Solar hot-air collectors and geothermal heat pumps are two of the most environmentally friendly ways to warm your home.

ZERO ENERGY HOUSE: This home in North Carolina features passive solar heating and a geothermal heat pump. (Photo: skrobotic/Flickr)

Heating accounts for more than 30 percent of the energy used in the average home. Consider replacing or supplementing your heating system with solar or geothermal heating systems — two old technologies that are getting modern upgrades. Some up-front costs (and a bit of labor, in some cases) can help you save money on utility bills in the long run. You will also save energy and reduce your ecological footprint.

Solar hot-air collectors

Solar electric panels remain cost-prohibitive for many homeowners, and it may not be feasible to install enough solar electric panels to cover your heating needs. A cheaper and simpler solution is a solar hot-air collector, which can be mounted on a roof, wall or even in the back yard. Solar hot-air collectors are essentially a tempered glass panel, insulation panels and a metal collector plate layered inside an aluminum frame.

An electric fan circulates air from the house through the collector and back into the home. On sunny winter days in cold climates, the metal plate heats up the air and increases the indoor temperature, offsetting some of the furnace’s energy use.

A 2007 case study in Home Power magazine estimated that a homeowner can recoup an initial investment of $4,000 within eight years through lower natural gas bills. After eight years, he would be pocketing an estimated $500 in additional savings per year.

A solar hot-air collector also could cost far less than $4,000. I have found a solution to high energy costs and have learned how to replace most of my heating costs with a ‘Solar Heater’ that you can build with parts from around your home and for as little as $30. read more …

Geothermal heat pumps

Geothermal, or geoexchange, heat pumps (GHPs) are a more expensive prospect and are certainly not a DIY project. GHPs, which require professional installation, take advantage of the constant temperature six feet under your home. Because the subsurface temperature is relatively warm in winter and cool in summer, a GHP can replace both your heating and air conditioning systems.

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Residential geothermal heat systems have been used since the 1940s, so they are certainly not a new idea. However, the systems are getting less expensive, more reliable and more technologically advanced.

The best GHPs run water, rather than air, through the system, and can even supply hot water for the house. The newest models have two-speed compressors and variable fans for additional comfort and energy savings.

There are new EnergyStar ratings for GHPs to help you choose a reliable, energy-efficient system. Efficient models also qualify for a federal tax credit for 30 percent of the purchase price, with no upper limit on the dollar value of the tax credit (unlike most tax credits for efficiency upgrades). There are also state tax credits and incentives for GHPs.

The Department of Energy estimates a GHP for the average-size home would cost about $7,500, but suggests that the initial cost can be repaid in under 10 years by reducing or eliminating heating, cooling and hot water bills.

Geothermal and solar heat systems are not new ideas, but they are becoming more advanced. Also, tax incentives and rising utility bills make these efficient options more attractive.

Babette Fasolino • For the Poughkeepsie Journal • October 31, 2010

Geothermal typical System

Many homeowners are turning to their property’s soil as a source of home heating and cooling by installing geothermal energy systems.

Through a government incentive program, residents can save 30 percent off installation costs.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective systems for temperature control.

Although most homes still use traditional furnaces and air conditioners, geothermal heat pumps are becoming more popular.

Geothermal pumps work by using energy stored in the Earth.

According to the federal Department of Energy website, “while temperatures above ground change a lot from day to day and season to season, temperatures 10 feet below the Earth’s surface hold nearly constant between 50 degrees and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.”

For most areas, the Energy Department says, the resulting effect is that soil temperatures are usually warmer than the air in winter and cooler than the air in summer.

Geothermal heat pumps can be used year-round by using the Earth’s constant temperatures to heat and cool buildings.

The Energy Department notes “because they move heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can provide up to four times the amount of energy they consume.”

High-efficiency heat pumps, the feds say, also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in summer months.

Pleasant Valley resident Joe Cardella lost his home and Christmas tree farm to a fire two years ago.

When he rebuilt his house and farm, he decided to install a geothermal system for heating and cooling.

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Cardella worked with Sam Johnston, an expert on geothermal technology who serves as program manager for Terraclime Geothermal in Connecticut.

Cardella said a big benefit of the geothermal systems is that there are no large heating bills.

“There are no fuel bills whatsoever — no gas bills, no oil bills,” he said.

Cardella noted that he did see an increase in his electric bill of approximately $50 for two months.

“I’ll take my $50 increase in electric anytime,” he said.

