Energy

Energy Category Sponsored by SunPower

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions (roughly 30%) because nearly 70% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels. A concerted effort is underway to quickly ramp up renewable energy at both the utility level and distributed across residential and commercial properties. We also know we can reduce energy use through simple behavior changes like turning off lights and electronics when not in use. When you are looking for 

  • ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS: ENERGY STAR is a certification program run by the EPA that applies to everything from appliances and electronics to building materials and lighting. Products certified by this program use considerably less energy than their traditional counterparts. For example, a water heater is the 2nd biggest energy user in the home, but an ENERGY STAR certified electric storage water heater uses half the energy of a standard model. ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs use 75-90% less energy and last 10-25 times longer. That’s smart design!
  • ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN: The way a home is designed can reap massive rewards when it comes to reducing energy use. For example, LEED homes can save anywhere from 30-60%, a Passive home performs 60-85% better, and a Net-Zero House produces the same amount of electricity that it needs to run – or in some cases, more electricity than is needed! That’s incredible home energy savings!
  • RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES: The variety of options for renewable energy grows every year as new technologies continue to be developed. Modern solar panels are more cost effective, attractive, and efficient. They can also be paired with battery backup to provide access to renewable energy even after dark or provide backup in case of power loss. Do you have a stream running through your property? With micro-hydro power machines, even a small stream can generate consistent, clean, dam-free, renewable electricity. And residential scale wind power is also becoming more common and accessible. 

In addition to monthly utility savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy-efficient products and projects qualify for a variety of tax incentives and rebates at the local, state, and federal levels. You can search the DSIRE website for what incentives you may qualify for to help your renewable journey along.

LED Light Bulbs for Now, and for the Future

LED Light Bulbs for Now, and for the Future

LED light bulbs that were once very expensive can be had for $5 or less. The savings in energy cost, year after year, pays for the investment many times over. But which products will last, and show you and your home in their very best light?

Extreme Panel Energy-Saving Structural Integrated Panels

Extreme Panel Energy-Saving Structural Integrated Panels

Extreme energy savings Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) from Extreme Panel Technologies is the ultimate way to build green. Extreme SIPs regularly save owners 50-60% on heating and cooling costs. The panels can be used as a complete building envelope...

Heat and Cool Your House With A Geothermal Home System

Heat and Cool Your House With A Geothermal Home System

What is geothermal heating and cooling, and what are the benefits? Geothermal heating/cooling systems are 300-600% more energy efficient than traditional systems. They use less energy even during the coldest winters, emit less CO2 into the atmosphere, and last longer. See how they are used and why one may be right for you.

Fresh Air For Your Family: Deciding Whether an ERV or HRV is Right For You

Fresh Air For Your Family: Deciding Whether an ERV or HRV is Right For You

Home building has come a long way in the last 50 years. New standards for improved insulation values and air-tightness have enabled huge boosts in energy efficiency. But these improvements come with a risk of poor indoor air quality and moisture retention. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) are air exchange systems that not only offer great benefits for your home and your health, but can also help in saving money from your utility bills.

Passive House Explained in 90 Seconds

Passive House Explained in 90 Seconds

Ever wondered if the heating or air conditioning in your house is really necessary? Passive House (aka Passivhaus) is a design approach to building that reduces the energy required drastically – sometimes up to 80-90%. In 90 seconds, this video explains how it's done....

Tesla Solar Roof Shingles

Tesla Solar Roof Shingles

Solar Roof shingles are both green and gorgeous. With an integrated Powerwall battery you’ll effectively turn your home into a personal utility! Plus, they’re so durable they’re warrantied for the lifetime of your house, or infinity, whichever comes first. 

Window Films for Beauty and Energy Efficiency

Window Films for Beauty and Energy Efficiency

Window film is a simple and quick way to give your windows a fun fresh look while increasing your home’s energy efficiency. They work by reflecting and reducing the amount of ultraviolet light and solar heat that streams in through glass windows.

