Energy Efficient “Smart” Windows

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) over the next 20 years, energy consumption will increase: 45 percent for electricity 62 percent for natural gas 33 percent for oil There are significant questions over the energy industry’s ability to meet this projected demand over the next 20 years. This implies that the price for all forms of energy will likely increase during this future...

Energy Efficient Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), easily mistaken for stucco or concrete, consist of a wall cladding that uses stiff insulation boards on the outside of a structure’s wall and an exterior coating made of plaster. This building technology originated in Germany in the aftermath of World War II and was introduced to the U.S. in the 1960’s. There are a number of varieties, but all...

Conserving Energy in the Laundry Room and Bathroom

The keys to reducing energy consumption in the laundry room and bathroom are to economize on the use of hot water and shorten the operation of appliances. Methods to Conserve Energy in the Laundry Room Energy Efficient Laundry Room The following tips are provided with respect to clothes washers: Cold water detergents are as effective as conventional detergents in cleaning clothing If the...

Showers and Water Conservation

Water conservation in the U.S is not generally a topic of major public concern except for regional events related to droughts over a well-defined period of time. Its level of public attention has not reached the level of importance of electricity conservation, though the use of hot water is a primary factor in electricity consumption in today’s households. Water – particularly water used...

Insulate Windows – Lower Energy Costs

The ability to reduce drafts or mitigate the impact of a shining sun through windows can have a major impact on home energy costs: 15 to 35 percent of the heat loss experienced in colder climates results from poorly insulated windows. In the Sun Belt, the summer sun passes through the windows, increasing the ambient temperatures and forcing air conditioning systems to work harder. Higher...

Home Energy Conservation

Energy Conservation need not be a complicated or challenging endeavor. Simply making sure all the window locks are engaged will save energy, as most windows have weather stripping that seals out air leakage along the edges and between the upper and lower sash and the locks assure a tight seal. With that as an example, here are other ideas that can be applied to any homeowner’s energy efficiency...

Home Energy –The Challenges of Weatherizing a Home

Home Energy-Furnace As homeowners strive to make their homes more energy efficient and less expensive to maintain, some attention needs to be paid to balancing the impact of home energy changes to the overall functioning of the home, most notably safety. Typically, homes have leaky shells: Outside air flows in and out through various non-caulked and unfilled cracks, gaps and holes in a home’s...

Gravity Powered Floor Lamps – Application of Renewable Energy

Discussions of alternative or renewable energy naturally gravitate to visions of windmills, solar panels, and perhaps even steam geysers. Few, if any, think of humans as a source of renewable energy. Although not a new concept as evidenced by wind-up watches and clocks which have always relied upon humans as energy sources, there is a new application that reinforces this notion: a gravity-powered...

Energy Monitors – Part of Home Energy Conservation

Home Energy Monitor The typical U.S. homeowner may consider the possible benefit of home energy conservation at least once a month when the monthly utility bill comes due. To truly reduce the costs associated with electricity and to benefit the environment from energy savings, homeowners need to incorporate this concept into their day-to-day routines and truly change usage patterns. Energy...

Energy Efficient Hybrid Water Heaters

Energy Efficient Tank-less Hot Water Heater Conventional water heaters are among the highest users of energy of any home appliance, estimated to represent 17 percent of total usage of the typical home. Energy usage of these appliances was not regulated by Energy Star until 2008. With a recent industry focus on making water heaters more energy efficient, estimates of potential energy costs savings...