BY DAWN KLINGENSMITH CONTENT THAT WORKS
The sun is a welcomed guest in just about any room, but over time, it can cause trouble. Sunlight streaming through windows can overheat a room, raise cooling costs, bleach out furnishings and cause glare. Take care when piecing together a sun-drenched room so that its pleasures outweigh the potential problems, and its energy costs don’t overburden finances. Windows are notorious for throwing away hard-earned money by failing to create enough of a barrier between the elements that homeowners want to keep outside of the house and the amenities that they don’t want to let escape. Energy-efficient windows, shades, insulation, screens and films are quickly becoming the norm, replacing predecessors that have long been slacking on the job. Some window accoutrements take the burden entirely off homeowners, simply needing to be programmed once and then opening, closing, tilting and shading based off the position of the sun. Homeowners who buy and install windows that will increase their existing primary residences’ energy efficiency by Dec. 31 will qualify for tax credits at 30 percent of the cost, up to a total credit of $1,500. (See the sidebar on Page 2F for a complete list of the other residential products also eligible for the 2010 tax credit and the 2016 tax credit.) Marvin Windows and Doors’ Low EII and LoE-366 Glass lines both feature layers of metallic coating is designed to reflect or absorb the sun’s warmth and reduce the damage of UV rays. Pella has windows made from pine, fiberglass and vinyl that also qualify for the tax credit. Beyond replacing actual windows, there are window fashions that can help save the budget, too. “Choose window treatments that help you manage light better — for example, a wide, white blind that you can tilt up to reflect light back outside,” says Sally Morse, director of creative services for Hunter Douglas, a maker of window fashions based in Upper Saddle River, N.J. Levolor’s Accordia Cellular Shades have Energy Shield technology that aims to increase a home’s efficiency by controlling light and blocking out the heat on summery days, and by capturing sunlight while blocking cold air to help heat a home on wintry days. Lutron offers motorized shades that can be adjusted as needed with a remote control. And some motorized window shades can be incorporated into a home’s automation system and programmed to open and close throughout the day, depending on the sun’s position. Insulated shades, like Hunter Douglas’ Duette Architella honeycomb shades, can more than double the energy efficiency of a window. Updated screens, like GORE’s inLighten window screens, sharpen the view and bring 50 percent
more light into the house. Windows that let in a lot of sunlight can be covered with clear film that blocks out a percentage of UV rays. Think of the film as sunscreen, and apply it before you “dress” the windows. Draperies should have a white lining to keep the room cooler. Keep rooms “light, bright and informal,” suggests interior designer Audrey Long of New Hope, Pa. “Stick with natural materials” to complement the sunlight that filters into a room, she says. Energy-efficient windows cut down on energy waste, but that doesn’t mean you’ll need to forgo cozy afternoons curled up on the couch as the sun streams in. Many window treatments are designed to make the most of sunny rooms by offering UV or glare protection while letting in light and preserving the view. Hunter Douglas offers Silhouette window shades, described as a combination between horizontal blinds (the vanes are made of fabric) and sheers. When the vanes are open, the sheer panels block up to 88 percent of the sun’s UV rays. When closed, the shade blocks 99 percent, Morse says. To make the most of a window’s effect on the aesthetic of a room, consider that the sun is a guest that literally bounces off the walls. This can do “funny things” to paint, says Robin Siegerman, owner of Toronto-based Sieguzi Interior Designs. “It can intensify the color, especially yellow — it can be overpowering. Go a few shades lighter than you otherwise might.” Textiles are another important consideration, because solar radiation breaks down dyes and makes fibers brittle. Consider drapery fabric and upholstery treated with a UV-protective coating woven into the fiber. Spray-on products also are available for indoor use and for patio furnshings. The amount of UV rays that a window can block also matters when it comes to photos, paintings and wood furniture and flooring. The integrity of these furnishings can be compromised through the years in a room with an outdated window. Choose glare-free frames and UV-protective glass for photos and wall art. Clear, UV-protective coatings are available for wood, Siegerman says. But again, many are for outdoor applications, and wood furniture often decreases in value when coatings or varnishes are applied. Periodic recoating is an important part of hardwood-floor maintenance, in part because the coating wards off sun damage – to a point. If you live in the same place long enough, you will probably pull up the corner of an area rug one day and find that the wood beneath it is darker than the rest of the flooring, which will have faded. If this is a concern, occasionally rearrange rugs and furniture to expose areas that were covered so the wood can blend with other parts of the floor as it wears and fades over time.
