Mandatory Energy Efficient Fluorescent Light Bulb Conspiracy Theory Considered

It seems the conspiracy theorists are always out in force with new stories to scare people into submission, and the latest one I heard is quite a doozy and I thought I'd share it with you. I recently met this conspiracy theorist in my travels across America, and he sent me his latest conspiracy. He said that, the politicians who support "the new world order" over the United States of America in the U.S. Congress and Senate had passed as part of the Alternative Energy Bill the rule that everyone in the US had to swap out all their light bulbs.

He said those light bulbs were made by General Electric, and they had a certain type of gas inside, and when they broke open the gas would spew out and it was quite toxic. He also said that the secret airplanes were spraying toxic chemicals into contrails with biological weapons to cause disease. These diseases would take hold in a human body, but would not be fully activated unless someone breathed the gas inside of those special energy saving light bulbs.

Energy Efficiency

He went on to say that the light bulbs burst at a certain frequency. And that during the 2010 Census report, they would GPS everyone's front door, and that the NSA had everyone's ISP address from their computer. They would then put these databases together and figure out who was against the "New World Order" and the satellite would send an energy wave into the home at a certain frequency and all the light bulbs would burst, causing gas in the home to get into the lungs of the occupants, thus causing them to get a disease which would kill them quickly.

Now, I'm not sure about you but it is people like this that scare the hell out of folks, and perhaps, we need fewer conspiracy theorists, and a little more reality check when it comes to the stories and tales that show up in our inbox. You should see the one he wrote about 2012; go figure. Please consider all this.

Mandatory Energy Efficient Fluorescent Light Bulb Conspiracy Theory Considered

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes everyone eventually needs a reality check. Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software.

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Solar Hot Water: Unexpected Winnings

Helping businesses reduce overheads is what I love to do.

My son John is a track work rider, or in other words, the personal coach of very expensive horses, he's working towards becoming a race horse trainer and managing his own stables. We were having a chat about the challenge of managing a stable's cash flow these days, in particular the huge cost of electricity. A massive chunk of the stable's electricity bill is for the production of hot water used to wash down the horses after their work out.

Energy Efficiency

In New South Wales, Australia electricity will increase another 30% by 2013! That's on top of the 17.6% increase in June 2011. Big electricity increases are happening Australia wide. Gas is not the solution either because as electricity prices rise, gas prices also increase.

If your business uses volumes of heated water solar water is the fastest and easiest way to significantly reduce that overhead. Apart from protecting your business from rising energy costs a solar water system will keep your money in the business where it belongs.

Electricity and gas bills are just like another tax on your business profits and everyone agrees you don't pay anymore tax than you absolutely have to.

Businesses that are already benefiting from solar water installations are motels, restaurants, dairy farmers, food processing plants, laundromats, commercial food dryers and food dehydrator plants, butchers, resorts, mining and construction camps.

With today's evacuated tube technology geographical location is no longer reason to not have SHW. Even in some of the coldest climates where temperatures are as low as -30 degrees celsius (-22 degrees fahrenheit) evacuated tube technology will produce very hot water and remain unaffected by the extreme cold.

Advanced evacuated tube technology will produce temperatures in excess of 500 degrees celsius (932 degrees fahrenheit).

Other applications for solar water heating are pool and spa heating and floor heating.

No longer are people dependent on electricity, wood or fossil fuels to heat water.

It is not uncommon for businesses who invest in solar water to have a return on investment within 12 months. And the right system will give you 80 - 90% of your hot water free year after year.

Don't underestimate how much solar hot water could save your business especially in light of the rapidly increasing cost of energy.Start saving your business some serious money now and treat your self to some unexpected winnings.

Solar hot water is smart business so take action: every day delayed costs you.

Solar Hot Water: Unexpected Winnings

Solar Rex

James McLaughlan has been a plumber 25 years specialising in solar hot water he has worked with many different types of solar water systems over the years and believes for solar hot water to be truly sustainable and affordable the design must be simple.

