Wind Energy Voice » Homes

Are Steel Kit Homes Designed For An Energy Efficient Lifestyle

admin — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:30:07 +0000

Living in a cold climate, and I’m used to high energy bills, but I have to say. I’m not very fond of them. With the economy taking a turn for the worse, money is tight these days, no matter what your profession. Therefore, I started researching ways to live a more energy efficient lifestyle. That’s when I came across Steel Kit Homes. I live in a log cabin, and I was shocked by the comparison of steed framed homes to wood framed homes. Steel frame homes can be substantially more energy efficient than standard wood frame homes.

As I was researching the benefits of energy efficiency, I was also astounded by how harmful the air inside our home can be, and with today’s modern technology such as computers, video games, Ipod’s, and so on. I wasn’t too surprised by learning that 90% of all people spend most of their time indoors. I have to threaten my daughter just to get her to walk the dog, so that wasn’t a big shocker. However, learning that bacteria and mold expansion could be a major factor in homes that are not properly ventilated, sealed, and insulated, was. I am concerned about the quality of air I breathe, and more importantly, that my daughter breathes. I was also amazed by learning that contaminants can be up to five times higher inside a home than outside. Learning that I could control the air quality in my home, by simply making sure my air conditioner filters are cleaned and changed often enough, along with making sure the heating and cooling systems are installed correctly, was a big relief, especially knowing that the air quality raises health worries more commonly in children, the elderly and illness prone individuals. My daughter’s health is a major concern of mine. Therefore, I kept researching, and was deeply disturbed by the statistics. It is a fact, that poor air quality in your home could cause allergies, asthma, seasonal effective disorders, and even several types of cancer. Finding all this out, left me beside myself, but I was at ease, when I kept reading the benefits to Steel Kit Homes. The energy efficiency of kit homes surpasses that of other homes by far. Yes, it is true; steel is a high conductor of heat. However, the strength of steel allows the beams to be closer together, instead of further apart as with wood beams used for homes like mine. This meaning, it cuts down on the air intake seeping into your home.

Not only do Steel Kit Homes provide healthier indoor air quality, but they also cut down on those high energy bills, as I mentioned before. I would much rather spend my hard earned money taking my daughter to an amusement park, then pay those ridiculously high energy costs. Living an energy efficiency lifestyle means saving money. Now that I have done my research, there is no doubt that I will indeed be purchasing a Steel Kit Home, and if you are looking for a healthier way of living, then I suggest you check into it also.

There are many very resourceful websites to help you along the way, while making this decision, such as Kit Homes Queensland.

Technorati Tags: Designed, efficient, energy, Homes, Lifestyle, Steel

Energy At Home – What is an Energy Audit (Existing Homes)

admin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:23:59 +0000

An Energy Audit performed by a PA Home Energy certified professional can inform about where both money and energy are being lost in your home.

Technorati Tags: Audit, energy, Existing, Home, Homes

Energy Efficient Homes, The Wave Of Tomorrow

admin — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:42:39 +0000

Energy Efficient Homes, The Wave Of Tomorrow

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Energy Efficient Homes, The Wave Of Tomorrow

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Posted: Dec 01, 2009 |Comments: 0

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Energy Efficient Homes, The Wave Of Tomorrow

By: james kahn

About the Author

James is a leader in writing about legal forms and agreements that may assist you when you are in the search of the right legal document. He writes many articles about forms ranging from, real estate forms, power of attorney forms, landlord tenant forms, and most any legal form that you are searching for.

(ArticlesBase SC #1524054)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Energy Efficient Homes, The Wave Of Tomorrow

Years ago, in the days when buying a home was easier, and there were less legal forms required in a real estate transactions, homes were inadequately insulated. There just was not the knowledge or inclination to insulate homes the way the energy conscious world of today does. The older homes, and in many communities these are the ranch style homes of the 40′s and 50′s, windows are still the old single pane glass screens, with no insulation. Then, later on, in the 80′s builders left building those energy guzzling openings, and built with double pain window insulation systems. This kept in air, and kept out out. It also kept out noise as well.

Most every builder today builds thinking about energy-efficiency, and the window is important in an energy-efficiency system. Heat loss occurs mostly from the room, windows, and air leaks around window frames, and doors, and door entrances. The lower lying horizontal dwellings with energy-efficient features will be the best conservor of energy, and lest costly to heat and cool.

A Florida Realtor advises his buyers, and potential buyers, to get an energy audit done on a home, if the seller had not done that and does not have any records supporting that. Home buyers are always advised by real estate agents everywhere to get a general home inspection, and there is a legal form to be signed, or filled out stating that buyer authorized a home inspection, or denied it, but this Realtor goes a step further, while many Realtors will not push an energy audit on their buyers. The Energy Star program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is a good benchmark for what is an energy efficient product in the home, or what is an rated Energy Star home. This program is for both homes and businesses. This program can save home owners and businesses a big part of the energy bill.

