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HVAC
The sun is one of the most reliable sources of warmth on Earth, so why not use it for your home heating? Solar-powered heaters take the comfort and convenience of conventional heating and combine it with energy-efficient solar energy for an interior heat source that’s as great for your energy bills as it is for…
HVAC
What is an HVAC Zoning System?
Ever notice how the second story of your home is always stifling, while the first floor is practically Arctic all year round? That’s not a coincidence. Homes often have hot and cold spots — places where the angle of the sun, the physics of heat, and the home design all sync up to cause temperature…
Other Home Projects
Screened Porch Heaters and Cooling Solutions
A screened porch is the best of both worlds — all the comfort of the indoors with the fresh air and exterior views of the world beyond the windows. But extreme temperatures can make it difficult to use your porch year-round. After all, sweating or shivering is no way to enjoy the outdoors! Enter: screened…
HVAC
What Are Passive House Standards?
What if you never had to turn on the heat or AC in your home? How much would you save on heating and cooling costs throughout the year? Probably quite a bit. The Department of Energy estimates that heat and air conditioning use make up almost half of the average household’s energy bills. That means…
Solar
Passive Versus Active Solar Hot Water Heaters: Which Is Better?
As a homeowner, having options is great — you wouldn’t want just one paint color to choose from, would you? But it also makes the purchasing process a little bit more complex, especially when it comes to important decisions, like saving energy throughout your home. And when you decide to offset some of your utility…
HVAC
Humidifiers and HVAC: What You Need to Know
Too cold in winter or sticky and uncomfortable in summer? Your thermostat may not be the problem. Indoor humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) can change how your home feels, how hard your HVAC system has to work, and whether you’re more likely to deal with issues like musty odors or dry skin.…
HVAC
Can a Water Heater Blanket Save You Money on Your Energy Bills?
There are hundreds of ways you can save money on your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. One easy way to save on utilities? Using a water heater blanket. It makes a big difference during the colder months, as you can imagine, but it’s also an effective way to save money year-round.…
Other Home Projects
Passive Solar Heating Techniques You Can Use in Your Own Home
Want to heat your home without spending a dime on electricity or fuel? It’s definitely possible. We hear a lot about high performance homes that are built with passive solar designs — building structures that capture heat from the sun and use it to keep homes more comfortable naturally, without burning up fuel. In fact,…