Home Improvement March 28, 2013

Spring

Home Improvement

Solar power choices, Page 2C

Plugging the holes in your home, Page 9C $ VSHFLDO 6HFWLRQ RI WKH $GGLVRQ ,QGHSHQGHQW ‡ 0DUFK

PAGE  2C  —  Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013

Homeowners  get solar  panel  options Manufacturers  offer  various  ways  to  pay By  XIAN  CHIANG-­WAREN  and  Pahl  said.  “There  can’t  be  trees  or  JOHN  S.  McCRIGHT other  buildings  that  would  shade  the  ADDISON  COUNTY  —  Spring  is  panels.â€? in  the  air,  the  days  are  getting  lon-­ The  second  question  is  how  best  ger  and  for  some  homes  and  busi-­ WR ÂżQDQFH WKH WUDQVLWLRQ &KRRVLQJ QHVVHV WKH LQFUHDVHG VXQ H[SRVXUH a  plan  and  a  company  to  help  with  may  mean  more  than  starting  gar-­ the  move  to  solar  power  can  be  con-­ dens,  wearing  shorts  and  slathering  fusing.  All  common-­sense  home  on  SPF-­65.  improvement  practices,  like  investi-­ A  growing  number  of  homeowners  gating  several  options  and  carefully  around  Addison  County  are  consid-­ UHYLHZLQJ FRQWUDFWV VKRXOG EH H[HU-­ ering  putting  photovoltaic  solar  pan-­ cised  with  solar.  els  on  their  rooftops  or  in  their  yards,  ([SHUWV DJUHH WKDW WKH VRODU PDU-­ which  until  recently  constituted  a  ket  has  done  a  complete  180-­degree  substantial  up-­front  invest-­ turn  in  the  past  few  years.  ment  —  from  $10,000  to  Whereas  a  few  years  ago,  $100,000,  depending  on  ´7KH Ă€UVW Savage  estimated,  roughly  the  size  of  the  home  and  TXHVWLRQ 80  percent  of  homeown-­ the  location.  nationwide  moving  to  LV ZKHWKHU ers  “Just  a  few  years  ago,  VRODU ZHUH ÂżQDQFLQJ WKHLU across  the  country  and  in  WKH KRXVH installation  up  front,  now  Vermont,  the  vast  majority  LV ZHOO that  percentage  of  home-­ of  homeowners  who  tran-­ owners  are  leasing  panels  RULHQWHG VLWLRQHG WR VRODU ÂżQDQFHG LW instead  of  buying  outright,  themselves,â€?  said  Andrew  IRU VRODU he  said.

Savage,  a  spokesman  for  7KHUH Luckily  for  Addison  AllEarth  Renewables,  a  County  residents,  sev-­ manufacturer  of  solar  col-­ FDQ¡W EH HUDO ÂżQDQFLQJ RSWLRQV DUH lectors  based  in  Williston.  WUHHV RU available  from  local  com-­ But  AllEarth  and  other  RWKHU panies. companies  like  the  Acorn  The  Acorn  Energy  Co-­ Renewable  Energy  Co-­op  EXLOGLQJV op  boasts  of  a  new  owner-­ and  SunCommon,  among  WKDW ZRXOG ÂżQDQFLQJ SURJUDP IRU LWV others,  have  recently  VKDGH WKH members,  in  partnership  ODXQFKHG ÂżQDQFLQJ LQLWLD-­ with  the  National  Bank  tives  designed  to  ease  the  SDQHOV Âľ of  Middlebury,  which  ³ *UHJ 3DKO will  provide  home-­equity  burden  on  homeowners  in-­ terested  in  transitioning  to  loans  designed  to  be  paid  solar  electricity.  The  goal  is  to  make  off  within  15  years.  The  photovoltaic  the  cost  manageable  and  non-­pro-­ (PV)  panels  are  installed  by  Bran-­ hibitive,  since  the  demand  for  solar  don-­based  Green  Earth  Energy.  energy  is  high  at  the  moment.  “The  electricity  generated  by  the  With  rising  electricity  costs,  many  QHZ VRODU 39 V\VWHP LQ H[FHVV RI believe  that  solar  energy  is  a  smart  your  home’s  needs  will  be  fed  into  long-­term  investment,  and  many  the  electric  grid,  causing  the  elec-­ who  were  concerned  about  the  envi-­ tric  meter  to  spin  backwards  and  ronmental  impacts  of  burning  fossil  generating  a  credit  on  the  electric  fuels  have  been  eager  to  transition  to  bill  equal  to  the  regular  energy  bill-­ affordable  clean  energy. ing  rate  plus  a  premium  of  6  cents  To  make  the  transition,  some  ba-­ SHU NLORZDWW KRXU ´ WKH FRPSDQ\ H[-­ VLFV DUH UHTXLUHG H[SODLQHG *UHJ plained  in  a  press  release.  “At  night,  3DKO DQ $FRUQ (QHUJ\ RIÂżFLDO LQ when  the  sun  isn’t  shining,  the  home  Middlebury  and  author  of  several  will  draw  electricity  back  from  the  books  on  energy  including  2012’s  grid  reducing  the  credit  generated  by  “Power  From  the  People:  How  to  the  PV  system.  The  idea  is  to  gener-­ Organize,  Finance,  and  Launch  Lo-­ ate  as  much  electricity  as  the  home  cal  Energy  Projects.â€?  uses  over  a  year’s  time  to  reduce  the  ³7KH ÂżUVW TXHVWLRQ LV ZKHWKHU WKH amount  paid  to  the  utility  for  elec-­ house  is  well  oriented  for  solar,â€?  tricity  as  close  to  zero  as  possible.â€?

Housing agency NeighborWorks recognized as a green business WEST  RUTLAND  —  Neighbor-­ Works  of  Western  Vermont  in  West  Rutland,  a  NeighborWorks  America  member  organization,  is  one  of  16  organizations  to  receive  the  Neigh-­ borWorks  Green  Organization  desig-­ nation  for  a  comprehensive  commit-­ ment  to  sustainable  operations  from  NeighborWorks  America.  The  des-­ ignation  is  based  on  adherence  to  a  set  of  green  business  practices  across  the  organization’s  operations  and  all  This is the of  their  program  ÀUVW WLPH areas.  N e i g h b o r -­ 1HLJKERUWorks  America  :RUNV KDV CEO  Eileen  UHFRJQL]HG Fitzgerald  pre-­ RUJDQL]Dsented  Neighbor-­ Works  of  Western  WLRQV IRU Vermont  (NW-­ WKHLU HIIRUWV WVT),  which  WR FUHDWH serves  Addison,  KHDOWKLHU Rutland  and  Ben-­ HQHUJ\ HIÀnington  counties,  FLHQW HQYLwith  the  award  this  winter  in  URQPHQWV Washington,  D.C.  IRU KRPH7KLV LV WKH ¿UVW RZQHUV time  Neighbor-­ UHQWHUV Works  has  rec-­ FRPPXQLW\ ognized  organi-­ zations  for  their  UHVLGHQWV efforts  to  create  DQG HPhealthier,  energy-­ SOR\HHV HI¿FLHQW HQYL-­ ronments  for  homeowners,  renters,  community  residents,  and  employ-­ ees.

