Green House

October 2006 Special Advertising Section

As fuel prices rise and water restrictions loom, going green in your home and garden isn’t just about being kind to the planet anymore—it’s also about being gentle on budgets stretched by high energy costs.

Thanks to affordable building materials, well-designed appliances, savvy builders, and earth-loving landscapers, energy efficiencies can be realized through big changes and small purchases.

Green Revamp
During a new construction or renovation project, using green materials is especially attractive, and many architects note that more homeowners are keen to incorporate energy–efficient options that might be slightly more expensive upfront, but will save money in the long run.

For example, Zimmerman-based Massmann Geothermal & Mechanical installs heating and cooling systems that tap into the earth’s internal heat. Outdoor temperatures might fluctuate, but four feet below the surface of the ground, temperatures are relatively consistent, says Jason Massmann, the company’s owner. A system that circulates a water-based fluid through a buried loop system can take advantage of the consistency by removing a home’s warm air in the summer and depositing it in the ground—and then flipping the process in the winter.

The cost is about double that of a conventional heating and cooling system, but the immediate benefit is that a home doesn’t use fossil fuels. The savings start to really pay off in the long-term, with a reduction of up to 60 to 75 percent in heating and cooling costs. Massmann says a return on investment typically takes about five years, but as fuel prices rise, that time frame could shrink.

Another example of a green-leaning renovation and construction favorite is PMI Panels, a White Bear Lake company that installs structural insulated panels (SIPs) used to frame a house or room. Because of how the panels are built and stacked, they reduce heating and cooling costs by 50 to 70 percent compared to conventional framing, says company owner Joe Pasma.

Like geothermal, the panels are more expensive than traditional materials but save money in the long run. Also, labor costs for installation are lower, Pasma says.

“People are tired of paying high energy bills,” he notes. “They’re looking for ways to be more efficient and exploring options like SIPs.”

If you’ve stood by a drafty window, you can attest that  even adequate insulation and solid building materials can let energy savings slip through the cracks. But proper windows, such as Renewal by Andersen, can stop the breezes and start the efficiency gains.

Made from 40 percent recycled wood fiber and 60 percent thermoplastic material, the windows are designed to be as eco-conscious as the people who buy them, says Craig Evanich, president of Renewal by Andersen. The company focuses on choosing environmentally friendly components and making sure old windows and manufacturing scraps don’t get into the general waste stream.

“We aspire to make windows that last for thirty years,” Evanich says. “Not just because it’s so much better for a homeowner, but also because it affects how much goes into landfills. You build something to last, that means less waste down the line.”

Small Steps
If you aren’t quite ready to renovate, there are numerous products that can boost energy efficiency in all parts of the house. One of the best ways to make sure electricity is being utilized well is by buying appliances and other products that sport the Energy Star label.

A government-backed program that aims toward energy efficiency in lighting, heating, cooling, and even office systems, Energy Star ratings are given to products that meet stringent specifications for using less energy, saving money, and protecting the environment.

Homeowners have a bevy of choices when it comes to Energy Star appliances, including washing machines, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators. Additionally, light bulbs that have earned the label generate 70 percent less heat and reportedly last up to ten times longer than other options.