Solar Water Heaters

Part 6 of Selecting a New Water Heater. Through specially designed systems, energy from the sun can be used to heat water for your home. Depending on climate and water use, a properly designed, installed, and maintained solar water heater can meet from half to nearly all of a home’s hot water demand. Two features, […]


Conserve Energy and Heat Your Swimming Pool with Solar Energy

Part 1 of Conserve Energy and Heat Your Swimming Pool with Solar Energy. Swimming pools provide a great way to exercise and beat the summer heat. Building and maintaining a pool, however, also means relatively high costs added to your household’s budget. There are several ways that you can reduce operating and maintenance costs, lower […]


Alternative Construction Materials: Earth-Sheltered Houses

Part 6 of Earth Sheltered Houses. A form of earth-sheltered house that has been receiving much attention is referred to as an “Earthship.” These houses are built to be self-contained and independent; their design allows occupants to grow food inside and to maintain their own water and solar electrical systems. Some builders believe they have […]


Reflecting the Heat Away

Part 2 of Cool Your Home Naturally. Dull, dark-colored home exteriors absorb 70% to 90% of the radiant energy from the sun that strikes the home’s surfaces. Some of this absorbed energy is then transferred into your home by way of conduction, resulting in heat gain. In contrast, lightcolored surfaces effectively reflect most of the […]