NWWVT’s  mission  is  to  promote  VDIH HI¿FLHQW DIIRUGDEOH KRXVLQJ and  is  committed  to  green  practices.  They  have  designed  programs,  such  as  the  NeighborWorks  H.E.A.T.  Squad,  to  help  homeowners  make  WKHLU KRPHV PRUH HQHUJ\ HI¿FLHQW which  saves  the  over  500  home-­ owners  in  the  program  an  average  of  375  gallons  of  heating  fuel  every  year.  In  addition  to  green  programs,  NWWVT  also  has  solar  hot  water  JON  SATZ,  SEEN  here  with  his  dog  Willa,  had  a  solar  array  installed  on  his  Woods  Market  Garden  property  in  Brandon  late  last  year.  Satz  will  see  a  small  break  on  his  electricity  bill  for  the  next  six  years,  at  which  point  panels  on  its  building  roof  to  pro-­ YLGH KRW ZDWHU IRU WKH RI¿FH DQG VL[ he  has  an  option  to  buy  the  system  and  see  much  bigger  savings.

Independent  photo/Trent  Campbell DSDUWPHQWV DQG SURPRWHV LQWHURI¿FH composting  and  recycling,  walking  AllEarth  Renewables  is  taking  a  owners  have  no  upfront  costs  and  tricity  bill. or  biking  to  meetings  when  possible,  different  tack.  Savage  said  his  com-­ monthly  payments  targeted  to  be  The  company  says  its  residential  (See  NeighborWorks,  Page  5C) pany  offers  a  plan  in  which  home-­ around  the  price  of  the  current  elec-­ (See  Solar,  Page  5C)

Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013  —  PAGE  3C

Escaping  Some  household  products  heat  is  a  emit  chemicals  into  the  air waste  of  energy Audits  are  good  for  homeowners I  love  my  home  and  wanted  it  to  perform  better.  So  I  sched-­ uled  a  professional  energy  au-­ GLW IURP D %3, FHUWL¿HG +RPH 3HUIRUPDQFH ZLWK (QHUJ\ 6WDU c o n t r a c t o r  (also  known  Energy as  an  energy  auditors auditor).  You  know their FDQ ¿QG WKHP listed  by  zip  building code  at  the  science.

E f f i c i e n c y  These proV e r m o n t  fessionwebsite.  Ef-­ als use ¿FLHQF\ 9HU-­ mont  and  oth-­ diagnostic ers  launched  equipment a  Vermont  valued at +RPH (QHU-­ thousands gy  Challenge  of dollars this  year  to  to precisem o t i v a t e  more  of  us  to  ly measure take  this  step.  your home I  urge  you  to  for heat take  it.  I  had  loss. no  regrets.

Energy  auditors  know  their  building  science.  These  profes-­ sionals  use  diagnostic  equip-­ ment  valued  at  thousands  of  dol-­ lars  to  precisely  measure  your  home  for  heat  loss.  It  starts  with  a  blower  door  test  called  a  “test  inâ€?  that  measures  the  rate  at  which  air  leaks  from  your  home  EDVHG RQ %78V VTXDUH IRRW They  use  an  infrared  camera  to  see  missing  insulation,  but  can  assess  much  of  this  through  a  careful  visual  inspection  and  by  taking  measurements.  They  use  combustion  analysis  equipment  to  test  your  heating  appliances  IRU HIÂżFLHQF\ DQG PRUH LPSRU-­ tantly,  for  health  and  safety  as  well  as  your  ventilation  equip-­ ment  for  adequacy.  7R VWD\ FHUWLÂżHG HQHUJ\ DXGL-­ (See  Audit,  Page  5C)

By  CHRISTY  LYNN Volatile  Organic  Compounds,  or  VOCs,  are  a  large  group  of  carbon-­ based  chemicals  that  evaporate  eas-­ ily  at  room  temperature.  Commonly  found  in  many  household  products  including  carpets,  cleaning  products  and  adhesives,  they  emit  potentially  harmful  levels  of  chemicals  into  the  air  for  many  months  after  applica-­ tion.

According  to  the  Natural  Re-­ sources  Defense  Council,  research  has  shown  that  high  or  prolonged  exposure  to  VOCs  can  yield  adverse  effects,  including  eye  and  throat  ir-­ ritation,  headaches,  asthma,  liver  damage,  complications  to  the  central  nervous  system  and  cancer.  VOCs  are  also  a  principal  con-­ tributor  to  ground-­level  ozone,  a  ma-­ jor  factor  of  urban  smog.  As  if  that  weren’t  close  enough,  when  VOCs  ¿QG WKHLU ZD\ LQWR ODQGÂżOOV RU DUH LP-­ properly  disposed  of,  they  can  leach  into  the  water  supply.  7KH ÂżUVW VWHS WR UHGXFLQJ \RXU H[-­ posure  to  VOCs  is  identifying  the  sources  of  these  toxins  within  your  living  environment.  Some  com-­ mon  sources  are  building  materials  and  home  and  personal  care  prod-­ ucts;Íž  they  also  come  into  the  home  from  common  hobbies  or  behaviors.  Formaldehyde,  which  is  responsible  for  high  VOC  levels  in  some  homes,  is  a  common  component  in  carpets,  particle  board  and  many  cleaning  products  and  preserving  agents.  2QFH \RX KDYH LGHQWLÂżHG WKH likely  sources  of Â