“There’s virtually no maintenance,” Cardella said of the geothermal system. “There’s just a filter that you clean.”

A minor downside to geothermal systems that Cardella experienced is that it takes a little longer for the thermostat to respond to manual changes in temperature, but otherwise he has been very pleased with the system.

Johnston said, “Geothermal heat pump systems use fluids that can easily change from a liquid to a vapor and back again.”

The energy stored in the Earth’s subsurface, Johnston said, is absorbed by the fluid, called refrigerant, and causes the refrigerant to change states.

This is done through pipes, called a loop, drilled or buried in the ground. The pipes use the circulating fluid to ultimately transfer the heat of the ground to the building.

“The refrigerant has a very low boiling temperature and changes to an excited gaseous state when underground,” he said.

Once the gas is pumped up to the building, a compressor concentrates the energy to a higher temperature.

This energy is then sent via a water-heat exchanger or air handler to heat the building’s air and water.

The geothermal process is reversed to cool the house.

Johnson said that geothermal systems offer several distinct benefits over traditional heating and cooling systems.

“First, there’s no fossil fuel burning and there’s no carbon monoxide,” Johnson said.

Geothermal systems also use renewable energy from the sun, and the electricity component is alterable and could come from sources such as wind energy.

Costs for installing a geothermal system generally vary, Johnston said, from $5,000 to $10,000 for an average 1,800-square-foot home, and installation is completed in about a week.

Homeowners can receive a 30 percent tax credit, Johnston said, for geothermal systems through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The act created tax incentives for residential renewable energy installations; homeowners who install geothermal heating or cooling systems before Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible for the tax credit.
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According to the DOE, although they may cost more to install than traditional heating or cooling systems, geothermal heat pumps have low operating costs because they take advantage of relatively constant ground or water temperatures.

However, the DOE says the installation depends on the size of a homeowner’s lot, the subsoil and landscape.

Ground-source or water-source heat pumps can be used in more extreme climates.

The Energy Department states that the specific geological, hydrological and spatial characteristics of a homeowner’s land will help a system supplier or installer determine the best type of ground loop for the site.

Geology

Factors such as the composition and properties of soil and rock, which can affect heat transfer rates, at the installation site require consideration when designing a ground loop.

The amount of soil available contributes to system design as well — system suppliers in areas with extensive hard rock or soil too shallow to trench may install vertical ground loops instead of horizontal loops.

Hydrology

According to the DOE, ground or surface water availability also plays a part in deciding what type of ground loop to use.

Depending on factors such as depth, volume and water quality, bodies of surface water can be used as a source of water for an open-loop system, or as a repository for coils of piping in a closed-loop system.

The DOE also notes that groundwater can be used as a source for open-loop systems, provided the water quality is suitable and all groundwater discharge regulations are met.
Land availability

Factors such as the amount and layout of the property, the landscaping and the location of underground utilities or sprinkler systems also contribute to a system’s design, according to the Department of Energy.

Cardella researched alternatives for heating and cooling and found many to be cost-prohibitive.

After discovering that he could take advantage of the government tax break, Cardella found the geothermal system to be a viable option.

“The tax break makes it very affordable and very intelligent to do,” he said.
Next Page

According to the DOE, although they may cost more to install than traditional heating or cooling systems, geothermal heat pumps have low operating costs because they take advantage of relatively constant ground or water temperatures.

However, the DOE says the installation depends on the size of a homeowner’s lot, the subsoil and landscape.

Ground-source or water-source heat pumps can be used in more extreme climates.

The Energy Department states that the specific geological, hydrological and spatial characteristics of a homeowner’s land will help a system supplier or installer determine the best type of ground loop for the site.
Geology

Factors such as the composition and properties of soil and rock, which can affect heat transfer rates, at the installation site require consideration when designing a ground loop.

The amount of soil available contributes to system design as well — system suppliers in areas with extensive hard rock or soil too shallow to trench may install vertical ground loops instead of horizontal loops.
Hydrology

According to the DOE, ground or surface water availability also plays a part in deciding what type of ground loop to use.

Depending on factors such as depth, volume and water quality, bodies of surface water can be used as a source of water for an open-loop system, or as a repository for coils of piping in a closed-loop system.

The DOE also notes that groundwater can be used as a source for open-loop systems, provided the water quality is suitable and all groundwater discharge regulations are met.

