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
Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013
Window treatments can help improve the energy efficiency of windows in your home. However, other improvements such as:
insulating attics
can have a higher impact on reducing your home energy use and should be done before considering window treatments. Window treatments are generally especially helpful, If there are problems with solar heat gain (sun’s heat travelling through a window and heating the inside of a home), feeling cold from …
Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013
Why Energy Efficient Windows? The Costs and the Benefits.
Your windows typically provide you with a view, ventilation, shelter, and light. They may also be costing you loss of energy, hard earned dollars, and comfort. Inadequately insulated windows and doors can cost up to 30% a homes’ energy dollars. Many old U.S. homes have single-glazed (one glass layer) windows. These homeowners may choose to add storm windows, or replace them with new double or …
Reviewed and Revised on 11/07/2013
Even if you aren’t able to replace your existing refrigerator with a new model, there are some things you can do that can help your refrigerator run more efficiently. Below are some energy saving ideas:
For energy savings and food safety, experts state …
Reviewed and Revised on 10/17/20
Vines, shrubs, and some trees can be used as espaliers (plants trained to grow flat against walls) can be used to protect home walls from heat and cold. The plant foliage provides a sort of insulation against summer heat and cold winter winds. It can also help to reduce noise. Vines like English ivy are not recommended because they cling to masonry and wooden surfaces and can damage your house. Vines that twine and that …
Reviewed and Revised on 11/07/2013
Since the kitchen is generally the hub of the home, consumers want it to offer an uplifting feeling of optimism. Energy efficient lighting, cabinetry, colors, and appliances combine to create the perception of comfort, security, and that overall good feeling offered in the kitchen environment. Smart consumers also want eco-friendly, energy efficient appliances, not only saving for themselves, but also for future generations.
Today’s manufacturers, responding to consumer …
Reviewed and Revised on 01/03/2014
Water heating is often the third largest energy expense in your home, after heating and cooling. It accounts for 15-25% of your utility bill. It’s not hard to see why — family of four, each taking a 5-minute shower every day using inefficient shower heads, can use 700 gallons of water in one week. This is enough for a three year supply …
Reviewed and Revised on 10/15/2013
Fires and accidents caused by home heating equipment are largely preventable if you clean, maintain, and use equipment properly. By reviewing general safety tips, including those related to heating emergencies and those specific to electric and kerosene space heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces, you can avoid heating accidents.
Heating devices can be extremely dangerous if you use them incorrectly. Improper use of home heating equipment can cause death from fire, …
Reviewed and Revised on 10/17/2013
When looking to do energy related improvements on a home, it is often a good idea to determine a savings to investment ratio (SIR) for each measure before investing in the improvement. The ratio takes into account how much an improvement costs, how much it saves once installed, and how long it will last.
The ratio will give a homeowner an estimate of the number of times an improvement will …
Reviewed and Revised on 10/30/2013
