All Energy Stories
Why should people use CFLs? Switching from traditional light bulbs (called incandescent) to CFLs is an effective, simple change everyone in America can make right now. Making this change
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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
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Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are often touted for their energy efficiency and long life. Although these are important considerations, selecting a light source should involve many other factors. Let’s explores
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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
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LED technology continues to develop rapidly as a general light source. As more LED lighting products are introduced on the market, what do retailers, energy efficiency advocates, and consumers
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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
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The total resource base in the United States, both renewable and non-renewable, is very large, with an energy content of over 657,000 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BBOE), or
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The United States possesses vast underground stores of heat whose full potential has yet to be realized. The Earth’s interior reaches temperatures greater than 4,000°C (>7,200°F), and this geothermal
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The Earth houses a vast energy supply in the form of geothermal resources. Domestic resources are equivalent to a 30,000-year energy supply at our current rate for the United
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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
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What about permits? If you live in a community in which a homeowners association requires approval for a solar system, you or your PV provider may need to submit
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Who sells and installs PV systems? In some locations, finding a PV provider can be as simple as picking up the telephone directory and looking under “Solar Energy Equipment
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Why should I buy a PV system? People decide to buy PV systems for a variety of reasons. Some want to reduce air pollution and help preserve the earth’s
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Are you thinking about buying a PV system for your home or business? If so, this series will provide basic information that you need to know. Consumer’s in Arizona
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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
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If you’ve ever soaked in water from a natural hot spring, you’re one of the millions of people around the world who has enjoyed the direct use of geothermal
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Flip a switch and light up a room—what could be easier? Push a button on the TV remote control and be entertained. It all seems so simple that we
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Geothermal energy delivers some powerful environmental and economic benefits. If you live in an area that uses geothermal resources for electricity production, you’re quite fortunate. Consider Lake County, California,
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The Earth’s crust is a bountiful source of energy—and fossil fuels are only part of the story. Heat or thermal energy is by far the more abundant resource. To
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Small run-of-the-river hydropower systems consist of these basic components: Water conveyance—channel, pipeline, or pressurized pipeline (penstock) that delivers the water Turbine or waterwheel—transforms the energy of flowing water into
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Of course to build a small hydropower system, you need access to flowing water. A sufficient quantity of falling water must be available, which usually, but not always, means
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If you’re considering building a small hydropower system on water flowing through your property, you have a long tradition from which to draw your inspiration. Two thousand years ago,
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What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Although it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that
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Energy vampires are sitting in dark corners, hiding under desks, and lurking on counter tops in offices across America. They take the form of office equipment, personal electronics, and
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Use these Easy and inexpensive solutions for business or home to stay cool and comfortable without stressing your pocket book.
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The easiest way to size your solar electric system is to have a vendor come to your home and perform a site analysis and load assessment. Solar electric vendors
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Biomass Cofiring Cofiring is a near term, low-cost option for efficiently and cleanly converting biomass to electricity by adding biomass as a partial substitute fuel in high-efficiency coal boilers.
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The Benefits of Biomass Using biomass, such as energy crops, crop processing waste, and agricultural residues, to produce energy benefits the nation, especially rural areas. The U.S. Departments of
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Warmed or air-conditioned air mixes with outside air through gaps in your home’s thermal envelope—exterior walls, windows, doors, the roof, and floors. Such air leaks can waste large amounts
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The winter months bring snow and ice storms, power outages and hazardous driving conditions. However, you can prepare for a disaster by taking a few steps to deal with
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It shouldn’t be a surprise that energy would be a hit in Texas—but 8,000 people on the first weekend to tour a home that uses less than half that
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Most of us are aware that windows provide us with natural light, ventilation, and a view. But windows still remain the least understood building design component, even though many
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A passive solar home is an exceptional home, differing from standard construction in the thermal integrity of its shell and its well-considered design. The design options, employing the principles
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Here are the five elements that constitute a complete passive solar design, using a direct gain design as an example. Each performs a separate function, but all five must
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Passive solar homes range from those heated almost entirely by the sun to those with south facing windows that provide some fraction of the heating load. The difference between
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Your home’s windows, walls, and floors can be designed to collect, store, and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in
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Geothermal heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home and provide hot water. More and more homeowners are discovering the benefits of
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American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ACEEE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.