Land availability

Factors such as the amount and layout of the property, the landscaping and the location of underground utilities or sprinkler systems also contribute to a system’s design, according to the Department of Energy.

Cardella researched alternatives for heating and cooling and found many to be cost-prohibitive.

After discovering that he could take advantage of the government tax break, Cardella found the geothermal system to be a viable option.

“The tax break makes it very affordable and very intelligent to do,” he said.

By Vicki Terwilliger (staff writer vicki-t@citizenstandard.com)
Published: October 31, 2010

Some Schuylkill County homeowners are giving their neighbors something to talk about.

As a partner and installer with Control Alt Energy, Auburn, Andy Wollyung said he’s seen inquiries about solar and alternative energy sources soar among local residents. Often, referral is by word-of-mouth.

“We’re still seeing a growing number of people interested. It’s the talk of the town. People say, ‘I’ve seen this installed,’ and it strikes a big interest in a lot of people’s eyes,” Wollyung said.

Two Barry Township families have had their alternative electricity systems in place and say they’re happy with the investments and savings. Ted and Marie Reinoehl and Mike and Karen Wasilus, all of the Ashland area, shared details about their experiences.

The state’s decision to remove the rate caps on what electric companies can charge is what prompted Mike Wasilus to start looking into alternative energy.

“I was looking to get ahead of the rate cap removal. I contacted Control Alt Energy and things took off from there. We started with the solar/thermal water heat, then the wind turbine and finally the solar panels.”

“Also, the federal and state tax credit and rebate programs played a major role in our decision-making. Without those programs, the projects would not have been good business decisions,” Wasilus said.

Their home is heated and cooled by a heat pump and is entirely electric.

The ground-mounted solar/thermal water heater, a Sunda brand system, was installed in September 2008. It immediately cut 15 to 20 percent from their electric usage, they said.

The Skystream Wind Turbine made by Southwest Windpower was installed in March 2009.

“It has had less of an impact on our electricity savings. I’d say about 10 percent savings,” Wasilus said.

Sharp brand solar photovoltaic PV panels were installed on the rooftop with a Fronius inverter in October 2009.

“They are awesome and have had the biggest impact on our electricity savings. They easily cut 30 to 40 percent from our electric usage. For comparison’s sake, the solar panels have been installed six months less than the wind turbine, yet the solar panels have already surpassed the amount of electricity generated by the wind turbine by 75 percent.”

“Knowing what I know now, I would double the capacity of the solar panel system and bypass putting up the wind turbine,” he said.

Wasilus said he doesn’t regret installing the wind turbine, it just may take a bit longer to recoup his initial investment.

The initial investment cost for all systems, he said, was offset by the federal tax credits offered, at about 30 percent. The solar-panel cost was also offset by the state’s Sunshine program that offered about a 30 percent rebate on the installed cost of the system.

“The payback period is a tough question to answer, because the tax credits and rebates are constantly changing. For me, both solar projects will have a much faster payback than the wind project. I’m looking at about eight years on the payback for the solar projects and probably at least 12 years on the wind project. As far as savings, I would say as a percentage, I’m saving about 60 percent off my electricity bill with these projects. Obviously, for someone who has other forms of heating or cooling, the saving percentage would be much greater,” Wasilus said.

The kilowatt hours generated by the PV panels in almost a year were 4,100 KWH, Wasilus said, and the wind turbine generated 2,100 KWH in a year and a half.

The Reinoehls, meanwhile, had their solar array panels installed in October 2009 by Maximus Solar, Sacramento. There are 33 panels on the south-facing roof of their 3,200-square-foot home.

“We were trying to look into the future,” Ted Reinoehl said. “We figured electric rates would go up and deregulation was happening, and we were getting closer to retirement and were looking for ways to save money down the road.”

Their home is also an electric-run house. They initially installed a geothermal system, with tubing running beneath their yard, when the home was built 19 years ago.

Over the past 11 months, Reinoehl said they’ve saved about $1,200 in electricity costs.

On average, if the sun is out, the solar panels generate about 40 KWH per day, according to Ted Reinoehl. In checking his records, their panels did generate less kilowatts during the winter and more in the spring and summer months. By comparison, there was 397 KWH generated in the month of November, 64 KWH in December, 400 KWH in January and 1,200 KWH in March.

“I’m so glad we did this, and there were incentives to do so.” Marie Reinoehl said. With five adults living in the home, the system provides the electricity needed to heat and cool the home and for daily usage.

