by Gloria Allen

Created on: November 07, 2007   Last Updated: January 31, 2008

The objective in buying an energy-efficient home is to:

a) Reduce your monthly utility bills
b) Which in the process reduces greenhouse gases
c) Which ultimately makes for a greener, healthier planet.

What to look for structurally to see if the home is truly energy-efficient?

- Is the house constructed with adobe (a common feature in the Southwest USA) or straw-bale? These infill materials are natural, non-toxic and have high R-values, meaning that they retain heat more in the winter and coolness more in the summer. If the house has ample windows, open them at night (if it's safe to) and let the cool air come in during the summer. Close them in the early morning and the cool air will keep the house comfortable all day without the need for air-conditioning. If the house has a large south-facing window (where it is generally hottest in the summer) make sure that there is either an awning there to provide summer shade, or a wide enough deciduous shade tree that will fill out with leaves in the summer and shade the house, further reducing the need for air conditioning, but allowing enough warmth/heat to enter the south-side of the house during the winter months.

- Non structurally, A house that has solar panels will not only reduce the need for nuclear power electricity, which while providing clean energy, does NOT provide clean waste and its' disposal methods, close to or on Native-American sites, leaves much to be desired. Also, if there is a mishap or accident at a nuclear power plant which prevents residents from getting electricity to their homes - having solar panels will leave you unaffected. The electricity that is surplus, can be sold back to the utility company for an actual check in your bank account! You also get Federal and maybe state (depending on where you live) tax credits for your purchasing solar equipment!

-Non-structurally, adding a compost toilet to your house, instead of a flush-toilet, will greatly reduce or even eliminate your water bill. And water is now becoming scarcer on the planet. There are several different kinds of composting toilets on the market (Sun-Mar; Biolet and others) some of which use no water at all, and some minimal water. There is no smell whatsoever and waste is broken down organically (which smells just like regular compost) and can be added to the garden. You can give your old toilet to a recycler.

- Use energy-savings light bulbs all over your house.

- Non structurally, using Energy-Star appliances will reduce your energy

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