Best House Floor Plans

Heating your home in the winter can be costly and environmentally unfriendly no matter what type of home or house plan you have. Taking steps to winterize your home and carefully considering your heating options can save you money while helping to make your home green. If you are considering geothermal heating this winter, a recent post on the Hoffmann Brothers St. Louis heating and cooling blog mentioned the following recent regulations regarding geothermal heating and the energy tax credit:

“On December 1st 2009 The Environmental Protection Agency announced revised regulations for residential geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). The new requirements approve water-to-water geothermal pumps to qualify for the Energy Star label. In the past, the geothermal standards were conventional pumps, only. This means that homeowners are entitled to a 30 percent tax credit with the installation of any geothermal heating pump.”

For a more efficient form of heating this winter consider geothermal heating and its value to your home and the environment.

Related Articles:

10-Things to Know About Geothermal Heating and the Energy Tax Credit

 Simple Green Home Energy Tips

Heating, lights and electricity contribute to the outlay of maintaining the home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the average household spends $1500 each year on energy costs. During the winter months, utility bills can mount to unknown expenditures. Throughout the home, there are several simple tactics to reduce every day costs.

Change the bulbs. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that lighting accounts for 20 percent of the electricity bill. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) bulbs. Although, the bulbs are slightly costlier than standard bulbs, the savings reduces the electricity bill overtime.

Control the temperature.  When the home is vacant for several hours, reduce the temperature five to eight degrees. Thermostats, which can be controlled from remote locations, are a surefire way to cut heating costs. The EPA recommends that by replacing thermostats with Energy Star qualified programmable gages with four-temperature settings, homeowners can recoup $100 in annual energy costs.

Power down. Battery chargers, computers and other unused electronic appliances contribute to the overall power load.

Quarter off rooms. Extra rooms, demanding infrequent traffic should be closed to  reduce drafts and entrap warmth.

Time it. To avoid unnecessary power loads, place lights on timers. 

Protect it. At doors, windows and other drafty entryways, affix weather stripping.

Replace filters. Ensuring the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems means replacing dirty air filters with clean ones.

Select ENERGY STAR. Instead of buying new standard appliances, opt for Energy Star qualifying products, such as home electronics, lighting, heating and cooling equipment which have passed a series of energy efficiency assessments.

Additional Green Energy Tip  Resources:

• FAQs About Going Green
• Green Conservation Tips
• Efficiency Facts

Eco-friendly ceiling fans have come of age. Compared to the conventional fan or light unit of yesterday, these conserving cooling accoutrements offer substantial energy efficiency. But, how can you identify an energy efficient ceiling fan from one that is not?

To shed a little green light on the ceiling fan, here are a few frequently asked questions on the eco-friendly ceiling fan.

How can I be sure that my ceiling fan is eco-friendly?

ENERGY STAR qualified eco-friendly ceiling fans and lights are tested for efficiency and meet various standards approved by the federal government.

How energy efficient are these ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans?

According to a report published by ENERGY STAR, ceiling fan/light combination units are 50 per more efficient than conventional fan/light units.

If I buy an eco friendly ceiling fan, will I be able to on save money on my monthly utility bill?

Absolutely. Studies show that these ceiling fans save up to a $10 a month in the electric bill.

Why are eco friendly combination light and ceiling fans so efficient?

A number of components make up the energy efficient ceiling fan. These include the following: the motor grade, blades and control.

What features should I look for in an ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fan?

Generally, ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans are better because the motor and blade are engineered to maximize energy efficiency. There are two types of ceiling fans motors. One requires more maintenance than the other. For instance, the ceiling motor fan with sealed bearings calls for minimal maintenance; while, the one with lubricated ball bearings requires service occasionally (in example: adding oil).

Why is lubrication an important feature of the ceiling fan?

Lubrication affects the performance of the fan. With more lubrication, smoother flow ensues which extends the longevity of the ceiling fan.

Where can I find information about eco-friendly ceiling fans?

At energystar.gov, the site features a wealth of information regarding eco friendly ceiling fans.

Information gathered from:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ceiling_fans.pr_ceiling_fans_performance