“One of the biggest holdbacks is the initial costs, which can make it prohibitive,” said Ted Reinoehl. “I feel confident within a five-year period of time, it’s paid for.”

By EarthTechling at EarthTechling Wed Oct 20, 2010 2:15pm EDT

by Susan DeFreitas

What’s the most ecologically conscious way to heat and cool your home? While a number of green alternatives exist, geothermal technology is one that’s been gaining ground in recent years. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), geothermal heat pump installations have seen strong growth over the past 6 years, and, as of 2008, totaled over 1 million nationwide. Approximately 100,000 to 120,000 systems are installed annually in the U.S. in about 1 out of every 38 new U.S. homes.

Geothermal typical System

While the popularity of geothermal heating and cooling may be new, the technology itself has been around since the late 1940′s. Geothermal heat pumps work by exploiting a natural fact: no matter how large the atmospheric temperature fluctuations in different regions of the world, the temperature just a few feet below the earth’s surface remains a steady 45 degrees F (7 Celsius) to 75 degrees F (21 Celsius).

How It Works

The parts of a geothermal heat and cooling system include a heat pump, an air delivery system (i.e., ductwork), and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is, essentially, a system of pipes buried in shallow ground. In the winter, when above-ground temperatures drop, the heat pump removes heat from the below-ground air inside the heat exchanger and pumps it into the building via the indoor air delivery system. In the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump pulls air from inside the building into the heat exchanger, where heat is removed, thanks to cooler temperatures below-ground. As an added bonus, heat removed from the indoor air during the summer can also be used to provide a free source of hot water.

Different Types of Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

Geothermal systems come in four types, each of which are appropriate for different circumstances, based on the climate, soil conditions, available land, and local installation costs. All four approaches are equally appropriate for residential and commercial applications.

The Horizontal type system is generally most cost-effective for residential installations, especially new construction, provided enough land is available. In this system, two pipes are used-one buried at 6 feet and the other at 4 feet, or two pipes placed side-by-side at 5 feet in the ground in a 2-foot-wide trench.

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The Vertical system, as the name suggests, requires less in the way of acreage and more in terms of trench depth, and is often more appropriate for large commercial buildings. The Vertical system uses two pipes buried 20 feet apart and 100-400 feet deep, connected at the bottom with a U-bend to form a loop. These “vertical loops” are connected with horizontal pipe (i.e., manifold), placed in trenches-often under commercial parking lots-and connected to the heat pump in the building.

A third type, called a Pond or Lake system, makes use of an existing body of water and a water-source heat pump. In this system, a pipe is run underground from the building to the water and coiled into circles at least 8 feet under the surface, in order to prevent freezing.

The final type of system, the Open Loop system, uses well or surface body water as the heat exchange fluid. This water circulates directly through the heat pump system, absorbing the temperature below the earth, then returns to the ground through the well, a recharge well, or surface discharge. (This option is practical only where there is an adequate supply of relatively clean water and all local codes and regulations regarding groundwater discharge can be met.)

While there are no areas where geothermal heat pumps won’t work at all, there are places where efficiencies and installation costs make them impractical-for instance, areas with very dry soils, or where the climate is relatively mild and varying, such as coastal California. In the latter type of settings, an air source heat pump (which operates the same way as a ground source heat pump, but without taking air from below the ground) will do just as well.

More information on selecting and sizing a geothermal heating and cooling system is available from the DOE.

If you’re currently in the market for a new geothermal heat pump system, the federal government will kick in a 30 percent federal tax credit as part of a credit that also applies to solar technology. A wide variety of state and local incentives are also available, so it pays to do some research before you calculate costs.

The Future of Geothermal Heating and Cooling

What will it take for geothermal heating and cooling to gain more widespread acceptance? According to Chris Kielich, spokesperson for the DOE, it’s an issue that rests largely in the costs of adoption and individual contractors’ willingness to learn a new technology.

“Any new building technology that is not a simple replacement has a long uptake due to the decentralized nature of the construction industry,” she told EarthTecling. “Each individual builder has to be willing and able to install the new technology.” Studies on the future of geothermal heating and cooling are available from Navigant (PDF) and ORNL (PDF) for those who are curious.

THE TAX PICTURE

A recent tax credit lets homeowners looking for a more energy-efficient way to heat and cool their house get a new geothermal heating and cooling system. A onetime tax credit of 30 percent of the total investment is offered to homeowners who install residential ground loop or ground water geothermal heat pumps.

