Installing a stainless steel liner that is optimally sized for the space and purpose, you can reline a damaged flue or correct an existing chimney size to more efficiently handle the exhaust of your furnace, boiler, hot water heater or fireplace. Adding insulation to the liner takes it one step further, and by doing so you not only increase the effectiveness of your appliance, but also help clean and reduce the amount of pollutants entering the air by burning more efficiently. For the ultimate in high-efficiency home heating, you might consider a new fireplace insert or a wood or pellet stove to take advantage of zone heating and reduce your overall energy costs. With zone heating, you dial down the whole-house thermostat while enjoying just the room or rooms you use the most with an alternate heat source.
PV Laminate Module (Solar Shingles)
There are many forms of Photo Voltaic cells to choose from, and this year a shingle-type module is due to enter the market. Federal and state tax credits may apply as well as a DTE rebate program.
Roof/Shingles
Light-colored shingles reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it, thereby keeping your home cooler in summer months.
Live Roofs
Live roofs reduce the air conditioning load in the summer, as well as the local area temperature, and help insulate in the winter. You may qualify for LEED points with a live roof.
Green Roofs
Use shingles that contain recycled materials as part of their content. You also have the option of roofing systems that can be fully recycled. These efforts to reduce our land fill can earn you LEED points.
Storm Water Runoff
Use rain barrels or another collection system to collect storm water run-off. You can use the water for your plants and save on your water bill. This action can help you earn LEED points.
Gray Water Collection
Incorporating a gray water collection system will reduce municipal system fresh water supply and sewer system loading. This will also minimize freshwater irrigation and water closet flushing. Earn LEED points!
White Roof
White roofs reflect the summer heat away from the house. To get the most out of white roofs, they may need cleaning every couple of years to maintain their reflectivity. A white roof may earn you LEED points.
Use reflective roof products that lower roof surface temperature by up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building’s interior. ENERGY STAR-labeled roof products save money and energy by reducing the amount of air conditioning needed to keep a building comfortable.
