Recent studies including one by the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition shows that installation of reflective metal roofing can save your home up to 40% in summer cooling energy costs. This means less money out of your wallet, less dependence on energy resources and less general air pollution in your neighborhood.

The secret to metal roofing’s energy savings is in its variety of finishes. The basic, unpainted roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by a traditional asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated roofing systems in metal not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home. This is done because it works to re-emit most of what solar radiation is absorbed. Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation. That’s a lot of savings, and it’s why metal is fast becoming a popular residential roofing option.

Most roofing that is metal, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation. Erie Construction in Evansville, Indiana offers you a long-term solution in roofing. An option that will protect your home and put money in your pocket.

We all know we need to do more to lessen our carbon footprint. But are there ways to do this without going to the extreme of selling your home and moving the family into a tent? Actually, you will be relieved to know that there are easy ways you can go green at home!

Here are a few tips.

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
• Save water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too. Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

Energy experts say Americans waste the most energy of any other country! Bigger homes, bigger cars, you get the picture. The good news is that in this down economy there are easy ways to go green, and save energy!

• Each degree you turn down the heat saves 3 percent of heating costs, while each degree you raise the temperature of your air conditioner saves 3-4 percent of cooling costs.
• It’s summer stop cooking with your oven! Instead, cook with a slow cooker or a toaster oven (or even a solar oven!) to reduce electrical use from kitchen appliances. Or even better, fire up the grill outside.
• Switch to a laptop instead of using a desktop computer and cut three-quarters off your electrical use. Turn off the laptop at the end of the day.
• Switch to cold water washing and save 80 percent on energy used for laundry and save an estimated $60 a year.
• Stop using heat-producing halogen lamps (they can also be fire hazards).
  Install occupancy or motion sensors on outdoor lights.
• Switch to compact fluorescent from regular incandescent bulbs and use 60 percent less energy per bulb.
• Keep your tires inflated to improve gas mileage by 3 percent.

Going green doesn’t mean you have to follow every single tip, but experts say if you can follow some of them you’ll notice a difference in your energy bills!

Every year many homeowners plan to spruce up their outdoor space, whether it’s a porch or patio, but get frustrated when it starts looking dull and boring. Well, master gardeners say don’t get frustrated. It’s all in how you utilize the unconventional and downright unusual to make striking container plantings. Everything doesn’t have to be new, instead think shabby chic.

• Get creative and make use of your unused fire pit. It makes the perfect home for a combination of plants including tropical ferns. The lid keeps the planted area shady.
• Another idea. Why not make use of old watering cans. Just drill drainage holes in the bottom, fill it with soil and add plants!
• Tom tom plants planted with ferns and placed in iron stands, add height and interest.
• Master gardeners recommend placing container plantings at various heights to add interest.
• Container plants don’t have to be confined to just the porch or patio. They add texture and visual interest almost anywhere in the landscape.
• Make new terra cotta pots look old and weathered by dipping them regularly in your water garden.

Good luck, and remember there are no rules in gardening. Just have fun!

Every time I go to the grocery store I find myself spending a fortune on cleaning products! Experts say stop wasting your money and learn to be a little greener. After all, why spend a fortune on cleaning products that introduce toxic chemicals into your living space? You can use simple ingredients, such as baking soda, lemons, and vinegar to make effective cleaners that work in every room of your house. Besides being a snap to make, homemade cleaners cost mere pennies!

• Baking Soda. The cleaning powers of baking soda reach far beyond it’s role as a fridge deodorizer. Baking soda works as a non-abrasive scouring cleaner on counter-tops and ovens, and in bathtubs and sinks. It also rids clothes of perspiration odors when used in conjunction with laundry detergent in the washer.
• The next time you do laundry, try adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to a cup to your load.
• Before you vacuum, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet as a deodorizer.
• Lemon Juice. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes hard water deposits, dissolves buildup and dirt on wood, and tarnish on silver.
• White vinegar can be used in place of lemon juice. The infamous strong smell dissipates as the vinegar dries.
• If you need a quick All Purpose Surface Cleaner: Mix together equal parts white vinegar and salt. Scrub surfaces with a natural cleaning cloth.
• Cookware Cleaner: Coarse salt does wonders for scouring copper pans and ceramic baking dishes.
• Disinfectant: Mix 1/2 cup of borax powder with 1 gallon of hot water. Add a few drops of fragrant essential oil such as thyme, rosemary, or lavender. Store the mixture in a labeled spray bottle.

Follow these tips and your home will smell great and you’ll save a lot of money!