Archive of posts tagged hot water
California 2013 Building Energy Code To Become Effective
The California Energy Commission started issuing building energy efficiency standards (codified in Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations) since 1978. Updates are made periodically as newer technologies and products become available, and new energy efficiency requirements change. The latest version, commonly known as the 2013 Title 24, was recently completed and […]
A Green Bathroom Remodel Brings Many Benefits
Bathrooms are the second most heavily used rooms in the house, with the first being the kitchen. The wear and tear in bathrooms necessitate repair or remodel. As the economy recovers, albeit slowly, bathrooms are the prime targets as more homeowners think about remodeling their homes. A green bathroom remodel is not necessarily more expensive. […]
Are Your Clothes Really Clean After Laundry
You would expect that laundered clothes would be squeaky clean. Wait… Energy-wise people and many manufacturers often advocate using cold water to launder clothes. But this is an area where health and hygiene should dictate a more balanced look at energy savings. Clothing is carrying more germs than before for two main reasons. First, certain […]
How to Choose an Advanced Water Heater
Choosing a water heater is getting to be a little more complicated than in the old days, but it’s worth it because the right choice can save you money. Water heating is a fast changing field. Electric heat pump heaters are getting a lot of attention. Condensing gas tank and tankless heaters are gaining in […]
Sun Drying Clothes – Beyond Saving Energy
I have often read or heard environmentalist or energy conscious individuals saying to dry their clothes naturally with the sun because it saves energy. This is indeed true. In fact, the sun’s benefit goes much beyond saving energy. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun kills germs very effectively and removes odor. No wonder people talk […]
Easy Steps to Reduce Energy Use before Renewables
Distributed renewable generation systems such as solar electric and solar hot water systems are great ways to get clean energy. The price of these systems, in particular solar electric systems, has come down in prices so much in recent years that homeowners may want to consider installing them. While the energy generated is clean, the […]
Weingarten House at San Benancio – Energy Conservation without Sacrifice
“Freezing in the dark”, is how Ronald Reagan characterized energy conservation. I’ve been thinking about energy matters for about thirty years now and don’t think conservation must mean sacrifice. One goal with this house was to demonstrate that it’s possible to meet the current challenge of sustainability and do better than we have done in […]
How to Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy efficient appliances can offer energy and money savings. While it may not be economical to replace a piece of appliance, when the appliance is reaching the end of useful life or when new appliances are purchased during a remodel, choosing an energy efficient model is the perfect time. The energy efficient model may cost […]