Geothermal typical System

The System

A geothermal home comfort system taps into the abundant source of free solar heat energy stored in the earth and uses a series of pipes (an earth loop) buried in the ground to move that heat into a home during cold weather.

The Tax Break

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, homeowners who install a geothermal system before Dec. 31, 2016, can take advantage of the federal renewable energy tax credit for the system. Homeowners may also get utility rebates and other tax incentives.

Other Advantages

Even without the tax break, the long-term return on installing such a system can make it worthwhile. The energy source is free and renewable and the average system lasts over 24 years-compared to 15 years for an ordinary system. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency considers them to be one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.

According to the experts at WaterFurnace, most geothermal systems are easy to install in both new and older homes. Once installed, the system requires less maintenance than a conventional heating and cooling system and operates more efficiently, delivering an astounding four units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. That translates to a 400 percent efficiency rating and savings up to 70 percent for heating, cooling and hot water costs.

Another plus: A geothermal system uses no fossil fuel and emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. Homeowners experience added comfort, improved indoor air quality and less noise as they reduce their carbon footprint.

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James Dulley Posted: Friday, Sep. 24, 2010

Q. My house needs a new heating and cooling system. I thought about installing a geothermal heat pump for its efficiency and the tax credit. How efficient is one and what features should I look for?

A geothermal heat pump is very efficient and usually provides the lowest utility bills of any residential heating and cooling system available. In the heating mode, a geothermal heat pump can produce up to five dollars worth of heat to your house for each one dollar on your electric bill. This is called a COP (coefficient of performance) of five.

Geothermal typical System

In the cooling air-conditioning mode during summer, some geothermal heat pumps, such as the WaterFurnace Envision model, produce an EER (energy efficiency ratio) as high as 30. This is significantly higher than the best central air conditioners and about twice that of many new models.

For most families, installing a geothermal heat pump makes economic sense even though its initial cost is significantly more expensive than a standard air-to-air heat pump. The final cost of the installation depends upon the geothermal heat pump capacity, the type of ground loop needed and the topography of your yard.

The federal income tax credit is significant and there may also be state and local tax credits and rebates.

For 2010, you can receive a tax credit of 30-percent of the cost of your geothermal heat pump with no maximum limit. The tax credit on most other energy efficiency improvements to your home is limited to maximum of $1,500. The efficiency of the system must exceed current Energy Star requirements to qualify.

As a brief background, a geothermal heat pump draws its heat during winter from the ground. This is typically accomplished with an underground loop of piping. Instead of having to try to draw heat from cold winter air, the geothermal heat pump draws heat from the loop, which stays at a fairly constant warm temperature.

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During summer, the concept is reversed. Instead of having to try to transfer heat from inside your house to hot summer outdoor air, it transfers this heat more efficiently to the much cooler ground loop. If you install a desuperheater feature, this summertime waste heat from cooling your house can be directed to your water heater for free hot water. The heat pump also can heat your hot water efficiently during winter.

Since no outdoor condenser unit is needed with a geothermal heat pump to exchange heat with outdoor air, everything is located indoors in your utility area or basement.

The basic features available on geothermal heat pumps are similar to super-efficient standard air-to-air heat pumps. The most efficient models use multiple-stage . An ECM variable-speed blower motor is a good comfort and efficiency feature. It is also best to install a matching computerized thermostat and central air cleaner.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/09/24/1713689/geothermal-heat-pump-is-very-efficient.html#ixzz12GxnsvzR

By Holly Prestidge | TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Published: August 28, 2010

Credit: EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH

Solar panels on the roof of the garage are one feature of the energy-efficient home Randy Thomas and Diane Lewis are building in Chesterfield.

The running joke around Randy Thomas and Diane Lewis’ old Hanover County neighborhood was that the couple must have been from Vermont or Minnesota — anywhere cold.

That rationale would help explain why they installed solar panels, south-facing windows to catch the sunlight and warmth, and extra thick walls with added insulation in their home when it was built in the early 1990s.

If just a few environmentally friendly elements were enough to make people talk, just think what their new neighbors will say.

Thomas and Lewis, along with Mark Waring, vice president of Richmond-based Bain-Waring Builders, are building a home in Chesterfield County that’s so energy-efficient it’s among the first to be certified as such in Virginia.

