Understanding how heat is transferred from the outdoors into your home and from your home to your body is important for understanding the challenge of keeping your house cool. Understanding the processes that help keep your body cool is important in understanding cooling strategies for your home. Principles of Heat Transfer Heat is transferred to… Keep reading →
It’s hot out there! With temperatures reaching nearly triple digits in many parts of the country, air conditioning systems are working extra hard to keep you cool. While air conditioners provide comfort, they also use a lot of power. The Energy Information Administration estimates cooling accounts for about 6 percent of the total energy used in average American… Keep reading →
In 2014, Americans drove 3.02 trillion miles—the equivalent of 6.2 million round-trips to the moon. With light-duty vehicles accounting for more than 40% of U.S. oil use, most people want to use less gas to save them money, helping reduce pollution and improve energy security. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to improve your gas… Keep reading →
Air leaks can waste a lot of your energy dollars. Whether leaks are letting hot air inside during the warmer months or letting in drafts during the cooler season, one of the quickest energy- and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weather strip all cracks and large openings to the outside. Air takes the path… Keep reading →
Here you’ll find strategies to help you save energy during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and you are trying to keep your home cool. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can… Keep reading →
From tire alignment to accumulated items, now is the time to prep your car—as well as your house—for an energy-savvy start to spring. Here in Washington, D.C., the days have been cold and rainy lately. I think we’re all ready to put the worst of winter behind us in one cold-and-flu-filled bundle. That means now… Keep reading →
You can save money on your heating and cooling bills by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. You can do this automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat. Using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning… Keep reading →
Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, consider investing in energy efficiency. You’ll save energy and money, and your home will be more comfortable and durable. The planning process is also a good time to look into a renewable energy system that can provide electricity, water heating, or space heating and… Keep reading →
This article will help you find strategies to help you save energy during the cool fall and cold winter months. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the winter.… Keep reading →
Good news for you in 2016! Congress renewed the previously expired Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit and extended the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit for solar energy systems as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. This means that any qualified efficiency updates you made in 2015 are eligible for credits when you file your taxes… Keep reading →