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Another way to use renewable energy in your home is to use solar energy for water heating. Today’s systems carry a rating that tells you how well they’ll meet
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One of the most energy-efficient options for heating and cooling your home draws on another form of renewable energy—geothermal energy, or heat from the earth. This is not the
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An architect can examine the energy performance of your house in terms of how each of the components—the insulation, windows, heating and cooling system, ventilation, and lighting— all work
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In an existing home, any renovation or window replacement project is an opportunity to improve your home’s energy performance. Most existing homes have poorly insulated, leaky windows that would
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Heating and cooling 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.
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Your dealer can help you analyze your loads and size your system correctly. The dealer will install your equipment, making sure that it runs properly. Dealers will also have
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In addition to wind turbines, PV modules, or a microhydropower generator, you must purchase BOS equipment, when generating your own power. This may include battery charge controllers, batteries, inverters,
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According to many renewable energy experts, a standalone “hybrid” system that combines generation sources, such as wind and PV, offers several advantages over a single generation system. In much
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If you are fortunate enough to have a stream running through your property, you might be able to generate hydropower. Microhydropower is a term used to describe very small
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Photovoltaic cells produce direct current (DC) electricity. About 40 cells are joined together in enclosed, protective casings called modules. About ten of these modules are mounted in one PV
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All wind energy systems consist of a wind turbine, a tower, wiring, and the “balance of system” (BOS) components: controllers, inverters, and/or batteries. Home wind turbines consist of a
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At first glance, generating your own electricity using renewable fuel sources seems like the ideal way to avoid monthly utility bills. For some homeowners, self-generation is a choice that
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The following briefly describes renewable energy technologies that might be offered in green pricing programs or competitive markets in your area. If you do not currently have the option
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When describing electricity production, the terms electric power (or capacity) and electric energy (or electricity) are often used. “Power” is the ability to do work and “energy” is the
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Just a few years ago, we did not have the ability to choose our electric service. Currently, the electricity industry is undergoing changes that will bring choice to many
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Many renewable energy technologies make sense for consumers today. Prices have dropped during the past 20 years and the technologies have improved. Using renewable energy is easier than ever.
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What is Renewable Energy? Certain forms of energy are called “renewable” because these fuel sources are constantly replenished and will not run out. Renewable energy—like the sun and wind—is
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For the past two years, the wind industry has enjoyed record-breaking growth, and industry experts predict that with the extension of the PTC through 2008, the next two years
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One program R&D project that shows potential for demonstrating a significant increase in overall system performance is the 2.5-MW Liberty wind turbine developed by Clipper Windpower. Clipper completed its
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Large Wind Technologies Although research efforts for the past two decades have led to dramatic reductions in the cost of wind energy, continued incremental improvements to wind turbine performance
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Systems Integration The natural variability of the wind resource can present challenges to grid system operators and planners with regard to managing regula-tion, load following, scheduling, line voltage, and
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In support of Advanced Energy Initiative objective to expand the use of wind energy, the Wind Energy Program is increasing its efforts to overcome near-term deployment barriers to wind
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The DOE Wind Energy Program is one of 10 clean energy technology programs within the Department of Energy. It is managed by program staff at DOE Headquarters in Washington,
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Wind energy technology has come a long way over the past decade. In 1996, the average utility-scale wind turbine was almost as tall as a 12-story building and it
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Balance-of-System Equipment In addition to the PV modules, you must purchase balance-of-system (BOS) equipment. This includes battery charge controllers, batteries, inverters (for loads requiring alternating current), wires, conduit, a
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After you have assessed the appropriateness of your site, you need to determine how much electricity your PV system must generate. This depends on how much electricity your loads
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This diagram illustrates the annual average daily peak sun hours for the United States. Is My Site Adequate for PV? APV system designer can conduct a detailed site assessment
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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
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Many people are familiar with PV-powered calculators and watches, the most common small-scale applications of PV. However, there are numerous large-scale, cost-effective PV applications, including: Water pumping for small-scale
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If you are thinking of generating your own electricity, you should consider a photovoltaic (PV) system—a way to generate electricity by using energy from the sun. These systems have
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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
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Voids and Gaps To ensure a quality installation, there are several things to watch out for when installing loose-fill insulation—whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional.
