Being long time farmers they are owners and operators of a 20 acre vegetable farm called Big M Berry Patch.  Living on the same family homestead since 1901, the Repscher’s wear many hats extending their knowledge beyond the typical ag production of strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, potatoes and many other garden variety vegetables.

Farming the Big M Berry Patch in spring and summer, they switch operations in the fall to Big M Manufacturing and produce their corn fueled furnaces until April.  Big M produces four corn burner models with forced air and boiler versions.  A corn furnace does not burn stalks or left-over cobs. It burns corn kernels.  Corn contains oil and ethanol, which burn cleaner than other fuels, and more cheaply, too. Once you learn how valuable this reasonably priced source of fuel is, you have to wonder why the government is not using corn for more of America’s energy needs.

It is the general conception of most contractors that residential solar systems would be installed more if homeowners could afford it.  While many homeowners would like to use a residential solar system, they simply can’t afford to do it.  Many are, however, switching from conventional asphalt shingles to metal or tile roofing systems.  While the homeowner’s interest in green roofing is somewhat narrow, they do show strong interest in other green ideas such as rain barrels and solar powered attic or whole house fans.

Many contractors are taking it upon themselves to present green ideas to homebuilder prospects.  Interest and awareness, especially in the roofing field, means reduced energy consumption.  Basically, some people are more sensitive than others when it comes to green.  Some care, some don’t.  Some have the means to be environmentally friendly and others don’t.

Many homes were built before the realization of the importance of light and air circulation. Residential skylights are the most practical and economical solution in providing natural light, air control and ventilation in your home. The much improved design and attractiveness of today’s residential skylights have made them very popular among home owners and builders, especially in the United States.

Deflection and protection, distribution of natural light and elimination of hot spots are a few of the skylight factors that are increasing popularity.   The distribution of natural light through a residential skylight has been shown by researchers to increase concentration and productivity, aid the healing process, and raise people’s spirits.  Accompanied by its financial benefits of reduction in heating and cooling costs, uncomplicated installation and its calming, peaceful qualities, the residential skylight is undoubtedly a worthwhile addition to any room in your home.

While these gas-to-energy projects/plants are springing up everywhere in Europe, Denmark, China and numerous other countries, the US is just getting a good start.  Currently, there are approximately 519 operational energy projects across the US.  The EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) encourages development of landfill gas as an energy source.   About 50% of the gas emitted by landfills is methane.  Our local landfill installed an electric generation plant used for powering a large greenhouse company.  They are also purchasing wind power electricity.  These are perfect examples of private enterprise going green on their own initiative without government mandate.

If allowed, private industries and small businesses have always, and will continue, to find solutions for economic and energy needs.  Methane is a valuable energy resource.  Turning hazardous landfill gas into a marketable energy decreases landfill odors, improves the environment and generates revenue.  This is a win-win for everybody.

This glass is coated with titanium dioxide that is activated by the UV rays from the sun.  It takes approximately 5-7 days of light exposure for the glass to become fully active.  Organic dirt or material that adhere to the window panes is broken down through a chemical process  when water hits the surface.  The water doesn’t form into droplets but spreads out over the glass surface in an even sheet.   As the sheet of water flows off the glass it carries the dirt with it.  This coating also allows the glass to dry very quickly with less streaks or water tracks.

Natural daylight and rain or sprayed water breaks down the organic dirt and materials from outside elements.  This reaction is not the same, however, when a building is heavily exposed to inorganic materials such as salt or sand.   It still has the sheeting run-off action from the coating but not the chemical breakdown.  In other words these inorganic materials will be carried or washed off the glass in the same manner as they would on uncoated glass.

Regardless, as long as you have UV light and water, the self-cleaning glass is virtually maintenance free.  The sustainable coating lasts as long as the life of the window or glass without degrading over time.  It is very appealing especially for buildings or homes using large quantities of treated glass.

The Robson Square ice rink dome in Vancouver, BC and the Museum of Earth in Ithaca, NY are examples of building construction using maintenance free, self-cleaning glass.

Select “Energy Star” products that follow energy efficiency guidelines.

Install maximum insulation in the remodeled area.  The higher the R-Value, the less energy used.

Seal and insulate the home’s outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors, floors, etc.  This can save you up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs.

Install high efficiency windows.  Energy Star windows decrease transmission of heat rays from the sun that increase air conditioning costs.   The nice thing about windows is they can be replaced one, two, three or ten at a time depending on your personal budget.

If your furnace or central air unit is nearing its life’s end, the worst time to replace the unit is when it has quit working and you are forced to buy in a hurry.  If you replace an older, less efficient, but still functioning unit with a high-efficiency model, you have more time to research your options before buying.   Also, you may qualify for energy discounts on the purchase price.

