Energy savings in your home can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You can do it one room at a time. In past blogs, we’ve covered saving energy in the kitchen, and the laundry room, now let’s take a look at saving energy in the bedroom. Install a Ceiling Fan A ceiling fan will create a nice breeze to keep your room cool in the summer. It runs more efficiently than an AC and uses less energy. It can be used in the winter as well. You can set the direction to clockwise in the winter to pull down hot air from above. Energy Efficient Windows Your windows are one of the biggest sources o ..read more

It’s starting to warm up and summer is right around the corner. This means more time is spent outdoors. However, it’s important to have a comfortable home to return to when we’re done with our outdoor activities. Here are some ways to keep your home cool this summer while keeping your energy usage low. Change Air Filters You want to have the best quality ventilation, especially during the summer when pollen and humidity are on the rise. Change your HVAC system’s air filters to make sure clean air is being circulated through your home. Check your filters frequently in the summer, about every mo ..read more

Summer is around the corner and soon it will be time to bring out the air conditioner. Here are some tips on maintaining your air conditioner for top efficiency this summer. Filters To ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently all season long, it is important to frequently clean or replace the filter. Dirty or clogged filters block air flow and make the ac unit work harder. As a result, it has to use more energy to cool the room or space. Clogged or dirty filters can cause your air conditioner’s energy consumption to rise up to 15%[1]. Depending on the type of filter you have, you either cl ..read more

Light bulbs have been around for over 150 years. The invention of the light bulb changed things from how buildings were designed to how long businesses stayed open. Some even credit the invention of the light bulb to the extension of the average work day[1]. Since its initial invention, the light bulb has taken on many forms and served many needs. How did we get from arc lamps to LEDs? The electric arc lamp was invented in 1802 but never made it to commercial use. It never produced a lasting light and the light it did produce was too bright. The vacuum tube came onto the scene in 1840 via a Br ..read more

When looking to improve the energy efficiency in your home, the kitchen is one of the best places to start. Kitchens typically have high energy usage from all of the different appliances as well as using a lot of water, so here are some tips to start saving energy in your kitchen. Efficient Dishwashing Whether you have a dishwasher or you hand wash, there are always ways to wash more efficiently.  Water usage has an effect on your overall energy bill. With small adjustments, you can save up to $72 a year[1].  Some ways you can wash dishes efficiently include: stacking dishes in your dishwasher ..read more

Weatherizing your home can help you save on your home energy bill, especially in the winter. No one wants to be uncomfortable in their own home. Check out these affordable ways to make your home a bit more comfortable. Caulking/Sealing Caulking is a popular weatherization method used by most homeowners. It’s a cheap DIY project that’s been around for years.  You can caulk around lighting fixtures, window joints, and vents. A home energy inspection can help you determine where you have drafts and the best places to caulk. Attic Door insulation If your attic isn’t insulated properly, it could be ..read more

You’ve finally gotten your home energy inspection. Now what? You have taken the first step to a more energy efficient home. Now that you have the inspection out of the way, it’s time to put the results and suggestions to work. Your energy inspector should have provided some suggestions on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency as well as which areas your home is lacking or losing energy. Firstly, depending on what bulbs you currently have, your energy inspector might leave recommendations for LED bulbs. LEDs are 75% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and tend to last longer ..read more

Invest in an energy efficient HVAC system Start off by making sure your HVAC system is energy efficient. If it is old and inefficient it may be time to invest in a newer, more efficient model. Yearly HVAC tune-up A yearly tune-up of your HVAC system keeps all systems running smoothly. This also lets you know if there is anything that needs to be replaced or cleaned[1]. Clean or replace filters Regularly clean your furnace’s air filter for easier air flow. Monthly checks should be helpful especially in the winter months when your furnace is used heavily. Clean Vents If your heater vent is clogg ..read more

Improving your energy efficiency is not limited to homeowners. Renters can benefit from energy efficiency as well. Whether you’re renting a condo, home, or even an apartment, there are things that you can do to save on your energy bill. Smart Water Use If it doesn’t violate your deposit rules, switch your shower head to a low flow one. Combined with 10-minute showers instead of baths, you can save up to 5 gallons of water with a low flow shower head. Additionally, running your clothes and dish washers only when full saves you on your water usage. Washing only full loads can save you up to 3400 ..read more

Solar steam generators are used to turn sea water into clean water. They convert energy from the sun into heat in order to filter the water. It does so by evaporating the sea water into steam leaving behind the salt and impurities. The steam is then condensed into clean water. Solar steam generators are generally efficient but they still lose energy through heat dissipation[1]. Researchers started looking at ways to improve the efficiency. They got the inspiration for a three dimensional photothermal material. The 3D generator was found to have a 50% higher evaporation rate and had a better li ..read more