Energy Efficient Choices

When David Nelmes wanted to install a wind turbine and solar energy system in his Drums, PA home, he quickly learned how expensive going green can be.

"I did three months of research, and in many cases, it wasn't practical financially to install a system," he said. "I came to the conclusion that even before anyone begins making their own power, they have to learn to stop wasting the power they're using."

So, to better help people understand how to conserve energy in their homes by giving them a peek at the future of renewable power, he wrote and self-published a book, "The Rewards of Making Energy-Efficient Choices."

Mr. Nelmes has been interested in energy since he designed an electric car at age 17.

"The efficiency of the electric car depends on the battery capacity," he said. "I learned that the best technology is the fuel cell, because it is not highly dependent on fossil fuels."

In his professional life, Mr. Nelmes has served as an administrator, engineer and installer in the heating and air conditioning field; as a webmaster, administrator and advertising consultant for a home and garden Web Site business; and two-year stints as an assistant electrical construction engineer at the Berwick, Limerick, and Hope Creek, N.J. nuclear power plants.

His research on installing wind turbine and solar energy systems found that a typical wind turbine system costs between $15,OOO and $18,OOO with materials and installation.

"And a turbine - depending upon the wind in your backyard - will provide only 35 to 50 percent of your power," Mr. Nelmes said.

Solar can be part of a system with a wind turbine, because a system of just solar panels is very expensive, he added.

"You would need 40 panels, and you won't have enough roof for that," he said. "Your property would have to have enough southern exposure to accommodate the other panels. And the panels cost $600 to $700 each. If they were $700, that's $28,000 just for panels."

Geothermal systems are the most efficient, he said, but are also expensive.

"They have the best source of heat deep in the ground," he said. "But the average cost of a system is $20,000."

State and federal government subsidies are starting to make wind/solar and geothermal systems more affordable to the average homeowner, Mr. Nelmes said.

"Between the federal and state governments, a homeowner can get up to 30 percent of the cost in tax credits," he said.

There are things homeowners can do to make a house more energy and cost efficient, he said, adding that his 100-page book gives easy steps to follow.

The book touches on energy efficiency and conservation, the best methods for heating and cooling, creating hot water efficiency, tapping renewable solar and wind energy, powering your vehicle domestically, and funding and loan sources.

"I didn't want the book to become dated," Mr. Nelmes said. "So I added a special section to our web site where every chapter has a commentary and review section. There, I talk about what inspired me to write that chapter. On the Web site (www.energyefficientchoices.com), there is an interactive commentary, where people can pose questions and offer new information."

From his research, the two best ways to keep the heat in your home in the winter and the cool air in your home during the summer are insulation and sealing, he said.

Among some of the other energy-saving tips in his book:

• When you have to replace an appliance like a refrigerator, washer or dryer; replace it with an appliance that is Energy-Star rated. That means the appliance uses less energy than other appliances like it. Remember that you only make this purchase every decade or so, so spend the extra hundred or so because it will pay you back.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs, which use a fraction of the electricity.
• Replace any standard dryer vent with a dryer vent seal that prevents outside air from flowing backwards into the home when the dryer is not in use.
• Install energy saving Smart Strips for your computer and its peripheral equipment and get your money back in one year or less.