Consumers can look for appliances with an Energy Star rating. This agent went around helping buyers locate and pick out Energy Star products and homes knowing with high standards, the buyer would be satisfied, and would find an economical way of meeting the monthly energy bill.

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Article Tags:
home buying, real estate forms, energy efficiency, legal forms

Increase your home’s energy efficiency

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:40:56 +0000

Increase your home’s energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a concept that is finding a lot of favor with almost all governments and powers across the globe realizing the importance of conservation and trying to tap into renewable sources of energy. Reduction of fossil fuel deposits as well as global warming and reduced rainfall has resulted in a major decrease in energy that is being generated from non-renewable sources of energy. Every individual has his or hew own responsibility in being a part of this initiative and hence has to do their bit in making their surroundings energy efficient and save as much energy as they can.

You can start by doing an audit that effectively tells you where you are wasting energy and how you can save energy. This can be outsourced to an energy audit home or can be done by you by following certain guidelines. Once this is done, you can install certain energy efficient systems that can help you save energy. Some systems that can help you make a substantial difference to your energy bills are:

Solar systems: These are dependent on solar energy and can help you reduce your energy bills. This ensures that the dependency on renewable sources like coal is reduced and sources like solar power, which are renewable and are expected to last as long as the universe lasts, can be tapped more frequently.

Rain water harvesting: A lot of rain water, which is normally a very pure form of water, is lost as these are not properly trapped. They flow into lakes or rivers, and then into the sea. By harvesting rain water, they can be used immediately or even used to charge ground water, which is depleting fast.

The disadvantage connected with these systems are that they are slightly expensive as far installation is concerned, and the government is doing all that it can to make these systems mandatory as well as affordable. There are some other systems more cost effective systems like automated switches which sense the usage and increase or decrease lighting, thereby reducing power usage or even smaller and cheaper things like sun films that help reduce heat and thereby air-conditioning requirement. Energy efficiency is a matter of choice and can be incorporated into your house in the stages of its construction itself. You can make provisions for cross ventilation or good insulation in the walls and ceilings, at that point of time itself.

You can also do small changes like using star rated appliances or even sealing your doors and windows so as to reduce your heating requirement. Changing old home appliances after their stipulated usage period is a good way to reduce your electricity bills, as old appliances tend to draw more power as time passes.

Eco-friendly and energy efficient dwellings at Eco-Friendly Troon Village Real Estate , Eco-Friendly Valencia Real Estate and Eco-Friendly Verrado Real Estate

Technorati Tags: efficiency, energy, Homes, Increase

Wind Turbines for Homes – True Facts

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:17:20 +0000

Even if it’s true that getting energy from the local power company’s grid is easier than building one of those wind turbines for homes, the benefit comes when you don’t have to pay for a big electric bill, while also becoming more energy independent. With the power driven by wind turbines for homes you can enjoy the advantages of all the modern electrically driven lifestyle without even thinking about the monetary consequences.

I dare to say that, if you build yourself one of those wind turbines for homes, using one the best guides available, you could get disconected completely from the grid.

Electric bills and fuel bills are rising steadily—but the cost of building wind turbines for homes to get energy is zero, and the cost of installing and hooking up a turbine is steadily coming down as demand rises and more commercial success is realized by various companies producing the turbines and researching technologies to make them ever more efficient.

In addition, people are moving away from the traditional power grids and the fossil fuels for personal reasons including desire for greater independence, the desire to live remotely or rurally without having to “go primitive”, political concerns such as fears of terrorist strikes on oil fields or power grids, or concerns about the environment.

This motivation to get away from the traditional energy sources is the same one that causes people to seek the power of the wind for their energy, giving more business opportunities to profit from wind turbine production and maintenance, which drives their costs down for the consumers.

In many parts of the world, homeowners who remain on the grid but who still choose to use wind turbines for homes are eligible for rebates or tax breaks from governments that end up paying for as much as 50% of their total “green” energy systems’ costs.

There is a lot of energy that we can harness if we only seek to research and develop the technologies needed to do so. We can get away from the old electrical grid by using wind turbines for homes as an alternative energy source.

Enrique is an active environmentalist who has dedicated a lot of time to help people save energy, use recycled materials, learn to make use of natural cleaning products, etc… while protecting the environment.
He created a DIY Renewable Energy Guide review site with three of the top downloadable ebooks on the subject. You can see them here: Reviews.EasyGreenEnergy.info

Technorati Tags: Facts, Homes, True, turbines, wind

Small Energy Efficient Homes – Save On Home Energy

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:38:12 +0000

Today, with the rising cost of energy around the globe, people have become aware of the importance of saving. In fact there is an emergence of discoveries pertaining to saving energy equipments. People have become aware of the effects of human activities to our environment and this awareness has given them the urge to start change with themselves.