Making and storing solar hot water is not that difficult. However most manufacturers have included many 'bells and whistles' making solar hot water systems more complicated, expesive and less reliable. "As a plumber I want a solar hot water system that is 100% reliable and maintenance free - no 'built-in obsolescence."
This is why we can do affordable solar water with 100% reliability - check us out http://www.solarwater.com.au/products/how-does-it-work

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Effect of Technology on Our Lives

Technology is an improved route to an unimproved target. Technology is associated with innovation. It involves the transformation of ideas into something useful. Innovation is just not limited to creative people and organizations, but also involves the availability of technological and scientific talent. Technology and innovation are synergistic. Technology has definitely changed our lives and for the better.

Looking back in time, we realize how much our lives have changed due to the fruits of technology. It has provided us with freedom and less consumption of time and resources. Pointing out a particular technology for the drastic changes in one's life is simply not possible. A nation's economic growth can be measured according to the level of technology. This is because a number of factors are responsible for affecting an individual's life style. The most important factor for deciding the working of a particular technology is the presence of competition. One kind of technology seems beneficial only until a technological advancement does not occur.

Energy Efficiency

The most effective piece of technology is the mobile phone, and now a days being equivalent to a civilization. Due to technological changes, the dependency upon technology has increased many folds. Some advancement occurs at such a pace that they become self-defeating. The ability to convert carbon dioxide into fuel energy is a breakthrough process and once well established in would change our dependency on nonrenewable and limited sources.

With time, the use of internet is rising rapidly. The World Wide Web literally connects over 700 million people round the globe. The state-of-the-art technology has improved our means of communication as well as our educational standards. Due to the innovations in technology, an individual can gain knowledge about any topic at any place and at any point of time in his/her life. It has allowed the ease of availability of education. It has also improvised upon ways to fulfill our needs and to meet our expectations. Innovations in today's tech-world can help us to solve urgent problems.

The revolution in technology has given rise to chat rooms, discussion rooms, personalized web pages and online databases. The IT sector has completely changed the outlook of human communication with e-mails, video conferencing and instant messaging. With the advent of technology, people are building bridges to decrease the distances in their mind. One basic drawback that has taken place is that people are becoming lethargic due to high trends in technology. It is shortening our ability to pay attention. Robotics, automation and computerization are on the go for changing our lives. Implementation of robotics will give higher efficiency and cheaper labor, thereby increasing unemployment rate.

Now the other side of technology is not so green. It is because of improvised technology only that we have seen nuclear and atomic wars. This has also leaded to increase in pollution as well as corruption. Hence, one must know how to balance between manpower and automation. In the world of automation, cars have created freedom as well as concrete jungle. Technology is affecting our near future so it becomes our responsibility to streamline it in the right direction.

Effect of Technology on Our Lives

The Author is an expert Tech adviser who worked for several multinational corporates. Technology News - slimmest phone

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How to Calculate Energy Savings From Energy Efficient Window Treatments

With so many window treatment options, it can be hard to choose which blinds you want to buy. Then you hear about energy efficient blinds and wonder how much you could actually save. There is an easy way to find out. If you go to some online blinds store, you can use an energy calculator to give you an idea of how much you would save based on the square footage of your home.

Here are some other ways to figure out savings.

Energy Efficiency

Honeycomb Cellular Shades and Fusion Shades are the Most Energy Efficient
The double cell honeycomb shade along with the fusion roman shade is the most efficient design available today. What you may not realize is that the color makes a difference in the energy efficiency of the blinds.

- Choose a light color or a shiny surface to reflect light and heat.
- Choose dark colors to absorb heat.

How Sunlight Effects Your Energy Bill
During the summer, windows can cause your energy consumption to increase a whopping 20 to 50 percent of the total energy used in a home. To give you a more concrete example a tiny one by one foot window lets in more heat than your entire wall! This can make your air conditioner work as much as 50 percent harder than it has to. The right window treatment means the energy used goes down, electric bill goes down, and the sun can't fade your carpet or furniture.

Window Blinds and Coefficient
The coefficient measures the shades ability to insulate the home and how well it blocks out solar energy. In this case, you want a low number. The lower the number the better a job it will do keeping your house warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

You can find a coefficient rating on both honeycomb shades and fusion roman shades.

Using the Energy Calculator to Determine How Much You Will Save
Of course, the energy calculator is only an estimate. However, you can get a good idea about how much you can save with the right blinds.

All you do is enter the square footage of your home. Then you choose from a variety of styles and then estimate energy savings. You will notice that honeycomb cellular shades, blackout shades, and even double cell translucent shades top the list.