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At the time this publication was written, the average loose-fill insulation cost per R-value per square foot was about 0.8 cents for cellulose and rock wool and 1.1 cents
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Upgrading or Repairing Other Building Components There are other home weatherizing and sealing measures to complete before you undertake any insulation project. Atight, well-sealed home is more energy efficient
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Insulation materials are compared on the basis of their R-values per unit of thickness, density per unit of volume, and weight per unit of area. There are several performance
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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
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Glazing Glazing is clear or translucent materials that allow sunlight to penetrate and warm the room. Glass is the most common glazing material, and many sunspace developers choose glass
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Passive solar systems structures are conceptually simple. However sunspace designers and builders must pay close attention to details to ensure maximum performance and reliability of the structure. Computer software
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Sunspaces serve three main functions: they are a source of auxiliary heat, they provide space to grow plants and have fun living areas. The design considerations for these features
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Everyone living in a home with a sunroom or sunspace will tell you that it is the most comfortable room in the house. Many times the homeowner only complaint
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A well-informed and well-designed home admits low-angle winter sun, rejects overhead summer sun, and minimizes the cooling effect of winter winds. If you are building a home, pay attention
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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
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Widespread tree planting and climate-appropriate landscaping offer substantial environmental benefits. Trees and vegetation control erosion, protect water supplies, provide food, create habitat for wildlife, and clean the air by
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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
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Geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption—and corresponding air pollution emissions—up to 44% compared to air source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with
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If you’re planning to build a new house, office building, or school, or replace your heating and cooling system, you may want to consider a geothermal heat pump (GHP)
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Knee walls are vertical walls with attic space directly behind them. They are often found in houses with finished attics and dormer windows, such as in story-and-a-half designs. One
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Cathedral ceilings must provide space between the roof deck and ceiling for adequate insulation and ventilation. For most areas of the U.S., the 1995 MEC recommends R-25 to R-38
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Loose-fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic. Although installation costs may vary, blowing loose-fill attic insulation—fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose—is usually less expensive than installing batts
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One problem area in many roof designs occurs at the eave, where there is often insufficient space for full insulation without blocking air flow from the soffit vents. Often
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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
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Insulating ceilings is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures. In addition to reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gains in the summer, ceiling insulation improves
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Lighting represents 20% to 25% of the electricity consumed in the USA. An average family spends 5% to 10% of its energy for lighting budget, while businesses consume 20%
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Cool light is preferred for visual tasks because it produces higher contrast than warm light. Contrast is the brightness difference between different parts of the visual field, which is
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All fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of mercury, and some compact fluorescent lamps with magnetic ballasts contain small amounts of short-lived radioactive materials. Because of these hazardous materials, you
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There are four basic types of lighting: incandescent, fluorescent, high-intensity discharge,and low-pressure sodium. Incandescent lighting is the most common type of lighting used in residences. Fluorescent lighting is used primarily in
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In choosing the best lighting options, you must understand what basic lighting is. This page explains the terminology used in the industry, which will help you better understand the
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The quantity and quality of light around us determine how well we see, work, and play. Light affects our health, safety, morale, comfort, and productivity. Lighting also directly affects
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If your air conditioner is installed correctly, or if major installation problems are found and fixed, it will perform efficiently for years with only minor routine maintenance. However, many
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Choosing a contractor may be the most important and difficult task in buying a new central air conditioning system. Ask prospective contractors for recent references. If you are replacing
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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
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Each air conditioner has an energy-efficiency rating that lists how many Btu per hour are removed for each watt of power it draws. For room air conditioners, this efficiency
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Today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if your air
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Air from hot attics can leak into the home around registers of the duct system. Air in the ducts can leak out through holes and seams. An enormous waste
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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
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An evaporative cooler (also called a “swamp cooler”) is a completely different type of air conditioner that works well in hot, dry climates. These units cool outdoor air by
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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.