Zero Energy Upgrades Could Cost Zero Dollars

Zero Energy Upgrades Could Cost Zero Dollars

A simple calculation shows how you can have a zero energy home for the same price as a conventional one, and keep the monthly savings in your pocket. Here’s how it worked for Bruce.

Induction Cooks Better than Gas

Induction Cooks Better than Gas

There is no doubt that induction uses less energy than an electric resistance burner, but comparing it to a gas burner is more complicated. Here’s how it breaks down.

Six Steps to Success with Heat Recovery Ventilation

Six Steps to Success with Heat Recovery Ventilation

While HRV equipment is well-design and durable, the technology has been plagued by poor installation practices that reduce their value. “In all my many years in the HVAC industry,” says Manclark. “I have never seen anything screwed up as much as HRVs.” Here are the six steps to success for selecting and installing HRVs.

A Roadmap to Building Affordable Zero Energy Homes

A Roadmap to Building Affordable Zero Energy Homes

To achieve zero energy, designers and builders everywhere are employing an array of design concepts, product choices, and financing approaches. Because there are so many ideas, it seems appropriate to offer a quick rundown of the most cost-effective measures for getting to zero energy.

Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

When designing, building or even remodeling a home to be very energy efficient, much time is spent on the building envelope, electrical systems and appliances. But did you know that exterior landscaping can affect the energy performance of your home?

Measure energy efficiency with the Home Energy Score tool

Measure energy efficiency with the Home Energy Score tool

Beyond giving homeowners the information they need to make their home more energy-efficient, the Home Energy Score can also showcase the energy investments you’ve made in your home to make it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.

5 Things to Know About Geothermal Power

5 Things to Know About Geothermal Power

Currently, the U.S. leads the world for installed geothermal capacity, with more than 3.7 gigawatts (GW). With continued R&D successes and strong industry adoption, geothermal could meet more than 10% of U.S. electricity demand. Here are some interesting facts about geothermal energy.

Passive Solar Home Design 101

Passive Solar Home Design 101

Passive solar design takes advantage of a building’s site, climate, and materials to minimize energy use. A well-designed passive solar home first reduces heating and cooling loads through energy-efficiency strategies and then meets those reduced loads in whole or...

Passive Solar Design 101

Passive Solar Design 101

Passive solar design is the harnessing or directing of solar energy through non-mechanical, non-electrical means. It is a key principle of green building, often applied in designing buildings for maximum solar heating during cold winter months and maximum protection...

Net Zero Energy Home Products

Net Zero Energy Home Products

A net zero energy home doesn't have to look any different than any other home, but there are certain products that are better suited than others to help you achieve your net zero energy goals. Here are some examples.

Interested in Zero Net Energy Homes? We Want You to Have One

Interested in Zero Net Energy Homes? We Want You to Have One

What if your home was so efficient that it produced as much energy as it used? What if you never had to pay another electricity bill? Green dreams like this are coming true all over the world. Whether you’re building or remodeling, a net zero energy home is well within your grasp.

Net Zero Energy Home Case Studies

Net Zero Energy Home Case Studies

Are you ready for a home that lives, works, and lasts better? The home of the future - a better home - is available today. Take a virtual tour of homes that are so energy efficient a renewable energy system can offset all or most of their annual energy consumption....

Sustainability at Home: Raising the Bar

Sustainability at Home: Raising the Bar

By Christina Stowers, Communications Specialist in the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program at the U.S. Department of Energy When I say “sustainability at home,” you may already know what that means. You’re probably imagining the steps you take in...

What is a Home Energy Score?

What is a Home Energy Score?

Like a miles-per-gallon rating for a car, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Score is an easy way for homeowners, buyers, and renters to get directly comparable and credible information about a home’s energy use across the housing market. Shown in a simple 1-10 scale (10 being the most efficient), a Home Energy Score report can be used to estimate a home’s energy use, the associated costs, and provide affordable suggestions to improve its efficiency.

