High-Performance Homes(page 4 of 4)

Solar water heaters. The main advantage of having solar water heaters is saving money, but they can also provide comfort and cleanliness when the power goes out. They don't need electricity to operate and can be installed to work simply off the municipal water pressure that normally flows to the home.

Programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats allow occupants to manage the temperature of their home over the course of a week to maximize comfort while minimizing energy waste. Homes with programmable thermostats are more consistently comfortable than homes that require manually changing the thermostat based on activity and lifestyle. Additionally, programmable thermostats help extend the life of the HVAC equipment by allowing longer run times and a more consistent operation. This leads to monthly savings on energy bills, expanded equipment life and lower maintenance and replacement costs over the life of the house. Some utility companies offer rebates for the installation of programmable thermostats.

Cool roofs. Whether replacing an old and well-worn roof or choosing what materials to use to cover a new home, picking the right roof can significantly affect the durability, health and comfort of a home as well as improve energy efficiency.

The first goal of a roof is to protect the home by managing rain, snow and ice. But traditional dark-colored asphalt shingles absorb tremendous amounts of absorbed heat during summer days, making a home's cooling system have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature and leading to high energy bills and excessive wear and tear on equipment.

Another problem with dark roofs is a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. In city or suburban neighborhoods, the collective heat trapped and radiated by dark-colored roofs can raise the relative local temperature by as much as five degrees during the day and keep it more than 20 degrees warmer at night than surrounding rural areas.

The good news is that "cool roofs" are available. Often white or another light color and made from various reflective materials, cool roofs reflect the solar radiation (heat) away from the house, making a home more comfortable during the warm months. And if entire communities switch to cool roofs, the urban heat island effect can be stopped, which further reduces energy demand in the area.