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	New Device Reduces Lawn Mower Pollution by 93%:Students at UC Riverside have created an inexpensive device that effectively reduces pollution by 93% in gas-fueled lawn mowers.
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	Energy Star Clothes Dryers:Starting with 2015 models, Energy Star will now certify clothes dryers. New models will be 20% more energy-efficient than the minimum energy standard.
	Dog Waste: Eco-Options:Searching for greener alternatives to throwing out dog waste with the trash.
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	SnapRay Guide Lights SnapRay Guide Lights provide safe, efficient LED lights wherever you have electrical outlets in your home,without batteries or wiring required.
	Spring Lawn Care and Snow Mold:Though it looks terrible, dealing with snow mold and other issues is simple with these spring lawncare tips.
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	Simple Winterizing Tips to Save EnergyThere are many simple, inexpensive things you can do to save energy and money this winter.
	Niagara Stealth Ultra High-Efficiency ToiletOur review finds out whether an ultra-efficient toilet is up to the task of real world usage.
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	Energy Star Modems and RoutersNew Energy Star standards for modems and routers aim to reduce energy usage by 25% or more.
	Green on the Go: Reducing Air Travel Air travel is a huge source of climate change gas emissions. Here are a few ways to reduce its impact.
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	Big Eco Directory A large database of green blogs and sites around the web.
	Nest Protect Smart Smoke Detector The new Nest Protect smoke detector is a high-tech connected way to keep your family safe.
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	Green on the Go! Our newest column looks at ways to keep your commitment to living a green lifestyle when you're not at home.
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	Green Built Michigan: For Michigan homeowners looking to build green, the Green Build Michigan certification program is the official green building program of the Michigan Association of Home Builders.
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	Green Building Blocks:Moving Up the Wall: We continue to work our way up the Green Building Blocks wall, investigating even more ways to save energy and money.
	Green Building Blocks:Next Steps: Moving up the Green Building Blocks wall, these blocks offer signification energy savings and quicker payback to initial investments.
	Green Building Blocks:The Foundation: These are the building blocks that typically save the most energy and money with the least effort and investment.
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	Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): SIPs are an extremely strong and energy-efficient wall system that can reduce a homes' energy use by up to 50% compared to stick-frame construction.
	Green Home Siting: Simply where and how a home is situated on its site can save a great deal of energy and money; best of all, it's free!
	Blower-Door Test: Conducting a blowerdoor test is one of the best ways a builder can discover whether unwanted air is leaking into a home.
	The Benefits of a Smaller Home: Simply shrinking the size of a home is the best, simplest way to lighten its environmental impacts.
	The Building Blocks of Green: Our Green Building Blocks system will help you plan to get the most 'green' out of your home, no matter how large or small your budget.
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	Recycled Building Materials: Using recycled building materials in your new green home greatly reduces its environmental footprint.
	Small Wind Turbines: Create clean, green power right at home with a small wind turbine.
	Advantages of Wind Energy: Wind power created right at home has many advantages....and some disadvantages.
	Cost of Wind Energy: Want to get your feet wet and get into wind energy, but are curious about the costs? Find out here.
	Walk for Water Day: Help us supply fresh clean drinking water to all parts of the world during Walk For Water Day.
	Greywater Systems: Greywater is simply another name for wastewater generated by the home; activities like laundry, dishwashing, and washing.
	Low Flow Shower Heads: Bathing is a huge source of water usage in the home; switching to low flow showerheads can cut water usage in the shower by 50% or more.
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	2x6 Stud Framing: Using 2x6 studs instead of the traditional 2x4's may be better for your green home, and help to make it more energy-efficient.
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	Philips L Prize LED Bulb: This is the first winner of the U.S. government's L Prize, with remarkable energy savings.
	CFL Lights - Part 2: Additional information on the CFL that you should be aware of before you switch.
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	Ford Rouge Factory - Case Study: The living roof at Ford's Rouge Factory Complex is a 10.4 acre garden, planted with sedum.
	Faucet Aerator: This is a quick, simple way to save a significant amount of water, energy, and money in the home.
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	WaterSense: Find out what the WaterSense label is and why you should select WaterSense Labeled fixtures.
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	Water Saving Toiets: Newer, efficient toilets with the WaterSense label are tested and certified to save money and water for consumers.
	Underfloor Insulation: While insulating walls, ceilings, and attic spaces seems like a no-brainer to most people. Another area to consider is the floor.
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	Green Home Certification: Learn the steps necessary to achieve various certification levels for a new green home.
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	Residential Solar Panels: Get free renewable electricity for your home using only the energy of the sun.
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	Home Durability: Keep your green home operating at top efficiency and with minimal maintenance by keeping it durable.
	Net Metering: Find out if your power company will allow you to tie into the power grid and save big.
	Energy Tax Credit - Roofing, Water Heaters, Doors and Windows: There are some great tax credit available for use of these popular construction items.
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	Energy Tax Credit 2011 Wind Generators: Use a wind generator is a great way to spin your meter backwards and get tax credits as well.
	Solar Hot Water Credit: Solar hot water is one of the most energy efficient systems available. Save even more with a tax credit.
	HVAC Tax Credit: Energy efficient HVAC systems installed during 2011 may qualify for a federal energy tax credit.
	Energy Tax Credit Insulation: Adding insulation to your existing primary residence in 2011 can qualify for up to a $500 tax credit from the Federal Government.
	Window Tax Credit: Replacing your aging windows with new Energy Star windows in 2011 can qualify you for a Tax Credit on your 2011 Federal Taxes.
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	Brick Veneer: Brick Veneer is a natural product that is mined from the earth as clay, fired and provide a very durable product that used for a home's exterior and interior.
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	Energy Efficient Doors: Be sure to look for energy efficient doors that also use sustainable materials for your green home.
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	Doors and Windows: New Section started on energy efficient doors and windows. Great ideas on selecting the proper door and window elements.
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	Stucco Siding: Stucco has been used for building exteriors for centuries; it is extremely durable while also creating a beautiful exterior for your green home.
	Clay Roof Tiles: For thousands of years, clay roofing tiles have been a attractive and durable roofing material.
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	Metal Roofing Materials: Metal roofs offer a more environmentally-friendly choice for a roofing material.
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	Asphalt Shingles: New And Exciting Products For Asphalt Shingles That Are Greener Than Ever.
	Green Roof Systems: Explore the Options of Greening Your Home From The Top Down.
	Roofing Systems - Types of Roofs: Explore This Section and Find Out How You Can Green-Up Your Roof.
	About Us: The Green Home Source Team. Our Experience, Our Passion and Our Goals.
	In-Floor Heating Options: Find Out What In-Floor Heating Options Are Available For Your Green Home Project.
	Radiant Heat Flooring: Get The Most Even And Comfortable Heat Available For Any Heating System Today.
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	House Insulation: Learn All About the Different Insulation Types For Homes, R-Values, Green Aspects And A Lot More.
	Ways To Conserve Water: Learn How To Save One Of Our Most Important Natural Resources With These Easy To Implement Tips.
	Save On Utility Bills: Find Out How To Reduce Your Utility Bills Dramatically - Possibly Down To Zero.
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	Recycled Glass Countertops: These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Countertops You Can Install, Plus They Are Very Eco-Friendly.
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	Cork Flooring: Cork Is Rapidly Renewable, Recycled, Easy To Care For and Beautiful - Give Cork Flooring A Try.
	Concrete Countertops: Form These Counters In Virtually Any Shape, Color And Size And They Are Eco-Friendly.

