1. By Hannah Vehrs

2. Older homes were not constructed to save energy or to improve the environment. In the 1970s, the average refrigerator consumed about 1,500 Kilo watt hours per year.

3. There are many different ways to build homes in order to save energy. They are more valuable, comfortable, and decrease utility costs. Easier on the environment.

4. ENERGY STAR is the trusted, government- backed symbol for energy efficiency. Helps people save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.

5. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy. Makes it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.

6. Grass roofs help make houses efficient by adding good insulation. The plants that make up the outside layer of the system protect the inner roof layers from ultra violet rays. Green roofs significantly reduce storm water by absorbing and retaining rain water.

7. An inert gas (such as argon or krypton) is placed in between the panes. These gases insulate better than air. They are typically double- or triple-paned.

8. Some energy-efficient windows are designed with a clear coating that reflects infrared and UV rays. Keep the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They also prevent artwork and furnishings from fading.

9. Tile is more energy- efficient for warmer climates as it keeps rooms cool. Tile lasts much longer than carpet, which is less expensive in the long run. Tile also requires little maintenance unlike carpet, which requires regular cleaning with special products or services.

10. Inadequate insulation is the main cause of inefficiency in the average American home. When a home has poor insulation, heated or cooled air escapes, and the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system has to work that much harder to keep the indoor temperature stable.

11. The refrigerator is the single biggest power consumer in most households. A typical refrigerator made in 1990 uses over 900 kilowatt hours (KWHs) per year—that's the same amount of energy a person would use by leaving a 1,250 watt hairdryer on for a month! The older the refrigerator is, the more power it burns. V.S.

12. Energy Star: Clothes Washers Dehumidifiers Dishwashers Freezers Refrigerators Room Air Cleaners & Purifiers Water Coolers

13. This shows the distribution of annual electricity consumption by U.S. households. About 57% of the total energy produced worldwide is used to drive electric motors. In the U.S., electric motors account for 20% of electrical energy consumption. At this rate, enhancements in efficiency of just 5% make a big difference.

14. The perception of green homes is changing. No longer expected to be off the power grid, carved into the side of a hill like a cave. Future homes will be more energy-efficient and earth- friendly. They are expected to produce at least as much energy as they consume over the course of a year. Choosing biodegradable shampoo and recycling soda cans are good earth-friendly steps. Next up is building energy-efficient green homes, offices, and retail spaces that use solar and thermal power and leave less of a footprint on the planet.

15. http://www.meritagehomes.com/whybuy/energyefficient/?gclid=CNvf5sT3864CFQJdhwodVBe3Iw http://www.google.com/imgres?q=energy+efficient+appliances&um=1&hl=en&safe=strict&sa=N&rlz=1C1 GPCK_enUS430US430&biw=1440&bih=775&tbm=isch&tbnid=AgUppaMUa6TiEM:&imgrefurl=http://hom epower.com/basics/started/&docid=4Oq0-Mns_- djGM&imgurl=http://homepower.com/images/basics/basics_started_piegraph.jpg&w=300&h=303&ei=H OdsT6jQM4WsiQLdhImwBQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=327&sig=116897585134412623934&page=1&tbn h=158&tbnw=156&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0&tx=85&ty=114 http://www.aunitedworld.net/realestate/resources/view/169670/ http://www.google.com/imgres?q=energy+efficient+appliances&um=1&hl=en&safe=strict&sa=N&rlz=1C1 GPCK_enUS430US430&biw=1440&bih=775&tbm=isch&tbnid=AgUppaMUa6TiEM:&imgrefurl=http://hom epower.com/basics/started/&docid=4Oq0-Mns_- djGM&imgurl=http://homepower.com/images/basics/basics_started_piegraph.jpg&w=300&h=303&ei=H OdsT6jQM4WsiQLdhImwBQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=327&sig=116897585134412623934&page=1&tbn h=158&tbnw=156&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0&tx=85&ty=114 http://www.aunitedworld.net/realestate/resources/view/169670/ http://www.google.com/imgres?q=old+house&start=127&um=1&hl=en&safe=strict&sa=N&rlz=1C1GPCK _enUS430US430&noj=1&tbm=isch&tbnid=kMu-EnkFa- s9NM:&imgrefurl=http://www.flickriver.com/photos/wwwca/2969178905/&docid=pM930oL- DB1c_M&imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2969178905_b99ab9c6c3.jpg&w=500&h=391&ei= aq5nT4W3C4ihiALvnrSNBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1039&vpy=400&dur=4607&hovh=198&hovw=254 &tx=154&ty=182&sig=116897585134412623934&page=5&tbnh=139&tbnw=171&ndsp=33&ved=1t: 429,r:31,s:127&biw=1440&bih=775 http://www.google.com/imgres?q=old+house&start=127&um=1&hl=en&safe=strict&sa=N&rlz=1C1GPCK _enUS430US430&noj=1&tbm=isch&tbnid=kMu-EnkFa- s9NM:&imgrefurl=http://www.flickriver.com/photos/wwwca/2969178905/&docid=pM930oL- DB1c_M&imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2969178905_b99ab9c6c3.jpg&w=500&h=391&ei= aq5nT4W3C4ihiALvnrSNBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1039&vpy=400&dur=4607&hovh=198&hovw=254 &tx=154&ty=182&sig=116897585134412623934&page=5&tbnh=139&tbnw=171&ndsp=33&ved=1t: 429,r:31,s:127&biw=1440&bih=775 http://www.mnpower.com/powerofone/one_home/energystar/appliances/refrigerator.htm http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/considered-energyefficient-improvement-home-3071.html http://www2.electronicproducts.com/Efficient_motor_controls_save_terawatt_hours_year-article- FAJH_Energy-Dec2007-html.aspx http://www2.electronicproducts.com/Efficient_motor_controls_save_terawatt_hours_year-article- FAJH_Energy-Dec2007-html.aspx http://www.fmlink.com/article.cgi?type=Benchmarking&title=Green%20Roofs%3A%20A%20Sustainable%2 0Solution%20for%20Energy%20Savings&pub=Facility%20Issues&id=40525&mode=source http://www.fmlink.com/article.cgi?type=Benchmarking&title=Green%20Roofs%3A%20A%20Sustainable%2 0Solution%20for%20Energy%20Savings&pub=Facility%20Issues&id=40525&mode=source http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/817404/Energy-efficient-green-home-plans