VOCs  in  your  home,  you  can  choose  to  replace  or  mitigate  the  off-­gassing  effect  of  these  products  as  you  under-­ take  renovations  or  even  in  your  VSULQJ FOHDQLQJ HIIRUWV +HUH DUH six  helpful  hints  for  limiting  the  effects  of  VOCs  in  your  home,  compiled  by  the  National  Asso-­ ciation  of  Realtors  on  WKHLU ZHEVLWH +RXVH/-­ ogic.com: ‡ %UHDN WKH KDELW of  buying  household  c l e a n e r s  or  other  c h e m i -­ cals  in  b u l k  to  save  m o n e y  and  sim-­ ply  buy  what  you  n e e d .  S t o r e d  c h e m i -­ cals  are  a  major  source  of  VOCs. ‡ 3DLQWV SDLQW WKLQQHUV SHVWLFLGHV and  gas  cans  are  a  major  source  of  VOCs.  If  possible,  store  these  items  away  from  the  house  in  a  detached  storage  shed  or  garage.  This  is  a  great  place  to  also  store  gas-­powered  tools  such  as  lawn  mowers,  snow  blowers  and  chain  saws.  If  you  have  leftover  pesticides,  paint  and  other  chemicals,  contact  your  municipal  ZDVWH GHSDUWPHQW WR ¿QG RXW ZKHUH you  can  dispose  of  them  safely. ‡ ,I \RXU VWRUDJH VSDFH LV DWWDFKHG to  the  house,  seal  up  any  connections  between  your  garage  and  living  area.  :HDWKHUVWULS \RXU JDUDJH DFFHVV

door  and  make  sure  that  the  thresh-­ old  gasket  is  snugged  up  tight. ‡ :HDWKHU SHUPLWWLQJ RSHQ ZLQ-­ dows  and  run  exhaust  fans  when  you’re  working  with  paints  and  pun-­ gent  cleaners.  Trust  your  nose  —  if  \RX FDQ VPHOO LW \RXÂśUH ZKLIÂżQJ VOCs.  That  includes  any  time  you  bring  vinyl  or  plastic  items  (say,  a  new  shower  curtain)  or  dry-­cleaned  clothes  into  the  house.  If  weather  permits,  remove  covers  and  packag-­ ing  from  items  and  set  them  outside  for  a  while  to  off-­gas  —  at  least  until  they  don’t  smell.  Schedule  major  in-­ terior  paint  jobs  for  good  weather  so Â

you  can  open  up  windows. ‡ %DWKURRP DQG NLWFKHQ IDQV DUH great  for  removing  VOCs  from  the  air,  especially  because  cooking  and  cleaning  can  release  some  potent,  HYHQ FDUFLQRJHQLF FRPSRXQGV %XW if  you  run  exhaust  fans  constantly,  you  create  negative  air  pressure  in-­ side  the  house  that  may  draw  air  —  and  VOCs  —  from  your  attached  garage  into  your  home.  Run  fans  until  any  chemical  or  smoke  smell  dissipates,  then  turn  them  off.  If  you  use  your  garage  as  a  regular  work  area  for  VOC-­generating  hobbies,  such  as  woodworking,  in-­

stall  an  exhaust  fan  to  the  outside.  Exhaust  fans  cost  $250  to  $400,  in-­ stalled. ‡ &KRRVH FOHDQLQJ SURGXFWV DQG air  fresheners  (both  plug-­in  and  VSUD\ FDUHIXOO\ VSHFL¿FDOO\ ZDWFK-­ ing  out  for  a  fragrant  chemical  called  terpene.  Terpenes  are  com-­ monly  found  in  natural  substances,  VXFK DV SLQH UHVLQV :KHQ FRQ¿QHG inside  a  house,  terpenes  react  with  naturally  occurring  ozone  in  the  air  and  form  compounds  that  can  negatively  affect  the  respiratory  system  and  cause  long-­term  health  problems.

Common  sources  of  VOCs  in  your  home Building  Materials  ‡ &DUSHWV DQG DGKHVLYHV ‡ &RPSRVLWH ZRRG SURGXFWV ‡ 3DLQWV ‡ 6HDOLQJ FDXONV ‡ 6ROYHQWV ‡ 8SKROVWHU\ IDEULFV ‡ 9DUQLVKHV

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PAGE  4C  —  Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013

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Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  PAGE  5C

Audit (Continued  from  Page  3C) tors  must  do  what  other  professionals  do  and  be  monitored,  take  ongoing  coursework  and  retest  every  three  years.  This  is  what  you  are  paying  for  when  you  get  an  energy  audit.  Energy  audits  cost  between  $300  to  $600  depending  on  the  size  and  complex-­ ity  of  your  home  or  small  commer-­ cial  building  and  are  well  worth  it.  I  recovered  every  penny  of  it  in  fuel  VDYLQJV LQ P\ ÂżUVW \HDU DIWHU VWDUW-­ ing  weatherization  measures  recom-­ mended  in  my  energy  audit  report,  which  I  spread  out  over  a  few  years.  Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  better  to  do  it  all  at  once  if  you  can.  I  was  burning  as  much  as  800  gallons  in  my  1,700  square  foot  home  before  2007  and  was  down  to  375  gal-­ lons  last  heating  season.  Some  of  this  was  through  conservation  steps  any  of  us  can  take  like  setting  back  my  thermostat  at  night  and  doing  a  better  job  with  sealing  and  covering  my  old  windows.  I  learned  the  bigger  bang  for  my  buck  was  air  sealing  and  insu-­ ODWLQJ P\ EDVHPHQW ÂżUVW DQG DWWLF QH[W rather  than  replacing  my  windows.  I  also  learned  that  heating  water  was  a  major  energy  hog  and  added  a  solar  hot  water  heater  three  years  ago.

Energy  auditors  will  often  use  the  blower  door  equipment  while  air  sealing  is  being  done  to  be  sure  leaks  are  plugged  adequately.  They  canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  always  get  all  leaks  due  to  ac-­ cess  or  expense  constraints,  but  they  typically  reduce  your  heat  loss  by  at  least  10  percent  and,  in  many  older  homes,  by  much  more.  On  average  about  380  gallons  of  fuel  oil  are  saved  annually  by  Vermonters  after  ZHDWKHUL]DWLRQ $ ÂżQDO EORZHU GRRU test  is  done  when  work  is  complete  to  measure  how  much  heat  loss  re-­ duction  was  gained.  This  is  called  a  â&#x20AC;&#x153;test  out.â&#x20AC;?  You  need  a  â&#x20AC;&#x153;test  inâ&#x20AC;?  and  ³WHVW RXW´ E\ D FHUWLÂżHG HQHUJ\ DXGL-­ tor  to  qualify  for  up  to  $2,000  in  state  UHEDWHV IURP (IÂżFLHQF\ 9HUPRQW On  average  it  costs  about  $6,000  to  $8,000  for  weatherization.

