Solar power comes in a lot of flavors

From small to giant installations, there’s a lot of options, but you need to know what works for you By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com There are different types of solar energy panels, each different in terms of use and practicality. First let me give you an idea of how much they cost. Solar energy costs about $ 10 to $ 12 a watt to install. An average sized system to...

Going green can also mean saving green

Paying attention to the environment when replacing appliances or renovating your home can also fatten your wallet By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com We hear things like a green cars, green homes, green initiatives etc. but what does it all mean? Well, green homes are environmentally friendly homes; homes that preserve energy. The more heat and air conditioning loss occurring...

Window shopping for new windows

Checking the numbers on new windows could save you a lot of money down the road By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com I remember driving with my father in his 56 Ford pickup to the local lumberyard some time around 1960. My dad was a home builder, and like most builders at the time he would buy windows at the lumber yard. At that time these windows were made of yellow pine, real...

Stop and take a breath

Proper ventilation can — literally — be the difference between life and death By John D’Annunzio, columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com Seated at my desk one day at the township building, I could not help but to overhear a conversation between the township secretary and a resident. What I heard was troubling. The resident told the secretary that her daughter was having heath problems after she moved...

Watch Your Step: Deck Safety 101

What you don’t know about wood might end up killing you By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com Roughly 2.5 million decks were built last year; some by contractors, others home owners. Improperly installed and aged materials create a dangerous situation. I understand that money is tight right now and people want to do their own projects, however, most people aren’t familiar with...