The Energy Efficiency Resource: Energy Star
Greg McGuire on Jul 15, 2008
What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is a program run by the U.S. government’s Environmental Protection Agency that is dedicated to helping consumers improve their energy efficiency. Continue reading »
Energy Efficient Washers and Dryers
Greg McGuire on Jun 30, 2008
What To Look For in a New Washer and Dryer
It is important to compare the energy efficiency ratings of different washers before purchasing a new one. Dryers vary little on energy usage, although some use natural gas rather than electricity, and electric dryers are much better because the fuel they use to operate is much cheaper. Continue reading »
Hybrid Vehicles and Alternative Fuels
Greg McGuire on Jun 27, 2008
Types of Alternative Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles
There is an impressive array of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles currently on the market and in development. Continue reading »
Energy Efficient Landscaping
Greg McGuire on Jun 25, 2008
Regional Climate and Microclimate
When considering how to improve home energy efficiency through landscaping, the first thing to take into account is your regional and local climate. Four regions occur in the United States: temperate, hot-humid, hot-arid, and cool: Continue reading »
Save Gas by Improving Fuel Economy
Greg McGuire on Jun 25, 2008
Driving Strategies
The cheapest and easiest way to improve your fuel economy is to change how you drive your existing car. Continue reading »
Energy Efficient and Green Home Remodeling
Greg McGuire on Jun 25, 2008
Perform A Home Energy Audit
Before starting your home remodeling project, it’s a good idea to evaluate your current energy use so that you can identify the areas that need efficiency improvements. You can perform your own energy audit or you can hire a professional contractor to help. Continue reading »
Building a Green, Energy Efficient Home
Greg McGuire on Jun 24, 2008
Site Selection
If you are considering building a green, energy efficient home within an existing community, contact your local government or the Environmental Protection Agency (”EPA”) to locate local “greyfield” or “brownfield” sites for your home. A greyfield site is one Continue reading »
Energy Efficient Dishwashers
Greg McGuire on Jun 17, 2008
Buying a New Energy Efficient Dishwasher
When purchasing a new dishwasher, compare models and types and find one that uses the least amount of water per load. Also weigh price against important features like air dry (as opposed to heat dry, which uses a lot of energy), a pre-heater (which makes your hot water hotter - if your dishwasher has this feature reduce the temperature of your hot water heater), and dish load capacity (the larger the dish load capacity, the more efficient the dishwasher). Continue reading »
Energy Efficient Refrigerators and Freezers
Greg McGuire on Jun 17, 2008
Buying a New Refrigerator or Freezer
When purchasing a new refrigerator, look for units with magnetically sealing doors, automatic defrost, and automatic moisture control. These features increase the efficiency of your refrigerator or freezer. Continue reading »
Energy Saving Lighting
Greg McGuire on Jun 17, 2008
Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent lights (”CFLs”) have become widely available in the past few years and are by far the best energy efficient light bulb around. Unlike older fluorescent lights that give off an irritating blue or flickering light, this new generation of fluorescent light bulbs radiates a warm light just like the traditional incandescent bulb, but with a quarter of the energy usage. Continue reading »