energy: Articles tagged with “energy”

Tankless water heaters use 20% less energy than conventional water heaters and only heat the water when you need it. Controls allow the water temperature to be changed instantly, as desired by the user. While tankless water heaters cost more up front than conventional tank water heaters, they will cost less to run than conventional water heaters in the long term. As well as using energy more efficiently, they can often last two times the life of a conventional tank.

Applying window film/tinting can reduce potentially harmful UV light, and can also cut a home's heat absorption, saving on cooling costs.

This guide should help you decide whether window replacement makes sense for your home. It explains various window features and can help you select appropriate windows and a professional and competent window contractor.

Window films can improve the effectiveness of glass in your home. Window tint films can reduce the amount of damaging rays that reach you through your windows. Window films can reduce your cooling costs and also increase safety if glass is accidentally broken.

Windows bring the outside world into your home but they shouldn't be the source of high energy bills. Design options provide for noise reduction, high resistance to condensation, and protection from UV rays that can damage and fade furnishings.

Modern windows rely on a wide array of technologies to achieve a level of energy efficiency as high as five times that of traditional windows. All that technology can also be confusing. Terms like "low-E glass" and "argon gas" mean little to the average consumer. Any firm making a presentation to you about windows is likely to use dozens of such terms. Fortunately, there is a simpler way to evaluate different windows.

Many homeowners are bombarded with sales pitches about thermal replacement windows. Because the window replacement business is often more profitable than other home service businesses, numerous companies are pushing windows in the marketplace. Window firms, as a group, are among the most aggressive marketers, and are likely to rely on telemarketing and high-pressure sales tactics. As a consumer, you must be careful or you may find yourself fooled by a smooth operator.

Storm windows are an extra window that cover the inner window. They provide extra protection and some thermal insulation during cold weather and come in two basic styles.

The type of frame material on a storm window unit is important because it contributes to the storm window's heat conductivity and maintenance. Wood, aluminum, or vinyl are the most often used window frame materials.

By letting natural light stream in, a skylight gives a room a feeling of spaciousness and light. By reducing the need for electric lighting, it can help trim energy bills.

Many of us are familiar with the ubiquitous advertising "deals" on thermal replacement windows. They tell us that replacement windows will save us money on energy and maintenance. They tell us our home will be cozier. They tell us our home will be more valuable. We wonder whether any of what they say is true. We ask questions and get hi-tech double talk about low-E glass and argon gas. They might as well be speaking a foreign language.

In keeping with today's concerns for saving energy, windows may be standard single glazed, dual glazed or even triple glazed.

"R-values" measure heat loss through glass: the higher the R-value, the higher the glazing's resistance to energy loss. By increasing a window's R value from 2 to 4, you can reduce energy losses by 50 percent.

Looking after your roof

A well cared for roof lasts much longer than a roof that is left to its own devices. By spotting problems early you can save yourself a lot of heartache and extra cost from big problems. Your roof is responsible for taking the damage from everything that the elements can throw at it including wind, rain, sun and snow but it is also attacked by leaves, insects and other natural predators. Ineffective roofing can mean that any of these factors find their way into your attic and eventually your home and it is important you do what you can to prevent this from happening.

Requirements: Whether you've been thinking about a security system, intercom, an in-home theater, automatic sprinkler system, motorized drapes or complete computer control of your home, you should consider a smart home specialist.

Even when covered with insulation, standard recessed lighting fixtures still allow significant amounts of conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to enter between the fixture and the ceiling opening.

You'll know when your insulation needs to be repaired or upgraded -- you'll feel cold air seeping in from seams around windows or doors, or a portion of wall or ceiling will be colder than other sections. Insulation can settle in rafters or within the wall, or the amount of insulation installed in the first place might not be the most efficient for cold weather. According to the Department of Energy, 50 percent to 70 percent of the energy used in the average American home goes toward heating and cooling.

Solar heat is environmentally friendly. Solar heat does not pollute or produce greenhouse gases. It helps conserve the earth's energy resources for our children and grandchildren. Solar is as pure, clean and safe as you can get. It is the best choice for people with allergy problems and chemical sensitivities. Solar heating is stable in price. Once you have bought it, you are protected from inflation and the political/economic surprises that come with other fuels.

Here's some useful information on solar central air and room heating.

Here are a few tips for keeping yourself and your home cool when it's hot outside.

Here's an outline of the different types of geothermal systems.