Thomas and Lewis are building a zero-energy home, one that produces as much energy as its uses, therefore canceling out monthly heating and cooling bills. Through the use of solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling systems, a tightly sealed shell, energy-saving appliances — not to mention turning off lights when they leave a room — they’re looking forward to living in a home that’s not only cheaper for them, but better for the environment.

The timing, Thomas said, was just right for them to build.

“The technology has finally gotten to the point where you can reasonably do this kind of a home without a whole lot of extra work,” he said this month as he walked through what will soon be his new home. The house is approximately 2,900 square feet. From their front yard they can see the horses of nearby Keswick Farms.

“The materials are there, the technology is out there [and] the prices are coming down,” Thomas said, citing federal rebates and state grant money for solar panels and geothermal systems that cut their costs for those items by one-third.

On top of that, “if I don’t have to pay utility bills for the rest of my life, that really lightens the load,” he said.

Thomas and Lewis knew what they wanted, though finding information on zero-energy homes wasn’t easy. For that reason he started a blog so others could learn from their experiences.

“When I did Internet searches to try to get some guidance, there’s just nothing there,” he said. “I had to go through hundreds of entries before I’d find little nuggets that were actually helpful.”

They also needed a builder. Lewis and Waring knew each other from an eco-brokerage conference a few years earlier.

“We started talking about the kind of house we were looking to build, [and] I could see his eyes start to light up,” Thomas said. “The light bulb went on there. It really was a nice partnership.”

Every decision — from the type of paint to sorting through options for energy-efficient windows and appliances — was done within the larger scope of how it would affect the home’s efficiency, Thomas said.

Their new home is tightly sealed and well-insulated. It sits on a conditioned crawl space, meaning that the underbelly of the home is insulated exactly as the house itself, right down to the ground. There’s no insulation in the floor joists, and the air is blown into the crawl space so that it’s always the same temperature and humidity as inside the house.

Most homes built nowadays refresh air every one to two hours, but this home will do it every seven hours, Waring said. And while most homes leak air from ducts all over the house, at a national average of about 28 percent, this home’s ductwork is so tight that a fraction of that — about 2.5 percent — leaks out, he said.

Combine that with a geothermal heat pump, which uses the ground as its heating and cooling source, energy-efficient windows, ceiling fans and appliances, LED and compact fluorescent lighting, and solar panels on the garage roof, and you’ve got a home that doesn’t rely on carbon-based energy sources.

“Energy is going to be finite, whether it’s going to be in 20 years or 50,” Thomas said.

Before they move in, the house will undergo a series of tests to show how “green” it is and to check the energy efficiency of the home’s design.

EarthCraft Virginia is the organization that pressure-tests air systems, ductwork and more and then certifies homes at three levels, with the highest being the platinum level, which is what Thomas and Lewis are striving for.

High-performance homes, as EarthCraft Executive Director KC McGurren called Thomas and Lewis’ home, are “very rare, particularly with new construction.”

She said there are only two EarthCraft Platinum-certified homes in Virginia. While the average Earthcraft home is about 28 percent more efficient than traditional homes built today, McGurren said Thomas and Lewis’ home could be as high as 75 percent to 80 percent more efficient than a standard home.

Thomas said he’s been asked how long it’ll take for him to recoup the extra money he’s spent to make his home energy efficient. He said his energy-efficient options are no different from someone who turns a two-car garage into a three-car garage, or adds on a game room.

“Does anybody go back and say how many years before that extra garage pays off, or your pool-table room?” he said. “If it’s important to you, how is it any different?”

Waring echoed Thomas’ thoughts, using irrigation as the example.

“People always want to put that $5,000 in sod and irrigation,” he said. But they could put that extra money into their home “and all of a sudden it’s 40 percent more efficient.”

“And the grass dies every year,” Waring added.

Lewis said there’s a misconception that energy-efficient homes are much more expensive than standard homes. Waring said constructing a tight shell and duct system at this home has added about $3 to $5 per square foot. He said as homeowners add elements such as geothermal systems and solar panels, the costs can go up, though rebates and grants help with those expenses.

Thomas and Lewis are scheduled to move into their house next week.

“We’re getting of the age where you think about being creative . . . [and want] to pay something forward,” Thomas said. “This is an opportunity to try and do that.”

What’s going into this house

• Low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint means it has less of the toxic material that leads to poor air quality inside the home.
• Appliances — Energy Star appliances throughout the home.
• Tightly-sealed ductwork — Most homes leak air at a rate of about 28 percent. This home’s ducts will be sealed so that virtually no air leaks.
• Light bulbs — LED or compact fluorescent bulbs.

