The benefits of sustainable energy: Little things such as caulking, weather stripping and insulating home can save money

The options for sustainable energy in the home are growing beyond solar panels.

Diana Maneta, executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association, answered some of our questions about other large and small options. Her answers are edited for length.

What are some of the other options for homeowners beyond solar panels?

There are a few good options:

There is solar thermal for water heating. With a solar water heater, you will have a panel on your house with coils with nontoxic antifreeze, and the heat obtained from the sun heats the coils. You would still need another source of water heating as a backup.

There are small wind systems. Here in Missoula, wind is not a great resource. In other places in the state, where it is very windy, it makes sense to get a small wind system installed. You also need enough space at least an acre and you need to consult local zoning ordinances.

And ground-source heat pumps. These are taking advantage of the fact that a few feet below us, the ground maintains a much more constant temperature. You dig trenches and lay coils a few feet down in your yard. Theyve got this kind of antifreeze coolant running through them, and the ground being warmer than the air, it will transfer the heat into the coils. And its the opposite in the winter.

Theres micro hydropower. Rather than damming a river, you just divert some water from the river or stream, and that water runs through a turbine and produces electricity. This is only available to people with running water on their property, and it should have at least a 10-foot drop. You would also need to have the rights to use the water.

What are some small changes homeowners can make that will save money and make their houses more sustainable?

What we always tell people is before you even think of installing renewable energy, consider conservation and efficiency. There are some simple steps that will save you money and are good for the environment. And if you do decide to install a renewable energy system, you will be able to install a smaller one.

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The benefits of sustainable energy: Little things such as caulking, weather stripping and insulating home can save money