You  can  now  get  an  energy  audit  for  only  $100  through  Neighbor-­ Works  of  Western  Vermont  HEAT  Squad.  This  offer  has  been  extended  by  NeighborWorks  from  Rutland  County  to  all  homeowners  in  Addi-­ son  County,  regardless  of  income.  Simply  call  438-­2302,  ext.  227,  and  they  will  schedule  it  and  work  with  you  throughout  the  whole  process, Â

which  is  outlined  at  their  website.  They  assign  you  an  energy  adviser  who  coaches  and  advocates  for  you  every  step  of  the  way  and  have  a  great  loan.  You  can  do  all  or  some  of  the  work  yourself  to  save  on  these  costs  and  still  get  a  state  rebate  pro-­ vided  you  get  an  energy  auditor  to  do  a  test  in  before  you  start  work  and  a  test  out  after  you  complete  it.  Give  your  home  an  energy  check-­ up  (audit)  as  soon  as  you  can  this  year.  Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll  learn  how  your  home  performs,  how  much  fuel  you  may  be  wasting  to  heat  the  sky,  and  what  you  can  do  to  improve  it.  Contact  me  to  ask  questions,  arrange  for  a  free  home  energy  visit  to  see  if  you  ZRXOG EHQHÂżW IURP DQ HQHUJ\ DXGLW DQG UHYLHZ \RXU ÂżQDQFLQJ RSWLRQV or  to  help  with  the  Vermont  Home  Energy  Challenge.  Those  of  you  who  have  completed  projects  could  help  by  telling  your  neighbors  about  WKH PDQ\ EHQHÂżWV RI HQHUJ\ DXGLWV and  weatherization  and  how  to  get  started  so  they  can  love  their  homes  even  more.

Laura  Asermily Middlebury  Home  Energy  Challenge  Coordinator

Solar QLRU DQDO\VW DW (IÂżFLHQF\ 9HUPRQW (Continued  from  Page  2C) lease  is  â&#x20AC;&#x153;unique  in  the  state  by  offer-­ many  homeowners  are  most  con-­ ing  a  no-­cost  lease  for  homeowners  cerned  about  having  reasonable  to  net  meter  with  solar  at  or  below  month-­to-­month  payments  for  elec-­ their  electric  rates  and  be  given  the  tricity  and  PV  systems,  but  buying  opportunity  to  fully  own  the  system  outright  can  pay  off  in  the  long-­term.  DW D VLJQLÂżFDQWO\ UHGXFHG FRVW DIWHU He  said  this  is  especially  true  given  state  incentives  and  the  federal  gov-­ seven  years.â&#x20AC;?

Savage  added  that  AllEarth  Re-­ ernmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  30  percent  tax  credit.

Savage  pointed  out  that  newables  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  whose  cus-­ the  solar  companies  get  tomers  include  Middle-­ bury  College  and  Stark  â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the  tax  credits  when  home-­ owners  lease  from  them.

Mountain  Woodworking  plan on But  Lane  adds  that  re-­ in  New  Haven  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  is  proud  incentives gardless  of  how  the  tran-­ to  use  only  Vermont-­man-­ going up. sition  occurs,  now  may  ufactured  products. be  the  best  time  to  take  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  exciting  for  Ver-­ Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be advantage  of  state  and  fed-­ monters,  to  buy  a  Vermont  lucky if eral  incentives. product  and  to  be  investing  they stick â&#x20AC;&#x153;I  wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  plan  on  in-­ in  solar,â&#x20AC;?  he  said.  centives  going  up,â&#x20AC;?  Lane  Waterbury-­based  Sun-­ around.â&#x20AC;?

Common  in  December  â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Damon Lane said.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll  be  lucky  if  they  stick  around.â&#x20AC;? launched  a  campaign  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most  solar  companies  can  guide  called  â&#x20AC;&#x153;1,000  Panels  in  100  Daysâ&#x20AC;?  with  the  aim  of  increasing  the  num-­ homeowners  through  incentives,â&#x20AC;?  ber  of  solar  electricity  panels  in  Ad-­ added  Pahl.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;(At  Acorn)  we  try  to  dison  County  by  50  percent  within  make  it  as  easy  as  possible  for  the  three  months.  Addison  County  met  homeowner  to  move  forward  with  the  project.â&#x20AC;?  that  challenge  in  only  two  months.

Jon  Satz,  who  owns  Woods  Mar-­ The  company  offered  a  20-­year  lease  of  PV  panels,  which  lowered  ket  Garden  in  Brandon,  has  found  the  cost  of  the  point  of  entry  for  cus-­ his  transition  to  solar  pretty  straight-­ forward.  He  signed  a  deal  with  Al-­ tomers.

Dan  Conant,  a  solar  organizer  lEarth  Renewables  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  in  partnership  with  SunCommon,  explained,  â&#x20AC;&#x153;At  with  Green  Lantern  Capital,  Nation-­ SunCommon,  weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  committed  to  al  Life  and   Green  Mountain  Power  helping  Vermonters  make  the  switch  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  to  bring  solar  power  to  the  Route  to  solar  power  without  upfront  cost  7  market  where  Satz  also  lives  on  and  for  no  more  than  a  homeowner  is  site  with  his  wife  and  son.

AllEarth  installed  several  solar  currently  spending  monthly  on  util-­ panels  mounted  on  trackers  that  fol-­ ity  power.â&#x20AC;?

According  to  Damon  Lane,  a  se-­ low  the  sun  across  the  sky  during  the Â

day  to  maximize  production  of  elec-­ tricity  at  the  end  of  December.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;They  paid  for  the  install,â&#x20AC;?  Satz  said.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;We  didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  put  in  a  dime.â&#x20AC;?

The  panels  have  an  output  of  56  kW,  with  an  estimated  annual  output  of  78,000  kWh. Satz  gets  a  little  discount  on  his  electricity  bills  and  has  the  option  to  buy  the  solar  panels  at  the  end  of  a  six-­year  agreement.  AllEarth  gets  a  revenue  stream  from  the  tax  credits  and  a  potential  sale  at  the  end  of  the  contract.

