Haier Energy Star 7,800-BTU Window Air Conditioner – White

Haier air conditioners are, dependable, energy saving and easy to operate. The Haier ESA3089 7,800 Energy Star Window Air Conditioner cleans, cools and dehumidifies the air. Here are the amazing features included with the ESA3089:3 Cool and 3 Fan Settings: Customize your cooling experience by adjusting the cooling or fan features to one of three settings. 24 Hour On/Off Timer: Set your ESA3089 to turn on or off at a certain time within 24 hours. This increases the energy efficie (more…)

Cut Your Energy Bills Now: 150 Smart Ways to Save Money & Make Your Home More Comfortable & Green (Paperback)

We have all heard the news: oil prices have exceeded $100 a barrel and natural gas rates have exploded by 74% over the past four years. And these costs will continue to rise. So how can the average homeowner lower their energy bill and still maintain a comfortable, healthy, and green house? The answer is: Bruce Harley’s 150 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills Today. Offering eye-opening incentives and easily achievable methods, Harley’s uncluttered and organized approach will not only (more…)

Haier ESA3069 Energy Star 6,000-BTU Window Air Conditioner

Amazon.com

With a cooling capacity of 6,000 BTUs, this window air conditioner helps maintain a comfortable living space, especially useful during the hot and muggy summer months. The unit’s simple-to-use electronic control panel, complete with digital time and temperature display, includes a convenient 24-hour on/off timer–great for cooling the living room right before arriving home from work or for keeping the bedroom at a perfect sleeping temperature then turning off on its o (more…)

Ellington ELN52WW5 52-Inch Energy Star Five-Blade Ceiling Fan, White

From the Manufacturer
Ellington Energy Star White 52-Inch, light kit adaptable, 5 blade indoor ceiling fan

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Global Warming: Coming to a Television Set Near You

Global Warming: Coming to a Television Set Near You

Have you heard about global warming? If you watch television, you likely have. With that in mind, if you are currently unfamiliar with global warming, you will likely have multiple chances to familiarize yourself with it. This is because global warming is an issue that is seeing an increase in media time.

If you are interested in learning more about global warming through your television set, you will find that you have a number of different options. Of course, you can always sit down and watch the news. Many around the clock news channels mention global warming at least once a day. Even your local news is likely to touch on global warming in a newscast, especially the local affects of it.

In addition to traditional newscasts, many around the clock news stations are also starting to create their own specials. For example, CNN developed their own series on global warming, titled Planet in Peril. These types of special programs are often advertised during traditional newscasts. The good news with around the clock news stations is that many of these special programs are later repeated, many times later at night.

In addition to national news channels, there are many more stations who are starting to use their airwaves to help combat global warming. One of these stations is that of The Weather Channel. In addition to mentioning global warming in passing on traditional programming, The Weather Channel is also known for its specials, which may include specials on global warming. The line of Discovery Channels may also have global warming programs available as well.

Another one of the many ways that you can learn about global warming right from your couch is through movies, namely documentaries. There are a number of documentaries on global warming, the science behind it, and its affects. In fact, there are many more documentaries expected to come in the future. When it comes to global warming documentaries, you will find that you have a number of options. Many can be purchased locally or online, as well as rented.

In keeping with global warming documentaries, you will want to examine An Inconvenient Truth and 11th Hour. These two environmental documentaries are more well know for the people who stand behind them. When many think of global warming, Al Gore is often the first person that comes to mind. His An Inconvenient Truth documentary is not only backed with scientific proof and resources, but it also an award winning piece. As for 11th Hour, having Leonardo DiCaprio has a co-producer and co-writer also helps to bring much needed attention to this important issue.

As nice as is to know how you can go about using your television to learn more about global warming, you may be wondering why you should. Although global warming is an issue that is widely debated, many believe what they hear. If you are one of those individuals you will want to educate yourself on the subject as much as possible. After all, knowledge is the best way to fight a problem, such as global warming.

As outlined above, you have a number of different options when looking to use the television as a way to learn more about global warming. With most news reports, television specials, and documentaries lasting less than two hours, you have nothing to lose by taking to the time familiarize yourself with global warming.

10 Things You Should Put in Your House in 2010

The last thing home builders should want is a reputation for turning out substandard houses loaded with the cheapest materials they can find. Sure, the company might make money for a while, but in the end, the negative word-of-mouth will spread faster than you can say “class action lawsuit,” and everyone knows where that could lead.

Conscientious builders, instead, try to turn a profit but looks for ways to make houses more energy-efficient, more durable, more attractive, and cheaper to operate. Simply put: They look for ways to make houses better.

There are different ways to build a better house, of course. Using tried-and-true techniques that work should be the first option. But because building scientists and manufacturers have learned much in the last 25 years, there are a variety of ways builders can improve their products.

Last year, BUILDER Online wrote about 10 ways to improve the perceived value of homes in “10 Things You Must Put in Your Next House.” This list recommended items such as inexpensive butcher block countertops, but it also included products that could be deemed “green” such as dual-flush toilets and tankless water heaters. “Is it me or were 9 of the 10 of these green-oriented products?” one reader commented. “Maybe the title should have been ‘Go Green in 2009.’”

You can call these products green if you like, but that’s not our intent. People mistakenly associate products that improve performance or save money with the green movement. In the old days, it was merely called Yankee thrift, good building practices, or simply common sense. Sometimes a better product is not about green; it’s simply about being, well, better.

Having said that, we’ve compiled another list of products. It does contain products that will help homeowners lower their energy bills, but it also consists of offerings that will last longer and perform better than conventional choices.

As is the case with many high-performing products, some of these will have a higher initial cost, but they save money in labor, maintenance, energy, or replacement. Use one or use them all if your budget allows. Feel free to call them green if you like. But regardless of what you call them, any of these products will improve your houses and your reputation with your buyers in the New Year and beyond.

Credit: Georgia Pacific

Radiant Barrier
A radiant barrier is simple: It’s just a structural panel with a reflective material (usually aluminum) laminated to one side that installs foil side down on a roof deck to reduce heat gain in warm climates. Manufacturers say the panels can block up to 97% of heat transfer through roof sheathing, which lowers attic temperatures and consequently reduces cooling costs by 5% to 10%. Studies say the material ranges from 15 cents to 75 cents per square foot, but you have to install roof sheathing anyway, so why not get one with the foil attached?

Credit: Dow Building Solutions

Foam Board Insulation
Insulation on the interior is a no-brainer, but a house also will see additional benefits from rigid foam board insulation installed on the exterior wall or roof deck. In addition to boosting thermal resistance, the product adds to a house’s structural strength and reduces conduction through elements such as joists and studs. Boards range in R-values from 3.8 to 8 per inch of thickness.

Credit: Marvin Windows and Doors

Better Windows, Better Placement
Energy Star-qualified windows were more than adequate a short time ago, but with the development of better glazing technology, they are no longer good enough. If the budget permits, get the best climate-specific window you can. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers homeowners a tax credit for using replacement windows with a 0.30 U-factor and a 0.30 solar heat gain coefficient. And remember, where you put the windows (and their shading) is just as important as the products themselves.

Credit: ARXX Corp.

ICF Foundation
It’s pointless to improve the energy efficiency of your houses only to neglect the basement walls. Houses leak here too. Building with insulating concrete forms (ICFs) is a smart way to go. ICFs are lightweight rigid expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene foam forms that hold concrete in place during the curing process but are left in place to serve as thermal insulation for the walls. In addition to possessing insulation values ranging from R-17 to R-26, ICF foundation walls are fast and easy to construct.

Credit: Follansbee Steel

Metal Roof
Asphalt dominates the residential roofing category, but more green building advocates are recommending metal roofs as an energy-efficient improvement. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, copper, or zinc, metal is a durable, lightweight material that’s extremely fire-resistant. No wonder it’s the material of choice for so many agriculture buildings. Considered a “cool” roof, a metal roof reflects heat, lowers energy use, and helps reduce the heat island effect. The product is pricey—especially copper, zinc, and stainless steel—but it has a low lifecycle cost, and some states offer lower home insurance premiums for homes with metal roofs.

Credit: AZEK Building Products

Cellular PVC Trim
Wood, the old standby, is a good choice for exterior trim. But unless you’re using durable species such as mahogany, teak, or cedar, millwork will eventually succumb to Mother Nature. Available as trim, sheets, and corner boards, cellular PVC lumber can be cut and nailed like wood, but it’s resistant to moisture and insects, which means a homeowner will not have to replace it—at least not anytime soon. It can be painted, but manufacturers say there’s no need.

Credit: TruStile Doors

Solid Core Doors
A hollow-core door may look acceptable, but homeowners will soon notice how flimsy they feel and how little soundproofing and privacy hollow-core doors truly offer. But, then again, what do you expect for a $30 slab? Solid-core doors are much better. Not only do they sound and feel more substantial to a homeowner, they also exhibit excellent sound transmission properties. They last longer too. Considering that the average new home in 2007 measured 2,407 square feet and had 8.6 interior passage doors, solid core doors will seem pricey at $100. The good news is that the homes that are being built–and sold in the downturn–are smaller and likely have fewer doors. Using solid-core doors only for bedrooms and main bathrooms will also lower costs.

Credit: Resolute USA

Better Light Fixtures
There are a handful of areas where it can be painfully obvious that the builder took the cheap way out. Inferior lighting is one of them. Here are a few tips: Don’t try to get too fancy. Don’t get brass. Do go for something simple and elegant, whether it’s traditional or contemporary. If money is an issue, focus on a living space that everyone sees, such as the dining room/kitchen or great room. Keep in mind that low-cost and cheap aren’t the same things. You can often find a nice simple light for just a few dollars more than your original choice and get a priceless “wow” factor in the process.

Credit: Lutron Electronics

Dimmers
Say you haven’t bought into the energy efficiency hype of compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, and your pockets aren’t deep enough for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). For you, incandescent is the one true light. Fair enough, but at least install a few dimmers so your buyers can save some bucks by lowering the intensity of the light output as needed. Dimmers allow homeowners to save energy, extend the life of light bulbs, and gain more lighting flexibility in their home. Again, think strategically and install dimmers just in the kitchen, living room, and maybe the dining room if margins are tight.

Credit: RAIS

EPA-Certified Wood Stove
Strictly speaking, a freestanding wood-burning stove will not improve your house–although if you select one of those really handsome European numbers, it will certainly add to your home’s aesthetics. But the beauty of a wood stove goes deeper than the unit’s cast iron or soapstone skin. Unlike a fireplace, a wood stove performs a slow controlled burn that produces substantially less smoke. The product also is an excellent source of supplemental heat, which is radiated to a house long after the fire dies away. Consequently, a properly sized wood stove can heat up to 4,000 square feet.

Global Warming And The Impact on Wildlife

When it comes to global warming, much of the focus is placed on how it can impact us, personally, and future generations to come. As important as this is, it is also important to remember that global warming stretches far beyond human impact. Wildlife will also be affected by global warming as well. In fact, the affects of global warming on wildlife often have a direct relation to the human affects.

What we need to remember about global warming is that it is causing a slight rise in the earths temperatures. Although scattered, many cities and towns on the ground are experiencing an increase in temperatures as well. In fact, many record high temperatures are being shattered. While this may leave us, humans, feeling hot, uncomfortable and wanting to spend all day in the pool, it is having an even bigger impact on wildlife.

For starters, it is important to examine polar bears. In fact, when many individuals think of global warming and wildlife, polar bears are the first thought that comes to mind. This is due in part to the media attention that is circulating them. Many environmentalists and wildlife experts feel that polar bears will become extinct in certain areas of the world, due to melting ice. This ice melting is directly related to the earths increase in temperatures. Unfortunately, polar bears rely on ice shelves when hunting. Many are unable to swim long distances without them. If polar bears do not perish because of the extended swims, they will because of the lack of food in the area.

Birds are another form of wildlife that can be impacted greatly by global warming. As our temperatures increase, birds are starting to change their migration paths. These migration changes are expected to increase in numbers in the future. While this may seem like an exciting prospect for birdwatchers, it can have negative consequences on the birds themselves. Many birds, especially migratory birds, have a set pattern that they follow. This pattern also depends on their ability to get food. The changes in this pattern can lead to trouble for many migratory birds, who essentially travel too far as the weather misleads them.

Bird and polar bears are not the only forms of wildlife that will be affected by global warming. Insects, mice, and other rodents will also change their habitats. You will see that if the conditions are right, many will stay on the move. Unfortunately for us, rodents and many insects, such as mosquitoes often bring diseases along with them. Yes, many of these diseases are treatable, but it will take time to adjust. In fact, a wide spread panic may ensue if area that was previously disease free starts to see changes. In this aspect, global warming can cause harm to both humans and wildlife.

If you are an animal lover or if you value your health and the health of your future family members to come, you may want to take action. In fact, that is why global warming is seeing an increase in media coverage, as many scientists and wildlife experts want you to take action. A few of the many ways that you can help, not just wildlife, but the planet in general, is by reducing the carbon dioxide emissions that you release into the earths atmosphere, whether it comes from your home, car, or place of business.

Sharp AF-S120NX 12000BTU Energy Star Window Air Conditioner

Save money, save energy and help preserve the environment! Sharp’s ENERGY STAR® qualified products exceed the federal efficiency standards for air conditioners by at least 10% which qualifies them to bear the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® logo for energy efficiency. Rest Easy® Remote
enables you to turn the unit on or off, adjust the temperature, change the fan speed, or set the timer with the touch of a button. Convenience is standard with Sharp’s user-friendly (more…)

How To Make Your Home Energy And Cost Efficient (Kindle Edition)

Are you ready to find out if in fact your home is as energy efficient as it can be? Most of us have some big and some small things that they can do to better the cost efficiency of home. Whether you just want to drop a few dollars off of your gas bill or you are looking for a better way to fuel your home altogether, doing just a few things can make a tremendous amount of difference in your home. Why bother with cost efficiency? You can afford the bills so why bother? Many (more…)

Rockstar Energy Drink, 16 Ounce Can (Pack of 24)

This sugar-free, low-carb Rockstar energy drink is bigger, faster, stronger. Party like a rockstar. The world’s most powerful energy drink is now available sugar free! Enhanced with the potent herb milk thistle, Rockstar is scientifically formulated to speed the recovery time of those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles, from athletes to rock stars. For best results enjoy this fully refreshing, lightly carbonated beverage super chilled. (These statements have not been evaluat (more…)

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