Click Here For Save On Home Energy Instant Access Now!

As a result to the massive campaign for saving energy, more and more people are planning on having small energy efficient homes that can benefit the environment and at the same time meet your every need.

What are the advantages of small efficient homes? There are a lot of benefits that you can get from energy efficient homes. On an interpersonal aspect of a family a smaller home is better because there will be good communications among the family members. On the financial aspect, maintaining a smaller house is much affordable than maintaining a bigger house. A smaller, well laid out home, you should be able to stay in that home for years longer than a ‘big’ home and have sustainability in both the financial and long term personal accessibility areas. The small home will also be easier for your children to maintain if you were disabled or to sell if the need arises.

The sustainability of a small non-impressive, efficient house will be simple and easy for almost all responsible people. It will be much easier on the environment. They use less energy and a renewable resource. They are becoming quite popular with people who are concerned about the environment. But solar is just one step in making a home Eco friendly.

To have energy efficient home does not always mean building a new home. Older homes can be converted into an energy efficient one by doing some remodeling, redesigning or renovation. Replacing appliances and adding new energy sources are just a few of energy efficient changes that you can make.

Click Here For Save On Home Energy Instant Access Now!

This author writes about Energy Efficient Home Ideas and Home Energy Saving Review

Technorati Tags: efficient, energy, Home, Homes, save, small

Make Use of Wind Power Electricity for Better Homes and a Better Earth

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:05:44 +0000

Do you know why you are being charged so high on your electricity bills? It is because, the reserves of fossil fuel that are used for producing electricity are depleting at a high rate. This extreme shortage is the main reason for the increase in the electricity rates. There are other renewable resources that you can use instead. Wind power electricity is one such source that can be used by all of us instead of using such non renewable resources for the production of electricity.

Create Free Electricity at Home with Wind Power at your Home

There are several ways in which you can produce wind power electricity and the only requirement is strong wind currents. The entire set up can be built very easily as all the components used are easily available in the market; some of them even in our homes. There are pre fabricated versions that are available, but usage of these will only ensure that you will spend extra money unnecessarily as these can be constructed easily on your own.

Generation of wind power electricity is done by using one major apparatus which is the windmill or the turbine. This consists of a set of blades attached on the top of a tower which in turn is connected to an axle at the base, which causes the bladwind powerte when there is wind.

If you are thinking of ways to build these windmills in order to produce wind power electricity, there are several, do it yourself kits that are available. By following a set of instructions you will have the entire instrument ready for installation.

Our planet is under the threat of global warming and one of the reasons behind this is the usage of nuclear energy used to produce electricity. In using wind power electricity you are not only saving money for yourself but you are saving the earth too.

Learn easy ways to produce wind power electricity. You can visit Earth4Energy for details of a guide that will help you in this regard.

Technorati Tags: Better, earth, electricity, Homes, power, wind

How to make energy efficient homes

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:08:58 +0000

Making substantial improvements in energy efficiency will save home owners money in the long run and help him make energy efficient homes. By improving the efficiency of homes we can significantly lower our carbon footprint. The following are a few examples of home improvements that will help increase the value of your home and save you money on utility costs.

Seal leaky duct work systems to reduce wasting energy. This will also make the home more healthy by eliminating dirty air being pulled into the house. Bring your attic insulation up to modern-day standards. Most attics do not have enough insulation and is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Ceiling fans help reduce your home’s dependence on air conditioning during the summer months and, in the winter you can use the fan to help push heat down from the ceiling. Use a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy costs by regulating the temperature in your home based on peak usage. In other words, your thermostat can keep lower the temperature during hours when the home is not occupied and pump it up while the family is gathered at home.

Many energy efficiency improvements are very cost effective. And you should consider them so that you can live in an energy efficient home. But there are some measures that are completely free and all they require is a slight change of your daily routine. Changing daily habits will provide a dramatic decrease in energy costs and make energy efficient homes a reality. Here are a few examples of energy-saving habits that can make a huge difference.

Showers require less hot water than baths and taking a shorter shower saves both water and energy. Water-saving showerheads are easy to install and can help save money also. Use your washer/dryer, oven, dishwasher and other large appliances in the morning or the evening. Do not waste water with small and medium wash loads, rather try to run large wash loads. Clear your lint filter with every dryer run. Hang dry your clothes in the summer. Turn off all electronic devices when not in use. Look up “phantom loads” for more information. During winter months, use window covers or drapes on windows to minimize heat loss. Clean your baseboard heaters and radiators and do not block them with furniture, carpeting, or drapes. If you are upgrading your appliances you should replace them with more energy efficient models that have the energy Star label. Maintenance is important when it comes to making energy efficient homes. Remember to check the filters on your heating and cooling systems monthly and replace them regularly. When possible, replace any incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs which are more energy efficient and last longer too!

