Increasingly complex farm machinery is an essential contributor to the productivity gains of U.S. agriculture. Expenditures on farm machinery in 1995 made up 13 percent of total production expenditures. Farm machinery sales in 1995 and 1996 leveled off somewhat after showing significant increases in 1993 and 1994. The increased value of farm assets and higher […]
Part 5 of Geothermal Energy: Power from the Depths of the Earth. The geothermal heat pump doesn’t create electricity—but it greatly reduces consumption of it. If you would like to reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home, you might want to consider installing a geothermal heat pump, an economical and energy-efficient technology for […]
People select PV systems for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons for selecting a PV system include: Cost—When the cost is high for extending the utility power line or using another electricity-generating system in a remote location, a PV system is often the most cost-effective source of electricity. Reliability—PV modules have no moving parts […]
Part 6 of Landscaping for Energy Efficiency. Trees and shrubs come in all shapes and sizes. How you select your trees and shrubs and how to plant them will directly affect your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Trees and shrubs have a life span of many years and may become more attractive and functional with […]
Most building codes require roof vents to expel moisture that could cause insulation or other building materials to deteriorate during winter. In summer, ventilation may reduce roof temperatures, thus lengthening a roof’s life. However, researchers are investigating whether attic ventilation is beneficial for all climates. For years, researchers have believed the cooling benefits of ventilating […]
Part 3 of Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning. When your air conditioner needs more than the regular maintenance described previously, hire a professional service technician. A well-trained technician will find and fix problems in your air conditioning system. However, not all service technicians are competent. Incompetent service technicians forsake proper diagnosis and perform only minimal stopgap measures. […]
An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. Air Conditioner Filters The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air […]
Older air conditioners may still be able to offer years of relatively efficient use. However, making your older air conditioner last requires you to perform proper operation and maintenance. Air Conditioning Problems One of the most common air conditioning problems is improper operation. If your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home’s […]
Part 3 of A Guide to Making Energy-Smart Purchases. Results from the energy audit can direct you to the changes that would be most appropriate to improve the energy efficiency, or “tightness,” of your home. Before you purchase an energy-related product or system, though, you should answer some important questions. What are your budgetary limits? […]