Satz  is  sent  a  bill  each  month  for  one-­twelfth  of  his  annual  average  electricity  bill.  The  bill  also  shows  his  actual  usage  at  19.5  cents  per  kWh,  and  a  credit  of  6  cents  per  kWh.  At  the  end  of  the  year,  if  there  is  a  mismatch  between  what  he  was  billed  and  what  he  owed,  he  and  the  utility  settle  the  account.  He  said  the  going  rate  for  electricity  as  he  under-­ stands  it  is  14  cents  per  kWh,  which  means  he  is  getting  a  half-­cent  per  kWh  break.  But  the  big  payoff  will  come  once  he  owns  the  system  and  is  getting  WKH IXOO EHQHÂżW RI WKH HOHFWULFLW\ LW produces.  At  that  point,  Satz  hopes,  he  wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  have  to  pay  for  much  or  any  of  his  electricity.  This  will  be  particularly  important  in  the  sum-­ mer  when  his  business  draws  more  power  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  conveniently  summer  is  also  when  the  panels  produce  more  electricity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  all  about  getting  a  delayed  re-­ turn,â&#x20AC;?  Satz  said.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;It  makes  sense  for  me  because  Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m  going  to  be  around  for  a  long  time.â&#x20AC;?

NeighborWorks (Continued  from  Page  2C) and  use  of  green  products.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every  day  we  at  NWWVT  are  committed  to  being  green,â&#x20AC;?  said  Mary  Cohen,  Homeownership  Cen-­ ter  Director  at  NWWVT.  â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not  only  do  we  support  homeowners  with  our  energy  improvement  program  through  the  H.E.A.T.  Squad,  we  practice  being  green  in  our  work-­ place  and  in  our  homes.  We  are  ex-­ WUHPHO\ SURXG WR EH DPRQJ WKH ÂżUVW Green  Organization  Designees  from  NeighborWorks  America.â&#x20AC;?  The  NeighborWorks  Green  Orga-­

QL]DWLRQ GHVLJQDWLRQ LV VLJQLÂżFDQW because  it  challenges  organizations  to  be  comprehensive  in  their  green  efforts.  By  embracing  a  sustain-­ able  business  culture,  they  produce  EHQHÂżWV WR WKRXVDQGV RI LQGLYLGX-­ als  through  homeowner  education,  housing  development  activities,  and  community  engagement  programs.  Collectively,  these  activities  help  re-­ duce  energy  consumption  and  costs,  create  healthier  living  and  working  environments,  and  promote  sustain-­ able  communities.  NeighborWorks  Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  goal Â

is  for  two-­thirds  of  NeighborWorks  America  member  organizations  to  receive  a  green  designation  by  2016.  As  a  result,  more  than  100,000  resi-­ dents  in  NeighborWorks  rental  prop-­ erties  would  have  better  information  on  managing  healthy,  energy-­con-­ scious  homes;͞  more  than  25,000  families  annually  would  possess  the  knowledge  and  skills  to  assess  the  homes  they  are  buying  for  green,  healthy  features;͞  and  6,000  owner-­ occupants  each  year  would  receive  KHDOWK\ HQHUJ\ HI¿FLHQF\ KRPH UH-­ pairs.

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ΨϹϏϏ K&& Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻ Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĆľÄ&#x17E; ŽĨ Ä&#x201A; ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ç ^ŽůÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152; ,Ĺ˝Ć&#x161; tÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; ^Ç&#x2021;Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺľ Call  or  go  online  before  April  30th,  2013 Satisfied Customer Testimonials

Working with Harvestar was a real pleasure. What we particularly valued was that Eric and his crew took time to explain how they were going to install the system and how it operated. Whenever weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve asked a follow-up question, someone has gotten back to us quickly and with the right advice. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vince Crockenberg

Dear Eric, It was a pleasure to work with you with the installation of our solar hot water system.

Your professionalism and knowledge of the system were appreciated. The quality of your workmanship is also excellent. It is obvious you take pride in your work. We would highly recommend you for installation of all Sunward systems.Thank you again for making this such a smooth process. Think Sunshine! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tassie Blondin

CALL  OR  VISIT  OUR  WEBSITE  FOR  YOUR FREE  SOLAR  CONSULTATION  &  SAVE  $500 45% of your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total energy is used to heat your rooms. Heating water for showers, dishes, laundry consumes 25% of your energy. Please give me a call for a free consultation. I can give you more insights that will save you a lot of money for years to come.                      â&#x20AC;&#x201C;  Eric  Hartman,  Harvestar

^ŽůÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152; ,Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? Íť ^ŽůÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152; ,Ĺ˝Ć&#x161; Ĺ?Ć&#x152; Íť ^ŽůÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152; tÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; ,Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć?

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PAGE  6C  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013

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John  Fuller,  Master  Plumber Â&#x2021; 388-2019  Serving  Addison  County  since  1989

BRISTOL  ELECTRONICS Your  Local  Installer  Since  1972

802-­453-­2500

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

Bridport location: 3108 Vt. Rte 22A Bridport, Vt.

758-FUEL Brandon, Vt. 247-9500

WE OFFER

Â&#x2021; +RPH KHDWLQJ IXHOV Â&#x2021; .HURVHQH Â&#x2021; 2Q URDG ORZ VXOIXU GLHVHO â&#x20AC;

Bring it to the A  per-­bulb  nominal  fee  applies  for  more  than  10  non-­CFL  bulbs. â&#x20AC;

Â&#x2021; 2II URDG GLHVHO Â&#x2021; 0RWRU RLO Â&#x2021; +\GUDXOLF RLO â&#x20AC;&#x153;The customer is our business. We treat each customer like they are the only one. You are a name not a number.â&#x20AC;?

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Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  PAGE  7C

Experts  give  some  advice  on  appliance  energy  usage How  much  energy  can  you  save  by  dry-­ ing  your  clothes  on  a  clothesline  instead  of  using  an  electric  dryer?

What  a  great  question.  Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d  estimate  a  savings  of  about  $10.20  per  month  or  just  over  $122  per  year.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  the  math:  Electric  clothes  dryers  demand  be-­ tween  1,800  and  5,000  watts.  If  we  calculate  based  on  a  3,400-­watt  dryer  and  a  drying  time  of  45  minutes  per  load,  then  one  dryer  load  uses  2.55  kilowatt  hours.  Mul-­ tiply  that  by  322  (the  aver-­ age  number  of  loads  per  year  in  an  American  home),  divide  by  12  months,  and  youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  looking  about  68  kilowatt  hours  of  use  per  month.  Last  thing:  Multiply  those  monthly  kilowatt  hours  by  the  current  average  Vermont  electric  rate  of  15  cents  per  kilowatt  hour  and  you  get  that  monthly  estimate  of  about  $10.20  to  dry  your  clothes.  I  should  add  a  tip  about  air  drying:  Just  be  sure  to  do  it  outdoors.  Air  drying  indoors  adds  moisture  to  a  house.  That  can  create  undesir-­ able  conditions,  like  window  condensation,  mold,  wood  rot,  and  compromised  indoor  air  quality.  Compensating  for  that  with  a  dehu-­ PLGLÂżHU ZLOO DGG WR \RXU HOHFWULFLW\ ELOO 6R be  cautious  about  hanging  clothes  inside,  but  RXWGRRU DLU GU\LQJ GHÂżQLWHO\ LV D PRQH\ VDY-­ er,  not  to  mention  a  way  to  get  great  smelling  laundry!

