Use these Easy and inexpensive solutions for business or home to stay cool and comfortable without stressing your pocket book.
Part 3 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. The United States can be divided into four approximate climatic regions: temperate, hot-arid, hot-wet and cool. The average energy to keep the landscape strategies you use should depend on the region you live. These landscaping strategies by region are listed in order below. Carefully positioned trees can save […]
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 3 of Geothermal Heat Pumps. GHP systems have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of all the heating and cooling technologies. Low Energy Use The biggest benefit of GHPs is that they use 25-50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems. This translates into a GHP using one unit of electricity to move three units […]
Part 8 of Air-Source Heat Pumps. The following are sources of additional information on heat pumps. This list is not exhaustive, nor does the mention of any resource constitute a recommendation or endorsement. Ask an Energy Expert DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) P.O. Box 3048 Merrifield, VA 22116 1-800-DOE-EREC (363-3732) Online submittal form. Energy […]
Part 5 of Air-Source Heat Pumps. Poor installation, duct losses, and inadequate maintenance are more of a problem for heat pumps than for combustion furnaces. A growing body of evidence suggests that most heat pumps have significant installation or service problems that reduce performance and efficiency. According to a report on research funded by Energy […]
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 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 1 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House. You have much to consider when designing and building a new energy-efficient house, and it can be a challenge. However, recent technological improvements in building elements and construction techniques also allow most modern energysaving ideas to be seamlessly integrated into house designs while improving comfort, health, or […]
Part 3 of Learn About Saving Energy. It is important to save energy because most of the energy we use comes from fossil fuels. If we use up all our fossil fuels, there will not be any left for people to use in the future. It would be impossible to stop using energy. But we […]
Part 4 of Energy-Efficient Windows. Movable insulation, such as insulating shades, shutters, and drapes, can be applied on the inside of windows to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Shading devices, such as awnings, exterior shutters, or screens, can be used to reduce unwanted heat gain in the summer. […]
Part 1 of Energy-Efficient Windows. Windows bring light, warmth, and beauty into buildings and give a feeling of openness and space to living areas. They can also be major sources of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. In 1990 alone, the energy used to offset unwanted heat losses and gains […]
Part 6 of Ways to Save Money on Energy at Home. Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features, providing views, daylighting, ventilation, and solar heating in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, sunny windows make your air conditioner work two to […]
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 […]
Part 3 of Ways to Save Money on Energy at Home. Checking your home’s insulating system is one of the fastest and most cost-efficient ways to use a whole-house approach to reduce energy waste and maximize your energy dollars. A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that provide a home […]
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 […]
Part 1 of Earth Sheltered Houses. Earth-sheltered houses moderate the impact of extreme outdoor temperatures so that the interior remains at a relatively constant temperature. Let’s assume you’re in the market for a new home. Let’s further assume that, like many other people, you’re concerned about the limited supplies of domestic oil and gas, the […]
Part 3 of Advances in Glazing Materials for Windows. “Superwindows” now coming on the market can attain high thermal resistance by combining multiple low-e coatings; low-conductance gas fills; barriers between panes, which reduce convective circulation of the gas fill; and insulating frames and edge spacers. Also, optical properties such as solar transmittance can be customized […]
Part 2 of A Guide to Making Energy-Smart Purchases. An energy audit is one of the best ways to determine the most cost effective measures for reducing energy bills. Energy audits can locate areas where energy is wasted and can determine the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. Energy audits vary in complexity. You […]
Part 1 of A Guide to Making Energy-Smart Purchases. If you feel that energy bills are taking a big chunk of change out of your pocket, you are not alone. Americans spend more than $115 billion each year on fuel and electricity for their homes. On the average, heating and cooling (space conditioning) account for […]