home&garden 31 coating that reflects up to 70 percent of heat energy while allowing in visible light, generally giving it an R-factor of around 4. Some higher-end windows also contain other insulators such as heat-mirror film that more than double their insulating properties to R-9 or higher. Better-quality windows are beneficial in sunny Colorado, where you want to block hot summer sunlight but let in warm winter sunshine. Triple-paned windows insulate your home and reduce street noise better than dou- ble-paned windows, but they can cost about 50 percent more. Do your math to make sure the extra expense is justified. Gas Fillers. The spaces between double- and triple-paned windows can be filled with regular air or inert gases, such as argon and krypton. Inert gases are odorless, colorless and nontoxic, plus they reduce heat transfer. Argon, for example, has about 33 percent less ther- mal conductivity than air. Visible Transmittance Number. The visible transmittance (VT) number on your window’s label indicates how much light the glass lets through. VT values can range from 0 to 1, but most VT values fall between 0.3 and 0.8. The higher the number, the cleaner the glass. Air Leakage. Different styles of win- dows have different rates of air leakage. Hinged windows generally offer the lowest leakage rates, but look for an air leakage rate of less than 0.3, which is the standard in most areas. Energy Star ® Standards. The U.S. Department of Energy has proposed stricter Energy Star ® standards that are expected to be phased in starting in late 2009, and fully implemented by 2013. Among other things, the new rules will incorporate more specific regional guidelines for windows, dividing the country into six territories instead of four, and placing Colorado in three zones rather than two. If you want the most energy-efficient windows available for our area, some manufacturers, including New Windows for America in Northglenn and Accent Windows in Westminster, sell products that already meet or exceed the new standards. Shopping for replacement windows can be confusing. But armed with a little knowledge and patience, you can improve your home’s comfort at the same time you cut energy costs and help pro- tect the environment. Boulder, Colorado 303-993-2645 bluevalleyenergy.com Use the natural warmth of the earth to heat and cool your home. • Geothermal systems can dramatically reduce energy use • Save 40% to 70% on your heating & cooling bills • The ideal comfort system for new construction and retrofits Planet Earth The best heating and cooling system for your home. Call to learn more about new federal tax rebates for geothermal! 32 home&garden Glorious greenhouses By Debra Melani Winter is as welcome to gardeners as aphids are to roses: No more red-ripe juicy toma- toes, sweet-smelling flowers or warm hours in the garden. Just snow, wind and cold. But some green thumbs are easing their winter blues by taking up greenhouse gar- dening. “I just like the cozy feeling and the greenery in wintertime,” says Sue Main, who has a 6-by-8-foot greenhouse where she overwinters geraniums, petunias and fuchsias, and her husband grows tomatoes and peppers. Nationwide, greenhouse sales have increased, especially following the 9/11 food-shortage scare, says Main, a consul- tant for Charley’s Green house & Garden in Washington state. More people also want to grow their own food to avoid pesticides, E. coli contamination and other threats. Interest in orchid-growing has also fueled sales, but it’s the cold- state gardeners who make up the bulk of the nearly 1 million U.S. gardeners a 32 home&garden PHOTOS: TOP BY TT; CENTER AND BOTTOM COURTESY CHARLEY’S GREENHOUSE & GARDEN, CHARLEYSGREENHOUSE.COM A greenhouse requires research, time and money, but the payoff is the gift of greenery and a peaceful, restorative space year-round. home&garden 33 34 home&garden GREENHOUSE GRAB BAG SOLARGRO DOVER Advantages: Attaches to home, convenient to use regardless of weather, nearby plumbing and electrical connections, energy efficient Disadvantages: Requires careful planning to fit home, shade-cloth attachment can be difficult to use Glazing: Glass and twin- or five-wall polycarbonate Size, Price: Wide variety with some customization available; under $3,000 to $8,000-plus SOLARGRO CAPE COD Advantages: Attractive designs, headroom for tall plants and hanging baskets, sheds snow Disadvantages: Could exceed height restrictions, more area to heat than some models Glazing: Glass and twin- or five-wall polycarbonate Size, Price: Wide variety and can be customized; $5,000 to $20,000-plus Here are a few greenhouse models from Charley’s Greenhouse & Garden. Check charleysgreenhouse.com for more options. SOLARGRO PHOENIX Advantages: Designed for cold, dark climates, deflects wind, sheds snow, most energy-efficient model Disadvantages: Can’t be customized, except for door and door drop Glazing: Combination of five-wall polycarbonate and white insulated panels Size, Price: 10-by-12 feet, 10-by-16 feet, 10-by-20 feet; $7,950 $9,490, $10,950, respectively — Debra Melani PHOTOS COURTESY CHARLEY’S GREENHOUSE & GARDEN, CHARLEYSGREENHOUSE.COM home&garden 35 year who have bought greenhouses for the past five years, says the National Gardening Association. A greenhouse is usually a costly invest- ment that involves more than picking the prettiest one on a website and hitting the “order now” button. The selection depends on your space and budget, and on what and how much you want to grow. Many novices opt for greenhouse kits, which can range from window-box greenhouses to cozy 4-by-6-footers to industrial 20-by-50-foot models. Some suppliers will also customize a green- house to fit any space. “Sometimes with kits, you get what you pay for,” cautions Shane Smith, director of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and author of Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion. Buyers will have to invest time and energy to construct the greenhouse, and the foundation, electricity and plumbing aren’t included and often require contractors to install. These additional expenses can add up quickly, along with costs for essential accessories like humidity and misting sys- tems, benches, and grow lights. So kit buyers shouldn’t assume a bet- ter price is a better deal, Smith says, “because you’re probably getting a lower- quality product.” You’ll also have to choose a style for your greenhouse, which ranges from tradi- tional (gabled roofs, A-frames and gothic arches) to offbeat (domes and prisms). Picking the “glazing”—a greenhouse’s wall and roof material—involves fore- thought, too. For Colorado, Main suggests twin-wall polycarbonate glazing, or five- wall, if you can afford it. “Unless looks are especially important,” she says. “Then you would want glass because you can see through it a lot better.” Glass also lasts longer—“unless it meets up with a rock,” Smith says. But polycarbonate is more energy efficient— something to consider if you don’t want to grow tomatoes that cost more than store-bought varieties because of heating bills. Twin-wall polycarbonate costs about the same as glass, but five-wall bumps up the price considerably. However, the increase could quickly be recouped in energy savings. For those on a budget, Smith suggests Solexx greenhouse kits (solexx.com). The company’s polyethylene blend might not last quite as long, but offers similar or better energy efficiency at a lower cost. Why were we chosen to insulate the Governor’s Mansion? Because of the results of the Extreme Energy Makeover Home in Boulder. Bestway Insulation’s experts know how important it is to keep homes of all sizes well insulated. That includes your home. Our commitment to reducing your energy bills and keeping your family comfortable is just one reason why Bestway has recorded the highest energy savings from insulation for two years in a row at the Extreme Energy Makeover Homes in Boulder and Centennial. In addition, Bestway Insulation is a qualified contractor for the Insulate Colorado Rebate program, offered by the Governor’s Energy Office. The program provides a rebate to homeowners (20% up to $300) who insulate and air-seal their attics and exterior walls to the recommended R-Values presented in the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. We take our work very seriously because we believe all Ameri- cans have a moral obligation to insulate and seal their homes so that we don’t waste money or energy that heats up our earth. SPECIALIZING IN SUPER-INSULATING HOUSES BESTWAY INSULATION SERVICE sWWWBESTWAYINSULATIONCOM 36 home&garden Solexx kits don’t require the permanent investment of laying a foundation, either. For newcomers to greenhouse garden- ing, tent-like cold frame kits, which cost as little as $300, may be a good way to go, Smith says. Although not useful year- round, they do allow you to grow seedlings very early in the season and keep greenery growing through late autumn. Single or Attached? Perhaps the biggest decision is whether to buy a freestanding or house-attached model, which has some advantages, Smith says. “I’ve always contended that the closer you are to your greenhouse physically, the better you’re going to take care of it. And if you attach it to your home, that’s about as close as it gets. You might be more apt to sip your morning coffee out there and think, ‘I need to fertilize my orchids.’” A well-insulated attached greenhouse on the south side can also decrease home heating bills, he says. At the same time, the house buffers the greenhouse from north- erly winds. Heat, electricity and plumb- ing are probably more accessible with an attached greenhouse, which is impor- tant if you want to garden year-round. “Otherwise, you shut it down for the three coldest months or grow only incredibly tolerant plants,” Smith says. There are also propane-heater options for greenhouses. On the flip side, freestanding green- houses set up anywhere, and come in larger sizes. Green Go-Ahead Before buying a greenhouse, make sure the doors and frame (typically alumi- num or wood) are sturdy, and that it comes with a warranty. Also, be