Part 1 of United States Climate Change Impact. What is this Series? this Series summarizes the science of climate change and the impacts of climate change on the United States, now and in the future. It is largely based on results of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), and integrates those results with related […]
Part 2 of Arizona Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System. Why should I buy a PV system? People decide to buy PV systems for a variety of reasons. Some want to reduce air pollution and help preserve the earth’s finite fossil-fuel resources. Others would rather spend their money on an energy-producing improvement to […]
Part 4 of Small Hydropower Systems. Obtaining a Permit and Water Rights If your hydropower system will have minimal impact on the environment, and you aren’t planning to sell power to a utility, there’s a good chance that the process you must go through to obtain a permit won’t be too complex. Locally, your first […]
Advanced vehicles of the future will provide much better fuel economy and emissions savings than today’s conventional vehicles. However, there are only a few alternative fuel vehicles available for sale today. Until you are able and ready to buy a clean and efficient alternative fuel vehicle, here are some things you can do today to […]
Part 1 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. Are you looking for cost-effective yet eye-pleasing ways to lower your energy bills? Planting trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and hedges could be the answer. In fact, landscaping may be your best long-term investment for reducing heating and cooling costs, while also bringing other improvements to your community. A […]
Part 8 of Advanced Technology and Alternative Fuel Vehicles. Electricity is considered a fuel when used in vehicles. Electric vehicles use various types of batteries and other energy storage mechanisms to store the electricity used to run a vehicle. While the electricity production process for vehicles may contribute somewhat to air pollution, an electric vehicle […]
Part 1 of Advanced Technology and Alternative Fuel Vehicles. Transportation accounts for more than 67% of oil consumption in the USA-more than it produces. Today, our country imports more than 54 percent of its oil, and suggested that this could increase to 75% by 2010. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the average vehicle […]
Part 4 of Get Your Power from the Sun. People decide to buy photovoltaic systems for a variety of reasons. Some people want to help preserve the Earth’s finite fossil-fuel resources and reduce air pollution. Others want to invest in an energy-producing improvement to their property. Some people like the security of reducing the amount […]
Part 5 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House. Appliances with relatively high operating efficiencies are usually more expensive to purchase. However, higher efficiency appliances provide a measure of insurance against increases in energy prices, emit less air pollution, and are attractive selling points when the home is resold. Home buyers should invest in high-efficiency appliances—such […]
Part 3 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House. Since an energy-efficient house is tightly sealed, it needs to be ventilated in a controlled manner. Controlled, mechanical ventilation prevents health risks from indoor air pollution, promotes a more comfortable atmosphere, and reduces air moisture infiltration, thus reducing the likelihood of structural damage. Furnaces, water heaters, clothes […]
Part 2 of Learn About Saving Energy. We use a lot of energy to heat and cool our homes. We burn fuel in our furnaces or boilers for heat. We also burn fuel to heat water for our baths and showers. Large utility companies use energy to make electricity. These companies usually burn fossil fuels, […]
Part 1 of Ways to Save Money on Energy at Home. Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends close to $2,100 (2008 dollars) a year on their home’s utility bills? Alas, a significant portion of that energy is wasted. The amount of energy wasted just through poorly insulated windows and doors is about as much […]