By John R. Wrightfield
My dream was to build an energy efficient home that was sustainable, multigenerational, and “smart,” with Americans with Disability Act concepts. In 2013, we began that project seeking to decrease our energy footprint.
Our new home is a third larger, but consumes much less energy than our previous home. Using LED lighting, low-flow water systems, high-efficiency windows, insulation using cellulose and foam (including in crawl spaces), geothermal heating and cooling and programmable thermostats, we are seeing big paybacks.
Just as my parents were affected by the Depression of the 1930s, I have looked back upon the 1970s — and the beginnings of the energy crisis — to find that I was just as affected by the changes of that era.
Much has changed in four-plus decades with energy and policies. As our state begins to invest more into energy efficiency, there can only be positives. Energy efficiency is the best way to conserve energy use, lower your bills, and enjoy cleaner air.