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The basic types of air conditioners are room air conditioners, central air conditioners split-system, central air conditioners and packaged. Room air conditioners are installed directly in the windows or walls,
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The fluid that collects heat at the evaporator and releases it at the condenser is called refrigerant. Apump, called the compressor, forces the refrigerant through the circuit of tubing
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Are you considering buying a new air conditioner? Or, are you dissatisfied with the operation of your current air condi- tioner? Are you unsure whether to fix or replace
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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
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Heat-pump performance will deteriorate without regular maintenance and service. The difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranges from 10 to
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Like combustion heating systems, you control heat pumps using thermostats. If you leave and return at regular times everyday, you’ll save money by using automatic thermostats, which minimize energy
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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
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A heat pump’s performance and energy efficiency not only depend on the selection and planning of the equipment but also on careful installation. Consumers and home builders alike tend
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When selecting an air-source heat pump, consider the following three characteristics carefully: the energy efficiency rating, sizing, and the system’s components. Energy efficiency rating In the United States, we
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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
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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
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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
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Most consumers use more hot water in the evenings and mornings than at other times of the day. For those who have an electric water heater, this usage contributes
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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
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Generally, four destination points in the home are recognized as end uses for hot water: faucets, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Now, you do not have to take cold
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The next time you pay your utility bill, try one simple calculation. Divide the total amount by seven. The result is the amount you spend to heat your water.
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1. The largest cost, over the life of the system, is the batteries. The lifetime cost, including maintenance, of your batteries is dependent on your initial purchase price, how
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All batteries will wear out in 1-15 years, even if they are rarely used, because the acid in the battery wears down the internal components regardless of use. However, you
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A long cycle life, or how many deep discharges the batteries can provide. Thick lead plates—the thicker the plates, the deeper the discharge and the longer the battery life.
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The basic building block of a lead-acid battery is a 2-volt cell. A battery bank is a collection of connected 2-, 6-, or 12-volt batteries that supply power to
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A Winning Combination—Design, Efficiency, and Solar Technology A battery bank stores electricity produced by a solar electric system. If your house is not connected to the utility grid, or
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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
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For more information on solar electric systems, please contact: National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) 1414 Prince Street Suite 200 Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Phone: 703-299-8800 • Fax: 703-299-6208
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Warranties are key to ensuring that your photovoltaic system will be repaired if something should malfunction during the warranty period. photovoltaic systems eligible for some solar rebate programs must
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After your new photovoltaic system is installed, it must be inspected and “signed off” by the local permitting agency (usually a building or electrical inspector) and most likely by
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Connecting your photovoltaic system to the utility grid will require an interconnection agreement and a purchase and sale agreement. Federal law and some state public utility commission regulations require
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For grid-connected photovoltaic systems, your electric utility will require that you enter into an interconnection agreement (see also the next section). Usually, these agreements set forth the minimum insurance
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If you live where a homeowners association must approve a solar electric system, you or your photovoltaic provider may need to submit your plans. You’ll need approval before you
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If you decide to get more than one bid for the installation of your photovoltaic system (always a good idea), make sure that all bids are made on the
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Compile a list of prospective photovoltaic providers. (Those closest to you should have the lowest travel costs). Contact these providers and find out what products and services they offer.
