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Homeowners may continue to enjoy their single pane glass windows and gain energy efficient advantages for up to 80% less than the cost of new replacement windows with the professional installation of window films instead, according to the International Window Film Association (IWFA). [continue reading]
Last summer, DOE issued new efficiency standards for furnace fans, which are a little-known energy hog that may be lurking in the basement. Yesterday, DOE proposed new standards that would help tame another energy hog that may be in the basement: dehumidifiers. However, while the proposed standards would be a good step towards cutting dehumidifier energy waste, they leave large cost-effective energy savings on the table. [continue reading]
When it comes to saving energy and reducing carbon pollution, builders can play a major role by designing and constructing sustainable homes that are also comfortable, healthy and durable. At the Energy Department, we created a special designation—known as Zero Energy Ready Home—to recognize builders who create high performance homes that are so energy efficient, a renewable energy system can offset all or most of its annual energy consumption. [continue reading]
This afternoon at the ACI National Home Performance Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, three new individuals were inducted into the Building Performance Industry Hall of Fame. Nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of impartial judges, these individuals were recognized for their significant and lasting contributions to the building performance industry over the course of their careers. Among them was one of our very own: Editor Jim Gunshinan, who has worked with Home ... [continue reading]
For both residential and commercial structures, owners are embracing green innovations for a variety of reasons. Concern for the environment is one of them. Other motivations to use green building approaches include saving money and protecting health. That's why the biggest green trends in 2015 will be those that promise long-term savings and an improved indoor air quality. [continue reading]
"If integrative design makes you think of blue sky brainstorming and unmet expectations,” remarks Alistair Jackson, principal at O’Brien & Company, “this is a new day and it’s time for a new mental model.” [continue reading]
Customers don’t like waiting around for service—especially when it comes to home repairs. In their 2014 Customer Preferences for Residential Services report, Software Advice, a site helping businesses find dispatch software, identified the top pain points cited were lengthy arrival-time windows and having to wait for late technicians. [continue reading]
The Net-Zero Energy Coalition convened the second Net-Zero North American Leadership Summit from March 3–5 as part of NESEA’s blockbuster BuildingEnergy15 conference. Summit participants gathered to share experience and collaborate on strategies to accelerate the development of net-zero energy buildings and communities across the continent. Kicked off with an inspirational address from Massachusetts State Senator Jamie Eldridge, the Summit created dialogue among federal, state, and city officials, major utilities, non-profits, education institutions, and ... [continue reading]
You’ve sold your customer a great energy solution in the form of a small wind turbine, which will give them years of clean power from a vast and plentiful renewable resource. Now you just need to install it. [continue reading]
In the hierarchy of dreaded activities, reviewing the monthly electricity bill ranks alongside stepping on the bathroom scale. As with most bills, the primary focus is typically on the amount due. The number of kilowatt-hours consumed receives only a secondary glance. However, understanding the details behind the monthly usage may yield opportunities for reducing your energy bill. [continue reading]
