LIGHTING – Energy-efficient light bulbs, once considering unsightly, have become commonplace, and more and more lighting fixtures accommodate them. Switching from incandescent to more expensive compact fluorescent bulbs makes economic sense, because fluorescents last 10 times longer and use 75 percent less energy.
APPLIANCES – Using Energy Star appliances lowers the power bill because appliances are the biggest energy users in your home. You should buy the highest efficiency refrigerator, washer-dryer, dishwasher, etc. that you can.
SOLAR PANELS – A solar hot water system costs about $10,000 and advocates say it will save on energy costs in the long run. The jury is out on whether solar panels raise the resale value of one’s home since it’s a matter of individual preference.
WINDOWS – Big windows provide passive solar energy – that is natural light during sunny days. To retain heat in winter and cooling in summer, green builders use triple-glazed windows, which have three layers of glass.
SOLAR TUBES – Reflective “solar tubes” bring daylight into interior of the home from a dome on the roof, cutting down the need for artificial light.
VENTILATION SYSTEM – As the insulation on a house becomes tighter, a ventilation system is needed to bring fresh air in and send stale air out.
FLOORS WITH RADIANT HEAT – Tubes of heated water beneath the floors of a home provide radiant heat.