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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
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When it comes to financing the cost of purchasing and installing your photovoltaic system, there are some special programs particular to financing solar and other renewable energy investments. But
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No single answer applies in every case. But a solar rebate and other incentives can always reduce the cost. Your price depends on a number of factors, including whether
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The value of your photovoltaic system’s electricity depends on how much you pay for electricity now and how much your utility will pay you for any excess power that
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Can you locate your system so it works well? A well-designed photovoltaic system needs clear and unobstructed access to the sun’s rays for most or all of the day, throughout
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People decide to buy photovoltaic systems for a variety of reasons. Some people want to help preserve the Earth’s finite fossil-fuel resources and reduce air pollution. Others want to
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Yes, many states offer incentives. For specific information, call one of the contacts listed under “Getting Help”. Another excellent source is the National Database of State Incentives for Renewable
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Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly to electricity. They work any time the sun is shining, but more electricity is produced when the sunlight is more intense and strikes
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Are you thinking about buying a solar electric system for your home or business? If so, this story provides some basic information that can help you. Solar electric systems,
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The following are sources of additional information on energy-efficient houses: The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) P.O. Box 3048 Merrifield, VA22116 1-800-DOE-EREC (1-800-363-3732) EREC provides free general
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Before you start a home-building project, the building site and its climate should be carefully evaluated to determine the optimum design and orientation for the house. There are energy-related
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Houses that incorporate all of the elements of energy efficiency mentioned in this series of articles have many advantages. They feel more comfortable because the additional insulation keeps the
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Appliances with relatively high operating efficiencies are usually more expensive to purchase. However, higher efficiency appliances provide a measure of insurance against increases in energy prices, emit less air
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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,
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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
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A thermal envelope is everything about the house that serves to shield the living space from the outdoors. It includes the wall and roof assemblies, insulation, air/vapor retarders, windows,
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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
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Coal:A solid fossil fuel found in the earth. Coal is burned to make electricity. Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or Compact fluorecent bulbs (CFB): Lights that use a lot less
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Here are some activities you can do to help save energy. Choose ones that you can do yourself or with your family and friends: Count how many light bulbs
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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
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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
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Energy is the ability to do work. It can come in the forms of heat and light. There are two types of energy: working energy and stored energy. Stored
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As with any purchase, balance the pros and cons of the different water heaters in light of your particular needs. There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a
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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
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A home’s space-heating system can also be used to heat water. Two types of water heaters that use this system are tankless coil and indirect. No separate storage tank
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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
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It is possible to completely eliminate standby heat losses from the tank and reduce energy consumption 20% to 30% with demand (or instantaneous) water heaters, which do not have
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Storage water heaters remain the most frequently used type of water heater for residential purposes. A variety of fuel options are available for conventional storage water heaters—electricity, natural gas,
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Many homeowners wait until their water heater fails before shopping for a replacement. Because they are in a hurry to regain their hot water supply, they are often unable
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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
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Manufacturers usually represent the energy efficiency of windows in terms of their U-values (conductance of heat) or their R-values (resistance to heat flow). If a window’s R-value is high, it
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When air leaks around windows, energy is wasted. Energy is also transferred through the centers, edges, and frames of windows. Eliminating or reducing these paths of heat flow can
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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
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If you are selecting a pool heater, ask for as energy-efficient model as you can afford. Several heat pump manufacturers make retrofit desuperheater coils for pool heating, and several
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Almost all of a pool’s heat loss—about 95 percent—occurs at the surface, mostly through evaporation to the air and radiation to the sky. A pool cover is an effective
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Swimming pools provide a great way to exercise and beat the summer heat. Building and maintaining a pool, however, also means relatively high costs added to your household’s budget.
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Appliances account for about 20% of your household’s energy consumption, with refrigerators, clothes washers, and clothes dryers at the top of the consumption list. When you’re shopping for appliances,
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Increasing your lighting efficiency is one of the fastest ways to decrease your energy bills. If you replace 25% of your lights in high-use areas with fluorescents, you can save
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Landscaping is a natural and beautiful way to keep your home more comfortable and reduce your energy bills. In addition to adding aesthetic value and environmental quality to your
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends close to $2,100 (2008 dollars) a year on their home’s utility bills? Alas, a significant portion of that energy is wasted. The
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Waterproofing Waterproofing can be a challenge in earth-sheltered construction. Keep in mind these three ways to reduce the risk of water damage in your house: choose the site carefully,
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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
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The construction materials for each type of structure will vary, depending on characteristics of the site, climate, soils, and design. However, general guidelines show that houses more deeply buried
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The climate in your geographical area will determine whether an earth-sheltered house can be a practical housing solution. Studies show that earth-sheltered houses are more cost-effective in climates that
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There are two basic types of earth-sheltered housing—underground and “bermed” (or banked with earth). Certain characteristics such as the location and soils of your site, the regional climate, and
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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
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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.