-­  Kathleen  for  Ask  The  Home  Team

parents  could  set  up  an  advanced  power  strip  to  cut  power  to  the  TV,  game  consoles,  and  recording  devices  when  the  TV  is  turned  off.

It  sounds  like  you  two  are  important  members  of  the  team  that  can  save  money  for  your  family.  -­  Bob  for  Ask  The  Home  Team

QA and

We  are  11  years  old  and  9  years  old.  Our  parents  are  the  energy  police.  They  make  us  unplug  the  TV  after  we  watch  it.  They  say  it  wastes  energy  plugged  in.  Are  they  wrong?  Lamps  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  do  that  so  why  would  the  TV?  They  will  believe  you.  Thank  you.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  right  about  lights  not  using  power  when  theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  switched  off.  Your  parents,  though,  are  right  about  the  television.  You  see,  many  TVs  and  other  kinds  of  electron-­ ics  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  really  turn  off  when  you  press  â&#x20AC;&#x153;off.â&#x20AC;?  They  go  into  standby  mode,  and  they  continue  to  use  electricity.  Lots  of  people  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  know  that  they  could  be  paying  $100  or  more,  over  the  course  of  a  year,  to  keep  all  their  electron-­ ics  in  standby  mode.

Unplugging  the  TV  solves  the  problem,  but  PDQ\ SHRSOH ÂżQG WKDW LWÂśV HDVLHU WR SOXJ WKH TV  into  a  power  strip,  which  they  switch  on  and  off.  If  your  parents  are  interested  in  look-­ LQJ LQWR WKDW WKH\ FDQ ÂżQG RQH DW WKH KDUGZDUH store.  In  fact,  there  is  an  advanced  power  strip  that  senses  when  the  TV  is  turned  off  and  then  shuts  off  power  to  the  TV  and  to  other  ma-­ chines  at  the  same  time.  For  example,  your Â

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m  going  to  be  add-­ ing  some  insulation  to  my  home,  and  I  hear  you  have  programs  to  help  pay  for  projects  like  that.  Do  I  have  to  use  a  certain  kind  of  insulation?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m  glad  that  you  contacted  us  before  doing  the  work,  be-­ cause  our  rebate  programs  require  an  initial  home  energy  audit,  performed  by  a  FHUWLÂżHG +RPH 3HUIRUPDQFH ZLWK (QHUJ\6WDU contractor.

The  contractor  will  perform  a  series  of  di-­ agnostic  tests  and  identify  areas  for  improve-­ ment  in  your  house  and  can  even  project  esti-­ mated  savings.  Together,  the  two  of  you  can  decide  which  projects  make  the  most  sense  to  tackle,  based  on  your  personal  budget  and  comfort  goals.  Often  times,  insulation  and  air  sealing  are  one  of  the  top  recommendations.  Your  contractor  will  have  ideas  for  which  types  are  best  for  your  home.

From  there,  most  people  have  the  contrac-­ tor  do  the  work  for  them.  Another  approach,  and  it  sounds  like  this  might  be  what  youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  interested  in,  is  to  do  the  work  yourself  under  WKH JXLGDQFH RI WKH FHUWLÂżHG FRQWUDFWRU (LWKHU DSSURDFK LV HOLJLEOH IRU UHEDWHV IURP (IÂżFLHQ-­ cy  Vermont  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  up  to  $2,000  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  and  both  will  save  energy  and  make  you  more  comfortable  in  your  home.  The  right  choice  for  you  just  depends  on  your  skill  level  and  the  amount  of  time  you  have.

9LVLW RXU ZHEVLWH DW ZZZ HI¿FLHQF\YHU-­ mont.com  to  get  started.

-­  Li  Ling  for  Ask  The  Home  Team Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m  afraid  our  furnace  wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  make  it  through  another  year.  There  are  a  lot  of  options  on  the  market.  What  do  you  rec-­ ommend?

The  right  heating  system  really  depends  on  the  house.  To  choose  the  one  best  for  your  KRPH FRQWDFW D +RPH 3HUIRUPDQFH ZLWK (QHUJ\6WDU FRQWUDFWRU 7KHVH SURV FDQ GR a  whole-­house  evaluation,  and  will  let  you  know  what  type  of  furnace  would  be  best.  Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re  not  actually  selling  you  a  furnace,  so  you  can  depend  on  their  unbiased  advice.  They  will  also  determine  steps  you  can  take  to  lower  your  heating  costs  overall.

That  said,  we  do  have  a  section  of  our  web-­ site  dedicated  to  home  heating  and  the  vari-­

ous  systems  Vermonters  use.  To  learn  more  DERXW KRPH KHDWLQJ DQG WR ¿QG D OLVW RI 9HU-­ PRQW FRQWUDFWRUV YLVLW ZZZ HI¿FLHQF\YHU-­ mont.com.  Best  of  luck!

-­  Bob  for  Ask  The  Home  Team I  know  that  CFLs  use  less  energy,  but  I  feel  like  the  one  on  our  porch  takes  so  long  to  get  bright,  itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  not  practical.  Are  tradi-­ tional  bulbs  better  for  outside?

As  it  gets  colder  outside,  it  takes  a  bit  lon-­ JHU IRU FRPSDFW Ă&#x20AC;XRUHVFHQW OLJKWV &)/V WR FRPH WR IXOO EULJKWQHVV 6R WKH\ DUHQÂśW D JUHDW ÂżW IRU OLJKWV LQ RXWGRRU VSRWV ZKHUH \RX ZDQW short  periods  of  instant  light;Íž  at  least  not  in  our  Vermont  winters.

For  a  bulb  that  isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  affected  by  the  cold  and  saves  energy,  too,  you  might  take  a  look  at  light  emitting  diodes  (LEDs).  These  are  a  newer  technology  and  still  a  bit  more  expen-­ sive  than  CFLs,  but  their  performance  and  longevity  are  really  impressive.  And  right  now,  some  Vermont  lighting  retailers  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  in  SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK (IÂżFLHQF\ 9HUPRQW ² RIIHU already-­discounted  pricing  on  LEDs,  or  an  instant  coupon  good  for  $10  off  the  regular  price.