sure the company provides technical assistance, a thorough and easy-to-follow manual, and an instruction video. Snow and wind load are also impor- tant factors to consider, especially in our area. Snow easily slides off steep roofs, and curved eaves are often not available in energy-saving polycarbonate models. Building codes and neighborhood cov- enants may also govern choices. Main recommends at least a 75-mph wind load and 35-pounds-per-square-foot snow load for greenhouses in Colorado. “Check with the local codes,” she says, and see if upgrades are available for the models you’re interested in. Despite the expense, time and research necessary to greenhouse-garden, Smith predicts it will continue to grow in popu- larity. “People are getting more into gar- dening,” he says, “and they really enjoy picking their own flowers and vegetables. It’s also just a great cure for winter.” Insulate with Reflectix (a foil-faced, bubble-wrap-like material) on the east, west and north walls, and north roof portion. Insulate the foundation’s outside perimeter with a 1-to-2-inch- thick vertically placed Styrofoam board that extends down for at least a foot. Weatherstrip vents and doors, and caulk cracks . To determine where leaks are, close up the greenhouse, light an incense stick and hold it against the walls and joints. If the smoke moves, seal that spot. Line the north wall with metal or black drums filled with water. The drums absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Invest in a night curtain, which you can roll across the inside of the greenhouse at night. Just like a blanket, it’s useful in extremely cold and windy areas. —Source: Shane Smith, greenhousegarden.com “GREEN”HOUSE TIPS Glass greenhouses (left) showcase plants because you can see through the walls. But they don’t insulate as well as polycarbonate greenhouses (above), a better choice for Colorado’s climate and your energy bills. PHOTOS COURTESY CHARLEY’S GREENHOUSE & GARDEN, CHARLEYSGREENHOUSE.COM home&garden 37 38 home&garden By Debra Melani Who doesn’t love a spa day? The primping. The preening. The relaxation. But some- times it’s hard to find the time. Or maybe you can’t shell out the bucks. So why not join the millions of in-home spa goers? We asked a few experts how to pamper in private without spending a wad of cash. Their first suggestion is to get your pri- orities straight. Instead of thinking about Spalicious! Creating an inexpensive in-home spa is salve for the soul. what’s for dinner, your kid’s soccer game, your parent’s health, or anything else, remember that a spa day is for you. It’s your time to relax, slow down, breathe deeply and put yourself first. Next, stock your home spa with items that appeal to the five senses: taste, touch, smell, sight and sound. To accomplish that, you’ll need a few essentials on hand: a thick, plush robe and cushy slippers; a washcloth, a back brush, and a loofah or other scrubber; a pitcher of chilled spring water with lime or lemon and a fancy drinking glass; a teapot for steeping green or white tea; your favorite CDs; cleansers, toners and moisturizers; coarse sea salt, body scrubs and pumice; fluffy hotel-style cot- ton towels; luxurious hair-care products; a bath tray, a pillow and a cooling-gel eye mask; an aromatherapy diffuser and natural essential oils; self-massage tools; PHOTO BY BRIAN CHASE home&garden 39 Perfectly aligned with the rhythm of life . Pirouette Window Shadings . ® gracefully combine the personality of a classic fabric shade with the ability to control light in a new way. With a gentle pull of the operating cord, you now have precise control of the light and view you choose to let in, or block out. The textured fabric in a palette of stylish colors transforms from contoured folds with the look of a roman shade to opened vanes for the sheer light control of a Silhouette ® window shading. www.innovativeopenings.com DENVER 7255 S. Havana, Centennial 303.757.7979 BOULDER 1672 30th Street, Boulder 303.449.6465 40 home&garden An aromatherapy diffuser and natural essential oils are crucial for a home spa. Chromatherapy shower heads deliver a rainbow of mood-altering colors. Meditative music soothes the soul. Babassu bath and body oil provides a silky moisturizing experience. Soaking tubs made of rock add an earthy feel to luxury baths. a small bowl of fresh fruit and/or vegeta- bles and dip; naturally scented candles; fresh flowers. You may not use all these items on the same day, but you’ll be ready for different types of pampering, depending on the amount of time available for your in-home spa day. Seeing Is Relieving When picturing the perfect spa retreat, most people envision themselves neck- deep in soapy suds, eyes clad in cucum- bers. But what you see when your eyes are open matters, too. “Clear the clutter,” says Candis Ayers, spa director for St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder. Clothes on the floor and junk on the counters hamper a meditative mind-set. Place a bouquet of fresh flowers (or a well-done silk imitation) in your line of sight from the tub. And don’t forget the mood-setting must: candles. Although some, like Ayers, prefer the real thing, battery-operated candles are increas- ingly popular in spas, says Mindy Terry, a nationally recognized spa consultant and president of Creative Spa Concepts. Here are a few ideas for an in-home spa. Simulated beeswax candles contain LEDs that create a safe and realistic flickering glow. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and mood-enhancers that can elevate your spa experience. Round, square or rectangular rain showers turn an ordinary shower into a tactile sensation. Gourmet teas add a rejuvenating touch to spa time. PHOTO BY PINKCANDY SPA SPECIFICS [...]... of a theme or concept and use it as a guiding philosophy.” But remember this is your time, so don’t rush “Slow down your breath, your thoughts and your movements,” Hunt advises “The benefits and joy you experience during your in -home spa day will be more colored by your desire and intentions than by any fancy, expensive products you can buy.” home& garden 45 feature home 46 home& garden Architect Thomas... always relaxing, and a flat-screen TV gives you both audio and visual, letting you gaze at a turquoise ocean and white sandy beach while listening to lapping wave sounds Smell the Roses Aromatherapy is a key element in a home spa Essential oils have been used since ancient times for healing and mood elevation These plant-derived oils exert different effects Lavender, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang-ylang... have a CD player or iPod docking station, Ayers suggests a local company called Sounds True The Louisville-based company offers a variety of music for purchase or download that focuses on health, healing and relaxation, with everything from classical music and sacred chants to hymns and New Age sounds Other options: White noise and sounds like ocean waves, rain forest 42 home& garden chatter or raindrops... Other woods came from standing dead cherry, walnut and ash trees from a family farm in Indiana oil and gas are not infinite,” says Beck, founder of T.W Beck Architects in Estes Park “We are just too wasteful, and we don’t have to be.” For more than 30 years, Beck, now 52, has built a career around those ideas, designing solar- and wind-powered homes with recycled materials and energyefficient appliances,... solar power, recycled tile and insulation, sustainably harvested wood and other energy-efficient technologies—all without sacrificing aesthetics “I wanted to demonstrate that you could have an energy-efficient home and greenbuilt products, and that it didn’t have to look weird,” says Beck, standing outside his elegant stone -and- stucco home, which EXTRAORDINARY DESIGN PAYS EXTRAORDINARY DIVIDENDS BECK... afterward, Beck, a bearded outdoorsman who loves to swim and ski moguls, and DePrez, an Indiana trial lawyer who loves to read and play piano, were planning their wedding and scouting for property in Colorado They found a wooded, 40-acre oasis high above the town of Estes Park, and quickly agreed that with the closest power pole located 50 home& garden ... his green home in Estes Park a decade before green building was trendy to prove that energy efficiency and tasteful design could go hand in hand By Lisa Marshall Long before green was the new black and the word ecofriendly was omnipresent, an idealistic young CU architecture student named Thomas Beck embarked on a quiet mission to spread the word about sustainable building The year was 1974, and the nation... the Arab oil embargo, with mandatory gas rationing, a maximum 55-mph speed limit, and year-round daylight saving time in place to save energy Beck attended the National Solar Energy Conference in Denver and walked away with an insight that has since guided his career: “I realized that home& garden 47 Left: Thick wooden beams stretch out like tree branches in this Estes Park home s great room Below: A... the sense of touch in a home spa: Rub your temples Enlist your spouse Buy self-massage tools, like rollers, kneaders and acupressure balls And simply immersing yourself in warm water increases blood circulation Add jets to your tub and you bump up the benefits, Terry says She, however, would opt for the elegant, earthy aesthetics of a Stone Forest tub “They’re beauti44 home& garden ful big tubs that... feet, especially if your job requires you to stand for hours A quick, easy foot treatment is to fill a basin with warm water, Epsom salts and several drops of peppermint essential oil (you can also add fresh rose petals, if your garden is in season), and soak your feet in it Then get out the pumice stone and smooth out rough spots Whatever eases your mind and stimulates your senses, incorporate it into . an in -home spa day not only taste great, they can be relaxing as well as healthful. home& amp ;garden 45 feature home home& ;garden 46 home& amp ;garden. Colorado’s climate and your energy bills. PHOTOS COURTESY CHARLEY’S GREENHOUSE & GARDEN, CHARLEYSGREENHOUSE.COM home& amp ;garden 37 38 home& amp ;garden By Debra