Tag: energy efficient new homes

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Tips to Having an Energy Efficient Home Swimming Pool

Reviewed and Revised on 10/31/2013

Several features contribute to increasing the energy efficiency of a home swimming pool: proper selection, installation, and operation of the pump, filter, heating system, and cover.

Pool pumps

You can reduce energy consumption and maintain a comfortable swimming pool temperature by using a smaller, higher efficiency pump and by operating it less. In a study of 120 pools by the Center for Energy Conservation at Florida Atlantic University, some pool owners reduced their original pumping …

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Designing Energy Efficient New Homes for a Warm Climate

Reviewed and Revised on 10/25/2013

Designing for the Climate

In warm climate regions such as the Gulf where temperatures are high year round, designing for the climate means designing to reduce heat gain is the first priority. Orientation (direction a home faces) and careful planning of available home space are “free” ways available at the designing stage of new homes which can help to cut energy costs upfront and make a home comfortable and highly functional.

 

Image of seasonal sun

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Installation of Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger

Reviewed and Revised on 10/31/2013

Installation costs of an air-to-air heat exchanger can cost $500 and up, depending upon the home size and the system requirements. Installation could involve splicing the exchanger into an existing original system to adding new ducting to the home structure.

A home already using ducts for heating and/or cooling most likely already has the ducting to ensure all the air runs through the exchanger. Simply attaching the system to a supply end may be all …

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Cost Effectiveness of Installing Heat Exchangers

Reviewed and Revised on 10/30/2013

The benefits of installing a heat exchanger in a home include improved moisture removal, decrease in the potential of structural damage, elimination of harmful pollutants, and reduced energy costs. The resulting improved indoor air quality can affect the home occupants and their health in a positive manner. Installation also increases the resale value of the home. 

A simple payback calculation, where the energy savings pay for the purchase and installation of a heat exchanger …

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Choosing an Air-to-Air Exchanger System

Air Exchanger

One way to minimize air quality and moisture problems in a home, without opening a window, is by the installation of a mechanical ventilation system such as an air-to-air heat exchanger. An air-to-air heat exchanger brings two air streams of different temperatures into thermal contact, transferring heat from the exhausting inside air to incoming outside air during the heating season.

In summer, the heat exchanger can cool and in some cases, dehumidify the hot outside air passing through it and …

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Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers for Healthier Energy Efficient Homes

Reviewed and Revised on 10/30/2013

Air exchanger

Why is Home Ventilation a Concern

Measuring In Home Humidity

Pollutants in Homes

Air-to-Air Exchanger Operation and Construction

Installation of Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger

Cost Effectiveness of Heat Exchangers

Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger Maintenance

To reduce heating and cooling costs, builders have used better construction techniques and materials to greatly reduce air leaks into and out of a home. While a “tight” home will reduce the costs of heating and cooling, it will also trap water vapor …

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How the Exterior Architectural Features of a Home, Built in a Warm Climate, Affect its Energy Efficiency

Reviewed and Revised on 11/13/2013

The shape and exterior structure of a home play major roles in determining its energy efficiency. Building elements included in the shape are – height, width, and depth. These are also called building footprint. The exterior structure, which is also called building envelope, comprises of the walls, roof, windows, doors, and cladding. The footprint and envelope of a home can either enhance its energy efficiency or cause higher energy consumption. Homes having simple or uncomplicated …

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Tips to Maintaining Energy Efficient Home Electrical Systems

Reviewed and Revised on 01/03/2014

Photo of a home electric meter

Electricity is uniquely unforgiving—even the smallest mistake can cause fire, injury, or death. This article is an introduction to your home’s electrical system, but is by no means inclusive. Contact a licensed electrical contractor for more information about your home’s specific electrical system and what changes, if any, should be made.

Common terms

An amp, short for ampere, measures the amount of electricity moving through a wire. …

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No to Low Cost Actions to Save Home Energy and Money

Reviewed and Revised 01/03/2014

Simple tips designed to help you save energy in your home with little or no out-of-pocket costs.

Heating

  • Lower the thermostat when you sleep or not at home. Lowering the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hrs can help you save  5-15% annually on your heating bill.  Energy.gov website states that if the setback period is 8 hrs or longer than

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Phantom/Standby Energy Use by Home Electronics and Appliances

Reviewed and Revised on 11/04/2013

Power Buttong

Consumer electronics and appliances amount to about 15% of a home’s utility usage. Did you know these modern conveniences can cost you a lot of money even when they are turned off, but still plugged in?

 

Today an average American home is brimming with consumer electronics and appliances- televisions, DVD players, stereos, kitchen gadgets, etc. Most of the times these appliances stay plugged in, and are just turned off (but not unplugged) when not in …

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