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A FEW GOOD READS Find inspired tips for saving money and energy in these guides for green home living
Products eligible for tax credits at 30 percent of the cost, up to a total credit of $1,500. They must be “placed in service” in your existing primary residence from January 1, 2009 through Dec. 31> 1) Biomass stoves 2) HVAC (central air conditioning, electric heat pumps, furnaces and boilers, advanced main aircirculating fan) 3) Insulation 4) Roofing (metal roofs, asphalt roofs) 5) Non-solar water heaters (gas, oil, propane, electric heat pump) 6) Windows, doors and skylights (exterior– storm windows and doors) Deadline: Dec. 31, 2016 Products eligible for tax credits at 30 percent of the cost, with no upper limit; they must be “placed in service” by Dec. 31, 2016: 7) Geothermal heat pumps 8) Solar energy systems (solar water heating property, solar electric property) 9) Wind energy systems (residential small wind turbines) 10) Fuel cells (residential fuel cell systems)
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You don’t have to go crazy when making lighting efficiency changes; start small with bulbs.
Good night, excess light Put wasteful energy practices to bed, starting in the bedroom BY KATE SULLIVAN CONTENT THAT WORKS
Adopting energyefficient practices doesn’t require a lifestyle overhaul. Start small. Tackle bedroom lighting first with minimal modifications that will equal big energy savings. Embrace energy efficiency by first understanding industry lighting terms. The incandescent light bulb – the bulb of the masses – uses wire to conduct electricity that produces light. The problem with this costeffective and timeless illuminator comes from the amount of heat it produces. “Before the realization of how mankind’s electrical activity impacts the planet, the Edisoninvented bulb was the cheap and easy way to create light,” says Steve Thomas, host of Planet Green’s “Renovation Nation” show. With today’s buildings accounting for nearly 50 percent of energy used,
Real simple BY CHRISTOPHER ADAMSON CONTENT THAT WORKS
For those daunted by the thought of making their homes energy efficient, there is hope. Start with small yet meaningful lifestyle changes and watch the bills shrink. From appliances and electronics, nearly every aspect of the modern home consumes massive amounts of energy inefficiently, which means equally massive costs for homeowners. “Any home can benefit from some energy-efficiency updates,” says Sara Snow, a green living author. Here’s how to cut energy costs
looking for other options like compact florescent lights or light-emitting diodes is more a necessity than a feel-good move. “Energy saving is all about scale. Five people saving energy in one home doesn’t make a difference – but five million does,” Thomas says. Here’s how to be one of 5 million. Swap bulbs: “For places that light quality is not critical, like the closet or near the door of the bedroom, switch to CFL or LED bulbs,” Thomas says. In addition to less energy output, using CFL and LED bulbs equals a decrease in electric bills and less frequent trips to the store for replacement bulbs. “CFL bulbs light a space with less wattage, at a low cost, are dimmable and have good color quality. LED bulbs are slightly more expensive but last longer, use even less energy and have better quality light,” says Lori Dennis, a Santa Monica, Calif.-based LEED-certified interior designer.
When swapping out old for new, know how to read the packaging. Understanding which wattage goes with different types of lighting fixtures can be confusing. When replacing a 60-watt incandescent bulb, look for descriptions like 60Watt Replacement or Soft White 60 on the CFL or LED bulb package. Any bulb with an Energy Star label has the backing of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Use dimmers: Adjust light needs by activity. For bedside reading, increase the brightness; for less eye intensive activities, lower the intensity. “The lower the light output, the less energy used. Simply put, dimmers save energy,” Dennis says. Find the flame: “Beeswax candles with organic cotton wicks create instant mood lighting while being eco-friendly,” Dennis says. Set the stage for relaxation after a long day by stepping back in time with this ageless light source.
