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 […]


Zero Energy Community, Vista Monta

Part 1 of Zero Energy Community. Vista Montaña In August 2003, Clarum Homes opened the doors at Vista Montaña, California’s largest Zero Energy Home community, with homes designed to use almost zero net electricity over the course of a year. Built on a former apple orchard, all homes in the development will harvest the sun to […]


Who sells and installs photovoltaic systems?

Part 9 of Get Your Power from the Sun. In some areas, finding a photovoltaic provider can be as simple as picking up the telephone directory and looking under “Solar Energy Equipment and Systems—Dealers.” However, many of the listings are solar water-heating companies and many companies might not be experienced in photovoltaic system design or […]


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, […]


Water Heating

Part 5 of Ways to Save Money on Energy at Home. Hot Water Usage (based on national averages) Shower: 37% Clothes washer: 26% Dishwasher: 14% Bath: 12% Sinks: 11% Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 14% of your utility bill. There are four ways to cut […]


How do I choose among solar thermal system providers?

Part 9 of Heat Your Water With The Sun. One way to choose a contractor is to check your list of potential companies for the ones nearest you. Ask them what products and services they offer. Here are a few questions you might want to ask potential vendors. Has your company installed solar thermal systems […]


Who sells and installs solar thermal systems?

Part 8 of Heat Your Water With The Sun. Depending on your area, the simplest way to find a solar thermal systems contractor is to look in the yellow pages under “Solar Energy Equipment and Systems—Dealers.” Most of the listings will probably be for solar water heating, photovoltaic (solar electric), or electric systems contractors. You […]