Exterior: Windows: Obviously triple pane is best, BUT that can get expensive. Simply adding storm windows is adding another layer. You get the same R-Value as if you had double or triple pane with an added benefit. If a storm window breaks, its $40 for a WHOLE window, MUCH cheaper than replacing or fixing your standard window. The best color for a window is white. Roof: The one thing most people never acknowledge is that the best color for a roof to be is WHITE. If you want to paint (coat) it white with a Hydrated Lime and water mortar, go ahead, for less than $100 you can coat your entire roof. Barring that, choose the BRIGHTEST shade shingle you can stand. DIY examples HERE. Walls: AGAIN, WHITE, especially in the south. If you have a brick house and want to go white, consider wrapping the house in standard or preferably aluminized house wrap, then install vinyl siding, the extra layer of insulation will keep the brick from absorbing heat all day long and then dumping i
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ReplyDeleteIf you want to use water and are in an area that freezes (like me), I made a solar collector using black rubber garden hose. its a little less efficient, but extremely robust and can handle freezing.
So, I recommend trying it.
Solar panels are much cheaper now.
ReplyDeleteless than a dollar per watt.
I get my solar panels from civic solar.
ReplyDelete