by Craig Axelrod on December 7, 2009
The US Government runs the Energy Star program, now boasting more than 1 million Energy Star rated houses. To achieve these guidelines, set by the EPA, houses must be 15% more energy efficient than houses built to the 2004 international residential code, and are often 20 to 30% more efficient than standard houses.
To earn the Energy Star seal of approval, the homes must include a variety of “tried-and-true” energy-efficient factors that contribute to the overall efficiency of your house. These factors make your house more comfortable, reduce their energy requirements and reduce the amount of air pollution produced.
Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
This is one of the most critical factors in keeping your home very efficient. Old heating systems and A.C. units often burn up a tremendous amount of energy. They burn more energy than they should to produce your heat and cooling and, if they are not run efficiently, they need to be run for longer periods of time (burning additional energy). More efficient systems are better able to stabilize your house, requiring the system to be used fewer hours per day.
Effective Insulation
What’s the point of heating your home if it simply escapes to the outside? A well insulated home, including attics, floors and walls help you maintain even temperatures throughout the year. As you maintain a constant temperature in your home, your heating and cooling systems will turn on less often, using less power.
High-Performance Windows
Windows with protective coatings to keep UV light out and good seals to prevent drafts, can lower your energy bills and reduce their total cost of ownership.
Tight Construction and Docs
Energy Star rated houses require tight construction and air tight duct work. Cracks and holes in the home allow heat to escape in the cold months and heat to enter in the summer. This creates additional strain on your climate systems, wasting electricity. Leaks also cause bigger variations in the temperature of your house, requiring systems to go off and on more often. Drafts, which annoy many houseowners, are caused by such duct leaks, cracks and holes in the home.
Energy-Efficient Products
By using energy efficient products and appliances, ranging from light bulbs and fixtures to ventilation fans and kitchen appliances, you are able to reduce your electric demand while still getting the services you need.
Third-Party Verification
Independent home energy raters are able to assess the homes and certify them as Energy Star rated. They review the home, through an inspection process that to certify air tightness, insulation, the ceiling structure, components used, appliances and more.
As you hunt to buy green energy house in Commack, be sure the house that you’re looking at is Energy Star certified. All of the houses built by EmmyHomes.com, for example, our Energy Star certified. Selecting an Energy Star will reduce your costs and can deliver greater resale value in the future.
Craig Axelrod is a partner with Emmy. For additional info about Long Island Energy Efficient Homes and Commack New Contruction come to www.EmmyHomes.com
by Sandra Creel on December 1, 2009
Have you ever wondered if what you know about the causes of land pollution is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on the facts about solar energy.
Solar energy is energy from the sun. When the sun is shining solar energy is being produced as it sends the heat radiating to the earth. Solar energy is as plentiful as daylight, as limitless as organic life itself, a fuel that comes free of charge and replenishes itself every time the earth rotates on its axis. Almost all energy, after all, is ultimately stored solar power: Oil, gas, and coal were born of the ancient sunlight that fed prehistoric animals and plants, the wind is set howling by the sun’s unequal heating of the atmosphere, and even a campfire draws its warmth from solar power trapped long ago through photosynthesis.
Wind and water have been used to power mills for centuries. Wind power is a totally renewable energy source with no greenhouse gas emissions, but due to its unpredictability, has problems integrating with national grids. Combined together, wind and hydrogen can cancel out their inherent defects and be an effective tool in the battle against carbon dioxide and global warming. Winds are rated in seven classes; higher class numbers indicate stronger winds.
It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of solar energy is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about the causes of land pollution.
Wind energy does not reduce the huge investment cost we have for conventional energy but only the cost of conventional fuel. If the conventional energy happens to be nuclear, there are then hardly any cost savings since fuel consumption is pretty steady.
Wind, solar, tidal and biofuels are all garnering significant attention, research and investment. Opportunities abound, yet capital costs remain high. And the cost of the energy generated is more expensive than comparable fossil fuels, especially since the rapid price declines experienced by fossil fuels during the latter part of 2008. They publish a comprehensive guide and are located in their own renewable energy powered workshops, showrooms and demonstration site in Herefordshire. Wind energy plants work on the principle of aerodynamic force. The wind striking the rotor blade creates positive pressure below the sail, whilst there is negative pressure above the sail.
Solar energy has steadily been growing. Today solar energy is widely used in the US and the benefits are a big number of. Solar energy use takes many forms nowadays. Solar panels are getting cheaper. Solar Energy Host offers individual plans starting at only $9.95 per month ($119.40 per year.) For larger businesses, managed dedicated servers are also available. This compares to about $6.99/month for hosting that uses non-eco friendly energy sources.
So now you know a little bit about the causes of land pollution. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.
Sandra Creel is the author of this article. EnergySavingSite.info offers resouces on land pollution and the causes of land pollution. You may reprint this article provided this paragraph and all links are kept unchanged.