Homeowners embrace green technology

According to the National Association of Home Builders, its members are increasingly using new products, supplies and technology to help homeowners use less gas, electricity and water.

“It’s very exciting to see how many green products and technologies are available now for home builders and homeowners,” said NAHB President David Pressly in a news release. “The green market is growing by leaps and bounds, and as the market expands, we will see prices come down, making energy-efficient choices much more accessible.”

New products

Among the products being used are photovoltaic roof shingles, which use solar energy, geothermal heat pumps and solar water heaters. Replacing a traditional electric water heater with a solar model can reduce costs as much as 80 percent a year and, during the 20-year life of the appliance, will prevent more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Energy-efficient windows can be used to block excessive radiation from the sun and to keep air from leaking.

“If it’s time to replace your windows, look for the new Low-E, or low-emittance, designs that reduce heat transfer,” Pressly said. “Otherwise, there is no substitute for caulking and weather-stripping.”

Homeowners also are considering Energy Star-rated appliances, which can cut utility costs by 10 percent to 15 percent.

New front-loading washers use only half the water of conventional machines. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it, which reduces or eliminates standby losses.

Old ideas

Meanwhile, old ideas are gaining new support – such as orienting the home to take advantage of sunlight and choosing native plants for the garden.

“Native landscaping reduces water consumption and requires less maintenance and little or no chemical treatment to stay pest-free,” Pressly said.[[In-content Ad]]