Solar for Everyone! Find What Works for You

Solar for Everyone! Find What Works for You

Good news! There are now ways for everyone to use solar energy at home. Solar is now more affordable than ever and, no matter where you live, the various options for using solar make it possible to choose a setup that works great for you.

Sense – High Resolution Home Energy Monitor

Sense – High Resolution Home Energy Monitor

Track energy use over time. Monitor energy throughout the month to make sure you stay on track. Set device-level notification. Enable alerts when the garage door opens or the sump pump turns on. Identify sources of energy waste. Find energy hogs, identify your energy baseload, and how much it’s costing you. Keep tabs on your home. Check whether the oven is still on, or whether the drain pump is running.

Tesla Powerwall Solar Home Battery

Tesla Powerwall Solar Home Battery

Seamless backup power. With or without solar. Powerwall detects grid outages and automatically becomes your home’s main energy source. Protect your home from the next power outage and keep your lights on, phones charged, and no puddles under the fridge.

The Idea Farm: A Custom, Eco-Friendly Farmhouse

The Idea Farm: A Custom, Eco-Friendly Farmhouse

This custom home is a sophisticated blend of rustic and refinement. Everything about it was purposefully planned for a couple committed to living close to the earth and following a lifestyle of simplicity. Affectionately named “The Idea Farm,” for its innovation in sustainable building practices, this home was only the 2nd new home in Minnesota to receive a Gold Rating by MN GreenStar.

Sonnen Batterie – Smart Home Energy Storage

Sonnen Batterie – Smart Home Energy Storage

The sonnenBatterie eco is an energy storage solution that utilizes intelligent energy management software. It is easily adaptable to your individual needs. The system is available in a variety of storage capacities and configurations, allowing for extensibility and expansion.

Comparing Different Types of Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Comparing Different Types of Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

There are numerous ways to conserve energy at home, with one of the easiest changes being lighting. Lighting is said to be the fourth largest energy consumer in residential homes, contributing to about 10-20% of your overall energy bill, so a simple change to energy-efficient bulbs can go a long way in reducing your household eco-footprint and saving you money.

How Much Can You REALLY Save with Energy Efficient Improvements?

How Much Can You REALLY Save with Energy Efficient Improvements?

By Allison Casey, U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory Colorful leaves, cooler weather, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everywhere—it's definitely fall! While you're snuggling in and sipping a warm drink, we hope you'll join us this October and...

Elemental Green’s Net Zero Hero Hall of Fame

Elemental Green’s Net Zero Hero Hall of Fame

At Elemental Green, our mission is to accelerate the adoption of green home building and renovation – sustainable homes should be the status quo! And, quite frankly, they need to be. We desperately need to protect our environment. Right now, we believe the drive...

Premier Sips Eco-Friendly Structural Insulated Panels

Premier Sips Eco-Friendly Structural Insulated Panels

Follow the future of framing like so many other homeowners have! For more than 50 years Premier SIPS roofs, walls and floors have framed homes from the oceanfront in California, to hot temps in Southern Florida, to freezing winters from Alaska to Maine. Decades in the field have shown that SIP homes have stood stronger, straighter and greener than those homes framed with traditional 2×6 lumber and batt insulation.

Fight Climate Change with Net Zero Energy Homes

Fight Climate Change with Net Zero Energy Homes

World Green Building Week (WGBW) is September 25th - October 1st and the focus this year is on net-zero energy buildings. Since buildings consume roughly 70% of the energy in this country and account for about 40% of CO2 emissions, transitioning to net...

Expert Tips for a High Performance, Energy Efficient Home [Podcast]

Expert Tips for a High Performance, Energy Efficient Home [Podcast]

Listen in as Kellye Markowski from Energy Smart Homes offers advice for homeowners/residents to reduce their energy and costs and know the best course of action for their house. She says people take a stab at doing the right thing for their home or property, yet they typically do the wrong thing or do the steps out of order.

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