Archive of posts tagged appliance
Save Energy While Watching Your Favorite Shows
If you plan to upgrade your entertainment system after remodeling your home, be sure to choose EPA Energy Star cable box, modem, TV monitors and routers. Each of these units saves 30 watts or more than non Energy Star models. Streaming over internet is getting more and more popular. One of the advantages of streaming […]
Nearing The Finish Line
The final touches have been made. Cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms are installed. Granite countertops are placed in kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen and bathrooms plumbing fixtures are all hooked up. The ENERGY STAR rated huge counter-depth refrigerator, and dishwashers are installed. Cooking appliances include a combined range/convection oven unit as well as a combined microwave/convention […]
Is Gas Cooking Safe?
The safety of gas cooking has long been investigated by the research community. Gas burners can produce nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and other pollutants. Here are highlights from two recent specific studies. A project by the Lawerence Berkeley Laboratory (paper submitted to the Environmental Health Perspectives earlier this year) found that these pollutants […]
Saving Energy Without Spending A Penny
Want to reduce your energy use and save money? It is a lot easier than you think. Many people use a lot of energy because they are accustomed to leaving most of devices running 24/7 when energy was cheap. But times have changed. Energy is getting expensive. In addition, energy generation causes air pollution and […]
Energy Efficiency Companies Keep Innovating
15 startup companies pitched their energy saving and management innovations at the PG&E hosted Emerging Technology Open Forum on July 24, 2012. I found three of them particularly interesting and useful to homeowners. Verdigris Technologies – Their product and service can tell you detail electric usage down to every single piece of appliance, including each […]
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 […]
Insulation
Insulation should be applied in: Attic, or roof if there is no attic Crawlspace External facing walls Around ventilation ducts (to at least R-8) Insulation should be applied after careful air sealing to close off all places for air leakage. Except for closed cell foam which acts like a sealant, most insulation materials allow air […]
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas, wood, or petroleum products. It is colorless and odorless but toxic. Acute poisoning (exposure to high levels at once) can cause neurological damages and can be fatal. Chronic poisoning (exposure to lower levels for long periods of time) can cause […]