Residential HVAC Mythbusting

Two nagging duct questions answered

Saving Energy with Reflective Roofs

Author: Steven Konopacki and Danny Parker

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November 01, 1998

In 11 Florida homes with roofs coated with a white material during midsummer, average air conditioning energy use decreased by 8 kWh/day, or 19%. [continue reading]

Efficient Cooling: Making It Happen

Author: Craig Sherman and Eric Hildebrandt

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March 01, 1998

As part of its efforts to promote energy-efficient residential HVAC systems, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) looked into air conditioner sizing. [continue reading]

Homeowners: Who Will Demand Rightsizing?

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March 01, 1998

Along with conducting detailed load calculations of 40 Sacramento homes, we asked homeowners to complete a brief survey. [continue reading]

Exhausting heat and moisture in the summer can keep a house cooler and reduce air conditioning costs. And running a fan whenever someone is cooking will eliminate most water vapor, grease, and combustion products from the kitchen. [continue reading]

Thermostats That Feel the Heat

Author: Tom Wilson

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November 01, 1997

Most American thermostats measure only air temperature. But there are numerous other elements that affect thermal comfort, and some of these can be used to turn HVAC equipment on and off. [continue reading]

When Wall Insulation Doesn't Save

Author: Doug Johnson

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May 01, 1997

Wall insulation clearly saves heating energy, but does it save cooling energy as well? [continue reading]

Conditioned Attics Save Energy in Hot Climates

Author: Ted Rieger

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May 01, 1997

Do homes with vented attics use less cooling energy than homes with unvented, conditioned attics in hot climates? With little formal research available to answer the question, common wisdom and most building codes have favored venting. [continue reading]

Two-Stage Evaporative Cooling

Author: Roy Otterbein

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May 01, 1997

Depending on the design, an evaporative cooler can use as little as 10% of the energy consumed by refrigeration air conditioning systems. [continue reading]