Advertising Feature — By Rachel Fallert
May 20, 2010

With energy costs on the rise, it is more important than ever to improve existing homes. New lines of windows, insulation, doors, air conditioner and more are available that not only add value to a home, but are cost efficient in the long run.

FALLERT HEATING & COOLING

•SOUTH LYON

A home energy audit is the first step to understanding how much energy is consumed in a home. Fallert Heating & Cooling of South Lyon can evaluate all aspects of a home’s energy use. Proper energy management will keep all systems running efficiently. An energy audit of electrical heating and cooling includes checking insulation, draft stopping, windows and doors, as well as the overall envelope of the home. The assessment will determine the efficiency of the heating and cooling system and how to conserve energy. Corrections in the system will save homeowners time and money.

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Internal Sponsorship:
Just released from GreenEcoClub the DIY Easy-Energy-Audits. This step-by-step guide will show you how to do energy audit on your home like the pros. Easy-Energy-audits

Air conditioners are 50 percent more efficient today than ever before. Homeowners can cut up to half or more of their electric bill when installing a high efficiency air conditioner. Fallert Heating & Cooling installs a full line of air conditioners to suit any home. Planned maintenance is important to keep air conditioners and heating systems operating at peak efficiency. All systems must be maintained in order to keep energy costs lower. Heating systems should be checked in the fall right before the heating season, and air conditioners in the spring before the cooling season.

Geothermal systems are the most efficient way to heat and cool a home. The system draws heat of the ground to warm and puts heat in the ground to cool the home. The temperature of the ground about five feet under the surface stays relatively stable throughout all seasons. Not only is this energy efficient and environmentally friendly, the tax credit for geothermal systems have been extended. Homeowners who install geothermal systems may be able to claim up to 30 percent of the installed cost in tax credits in the year the system is placed into service and it no longer has a cap.

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Whether a homeowner is installing a new or old system, planned maintenance is crucial to keep heating and cooling systems operating at peak efficiency. It will not only increase the lifetime of the system but will also ensure it is energy efficient.

Fallert Heating & Cooling is located at 10075 Colonial Industrial Drive in South Lyon. Visit www.fallertheatingcooling.com or call (248) 782-5861.

KC CONSTRUCTION

•GARDEN CITY

While many homeowners believe now is the time to pick up and sell rather than invest in their current home, KC Construction believes it is the perfect time to stay put and make some updates that will add value and increase energy efficiency. Making small changes such as new windows, insulation or siding will not only keep a home in shape — it will add value back faster than non-energy efficient homes.
 
Insulated siding includes custom gapless fit with a layer of polystyrene foam between the home and siding. The insulation can reduce the heating and cooling energy loss through exterior surface walls up to 20 percent. The thermal resistance in insulated siding can reach up to triple the value of other siding options. It is more durable than traditional siding, and it is resistant to pressure and wind, allowing it to last up to 50 years. Insulated siding helps reduce outside noise with a layer of polystyrene foam that acts as a great sound barrier. With all the benefits of insulated siding, including the increased curb appeal, the most appealing of all is the decrease in home energy costs and greater efficiency.

KC Construction provides expertise in all phases of residential and light commercial construction work, specializing in exterior work. The company offers reconstruction as well as remodeling services — anything from one storm door to an entire subdivision.

The company sells do-it-yourself supplies with free usage of its equipment for various projects. Visit KC Construction June 12 for an open house event, featuring manufacturer’s representatives, a car show and give-a-ways.

MECHANICAL ENERGY SYSTEMS

General

• ZigBee Alliance

United States

• ENERGY STAR
• US Department of Energy’s “Your Home”
• US Department of Energy’s “”Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)”
• Renewable Energy Research Laboratory
• Institue for Energy Research
• US Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources
• Consumer Energy Tax Incentives
• IRS – Energy Incentives for Individuals in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
• Residential Energy Tax Credit (US IRS Form 5695 2009)
• DSIRE Database for State Incentives for Renewable’s & Efficiency
• IREC Interstate Renewable Energy Council 

Australia

• Energy Labeling Standards in Australia

 Canada

• Canada Energy Guide

United Kingdom

• Energy Saving Trust (UK Site)

Wind Links

• US DOE Wind Maps and Wind Resource Potential Estimates
• NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Wind Maps
• Renewable Energy Atlas of the West
• Bergey Wind Maps

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