Every little bit helps — save big bucks on home energy costs this weekend
without breaking a sweat. 1. Seal the deal: Leaks and drafts, in anything from foundation cracks to heating ducts, make heating and cooling systems work twice as hard. “Pay special attention to leaky windows and doors,” says Snow, author of “Sara Snow’s Fresh Living” (Bantam, 2009). Small gaps can be re-caulked or plugged quickly, and she suggests regularly applying fresh weather stripping. Old windows and doors are some of the worst energywasting culprits, agrees Leah Ingram, the author of “Suddenly Frugal” (Adams Media, 2010). New models
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will pay for themselves. 2. Manage the powers that be: “Appliances, when plugged in, all generate heat,” which wastes energy and costs money, Snow says. “Many (electronics) are generating unnecessary heat all day long. As a good rule of thumb, unplug appliances when they’re not in use.” Put electronics on the same power strip or surge protector so you can easily turn them off. 3. Switch to cold water: “One of the easiest changes homeowners can make to reduce their energy costs is to stop using so much hot water,” Ingram says. “The average American spends about $2,500 a year on energy, just to heat water.” She doesn’t recommend sacrificing hot water all together, but some cutbacks, like doing laundry with cold water only, will save a lot. If a tankless water heater is not in the family budget, install a timer on your electric water heater. 4. Get green: “(Shrubs and climbing vines) can
cool your home by as much as 20 degrees and can cut cooling costs by 30 percent,” Snow says. “Plant shadeproducing trees and shrubs around your home to help keep the sun off of your house, especially on the west and south sides.” 5) Invest in insulation: “I believe that if you have a poorly insulated home, you should make those changes for sure,” Ingram says. “Buying insulation isn’t cheap but it can cut down on heating and cooling bills.” Attic insulation is the most important. An adequate amount can save homeowners around $120 a year in energy costs. “The rule of thumb – as far as attics go – is that if you can see the floor joists, you don’t have enough insulation up there,” she says.
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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
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The next generation of appliances are heavy on function, light on the environment models, cutting energy bills by $165 over the lifetime of a refrigerator, says Maria Vargas, a In today’s increasingly spokeswoman for the eco-conscious world, Energy Star program. manufacturers are To optimize savings, churning out “green” purchase the smallest appliances faster than one refrigerator that will work of those new-fangled The kitchen in a given space (ideally 16 high-speed trains. If a choice has to be to 20 cubic feet), skip the While that’s good news made, ditch the automatic ice-makers and for the environment, all refrigerator first – it’s on opt for a top-mounted these options can get a 24-7, making it the biggest freezer, which uses 10to little overwhelming for the 25-percent less energy consumer. Sure, the goal is energy vampire in the house. Models with than bottom-mounted or to save energy and water, the Energy Star side-by-side but homeowners and label use versions. apartment dwellers alike Amana has a also want their appliances at least 20 percent new version to be efficient, reliable, of topaffordable and look pretty less energy than mounted darn slick. current freezers in It’s a lot to ask, but, nonstylish colors luckily, this isn’t a onequalified like Green person train. Here, actual Tea and Midnight Blue. The Whirlpool Latitude bottom freezer with French doors features the Measured Fill system, which dispenses the exact amount of water in cups, liters or ounces, an industryCTW Top-mounted first. As for freezers use dishwashers, 10 to 25 ones made percent less before 1994 energy than cost an extra bottom$40 a year on CTW mounted or utility bills, side-by-side Dishwashers that offer varying rack heights and sizes models. compared to eliminate the notion of running a half-full load. green designers, architects and homeowners weigh in on some of newest, most practical and just plain interesting products in the three most applianceheavy rooms in the house.
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CONTENT THAT WORKS
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Certain cooktop stoves are more energy efficient than either gas or electric.