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Because programmable thermostats are a relatively new technology, you should learn as much as you can before selecting a unit. When shopping for a thermostat, bring information with you
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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
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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
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“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
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Manufacturers usually represent the energy efficiency of windows in terms of their U-values (conductance of heat) or their R-values (resistance to heat flow). If a window’s R-value is high,
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Until recently, clear glass was the primary glazing material used in windows. Although glass is durable and allows a high percentage of sunlight to enter buildings, it has very
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American Solar Energy Society (ASES) 2400 Central Avenue, Suite G-1 Boulder, CO 80301 Phone: (303) 443-3130 Fax: (303) 443-3212 E-mail:
[email protected] Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
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Will I need any permits or inspections? If you live in a community with a homeowners association, check to see if any approvals, permits, or inspections are required. Always
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Whether you need a backup system for your solar thermal system depends largely on the type of system you choose and where you live. Solar water-heating systems almost always require
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It is usually a good idea to get more than one bid for installation of your solar system. Make sure that all the bids you receive are based on
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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
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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
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The costs of maintaining your solar thermal system depend on the type of technology you choose and how often temperatures in your area fall below freezing. Properly maintaining your
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Financing Financing the cost of your solar thermal system is not as tricky as it may seem. Although some special programs are available to help you purchase solar thermal
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Your savings depend on how your solar system will be used, as well as the size and type of your system. Other factors can include the climate, the contractor,
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Some of the answers to questions about system size and features depend on how you plan to use the solar system. Here, you’ll find general information on sizing systems
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Why should I invest in a solar thermal system? The first question many people ask when considering a home expense is, “How much will it cost?” The answer depends
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What is solar heating? Solar heaters, or solar thermal systems, provide environmentally friendly heat for household water, space heating, and swimming pools. The systems collect the sun’s energy to
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Would you like to learn more about how the sun can help meet your home’s heating needs without straining your budget? Today’s solar heating systems not only keep swimming
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Remember the following if you plan to cool your home with ventilation: Learn how air flows naturally through your house. Take advantage of cool night air, and ventilate your
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Evaporative coolers or swamp coolers are a popular and energy-efficient cooling strategy in dry climates of the United States. Hot outside air enters the swamp cooler. The air passes
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A whole-house fan can substitute for an air conditioner most of the year in most climates. Whole-house fans combined with ceiling fans and portable fans pro- vide acceptable summer
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Window fans are best used in windows facing the prevailing wind or away from it to provide cross-ventilation. Window fans augment any breeze or create a breeze when the
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When you know how air moves naturally through your home, you can then optimize your mechanical ventilation. In warmer climates, natural ventilation can’t circulate enough air through a home
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Natural ventilation relies on the wind and the “chimney effect” to keep a home cool. Moving air ventilates your home by entering or leaving windows, depending on their orientation
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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
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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
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You may find that many improvements involving energy efficiency require a contractor for installation. While finding a quality contractor at the best price can be a little confusing, these
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The energy efficiency of similar appliances can vary significantly. It is usually more cost effective to purchase appliances with high efficiencies. Determining and comparing the energy efficiency of different
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Weatherization projects insulate and tighten the shell of the home. Such projects include, but are not restricted to, caulking and weatherstripping, improving or replacing windows, and installing insulation. Caulking
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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
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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
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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
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Using any or all of these strategies will help keep you cool. Even if you use air conditioning, many of these strategies, particularly reflecting heat and shading, will help
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Often-overlooked sources of interior heat gain are lights and household appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, and dryers. Because most of the energy that incandescent lamps use is given off
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Nothing feels better on a hot day than a cool breeze. Encouraging cool air to enter your house forces warm air out, keeping your house comfortably cool. However, this
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Placement of vegetation is important when landscaping your home. The following are suggestions to help you gain the most from vegetation. Plant trees on the northeast-southeast and the northwest-southwest
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Two excellent methods to block heat are insulation and shading. Insulation helps keep your home comfortable and saves money on mechanical cooling systems such as air conditioners and electric
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Dull, dark-colored home exteriors absorb 70% to 90% of the radiant energy from the sun that strikes the home’s surfaces. Some of this absorbed energy is then transferred into
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Keeping cool indoors when it is hot outdoors is a problem. The sun beating down on our homes causes indoor temperatures to rise to uncomfortable levels. Air conditioning provides
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