Member Story: House Savings

Member Story: House Savings

Four years ago, I started greening my house as I made needed repairs. First I replaced the main windows with double-pane, energy-saving windows (which also reduced outside noise considerably). I have followed up with Energy Star toilets (rebate water credit paid for them entirely), showerheads, refrigerator, dishwasher and entry door. I’ve also installed an energy efficient garage door and put a thermal blanket on the water heater.

As we repair and paint rooms, my son and I are sealing seams along the floors and outer walls and using low VOC paint. He sealed the skylights and sprayed foam around outlets and switches on the outer walls. He also Xeriscaped the front and back yard, and placed a rain water barrel that has hose connections in the back yard. Most of the lighting in the house is now LED or fluorescent.

While there are still a few more projects to do, the house is much more comfortable in any season. The new swamp cooler, although not rated Energy-Star, does have a thermostat that keeps the house at a steady comfort when it is hot outside. The furnace, which is a future project, doesn’t click on as often as it used to, since the house retains the heat longer.

All in all, I am very pleased with how things are progressing and the feeling that we are helping our environment.

Cheers, Norma Reyes, Albuquerque