newer Energy Star models. Bosch is known for making stainless steel dishwashers that are not only energy and water efficient, but also elegant and remarkably quiet, which is what appealed to architect Matt Kirkpatrick, principal designer for Portland, Ore.-based Design for Occupancy. When he and his girlfriend, Katherine Bovee, recently built their own home, they selected the Bosch SHX55M05UC. “We have a compact house (704 square feet of living space),” Kirkpatrick says, “so if we had installed something noisier, it would have made our living room unusable every time we ran a load of dishes.” For a large family, try the new Asko XXL dishwashers instead – they boast a new fourrack-and-seven-basket configuration, and are still Energy Star-certified. Kirkpatrick and Bovee, however, went with Bosch again when selecting their cooktop, specifically the
because it saved space and money by eliminating the need for an additional sink. Although toilet/sink combinations are commonplace in Europe, Australia and Japan, most Americans are only now becoming acquainted with them. But there are even more avant garde options. In a Sun-Mar Excel composting toilet, liquid The bathroom waste is evaporated and Reducing water usage in carried back to the the loo is key to avoiding atmosphere through a vent flushing hard-earned system, while solid dollars down the toilet – material is converted into literally. a nutrient-rich fertilizer New to the United States that is perfectly safe to use in 2009, the Caroma in flower beds. The whole Profile Smart features a process is odorless and 1.28/.8 dual flush (press reduces overall water use one button for solid waste by up to 50 percent. “Plus, and another button for they can be installed liquid waste) and has a anywhere, as they don’t sink integrated into the top require plumbing or a of the tank – every time it septic system,” says flushes, clean water is Susanna Schultz, events automatically cycled and outreach manager for through the faucet for Ecohaus, a home building hand washing and then supplier with locations in drains into the tank for the Seattle, Portland, Ore., next flush. Kirkpatrick and and San Francisco. Bovee selected this model for their tiny bathroom SEE ECONOMICS / PAGE 4F newer and more affordable NIT3065UC induction model, which is more energy efficient than both gas and electric – magnetic fields heat only the pot, so far less energy is lost. The Kenmore Elite 30” 4280 is comparable in cost ($1,500 to $1,700), while Viking models ring in at $3,000-plus.
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Established by the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Department in 1992 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, an Energy Star label on a product establishes three things, explains Maria Vargas, a spokeswoman for the Energy Star program. 1) The product must be more energy efficient than the federal minimum by at least 20 percent 2) Any additional cost must be recouped by savings within five years or less 3) The consumer doesn’t lose any quality in service. “It’s one of my favorite determinations because it’s performance-based,” says Kirsten Flynn, principal designer for the Bay Area-based interior design firm, Sustainable Home.
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According to Vargas, the government-backed Energy Star label delivers an average of 30 percent more efficiency across a range of 60 product categories. “So, if an energy bill used to be $2,200 per year, for example, Energy Star products can save nearly $700,” she says. In 2006, the EPA also established the WaterSense program. Among other criteria, to achieve this label, products must be 20 percent more water efficient than average products in their category and perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts. — Content That Works
BY JEFF SCHNAUFER CONTENT THAT WORKS CTW
Keep clothes in wearing condition longer with washers and dryers that put less stress on fabrics and prevent snags and rips.
ECONOMICS: Making changes in your household appliances can save money FROM PAGE 3F But if that’s a bit too green for the family bathroom, American Standard, Kohler and Toto also make cutting-edge commodes. “I like Toto’s new Aquia Wall-Hung Dual-Flush model because it’s both affordable and chic,” says Kirsten Flynn, principal designer for the Bay Areabased interior design firm, Sustainable Home. Or, consider the Brondell Simple Flush — it attaches to an existing tank and converts it into a dual flush for less than $100.
The laundry room When it comes to
selecting a washing machine, look for machines with customizable cycles, water levels and temperatures, as well as the Energy Star, WaterSense and High Efficiency labels. In general, front-loading washers are more efficient and easier on clothes, although, some toploaders, such as the Whirlpool Cabrio and Maytag Bravos series, also get high marks from Consumer Reports’ GreenerChoices.org, one of Flynn’s favorite resources for product recommendations. Among front-loaders, standouts include the GE
Profile with Steam, which can pair with a SmartDispense pedestal that holds up to six months of detergent and fabric softener, automatically dispensing the right amount for each load. Or, if getting the most wear and least tear out of those designer jeans is the goal, try one of Miele’s Energy Star machines. Their patented Honeycomb drum is designed to create a thin cushion of water that cradles clothes as it rotates, preventing friction and snagging so that fabrics can last up to four times longer. This technology has been
available on select models since 2002, but was recently added to the entire range, says Paul McCormack, a spokesman for Miele. Energy efficiency among dryers is not significantly different, however, gas dryers are generally cheaper to run and create only about 40 percent as much carbon dioxide as electric dryers. The Maytag Performance Series MGDE200XW has a special cycle to preserve denim, and the futuristic GE Profile Harmony Series DPGT750GC features the CleanSpeak system. When the washer is opened to remove the
load, it automatically presets the drying cycle and temperature for the dryer via a serial cable. But if space is an issue, the best bet might be a washer/dryer combo, such as the all new Energy Star-certified LG WM3987HW which runs on standard voltage electricity, doesn’t require venting and fits in a closet. Commonplace in Europe, washer/dryer combos are often hard to find in the United States. But now Clackamas, Ore.based Splendide (known for making combos for RVs) has also started making units for the home.
