Being an energy-smart consumer means getting the most from the energy you use: Lower your thermostat in winter and bump it up in summer before you go to sleep and before you head out for the day. Even easier, install a programmable thermostat that does it automatically. Clean or replace filters for forced-air furnaces, heat pumps […]
Part 7 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Safety Guidelines Insulation blown into your ceiling cavities should cover the top plate of the wall, but be sure the eave vents are not covered. These vents provide necessary ventilation to your attic, and covering them could result in severe moisture problems. Electrical devices and recessed lights (except “IC-rated” fixtures) […]
Part 1 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Whether you are increasing the insulation levels in your current home or selecting insulation for a new home, choosing the right insulation material can be challenging. Fibrous loose-fill insulations such as cellulose, fiberglass, and rock wool are options you may wish to consider. This publication will introduce you to these […]
Part 2 of Air-Source Heat Pumps. A split-system heat pump heating cycle You can use a central heat pump to heat and cool a whole house. Most central heat pumps are split-systems—that is, they each have one coil indoors and one outdoors (see Fig. 1 below). Supply and return ducts connect to a central fan, […]
Part 1 of Air-Source Heat Pumps. There are two common types of heat pumps: air-source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). Either one can keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. An air-source heat pump pulls its heat indoors from the outdoor air in the winter and from the […]
Part 5 of Energy-Efficient Water Heating. Note: Installation is more difficult on gas- and oil-fired heaters. Ask your local furnace installer for instructions. 1. Cut the tank top insulation to fit around the piping in the top of the tank. Tape the cut section closed after the top has been installed. 2. Fold the corners […]
Part 4 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House. Specifying the correct sizes for heating and cooling systems in airtight, energy-efficient homes can be tricky. Rule-of-thumb sizing is often inaccurate, resulting in wasteful operation. Conscientious builders and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning contractors size heating and cooling equipment based on careful consideration of the thermal envelope characteristics. […]
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 4 of Selecting a New Water Heater. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. To heat water for homes, heat pump water heaters work like refrigerators in reverse. Heat pump water heaters can be purchased as integral units with built-in water storage […]
Part 4 of Ways to Save Money on Energy at Home. Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 44% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling. What’s more, heating and cooling systems in the United States together emit over a […]