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Lighter colors for roofs absorb less heat, reducing cooling costs in warm climates. Select energy-star appliances. Energy-efficient windows, such as those with low-E glass coatings, gas filler between layers, and composite framing materials keep heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. Use environmental friendly products like oriented strand board (OSB). OSB is a manufactured wood product that does not require large trees. Vinyl siding on exterior walls is a green alternative to wood. Vinyl siding is cheaper to install and requires little maintenance. Increase the amount and R-value of insulation as a cost effective way to save energy and help reduce heating and cooling bills. Sprayed insulation made of foam, cellulose or wool is an alternative to traditional glass fiber batting. Large south facing windows (passive solar) helps heat the home in the winter and allows for increased natural daylighting. Reduce the need for watering, fertilizers and herbicides by using native plants. This method is called xeriscaping. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it, which reduces or eliminates standby losses. Insulate foundations just as if they were walls in the living space. Front-loading washers use about 40% less water and half the energy of conventional models. Recycled plastic lumber and wood composite materials reduce reliance on chemically treated lumber and durable hardwood for decks, porches, trim and fencing. Tree preservation reduces landscaping and future energy costs and helps provide winter wind breaks or summer shade. Additional landscaping improves the environment even more: One tree can filter 60 lbs. of pollutants from the air each year. |