As summer temperatures sizzle, many seek relief from the sun. Few homeowners, however, put the sun to work for them, making for cooler homes and lower electrical bills. From passive solar design to more recent innovations, incorporating solar energy in the home is easier than ever. Extended tax breaks have made these upgrades more affordable and have helped spur a burgeoning “green” job market. “Solar energy has become a small business and jobs engine,” says Monique Hanis, director of communications for the Washington, D.C.-based Solar Energy Industries Association. “The federal government offers a 30-percent tax credit to taxpayers who install residential solar panels or water heaters, extended to 2016, with no cap,” Hanis says. You can also find information on your state’s solar incentives from www.dsireusa.org, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.
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Roof-mounted solar panels, or photovoltaic systems, use semiconductor materials to convert sunlight into electricity. The systems are more compact, efficient and aesthetically pleasing than they once were. “Some are elegant allblack panels designed to blend into architecture, not stand out from it,” Novacovici says. “There are many types of installations. Trellismounted systems are a popular choice, providing additional shade to patios or other living spaces while remaining less visible than some other mounting options.”
Solar water heaters According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an Energy Star-qualified solar water heating system can cut a household’s annual hot water cost in half. Solar combined with a backup gas-storage water heater can save $190 in electricity bills; the savings go up to $250 annually with an electric tank water heater back-up. The average cost of a solar hot water system for a typical home ranges from $4,000 to $11,000, Hanis says, depending on the type of system. Thanks to federal tax credits, a solar system can take less than 10 years to pay for itself. It also pays off for the environment. The life expectancy of qualified solar water heating systems averages 20 years.
Passive solar Passive solar systems include orientation of the house to take the best advantage of the sun, says Sheri Koones, the Greenwich, Conn.-based author of “Prefabulous + Sustainable: Building and Customizing an Affordable, Energy Efficient Home” (Abrams, 2010).
Solar lighting Smaller scale solar lighting has come into — or rather, outside — the home. Many home decorating retailers, garden shops and even hardware stores now sell the popular outdoor solar walkway lights for as little as $3 each, capturing the sun’s light and converting it to electricity. A solar powered porch light typically costs less than $50, Novacovici says, and a garden path light ranges from $30 to $100.
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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010
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An energy-efficient bathroom can save hundreds of dollars every year. The best and easiest place to start is with lighting.
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efficiency matters. According to Amy Matthews, licensed contractor and host of BY MELANIE WANZEK “This New House,” a new show on the DIY Network, CONTENT THAT WORKS energy efficiency is no longer a trend or even just For the individual or family, an energy-efficient a way to save money — it’s a new outlook and a way bathroom can mean to take pride in your home hundreds of dollars in and community. savings each year — a Ready to start but not worthy incentive for any sure where? Start with a owner or renter who pays simple area: lighting. monthly utility bills. But Matthews says to swap out an energy efficient incandescent bulbs for bathroom affects more than a single household — LEDs or compact fluorescent light bulbs. its impact can stretch She then recommends across a community. “If people are willing to assessing three main areas of water consumption: the take that first step, even showerhead, faucet and something that is toilet. One example is a comfortable and simple low-flow showerhead, like replacing a light bulb which can be purchased at in the bathroom, it can most local home stores for lead to a much bigger between $20 and $60. community impact,” says Michelle Vigen, campaign Remove the head by turning it counterclockand metrics coordinator for Clean Energy Resource wise. Next, move to the sink. The simple addition Teams. Bathrooms account for more than half or replacement of a lowflow faucet aerator ($4) of a home’s indoor water consumption, with toilets can make a huge alone accounting for about difference in savings. Most 30 percent. Consequently, modern faucets are equipped for aerators; each step toward energy
5F
Energywise excuses
before adding or replacing one, simply check the side for its rate of gallons per minute to make sure it is 2.75 or less. Finally, if it will work with your flush column, purchase a flush converter as a simple first step toward an energy efficient toilet. According to Matthews, converters cost less than $30 and enable the toilet to offer two flush options – a lighter flush for liquid waste and a heavier flush for solid waste. According to author Seth Leitman, insulation is an easy area to save that’s often overlooked. In the basement, check to make sure insulation covers all the pipes. Another often-neglected device is the exhaust fan. For switches that turn on the fan with the light automatically, author Hector Seda recommends having someone separate the activity to individual switches to avoid using energy for the fan when not needed. To take it a step further, put the fan on a timer to avoid accidentally running it.
