Energy Efficient Homes

Saving on water usage is one way to go green and help the environment. We have become more eco-conscious in the last few years and a lot of improvements have been made on our existing appliances...

If you have ever read or watched the Harry Potter series you may think that it is all about the forces of good battling the forces of evil. Or you might think it’s just the entertaining...

Traditional skylights tend to be very expensive and overall are energy wasters, because in essence, they're a big hole in your roof that is no where near as insulated as a roof without a skylight....

Want to shave your electric bill by a third? Build a solar water heater! They're easy to build, easy to maintain and are great for the environment. Here's some pro's and con's to having one and a...

If you know where air is infiltrating your house by blower door test ( refer to my other article) , or simply feeling drafts near certain parts of your house it is important to fix these leaks...

The combination of global warming and rising energy costs has renewed people's interest in renewable energy. Water and wind energy rely on using force to turn a turbine that generates electricity,...

There are a few questions you will need to answer before you purchase solar panels for a small house. Now that they have become an affordable option for many homeowners, there are many reputable...

Architects and builders implement passive solar techniques to reduce heating costs for buildings. Unlike "active" solar techniques that involve transforming solar power into electricity, passive...

DC is a goal-oriented current which runs directly from the positive pole to the negative pole, with no deviation. AC is completely different, flowing back and forth between the positive and...

Heating duct insulation reduces the amount of heat lost by the air as it travels through the duct system. Insulation breaks down over time and loses its ability to contain heat. Replacing old...

Insulating the gaps around the entry doors of your home will save you money in energy costs. You can add felt insulation or a weatherseal under the door but the gap may be too tight. A better...

No matter what season it is, a house that seals out the drafts saves a lot of money in energy cost. The best examples are in the summer and winter if you live in climates with extreme...

Closed-cell insulation is one of the best types of insulation because it has a high R value per inch and helps to seal air leaks. Other types of insulation can leave gaps that allow drafts that...

In the comfort of your self-sufficient home, you can surf the web, cook a gourmet dinner and soak in a jetted hot tub, without ever receiving a monthly utility bill. Not only can this save you...

Spray foam insulation is a very efficient method of insulating your home or office. It is possible for anyone to use spray foam insulation by renting equipment or by buying a disposable kit....

Passive solar home design has become big business, but it is not a new concept. In fact, both passive solar and passive cooling techniques, such as window tint, landscaping and building...

Radiant heating involves pumping hot water from a conventional gas or electric water heater through pipes below a home's floor. The hot water makes the floor warm, and that in turn radiates the...

Building your own homemade solar panels is inexpensive and moderately easy if you're familiar with basic soldering and wiring techniques. You need some plywood, boards, glass or plexiglass, a...

An inefficient roof can raise your utility bill in a couple of ways. Whether you are heating or cooling your house, heat will be transferred in during the summer and out during the winter from...

Home insulation maintains temperature by reducing the flow of heat. In the summer, insulation keeps the house cool. In the winter, insulation keeps the house warm. The degree to which insulation...

There are two federal programs that provide tax credits for homeowners for the purchase of energy conserving and alternative energy items. These purchases will also save the homeowner money in the...

Baseboard and radiant floor heating are both broad categories. Each can refer to several types of heating installations, because radiant floor heating can be electric or hydronic (using lines...

When choosing energy efficient parts to your new home be wise. Only do things that will really save you money.

In an effort to spruce up your house, you might want to install Vinyl Soffit. Vinyl will protect your house from the elements, and eliminate the need for scraping, priming and painting; year after...

The Cash for Appliances program is almost live and is expected to start in early 2010. Under the new program, energy star rebates can be anywhere from $25 to $200, based on the energy star...

Constructing solar panels may seem daunting, but is nowhere near as difficult as you may think. With a few cheap materials, and a few easy steps, you can set up your own solar panel system for a...

Solar lights are typically available in the garden section of your local hardware store as low-wattage self-contained solar ground lights. These are excellent for lighting a walkway or parts of...

Adding insulation to your attic is a great way to save energy, but there are a number of choices that you need to sort through. What is the best type for your situation? What is the best...

So, you have weatherized and insulated your house. You have switched all of, OK most of your light bulbs to CFL’s and installed a low flow showerhead. Your programmable thermostat is set for...

LEDs: light emitting diodes. They're bright, compact, use very little energy, create very little heat, have a long life and they're all the rage. They seem to have several advantages over...

Many people have become interested in renewable energy sources due to rising energy prices and the damage created to the environment by the use of fossil fuels. Improvements in technology have...

Everyone is talking and trying to claim the energy tax credit this year. There are guidelines and rules that apply to qualify for the credit. Everything we do to our homes that are...

A creaky first floor, a hard to keep warm first floor or a first floor that is unusually humid can all point to one problem: no vapor barrier in the house crawl space. The crawlspace is designed...

No one wants to escape the cold on a winter day by going into a house that is roughly the same temperature as it is outside. If the home has a functional heating system, this will not be an issue....

There are two types of can lights, those that can come into direct contact with insulation and those that can't. If a can light can directly contact insulation, it will be marked with an IC on the...

A clothes dryer is a very convenient machine but can also be dangerous if not handled correctly. One of the riskiest parts of the dryer is the vent as that can become very hot and needs to be...

The good news is you do not need to replace your existing wiring to use solar power. Solar energy, which is DC (direct current), can be converted to AC (alternating current) by using an inverter....

DIY pour-in foam insulation is not only a way of improving your home's comfort level, but it is also quick and relatively easy. The material can be applied in just about any location, including...

Making a solar heater for an in-ground pool is an easy way to reduce the need for grid-powered heating elements, which can be expensive. The average homeowner can build a panel from common...

Making power with a windmill alternator can be used to power home appliances and even supplement moderate electrical usage for a group of homes. Building the windmill power plant can be done with...

Living in a rental place has many positives and negatives. And while everyone is talking about saving money on energy during the winter, some of these advices are a little bit harder to be...

Adding insulation to walls is one of the most difficult home improvements you can do, unless you are already putting up new siding. Although most heat loss occurs through other places in the...

Upgrading to an energy efficient dishwasher can make a big difference in saving water and electricity, and will go a long way in lowering your monthly energy bill as well as your family's carbon...

When an older home is restored and becomes more energy efficient, or 'green', it creates environmental and health benefits. Green homes conserve energy and save money as well as reduce indoor air...

Masonry provides some of the longest lasting and durable siding in the construction industry. Brick and stone are popular choices for home coverings that are rather challenging to install, but,...

Crafting a wind generator from one or more automotive alternators can reduce or eliminate the need for grid home power. Alternators and moderate power usage can make the project effective, and...

Solar heating panels can supplement the need for grid power to heat the interior of a home. This very simple panel can be combined with other panels to raise the interior air temperature of the...

A solar powered home is the dream of many people because of the green awareness movement and the potential to save a lot of money long term by powering your home from the sun and avoiding high...

Solar hot water panels can reduce or completely eliminate the need for heating water with grid energy. The panels are easy to construct with common home repair components. The average homeowner...

If one room of your house seems to be chillier than the rest, it is most likely an insulation issue. There may be leaks and cracks in the walls, floors, windows or near doors that need to be...