Eco Experts: Safer Water Pipes and Natural Home Cooling Questions Answered

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Safe water pipes

We are about to replace 800 feet of water piping from our well to our farmhouse and are wondering if we should look for an alternative to polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe. We have found lots of alarming information about the dangers of PVC, but no viable alternatives.

—Dale Williams, via e-mail

The plastics industry considers PVC itself to be inert. When used, however, PVC pipe must be joined together with toxic glue, which can leach into your water supply. In some areas it is illegal to use PVC pipe for potable water.

Copper pipe is the best choice for incoming water. It is the most expensive choice, but the only alternative is galvanized pipe, which is more expensive to install and doesn’t last as long. In the long run, copper is most healthful and economical.

Keeping cool naturally

Now that the weather is getting warm again, I would like to know how to keep cool without using an air conditioner. I want to save energy but, more importantly, I want to breathe natural air that hasn’t been cooled through a machine.

—Sandra Stone, via e-mail

Consider cooling your home with means that are in harmony with your climate. Natural cooling systems prevent heat gain at the source and make use of shade trees, the cool temperature of the soil, flowing waters, open windows, and your home’s northern exposure.

First, minimize the amount of heat created within your home. The three major sources are waste heat given off by lights and appliances, radiant heat from the sun shining through your windows, and outside-air heat conducted through your windows, walls, and ceilings.

To minimize these heat sources, use energy efficient appliances and lights; do your baking and ironing in the evening when it’s cooler; shade windows with vegetation or interior window coverings; close draperies, shades, or radiant shields on windows and skylights to block direct sunlight and hot air drafts; and insulate the attic, floors, crawl spaces, basement, and exterior walls.

Fans can also help reduce the need for air conditioning. A whole-house fan in your attic (or in an upstairs window) can pull cool air inside and blow warm air out. Small fans, such as ceiling fans, keep air moving throughout the house.

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