Wind Site Analysis

Annual Average Wind Power

Before investing in any wind energy equipment, it's critical to determine whether your property is suitable for generating power from wind. Even if it seems like it's always windy in your location, there are many areas around the country where wind energy just isn't cost-effective.

Obviously, a residential wind energy system requires wind in order to work; the more, the better. Determining exactly how much wind you'll need depends on several things. First, is the wind energy system going to be grid-connected? If so, it will be used in conjunction with 'traditional' energy from your electricity supplier. In this situation, the amount of wind is less important; when there's not enough of it, energy from the grid will pick up the slack.
If your goal is an off-grid system, wind energy is typically used in a hybrid system with solar panels. Off-grid homes are completely dependent on the wind and sun for all energy needs; this situation requires more constant winds (and higher wind speeds) to be effective.

Determining Wind Speed

Generally speaking, most residential wind turbines require a 7 mph wind to get started (this is called the 'cut-in' speed) and an average of 10-12 mph for at least 6 hours a day in order to generate power.

The U.S. Department of Energy wind program is a useful resource in determining whether your location is suitable for wind power or not. The data they compile shows wind speed averages at 150 feet above ground (50 meters) , which is a typical height for a larger 10 kilowatt turbine. These maps can help identify good locations for wind energy.

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/windmaps/community_scale.asp

For smaller wind turbines (installed at lower heights), a hand-held anemometer (air velocity meter) is used to measure wind speed. Again, the U.S. Dept. of Energy has a helpful guide to anemometer loan programs:

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/anemometerloans/

Determining Home Energy Usage

Your electric bills will show you how much power your home is using each month. An average home uses 800 to 1000 kilowatt-hours per month; that's a lot of energy for a wind turbine to generate. If your electricity is under $0.10 per kWh, wind energy may not be cost-effective.
For example, a small home turbine may produce only around 40 kWh per month with a steady 12 mph wind speed. That's only about 4% of what an average home needs.
Whether you are adding wind energy to your home or have decided it's not cost-effective, reducing a home's energy usage through increased efficiency is always the best way to start reducing dependence on traditional energy.

Is Wind Power Right For You?

In short, it's impossible to determine whether wind energy is right for individuals or not. It's a personal decision, based on the amount of wind in a given location, the amount of energy needed for a particular home, and the commitment of the homeowner to renewable energy (i.e. how much money you're willing to spend on wind energy). A perfect situation would be a home located in an area with high average wind speeds that uses well below-average amounts of electricity.

The size of a wind turbine system will vary according to need; bigger turbines create more energy but cost more. If you've done your homework and decided that wind may work for you, the real homework starts; determining the right type and size of turbine, whether turbines are allowed by local ordinances in your area, and whether to use a grid-connected system or go 'all-in' with an off-grid system… lots of important decisions to make, which is part of what makes going green so exciting!

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