About 45 to 60 cents of every dollar the typical American pays on utility bills goes for “space” conditioning (heat and air conditioning). Homeowners can lower those costs by a little or a lot by selecting the most energy efficient equipment that can do the job and fit the budget.
If a house is designed with an efficient thermal envelope, downsizing mechanical equipment is often possible, saving both up front costs and operating costs. However, under sizing equipment can cost more to operate, so make your calculations carefully. For maximum efficiency, consider incorporating solar whenever possible for your water and space heating needs. Designing, selecting, and installing energy-efficient, properly sized, mechanical systems increases comfort and saves money.
When replacing or purchasing heating and cooling equipment, energy efficiency should be the primary consideration. One simple way to identify an energy efficient product is to look for the EnergyStar® label. Proper installation, well sealed air ducts and a tightly built home all contribute to increased energy efficiency.
Another consideration is keeping the air in your home healthy. Many pathogens thrive under the same conditions that humans find comfortable. Take care if your home utilizes a forced air furnace and/or air conditioner. Both these pieces of equipment designed to make your home more livable can actually reduce its health. Be sure to install proper filters for your system and change them as recommended.
By taking these measures you can ensure increased comfort as well as contributing to cleaner air and a cleaner environment.
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GCS Radiant Modular Heat PanelsGCS Radiant Modular Heat panels is a 100% Green Building product utilizing regrind concrete with fly |
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Allegiance 18Two compressors for two stages of cooling Ultra high efficiency, up to 18.90 SEER rating, attractive |
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GUVA/GCVA AIR COMMAND®The Amana® GUVA/GCVA AIR COMMAND® 2-stage, variable-speed gas furnace is the ultimate indo |
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HV Series Whole House CoolersThe HV1000 and HV1600-G are radical designs in whole house cooling fans. Engineered to reduce indo |
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Few people realize that a “stick built” (typical 2×6 framing) home is usually constructed by using panelized construction methods. Panelizing involves making many identical sections and putting them together to form a wall, for instance. Often times, panelized housing is confused with other types of housing construction.
If you are the manufacturer of a product and are interested in having that product listed for free on Greenerbuilding.org or know of a green building program or information source we should know about, or simply want to talk about green building, contact us.