Purchase Energy Star-rated appliances designed with advanced technology using a lot less energy than standard conventional models.  A tank-less water heater provides hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing and keeping the water hot in the tank.

Energy Star is a national campaign that encourages taking small individual steps that can make a big difference in energy use.  Discounts and rebates are also available to the homeowner.  Check on-line with www.energystar.gov home advisor website for additional information and tips.  Check with your utility company for available credits and rebates.

Government codes for installation of wind energy conversion systems (WECS):

Only properties of one acre or larger would qualify for Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) devised to convert wind power to another form of energy, such as electricity or heat, including wind chargers, wind turbines and windmills.

Before a building permit for a WESC can be issued, the applicant must provide a diagram on placement of the proposed wind generator, the manufacturer’s specs, certification by a registered qualified engineer that the foundation, tower and mechanical system comply with the building codes, and of course, proof of personal injury and property damage insurance along with a statement from the insurance provider that the generator is specifically covered.

The tower supporting the WECS can’t be any taller than 45 feet and has to be located at least twice its height from any property line.  The bottom of the turbine blades that capture the wind must be at least 15 feet above ground level.  The entire area must be fenced or have no climbing apparatus less than 12 feet off the ground.

The wind energy system can’t interfere with radio or television reception of neighboring properties, can’t be excessively or annoyingly noisy, and must have an overspeed control that prevents the system from operating when winds are blowing in excess of the speeds for which the machine is designed.

If the permit is terminated or revoked, or if the property is transferred or sold to another person, the owner is required to completely remove the WECS from the property.

If you are considering a wind energy conversion system for residential use, check with your local zoning office for specific requirements in your area.

The first electric storage tank hot water heater was invented in 1889 by George Ruud.  This invention has experienced numerous advancements since its introduction. The heat pump water heater is the new generation electric water heater developed to cut hot water costs for every use – baths, dishwashers, laundry and sinks etc.

Government weatherization incentives included wrapping your water heater with a fiberglass blanket.  While this did help reduce both energy use and cost, energy loss still occurred.  High efficiency , quick recovery and instant heat tankless water heaters have resolved the problem of storing large amounts of hot water.  These units have all but eliminated the cold water shock in the middle of a shower by extremely decreasing the waiting period for replenishing hot water.

Operation of heat pump water heaters is very similar to heat pump systems used for heating and cooling your home.  Instead of heating the element inside the water heater tank, the heat pump water heater utilizes existing heat energy from surrounding air sources and transfers it to the water.

As in most green technology, the initial investment is more costly than the conventional water heater.  However, with an efficiency rating of over 200 percent, the long-run savings is worth the up-front expense.    Also to be considered are federal tax credits and rebate programs from utility companies.  The heat pump electric water heater carries the Energy Star rating from the Department of Energy – a requirement in receiving the tax credit.

This recycling program consists of four basic steps. First, the contractor needs to include the provisions for recycling the tiles in his contract. The contractor or building owner will also need to verify with Armstrong that the tiles can be recycled. The old ceiling tiles do not have to be solely manufactured by Armstrong to qualify. Once verification has been received, the tiles must be stacked on pallets and either banded or shrink-wrapped for pick-up. Armstrong is then contacted and arrangements are made for the tiles to be picked up and delivered to its closest manufacturing facility. The number of tiles generated from a project will always be picked up, regardless of quantity, by someone within the Armstrong network.

There are a number of contractors involved with Armstrong and awareness of this program is growing. Word is definitely spreading and building owners are taking advantage of this benefit that reduces solid waste growth.

This is a win-win for everyone involved. Visit www.Armstrong.com web site for more details.

Solar panels utilize the sun for direct electrical energy. Small solar panels can produce enough D/C electricity for construction road signs, landscape lights, weather stations and much more. Residential solar panels for home energy have greatly improved. Years ago, the traveling salesman pedaled the larger size solar panels for residential use. These type panels were usually of a poor quality and improperly installed. As a result, many roofs had to be replaced and solar panels did not gain much popularity. However, as in all things, time brings improvements. Solar panels today are high quality and very diversified. Flexible solar panels on metal roofs can power large industries. Solar farms are being built in numerous states like Florida, Texas, California, Colorado, and are currently in operation outside Las Vegas. Solar panels can be installed not only on roof tops but on sides of buildings, in parking lots and various other areas. The more that solar panels are used to power homes and buildings, the more you will see a decline of the utility’s power grid, and just as important, a decline in your personal power bill.

While the use of fossil fuels is dwindling, the use of solar panels is increasing. So, if you are in the market for solar panels, avoid the flim-flam sales people and look for reputable contractors and manufacturers. If you are going to do it, do it right. Google can help you locate both.