An  added  bonus  of  LEDs  is  that  their  light  LV PRUH FRQFHQWUDWHG LQ D VSHFLÂżF GLUHFWLRQ whereas  both  incandescent  and  CFL  bulbs  emit  light  in  all  directions.  The  more  direc-­ tional  light  of  LEDs  is  perfect  for  out-­ doors.  You  get  the  light  where  you  need  it  most  (on  your  porch)  and  not  where  you  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  (like  the  sky,  or  your  neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  lawn).

-­Li  Ling  for  Ask  The  Home  Team I  think  itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  time  for  a  new  refrigerator.  Can  you  recommend  a  good  one?

I  canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  recommend  a  specif-­ LF PRGHO EXW (QHUJ\6WDU TXDOLÂżHG UHIULJHUD-­ tors  use  20  percent  less  electricity  than  non-­ TXDOLÂżHG PRGHOV $QG LI \RX KDYH DQ ROGHU refrigerator,  it  likely  uses  more  electricity  than  any  other  appliance  in  your  home.

Old  refrigerators  can  make  up  to  12.5  per-­ cent  of  your  total  electricity  use,  so  replac-­ LQJ RQH RI WKRVH ZLWK DQ (QHUJ\6WDU PRGHO LV going  to  make  a  real  difference  in  your  bills.  3OXV ZKHQ \RX SXUFKDVH VHOHFW (QHUJ\6WDU refrigerators  and  freezers,  you  could  be  eligi-­ EOH IRU D UHEDWH IURP (IÂżFLHQF\ 9HUPRQW -­Kathleen  for  Ask  The  Home  Team You  have  to  help  me  do  an  intervention  with  my  dad  about  air  conditioning!  Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m  12  and  I  learned  in  school  about  how  to Â

save  energy.  Air  conditioning  is  an  energy  hog  but  my  dad  acts  like  heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll  die  without  LW +H VD\V WKDW LI , FDQ ÂżQG DQRWKHU ZD\ WR stay  cool,  heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll  do  it.  I  know  you  can  help,  so  please  will  you  give  me  information  that  will  help?  Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  true  that  some  houses  in  Vermont  can  stay  cool  without  air  conditioning.  I  donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t  know  if  your  house  is  one  of  them,  but  Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m  glad  to  share  some  tips  that  I  give  to  homeowners  who  want  to  reduce  the  need  for  air  conditioning.  Good  luck  to  you  and  your  dad!

In  the  cooler  evening  and  early  morning  hours,  turn  off  the  air  conditioning  and  open  windows  on  opposite  sides  of  the  house  to  create  cross-­ventilation.  Use  a  window  fan,  blowing  toward  the  outside,  to  pull  cool  air  in  through  other  windows  and  to  push  hot  air  out.  $V WKH GD\ ZDUPV \RX PD\ ¿QG WKDW \RX IHHO more  comfortable  with  windows  and  coverings  closed  against  direct  sunlight.

On  hot  days,  delay  heat-­producing  tasks,  such  as  dishwashing,  baking,  or  doing  laun-­ dry,  until  the  cooler  evening  or  early  morning  hours.

Use  a  bath  fan  to  remove  heat  and  mois-­ ture  generated  by  showers.  And,  if  the  kitchen  range  hood  fan  exhausts  to  the  outdoors,  use  it  to  remove  hot  air  created  by  cooking.

Keep  cool  air  in  and  hot  air  out:  Caulk  around  window  and  door  frames,  use  weather  stripping  on  exterior  doors,  and  have  a  professional  VHH WKH ¿QDO WLS EHORZ

seal  gaps  where  air  can  travel  between  the  attic  and  your  living  space.

To  reduce  both  cool-­ ing  and  heating  costs  and  make  a  home  more  comfortable  year-­round,  homeowners  can  take  a  whole-­house  approach:  $ +RPH 3HUIRUPDQFH ZLWK (QHUJ\6WDU FRQWUDFWRU FDQ ÂżQG DQG Âż[ WKH FDXVHV RI KLJK HQHUJ\ ELOOV uncomfortably  hot  or  cold/drafty  rooms,  moisture  problems,  ice  dams,  and  more.  Ef-­ ÂżFLHQF\ 9HUPRQW RIIHUV ÂżQDQFLDO LQFHQWLYHV to  homeowners  for  energy-­saving  improve-­ ments  completed  by  these  contractors.  If  your  GDG ZDQWV WR OHDUQ PRUH RU WR ÂżQG D FRQWUDF-­ WRU KH FDQ YLVLW RXU +RPH 3HUIRUPDQFH ZLWK (QHUJ\6WDU VHFWLRQ WR JHW VWDUWHG -­  Kathleen  for  Ask  The  Home  Team (GLWRUÂśV QRWH Âł7KH +RPH 7HDP´ DW (IÂż-­ ciency  Vermont  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  Li  Ling  Young,  Bob  Mur-­ phy  and  Kathleen  Brown  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  answer  questions  about  saving  energy.  Read  more  tips  or  ask  \RXU RZQ TXHVWLRQV DW ZZZ HIÂżFLHQF\YHU-­ mont.com/askthehometeam  or  call,  toll-­free,  1-­888-­921-­5990.

Learn  the  best  ways  to  put  pesticides  on  the  garden 5$1'2/3+ &(17(5 ² )DUP-­ ers,  foresters,  landscapers,  greenhouse  and  nursery  personnel,  pest  control  op-­ erators  and  others  who  use  restricted-­ use  pesticides  to  produce  agricultural  commodities  are  required,  by  law,  to  have  a  Vermont  pesticide  applicator  OLFHQVH &HUWL¿FDWLRQ LQYROYHV SDVVLQJ D ZULWWHQ H[DPLQDWLRQ ZLWK UHFHUWL¿FD-­ WLRQ HYHU\ ¿YH \HDUV On  April  23  University  of  Vermont  Extension  and  the  Vermont  Agency  of  Agriculture,  Food  and  Markets  will  conduct  a  review  session,  beginning  at  9  a.m.,  and  a  written  examination  for  LQLWLDO FHUWL¿FDWLRQ IURP WR S P DW Vermont  Technical  College  (VTC)  in  Randolph  Center.  Licensed  pesticide  applicators  also  may  attend  to  receive  WZR 9HUPRQW UHFHUWL¿FDWLRQ FUHGLWV Registration  is  $20  if  paid  by  April  12,  or  $30  after  that  date.  For  registration  Registration information  and  is $20 if a  download-­ paid by able  form,  go  to  April 12, or http://pss.uvm. $30 after edu/pesp/Initial-­ that date.