These are just some of the many measures and changes you can do to make your home more energy efficient. You can know more at www.advancedhomeenergy.com

Larry Gordon has over 15 years experience in the home energy industry. His experience includes residential HVAC & home performance systems. In the past, Mr. Gordon has focused on providing turn-key solutions for creating energy efficient homes. He is a strong advocate of providing a home energy audit then undertaking projects that minimize the energy usage, while maintaining comfort levels. You can learn more at www.advancedhomeenergy.com

Technorati Tags: efficient, energy, Homes

Wind Power For Homes – Proven Tips To Generate Clean And Green Power For Your Home

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:02:35 +0000

Globally there is an increasing awareness among people about the damage that we have done to our environment. This factor coupled with rising fuel prices has revived the interest of people in wind turbines. wind power for homes is something that homeowners around the world are looking at seriously. Not only can wind turbines help in generating clean power, they can also help you save substantial amounts of money on your energy bills in the long run too.

There are several online guides that can help you build your own wind turbine. You need not be technically qualified in order to install one in your home. In fact wind power for homes is now only a matter of following instructions from detailed manuals, most of which you can find online. Moreover, the entire process of putting together the equipment in place is also a fun opportunity for the entire family.

A good amount of planning and research is needed if you are thinking of building your own wind turbine. First of all you will need to get all the equipment and tools ready. You will for instance need a generator, a mounting, blades, a tower and batteries to store the power in. You can find most of the things that you need for the purpose at a local hardware store.

You will then need to decide on the location in your home that you want to place the wind turbine in. The rapid advances in technology mean that you need not live in a very windy area for your wind turbine to generate power. Even the slightest breeze is enough to turn the blades that you can find in the latest wind turbines.

Using wind power for homes is a lot easier than what you think. You can find detailed information on it at the online guide Earth4Energy. You can now build your own wind turbine by following the step by step instructions you will find on this online guide.

Technorati Tags: clean, generate, green, Home, Homes, power, Proven, Tips, wind

Energy Efficient Homes Stay Cool in Summer

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 11:12:54 +0000

The main cooling control of your house is its design. A well designed house takes into consideration the house’s orientation to make the most of prevailing wind directions and encourage favorable summer breezes.

Window sizes and placement also affect summer cooling. If the windows are located and sized well you can open them during hot summer afternoons and create a cooling breeze flowing through your whole house.

Your house’s orientation and shading features such as window overhangs and louvers effect how much sunlight is captured; a well orientated house will take advantage of the sun at different times of the day and during different seasons. Ensure that windows are big enough to capture free solar energy, but small enough to avoid any unnecessary over-heating in summer. Smaller windows will also reduce excessive heat losses during evenings, especially during the cooler months.

Room location is also important. By positioning the rooms which the family live in on the side of the house that naturally makes the best use of the summer sun, you will improve the amount of free solar heat your house naturally receives. Make sure that your deck also receives sun during the times you want it. Most people love to spend a few hours on the deck at the end of the day. A deck built to capture the evening sun and which is shielded from the wind can be used almost as another ‘room’, perfect for summer parties!

The thermal mass of your home is a key passive design component working like a sponge to suck up surplus heat during the daytime and releasing it later in the evening. Simple measures, such as replacing carpet with ceramic tiles will soak up the summer sun to maintain a steady cool temperature during the day and in the evening. But keep in mind: Thermal mass does not replace good insulation. Both go hand in hand and work best in combination.

If you don’t have a lot of thermal mass available, for example in a home with suspended timber floors, overheating can be a problem. External shades and sun sails can be fitted to complement the orientation of your house and assist with cooling. Tinted windows positioned correctly can also reduce the amount of solar heat entering the home.

Lastly there are also many cooling products available, namely air-conditioning units and fans. Commonly known as active cooling systems these offer a consistent room temperature, while at the same time, deodorise and clean the air, resulting in a healthier living environment for all the family. To maximize energy efficiency and ensure optimum home comfort we at Right House recommend that air conditioning units and fans are used as ‘extras’ supporting your home’s in-built passive design cooling features.

And remember, good insulation does not only keep the heat in during the winter, it also keeps unwanted heat out in the summer, reducing your air conditioning bill.

Albrecht Stoecklein is the Technical Marketing Executive for Right House, the only New Zealand company that provides independent advice, supplies an extensive range of products and installs everything for an energy-efficient home. For more information, visit www.righthouse.co.nz

Technorati Tags: Cool, efficient, energy, Homes, Stay, Summer