Category: Home Energy

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Mike Vogel, Montana State University Extension Service

 

 

Mike is Professor and Housing and Environmental Health Specialist with Montana State University (MSU) Extension Service since 1982. Since 1997, Mike has also served as MSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Program Leader.

Mike’s primary responsibility is directing and developing housing education programs and resources for Montana consumers and tribes.  Since 1977, he has been involved with energy-efficient construction and training with the U. S. Department of Energy.  In 1977 he authored one of the first consumer-targeted books dealing with …

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How do trees and other vegetation affect urban mesoclimates and microclimates?

Vegetation affects urban mesoclimate and microclimate by intercepting solar radiation, directing air movement, and affecting air temperature.  Microclimate, mesoclimate and macroclimate can be used to describe the climate of a given location. Macroclimate covers hundreds of square miles and parameters such as precipitation levels, temperatures and winds. Mesoclimate covers areas of tens of square miles and describes how conditions vary from the prevailing macroclimate due to the effects of water bodies, topographic features (terrain), and other landscape influences. A microclimate …

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Tree Planting for Lower Power Bills

Whether it is winter or summer, trees can help you save energy at home.   

Shade for Savings  

Did you know that only 17% shade over your house during the day translates to a savings of 10 dollars a month on your power bill? Additionally, increasing that same shade to 50% will decrease your power bill by an additional $20 per month.  For those without trees, it takes time to plant a tree and generate this shade.  However one study estimates …

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Sarah Kirby

Sarah Kirby bio picture

Dr. Sarah Kirby is an Associate Professor, Housing Specialist, and Department Extension Leader in the Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences at North Carolina State University. Dr. Kirby directs the E-Conservation Residential Consumer Energy Education and provides leadership for the national eXtension Home Energy Community of Practice. She is a member of the Home Energy eXtension Community of Practice and the Family Caregiving Community of Practice. Dr. Kirby serves as the North Carolina Cooperative Extension …

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Considerations for Selecting Energy Efficient Windows for Homes in Different Climates

Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013

It is very important that you consider your climate when selecting energy efficient windows to reduce home energy use. One size or type does not fit all homes and climate zones.

Window energy efficiency criteria for different climates

  • In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and a low U-factor to maximize energy benefits and savings.

  • For cold or very cold climates where

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What is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) per pound of coal compared to pound of wood that is released into the air when each is burned?

The amount of carbon dioxide released from coal and wood depends on the type of coal or wood consumed and the moisture contents of both. A very rough estimate is that for each unit of coal or wood consumed, 1.5 units of CO2 are released. Higher-grade coal has higher carbon content so the amount of CO2 released per unit mass would also be higher.

The major difference between the carbon released from burning coal and wood is that …

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Time for Trees to Provide Energy Conservation Benefits?

It is possible to plant a tree that within a few years will provide energy conservation benefits. The length of time between planting and energy conservation savings is a function of the following factors:

  • Tree species (fast- or slow-growing)
  • Site (soil qualities such as fertility, moisture, compaction)
  • Desired energy conservation function (windbreak or shade)
  • Size and position of the structure for which energy conservation is desired

Some fast-growing tree species, under ideal growing conditions, may begin providing energy benefits …

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What is return air? Why does the furnace need it?

Return air is related to forced air type home heating systems. The return air in these systems is circulated from the furnace (heating supply air) in ducts, to individual rooms. In the rooms (except for bathrooms and kitchens), there should be a return duct for the “return air.” This is air that completes the circulation and returns cool air back to the furnace in return ducts. Return ducts are typically under negative pressure, so should be sealed so as not …

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Is there a test for mold that can be used in homes?

In most cases, laboratory testing/sampling is not necessary for mold detection. Also, accurate mold testing is expensive. Do-it-yourself kits you may purchase will not provide accurate useful information. If you can see or smell mold, then you have it! Rather, utilize the money to remove the mold and prevent it from reoccurring by fixing the moisture problem that permitted the mold to grow.
Laboratory testing can identify the type of mold, but regardless of the type, it is not healthy …

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How should we insulate the floor of a raised house in a flood zone to avoid moisture problems?

Moisture tends to condense on subfloors that are cooled by air conditioning in summer. Insulation can actually make the problem worse by keeping the subfloor cool. Although research is needed, there are several possible approaches to reduce condensation on the subflooring:
1. Make sure rain drains away from the house on all sides. Your yard should have a 5% slope all around the house.
2. Make sure the ground under the house is higher than surrounding grade.
3. Cover the …

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