Even for the reluctant remodeler, bathroom repairs are inevitable. According to Hector Seda, three main repairs arise frequently in the bathroom: the tile, the toilet and the vanity. With this in mind, use the required repair as an opportunity to be energywise with these simple tips. 1. Tile: Think about replacing broken or damaged tiles with solar flooring. “These tiles absorb energy during the day and emit light in the evening,” Seda says. 2. Toilet: Toilet repairs abound for even the most careful homeowner. Rather than replacing parts, consider installing a brand new dual-flush toilet that allows the user to choose between a lighter and heavier flush. 3. Vanity: When changing out a vanity, both the sink and faucet should be new. With the large variety available, everyone can walk away satisfied with style, price and long-term savings. — Content That Works
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South Side Lumber 1300 S. Park • Herrin • 942-3111 Visit us at: sslumbr.com
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THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2010
DETAILS Plan: HMAFAPW00753 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 Main floor: 1,937 square feet Total Living Area: 1,937 square feet Bonus room: 414 square feet Garage and storage: 588 square feet Exterior wall framing: 2x4 Foundation options: Crawlspace
AP
Gables, dormers and an old-fashioned front porch create a winsome country look for this traditional plan. An innovative floor plan centers around the open Great Room. The splitbedroom arrangement creates privacy for the luxurious master suite.
Winsome country home has charm THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
This home, Plan HMAFAPW00753 by Homeplans.com, may be a little bit country, but it’s perfect for the city, too. It features 1,937 square feet of living space. A wraparound porch welcomes guests and provides a place to sit. The side-loading garage makes the plan perfect for a corner lot. Inside, an innovative floor plan starts with the great room. A vaulted ceiling tops the space, which is warmed by a fireplace with extended hearth next to a wall of built-in shelves that can store entertainment equipment. A wall of
windows looks out on a backyard deck. The gourmet kitchen, with its island cooktop, breakfast nook and snack bar, overlooks the great room. The formal dining room is separated from the great room by columns and enjoys a view of the front porch. A split-bedroom plan allows a separate wing for the master suite, with its bumped-out sitting room. A garden bath and large closet provide extra touches of luxury. Two secondary bedrooms are at the front of the home and share a hall bath. An optional bonus room above the garage provides additional space for a game room, media room or studio.
To order this house plan To receive the study plan for this home, order by phone, online or by mail. By phone: Call 866-772-1013. Be sure to have the plan number and reference it. Online: Go to www.houseofthweek.com and type the plan number into the field labeled “Enter Plan No.” The downloadable study plans are available for $10. By mail: Request this plan number, include a check or money order for $10 payable to House of the Week. Be sure to include your name, address, city, state and zip code. Mail to House of the Week, 901 N. Third St., Suite 216, Minneapolis MN 55401.
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urniture King is here to help you save time and money when you are considering home interior purchases. Whatever your style or budget, our professional sales associates will help you create the perfect room. We’ll save you time because you can find it all under one roof. Ask about our free in home interior design service. www.bradthefurnitureking.com
1 Mile East of Carbondale • 549-8332 • 1-800-276-0088 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-7 • Sat 10-6 • Sun 1-5