In depth: Advantages of LED Lighting

Part 2 of Advantages of LED Lighting. Directional Light Emission Traditional light sources emit radiant energy in all directions. As such, an optical system—a lamp housing or a luminaire, with elements such as a reflector or lens—is typically necessary to direct output in the desired direction. Because no optical system is perfectly efficient, losses in […]


Understand High Efficiency Water Heater Technologies

High Efficiency Water Heaters Provide Hot Water for Less Heating water accounts for approximately 15% of a home’s energy use. High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50% less energy than standard models, saving homeowners money on their bills. Actual energy savings from high-efficiency water heaters depend on family size, heater location, and the size […]


Geothermal Resource Descriptions

Part 4 of Geothermal Energy Under Our Feet. Hydrothermal A hydrothermal system is defined as a subterranean geothermal reservoir that transfers heat energy upward by vertical circulation of fluids driven by differences in fluid density that correspond to differences in temperature (see Figure 2). Hydrothermal systems can be classified into two types—vapor-dominated and hot water— […]


Increasing Water-Heating System Efficiency

Part 3 of Energy-Efficient Water Heating. Reducing hot-water usage is primarily a matter of common sense and exerting a little extra effort to not be wasteful. Once you have applied a few simple, low-cost measures for reducing hot-water consumption, you may want to consider water-heating system improvements if you wish to further reduce your energy […]


Your Home’s Energy use

Part 2 of Ways to Save Money on Energy at Home. The first step to taking a whole-house energy efficiency approach is to find out which parts of your house use the most energy. A home energy audit will show you where these are and suggest the most effective measures for reducing your energy costs. You […]


Beginning Your Project: Earth-Sheltered Houses

Part 2 of Earth Sheltered Houses. You may want to start your project by contacting the organizations that can help you locate architects, builders, and contractors with earth-sheltered building experience (a few are listed in the Source List). The experienced builders in your location can also ensure that construction plans meet area building code requirements, […]


Thermostats with Automatic Temperature Adjustment

Part 2 of Automatic and Programmable Thermostats. To maximize your energy savings without sacrificing comfort, you can install an automatic setback or programmable thermostat. They adjust the temperature setting for you. While you might forget to turn down the heat before you leave for work in the morning, a programmable thermostat won’t! By maintaining the […]


Automatic and Programmable Thermostats

Part 1 of Automatic and Programmable Thermostats. In our modern, high-tech society, we don’t think much about some of the electronic gadgets in our homes. Take, for example, the ever-present thermostat—a staple of American households for decades. It usually takes the shape of an unassuming box on the wall, but that modest device controls the […]


Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation

Part 1 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. You can save energy and money when you ventilate your home instead of using your air conditioner, except on the hottest days. Moving air can remove heat from your home. Moving air also creates a wind chill effect that cools your body. Ventilation cooling […]


Making Good Investments

Part 7 of A Guide to Making Energy-Smart Purchases. Most consumers are looking for the greatest return for the least investment. This does not necessarily mean, though, that you should buy the least expensive product or system on the market. In fact, spending a little more money initially for an energy-efficient product or system (as […]