Forced air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems require effective air filtration for optimum energy efficiency and maintaining clean(ish) ductwork and good indoor air quality. Air filters should be changed regularly. How often they need changing depends upon a number of factors including, but not limited to: Presence of pets that shed Amount of carpeted […]Read more

Kitchen sizes, styles and configurations have changed dramatically through the years. As consumer lifestyles and tastes have changed, kitchen lighting has evolved to reflect these shifts. In the past, a simple florescent ring placed in the center of the ceiling operated by a single switch was the norm for a typical American kitchen. Now, the […]Read more

Give your home’s energy use a vacation while you’re away Going on vacation? Even if you plan to be away just a few days, you can save energy in your home when you travel. Here are some tips for returning home to a low energy bill. Water heater. Turn down the temperature, so it doesn’t […]Read more

While fireworks and Independence Day parades are synonymous with the Fourth of July, no such fanfare comes to mind when discussing energy efficiency. Perhaps it should. If you think about it, energy efficiency not only benefits individuals and families, but the country as a whole. Energy efficiency, combined with energy conservation and advances in technology […]Read more

There are many benefits to having an energy efficient outdoor shop or barn. Aside from saving energy, an efficient outdoor building can keep the environment around your structure healthy and safe; save money on your water bill; keep your animals happier and healthier; and save you from costly structural repairs. Whether you are looking to […]Read more

Walls. Floors. Ceilings. Attic. These are some of the prime areas of a home that need insulation in order for you to maximize energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), adding insulation to your home is a sound investment that is likely to quickly pay for itself in reduced utility bills. In fact, […]Read more

Weather stripping doors is a simple way to make a big impact. Cheers to a New Year’s resolution that you can keep: energy efficiency!Read more

Ah, the Digital Age. We have gadgets galore, the ability to manage our homes in new and innovative ways, brilliant images and captivating sounds of modern entertainment options and of course, the internet. Clearly, digital devices reign supreme. Yet these cool new capabilities come with a couple of pitfalls; vampire loads and the issue of […]Read more

  Eating carrots will greatly improve your eyesight, cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis, watching too much TV will harm your vision. We’ve all heard the old wives’ tales, but did you know there are also many misconceptions about home energy use? Don’t be fooled by common energy myths. Myth: The higher the thermostat setting, […]Read more

A major consumer of electricity in today’s home is the water heater. Because of how electric water heaters work, using electric resistance elements, these units max out in efficiency at about 96 percent. As the government and industry seek ways to reduce energy use and the resulting carbon emissions, they have turned their attention to […]Read more