Solar Water Heater, green ideas, eco conscious

Solar Water Heater


$1,000 to $5,000

While solar-heating costs are still high for most whole-house applications, heating water with the sun has become practical. For $2,500 to $3,500, installed, an active, flat-plate solar collector system will produce 80 to 100 gallons of hot water per day. The payoff: Your water-heating bills will drop by 50 percent to 80 percent. Plus, you'll be shielded from future energy price increases.

Green Space:
 http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/eco-friendly/real-life-eco-friendly-make-over/

1.When Tom and Sheryl Stone set out to remodel their 900-square-foot condo, their goal was to make it as green as possible using materials that were recycled, renewable, or sourced from environmentally responsible companies.

2.The first renovation they made was removing the wall that separated the living room and kitchen. Removing the wall opened up the condo without changing its footprint.

3.Cork flooring was used throughout the space. Cork is a popular option for flooring especially in high-traffic areas because it's water- and mold-resistant. Cork is roughly the same price as wood, but it's a sustainable material. Cork trees regenerate every nine years, while trees such as oak or maple can take 30 years or more.

4.Storage was an important factor in this small space. Kristin Lomauro-Boom, the designer, carved out storage wherever she could. Among the more intriguing solutions were drawers that hide within the toe-kicks, and a tall tambour door. She also designed a niche for the TV on the living room side of the island. The table on wheels can also serve as additional counter space.

5.The Stones used compact fluorescent lamps in the green glass pendant lights above the island and the track lights throughout the kitchen. The CFLs uses less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs. Although they cost a little more, they last up to 10 times longer and can be installed in most light fixtures.


6. See Remaining Eco Friendly Ideas: http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/eco-friendly/real-life-eco-friendly-make-over/?page=6

Info Provided by: Scotty, Green Builder St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri