Haier PRTS21SACB 20.7 Cubic Feet Energy Star Top Mount Refrigerator, Black
June 9, 2011 by admin
Filed under energy star refrigerator
This black premium Energy Star certified Haier refrigerator/ freezer includes multiple spill-proof shelves, blue tint fresh food bins, blue tint one-gallon door storage with hugger, deluxe crisper drawers with glass cover, blue tint covered diary com
Soleus Air DP1-70-03, 70 Pint Portable Energy Star Dehumidifier, White
June 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Energy Star
A great choice, this 70 Pint Energy Star rated dehumidifier removes up to 70 pints of moisture from the air per 24 hours. The digital humidistat has a continuous mode and garden hose connection offers continuous drainage. With 3 fan speeds this has a bucket-full audible alarm and indicator light. Comes with a clean washable filter indicator light and low temperature operation down to 41°F. Portable with durable rolling casters and carry handles to allow for easy transport from room to room.
Sunpentown SD-65E Energy Star 65-Pint Dehumidifier
June 8, 2011 by admin
Filed under Energy Star
Designed to remove excess moisture from your home quietly and efficiently. A necessity for those suffering from dust mite, allergies or simply for those who wants to keep their indoor humidity at a comfortable level. Air that is too damp can cause itchy skin and nasal passages, condensation on windows, water damage to materials, mold growth and rotting of wood materials in your home. SPT dehumidifiers remove moisture from the musty air so you can enjoy year-round comfort in your home or office.
What is Renewable Energy?
May 11, 2011 by kginsberg
Filed under Renewable Energy
What is Renewable Energy?
Fossil fuels are used to make energy we use, but once they are gone we will never get more of them. Coal, oil, and natural gas all fall into this category. They are used all over the place in high amounts so you may not realize that they are in limited supply.
These forms of energy have been used mainly because they are affordable and they don’t take up very much room to incorporate. They can be transported anywhere they are needed as well. With natural resources there have to be certain elements in place in order to take advantage of them.
The concept of renewable energy embraces the ability to use the resources we naturally have, but that we will never run out of. This way we can continue to have all the benefits we want without destroying the Earth.
We also won’t be preventing future generations from having the chance to future grow and evolve beyond what we were able to see take place in our own lifetime. This process involves taking these types of natural resources and turning them into a product we can use for power.
That means a great deal of information and technology has to be collected and evaluated. Many of these methods though continue to see advances in the designs and processing which will result in them being even more valuable in the future than they are right now.
Most will agree that renewable energy sources are better for the environment. The burning of fossil fuels including gasoline and coal isn’t good for the environment. These natural resources will allow us to save resources and at the same time to live in a cleaner environment than we have now.
Many believe it isn’t practical or safe to depend only upon these types of resources though. That is because the sun doesn’t always shine so the energy can’t be collected. There are many places where the sun is blocked for days due to the changes in the seasons.
You can’t predict how much wind will be produced or how much power can be taken from the water. It will vary significantly but there is no reason why we can’t rely upon these renewable energy sources as the primary providers. We can then depend on fossil fuels as back up so we never have to go without the energy we want to use.
Chances are you have heard about the various forms of renewable energy but not in detail. Keep on reading and you will get all the information you need including the pros and cons of each type. You will find each of them does offer some hope for the future though as far as reducing our dependency on those resources which we can’t replenish.
Haier Energy Star 7,800-BTU Window Air Conditioner – White
June 13, 2010 by admin
Filed under Energy Star
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)
May 26, 2010 by admin
Filed under Energy Star
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
May 14, 2010 by admin
Filed under Energy Star
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
December 23, 2009 by admin
Filed under Energy Star
From the Manufacturer
Ellington Energy Star White 52-Inch, light kit adaptable, 5 blade indoor ceiling fan
Global Warming: Coming to a Television Set Near You
December 5, 2009 by admin
Filed under Global Warming
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
December 5, 2009 by kginsberg
Filed under Green Living Tips
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.