Cert2013flyer. pdf.  Lunch  is  not  included  in  the  fee  and  may  be  purchased  at  the  VTC  cafeteria  or  brought  from  home.

Training  is  based  on  the  new  1RUWKHDVW 3HVWLFLGH $SSOLFDWRU &RUH Manual  (released  November  2012),  which  costs  $35  and  must  be  pur-­ chased  for  study  in  advance.  Contact  Matthew  Wood,  Vermont  Agency  of  Agriculture,  at  (802)  828-­3482  or  matthew.wood@state.vt.us.

Topics  to  be  covered  in  the  review  session  include  state  and  federal  pesticide  laws  and  regulations,  pest  LGHQWL¿FDWLRQ DQG FRQWURO SHVWLFLGH formulations,  equipment  calibration,  protective  equipment  and  personal  VDIHW\ DQG ¿UVW DLG IRU SHVWLFLGH SRL-­ soning,  among  other  areas.

After  passing  the  core  exam  for  LQLWLDO FHUWL¿FDWLRQ DQ\RQH UHTXLULQJ commercial  or  non-­commercial  cer-­ WL¿FDWLRQ LV UHTXLUHG WR WDNH DGGLWLRQ-­ DO H[DPV IRU VSHFL¿F FDWHJRULHV 1R category  exams  will  be  given  on  this  date  but  may  be  scheduled  through  the  Vermont  Agency  of  Agriculture  by  calling  (802)  828-­3482.

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PAGE  8C  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013

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Earth  Day  and  Arbor  Day  are  coming  in  April.  Celebrate  WKH ZRQGURXV EHQHÂżWV RI WUHHV DQG PDNH D ZLVH LQYHVWPHQW E\ SODQWLQJ D VKDGH WUHH LQ \RXU \DUG %XW EHIRUH \RX SODQW WDNH VRPH DGYLFH IURP WKH H[SHUWV WR KHOS \RXU QHZ WUHH OLYH D ORQJ WLPH Âł7RR RIWHQ FRQVXPHUV ZDVWH KXQGUHGV RI GROODUV RQ WUHHV WKDW ZLOO GLH EHFDXVH WKH\ ZHUH SODQWHG WRR GHHS ´ FDX-­ WLRQV 7FKXNNL $QGHUVHQ D %RDUG &HUWLÂżHG 0DVWHU $UERULVW DQG VWDII DUERULVW ZLWK WKH 7UHH &DUH ,QGXVWU\ $VVRFLDWLRQ Âł3URSHU SODQWLQJ LV DEVROXWHO\ HVVHQWLDO IRU WKH VXFFHVV RI D WUDQVSODQWHG WUHH ´ VD\V $QGHUVHQ Âł8VLQJ TXDOLW\ SODQWV DQG IROORZLQJ XS ZLWK JRRG WUHH FDUH SUDFWLFHV VXFK DV ZD-­ WHULQJ SUXQLQJ DQG IHUWLOL]LQJ ZLOO QRW VDYH D SRRUO\ SODQW-­ HG WUHH 7KH PRVW FRPPRQ PLVWDNH LV SODQWLQJ WKH URRW EDOO WRR GHHS ´ VKH VD\V $QGHUVHQ DGYLVHV FRQVXPHUV WR IROORZ WKHVH SODQWLQJ guidelines: Â&#x2021; 0HDVXUH WKH KHLJKW DQG GLDPHWHU RI WKH URRW EDOO or  root  spread. Â&#x2021; 'LJ WKH KROH MXVW GHHS HQRXJK WR DOORZ WKH ÂżUVW VWUXFWXUDO URRW WR EH DW OHYHO JUDGH 7KH holeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  diameter  should  be  two  to  three  times  the  GLDPHWHU RI WKH URRW EDOO RU URRW VSUHDG Â&#x2021; 6HW WKH WUHH RQ XQGLVWXUEHG VROLG JURXQG LQ WKH FHQWHU RI WKH KROH 7KH WUHH VKRXOG EH SODQWHG VR WKDW WKH URRW Ă&#x20AC;DUH WKH EDVH RI WKH WUHH WUXQN ZKHUH WKH URRWV EHJLQ WR ÂłĂ&#x20AC;DUH RXW ´ LV YLVLEOH DQG DERYH JUDGH Â&#x2021; %DFNÂżOO ZLWK VRLO IURP WKH SODQWLQJ KROH XVLQJ ZDWHU WR SDFN RU VHWWOH WKH VRLO DURXQG WKH URRW EDOO 'R QRW WDPS soil  by  stepping  on  it. Â&#x2021; 0XOFK WKH SODQWLQJ DUHD ZLWK WR LQFKHV RI DQ RU-­ ganic  mulch  such  as  wood  chips.  Do  not  mulch  up  to  or Â

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Addison Independent, Thursday, March 28, 2013 — PAGE 9C

After the audit

THE BORDEN-­O’DONOHUE residence in Weybridge recently completed a major weatherization project.

Laurie Borden, husband Richard O’Donohue and Laurie’s mom, Margaret Borden, have always been energy-­conscious and decided to submit their home to an energy audit. They learned there was a lot they could do to make the home more weather-­tight, and ultimately invested more than $9,800 in recommended upgrades.

Laurie Borden, right, recently showed off new in-­ sulation in the basement;; above left, a hot water tank that works with a new solar hot water collector;; above center, air-­sealing weather stripping on doors;; and, above right, an upgraded attic hatch with new insula-­ tion in the attic.

With these and other upgrades the family expects to save 24 percent in energy costs each year.

Independent photos/Trent Campbell

NEW ZERO COST INSTALLATION AllSun Trackers can now be installed for no upfront cost. Instead of purchasing your electricity from the grid, purchase it from a Solar Tracker installed on your property.

WĂLJ Ă ŵŽŶƚŚůLJ ďŝůů͕ ũƵƐƚ ĂƐ LJŽƵ ǁŽƵůĚ LJŽƵƌ ƵƟůŝƚLJ ďŝůů ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ƐŽůĂƌ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝƚLJ͘ Ăůů Žƌ ĞŵĂŝů ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͘

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PAGE  10C  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013

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Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  PAGE  11C

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PAGE  12C  â&#x20AC;&#x201D;  Addison  Independent,  Thursday,  March  28,  2013

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