermal pumps or maybe even a windmill. In most of our homes, cash is not just laying around on the floors.

Start with a good inspection of your house. Are windows all nice and tight? No broken glass? No missing hardware? No missing caulking? All of these can keep your windows tightly closed and sealed thereby saving lots of heating oil. Turn down the thermostat to 70 during the day and 60 at night. An auto set back thermostat is only about $25 and may save hundreds of gallons of fuel by controlling a steady temperature in the home.

Recycling is not mandatory everywhere but it should be. It is very easy to separate cans and glass and place them in a separate bag. We take a full 55-gallon bag to the center each … READ MORE ...