Every wonder what is keeping the rain out.  Your roof, that’s what.  Ever wonder what type of roof you have?  Probably not, but it is one of the most important parts of your home.  There are many types of roofing systems ranging from typical asphalt shingles to zinc clad metals and everything in between. 

One of the most environmentally friendly roofing material is metal.  Metal roofing first and foremost is 100% recyclable.  That is an extremely significant number.  There are very few materials used for the construction of your home that can boast that type of recyclability.  Another nice aspect of the metal roof is that the coatings out there offer a “cooling effect” in that much of the heat is reflected away from your home resulting in lower energy costs.   By reducing energy consumption from heating and cooling your home you will reduce your over all footprint on the environment. Over the years you will be surprised by the savings both environmentally and financially.

If you install a new metal roof you will be installing most likely the last roof you will ever need.  They help protect from fire, they are very durable and can be very aesthetically beautiful.  The next time you thing about a roof think again and investigate.

In today’s world of Green Architecture one of the main Categories in this program has to do with heating and cooling buildings.  How can that help you green your home?  Well one of the best things to do is Insulate, insulate, insulate.  By starting with insulation, you can prepare your home’s envelope so you can begin searching for an efficient HVAC system. 

There are basically a few basic things that a homeowner can do to help “Green” their home regarding HVAC system.  The first is what type of HVAC system is best suited for your home. There are many different type of systems out there so talk to your local professional regarding which system works for you.  Next overlooked area is the location of the duct system, which can have great impact on the size and type of system you will use.  Always run the duct system in a conditioned space.  The key to that is that the air that is being delivered doesn’t cool or heat up on its way to your vents.  Also make sure that the ducts are properly insulated and sealed. When picking a system also be cognizant of the type of air filtration system that will be used.

Today’s HVAC systems are extremely energy efficient and the savings can be substantial when all the different aspects are taken into consideration.

In today’s ever increasing concern over energy savings there is one rating that has been used in the United States since the Clinton Administration implemented it in 1992.  Since then the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Taiwan have also adopted this standard that is the standard for energy efficient consumer products.  Products and devices that carry this label generally use 20%-30% less energy than required by federal standards.

Results are already adding up. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR®, saved enough energy to power 10 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions from 12 million cars – all while saving $6 billion.

These are great numbers but we still have a long way to go.  So the next time you are looking for a new refrigerator or stove look for that seal.  For more information check out this web site http://www.energy.gov/energyefficiency/energystar.htm .