Showing posts with label green homes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green homes. Show all posts
Friday, September 10, 2010
Green Home Heating
Alternative Home Heating Systems Offer Exceptional Energy EfficiencyThe green movement has spawned an entire industry full of products and services designed to help homeowners make upgrades and improvements that will benefit the environment and reduce their monthly utility bills. One of the best and most effective ways to green your home is with a quality, energy-efficient heating system.
Traditional furnace or boiler systems start with cold air and cold water that have to be heated up to comfortable levels and are then distributed throughout your home. Alternative units simply reuse air and water that has already been heated, circulating it through your home over and over.
There are several different types of energy-efficient home heating systems to choose from. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, but a qualified professional can help you decide which is right for your home.
Solar heating uses specially-designed cells to collect energy from the sun that is then transferred to a holding tank. Water is heated in the tank and is then distributed throughout your home, providing heat.
Radiant floor heating is an increasingly popular option for many homeowners. Water is heated and circulated through special pipes below the floor. As the floor warms, heat rises and makes your entire home more comfortable.
Geothermal and recirculating hot water heating systems use warm water and energy-efficient pumps to distribute heat throughout your home.
Traditional heating systems require huge amounts of energy and the burning of fossil fuels to function properly. Alternative heating systems actually conserve energy by redistributing it through your home again and again. By capturing and reusing warm air and hot water, these eco-friendly heating systems don’t have to work as hard to warm the air and water inside your house. This results in substantial energy savings, reduced dependence on limited natural resources, and more money in your pocket.
While it’s true that these green heating systems cost a bit more than traditional forced air, boiler or furnace units, they bring a valuable return on your initial investment in just a few short years. Paying more up-front will result in major savings on your monthly utilities over time, and alternative heating systems generally last longer than traditional models, which saves on repair and replacement costs. And as the green building movement continues to gain momentum and utility costs continue to rise, homes with alternative heat sources are increasingly hot commodities for buyers. For current homeowners, that could mean more money for you when it comes time to sell.
Not all eco-friendly heating systems are the same, and not every system is right for every home. A trustworthy professional certified in alternative heating systems can help you navigate the complex world of circulating pumps, solar panels, geothermal heat exchangers, and radiant heat units. An experienced contractor will explain the types of systems that will work best for your home, help you locate the best quality equipment and supplies, and will see your project through from design to installation to teaching you how to use it properly. Taking your time with the process will ensure that you and your family can enjoy affordable, environmentally responsible home heating for years to come.
Related Green Home Heating Information from Horizon Services...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Room by Room Tips for Increasing Energy Efficiency at Home
Slash Your Energy Bills One Room at a Time!A home that’s energy efficient is easier on the environment and your budget. While energy efficient "green" home design is all the rage for new construction, it’s definitely not too late for existing structures to get an eco-friendly overhaul. And it’s not as hard as you may think to make the kinds of changes that can significantly reduce your family’s energy consumption, lower your utility bills and minimize your impact on the environment.
To get the most out of your next energy efficient home remodeling project, it’s important to focus on three key goals: reduce your total energy consumption, use energy to its fullest potential, and cut down on the waste your energy produces. Progress in any of these areas is fantastic, but talk to your contractor about ways to combine all three for the most energy efficient impact.
In the meantime, these simple energy efficiency tips can help you make a difference immediately if a big construction project isn’t in your near future.
Energy Efficient Kitchens:
As one of the most heavily used areas in your home, the kitchen is often the place where you consume the most energy. If the ice in your freezer is more than a 1/2 centimeter thick, defrost it. Vacuum your refrigerator condenser coil frequently; this can dramatically improve your appliance’s performance and energy efficiency. Be sure all the seals on your fridge, freezer, and oven doors are tight. Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Energy Efficient Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms:
Any room in your home that uses hot water is a good place to start to improve energy efficiency. Leaky taps can waste much more water than you think over time, so tighten loose connections and fix leaks as soon as possible. Take it easy on your dryer; load it only as full as its maximum capacity will allow and try to run it only when you need to. Be sure to clean the lint trap after every use, too.
Energy Efficient Basements:
Make sure your hot water pipes are well insulated to ensure the fuel that heats your water isn’t wasted. Set your hot water heater no higher than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider upgrading your basement insulation, too, which can help keep more heat inside your home during cold months and improve energy efficiency.
Energy Efficient Bedrooms and Living Rooms:
The best way to improve energy efficiency in these areas is to replace your windows and add insulation. But if these upgrades just aren’t in your budget, you may want to do some research on zoned heating and cooling to see if it’s a good fit for your home. Zoned systems let you set temperatures to match use, turning on the furnace or air conditioner in common living spaces when everyone is home and off in bedrooms when your house is empty during the day. Solar screens, thermal curtains, and tinting film are just a few of the window treatment options that can help reduce stress on your home’s heating and cooling system.
More Energy Efficiency Information from Horizon Services...
- The System Analysis
- 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home
- Green Your Home...Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- Cutting Edge Solutions For Energy Efficiency
- Frugal Fridge Maintenance Can Save You Energy...and Cold Hard Cash!
- 14 Web Sites That Can Save You Energy, Money and Time
- Seasonal Energy Saving Tips
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