Energy Smart Design

Solar Calculator

Please use this handy little tool to estimate your solar potential.

 


 

Alternative Solar Energy: Clean, Economical and Stylish!

Scientific consensus now says that climate change is inevitable and the goal of nations should be to reduce it's impacts by adaptation schemes while reducing emissions to a bare minimum.  Alternative energy sources are thus in demand as never before.  While wind energy has grown in market share as hundred of wind farms go up all over the world, there are places where heat and sunlight are at a premium and they can benefit from the alternative solar energy provides.  

 

Home Solar Power Systems: Passive, Active or Grid?

 

The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that over 200,000 U.S. homes will be powered  off-grid by alternative solar energy by the end of 2010.  While the production of solar equipment requires some inputs of capital, energy and materials, the resultant system will provide power for many years with very little cost or maintenance.  Home solar power systems, and homes that rely on solar power stations 'on-the-grid' are becoming more popular as many governments offer incentives to home owners to join the solar revolution.

 

Amazing Solar Houses

With rising energy prices and the threat of global warming, solar houses are becoming a popular alternative to conventional powered homes in many locations.  New design innovations mean that solar is no longer an added on afterthought, but an integral feature of the style and function of the building. Take a look at these innovative house designs from around the world that revolutionize the possibilities for solar houses.

 

Remodel Your Bathroom. Some Quick Tips

Have you noticed how much time you spend inside the bathroom throughout a lifetime? The reply, based on a study by News.Scotsman.com, is actually half a year. With this much center on restroom activities, it's actually obvious why bathroom renovation tops several individuals wish lists.

 

Increase Resale Worth with Bathroom renovation
 

It’s Possible to Make Your Own PV Panels To Make Electricity

PV panels are intended to convert sunlight to electricity and do a great job of furnishing free renewable energy.

Residential Solar Panels

It is becoming increasingly common to see residential solar panels these days.  Considering the continuing rise in energy prices and the desire to become less dependent on foreign oil, solar energy is an extremely viable alternative.  

 

The basic principal of solar energy is that panels collect solar energy from the sun and transfer it into usable energy in your home.  These panels will save on heating and cooling costs, and can dramatically reduce your monthly energy bills.  

 

Used Solar Panels

Buying used solar panels can be a risky business.  Here are some is the 6 things you should be aware of

 

1. Make sure you avoid broken and damaged panels.  The most common problems will include broken glass, broken connections and condensation.  Although these panels can be fixed, the cost of fixing them is often not worth it

 

Green Building Accounts for a Third of all New Construction

 A revolution is takening place.  We are slowly making the shift to a greener economy and our buildings are a major part of this shift.

First Passive House Retrofit in the US

The US has its first retrofitted Passivehaus.   For those that don't know what a Passivehaus is I suggest you read a little but about it here.  

 

America Spends on Average $785 a Person on Home Energy

 U.S. consumers spend a total $241 billion on home energy use every year, year after year.  The population of the United states is currently about 310 million, according to the latest census.  
 
That means that each person on average spends roughly $785 a person.
 

Home Energy Performance On Your IPhone

 

Home Energy PerformanceOf course there is an app for that.

 

Well kind of.

 

 Qreative Medias from the UK have come up with an app that will measure the energy performance of your home.  

 

What would be great is if this little guy could actually be hooked up to a power meter service such as Google Power Meter or the open source alternative Pachube.

 

Choosing Energy Efficient Washer and Dryers

In America, it is estimated that some 35 billion laundry loads attributed to dryers and washers chew up 2.6% of total home utility bills.  The bulk of this energy actually goes to the heating process in both washers and dryers.

 

Wood Flooring Guide

The good news for homeowners who develop a liking of the durability, feel and look of hardwood is that they no longer have to forego these features while doing their bits to save the earth.

 

The Importance of Low VOC Carpets

Majority of American households have their houses carpeted but not realizing that this can cause problems to indoor air quality. Carpet, with its associated padding and adhesive, is a major source of VOCs.  Installed carpet has an inherent properties of 100 over chemicals, and to make matters worse, it captures additional chemicals and pollutants from outside.

 

Residential Green Roof Guide

Residential green roof refers to the space created right on top of the household's roof for the purpose of vegetation and plants.  These vegetation and plants provide an all natural insulation as well as shield the roof from direct sunlight, thus cutting down the use of air conditioning and ensuring the durability of the roof.  Couple this fact with the over 100° temperature reduction that the residential green roof can impact on your home, it is an effective utility bill buster.

 

Roof Type Material Options

 You may have settled how the shape of your roof will look, but the material used will have a very strong impact on the look?  The challenge is to find out what is the most suitable for you, going over every piece of details, from weight all the way to cost factors.

 

Benefits of a Thru Wall Fan

If you are troubled by over stuffiness or extreme coolness in some of your rooms, you will be relieved to find quick fix by installing a thru wall fan.  Thru wall fans can be inserted into an 8 inch diameter hole on the wall of adjourning rooms.  This way, you can force smooth air movement between rooms, instead of investing in another window air conditioner or another space heater.
 
Thu wall fans will...
 
•Facilitate air movement from an AC unit or a fireplace to a room beside it.

Radiant Floor Design Possibilities

 Hydronic radiant floors

Are you aware that as much as 35% to 45% of residential energy bills go to heating/cooling?  Radiant floor designs can save 40% of your heating costs while keeping the house comfortable.  It also comes with 'no-noise' guarantee since heat is transmitted over the floor (it does not make use of mechanical parts like fans or blowers).  It can go under the existing floor between the joists or under most finish materials.

 

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