An average size home can expect to save between 0 and 0 dollars from installing window treatments. In addition, when you choose qualifying blinds, you can get a Federal Tax Cut as well.

How to Calculate Energy Savings From Energy Efficient Window Treatments

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Energy Efficiency Will Save You Money On Light Bulbs

The next time that you go light bulb shopping, you should consider more than just the price. By purchasing a higher priced light bulb, you won't have to replace it as much, and it will even reduce your electricity bill.

Did you know that there's a 100-year-old light bulb that still burns brightly? That's right, in the Livermore fire station hangs a light bulb that has been burning since 1901. It was created by Dennis Bernal, who owned The Livermore Light Bulb Company at the time, and was a pioneer in the industry.

Energy Efficiency

Changing light bulbs only once per 100 years would save cash, but these types are not sold by any bulb manufacturing company. It does show that you can save money by selecting the right bulb.

To start saving, there are 4 simple terms you need to know:

Watts

A watt is a unit in which electricity is measured. The reason that you need to know this is because some outlets have a maximum recommended wattage, or some products with light bulbs give very specific instructions as to what wattage to purchase.

Incandescent

This type of lighting uses a filament that, when heated, glows. It is the glowing filament that produces the light.

Fluorescent

These types of light bulbs have a mercury vapor that emits light when exposed to electricity.

Life

When manufacturers refer to the "life" of a light bulb, they are talking about how long it will last.

OK, now we've done the terms, here's a rundown of some of the most popular light bulb choices and the specifics of each.

Incandescent light bulbs are the most popular type, and one reason is that they are the most inexpensive. They come in wattages ranging from 15 to 150, and even come in different colors that will give your room various feels. Try a blue incandescent light bulb for a crisp, clear feel, or an off-white one for a softer look. Incandescent light bulbs come in many various shapes, such as A-line, flicker, globe, reflective, bullet, tubular and those created especially for ceiling fans.

Compact florescent light bulbs are commonly thought of when someone is trying to save on their energy costs. They are about sixteen times as energy efficient as an incandescent light bulb, and because of that, they cost more. You can purchase them for any standard size light socket, and also come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. In addition, you can buy a compact florescent light bulb for either inside of your home--or out. One word of caution; these light bulbs don't withstand power surges well, so be careful where you place them.

Florescent light bulbs are traditionally thought of for office spaces, workrooms and even some kitchen areas. In the past, they were limited to only white, but recent improvements have made them available in more colors. You can choose the traditional white, or try a soft white, sunlight for areas that don't have a lot of windows, or natural for when you want the colors of the room to be bright and bold.

Finally, halogen light bulbs are the top of the line because they are the most energy efficient. They are made similar to compact florescent light bulbs, but are about three times more long-lasting than them. In fact, these super light bulbs will produce 50 percent more light from the exact same amount of energy! They are known to give the clearest and crispest light and will work best for tasks that include tiny details, reading or studying.

Energy Efficiency Will Save You Money On Light Bulbs

You can find out more about light bulbs and energy efficient light, including the best places to go to save money online at [http://www.ilightbulbs.com/halogenlightbulbs/]

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The Most Efficient Electric Heater - 3 Ways to Find the Most Efficient Electric Heater for Your Home

Today, people are concerned with energy conservation or efforts made to decrease energy consumption. Heaters today have so many features that make them convenient and easy to use. However, the one feature that is perhaps needed the most, energy efficiency, is often hidden so deep down in the product description that you have to squint your eyes to find it. Locating the most energy efficient electric heater can be an intimidating task if you let it. There are three ways to find the most efficient electric heater for your home and these ways won't cost you any money. Once you finally put your hands on the appliance that will cut your electric bills in half, you'll have a new found appreciation of heaters that are built strong, sturdy, and energy efficient.

Compare product descriptions of some of the most reputable heaters.

Energy Efficiency

Every brand of heating appliance has a reputation, and you can use that fact to your advantage by getting a good grasp of all of the different brand names that make heating appliances. Some brand names are known for pushing convenience. Their product descriptions highlight easy of use, a lack of cords, shorter cords, or a light weight build. Other brands focus on the "heating experience." Their product descriptions focus on quiet fans, a complete lack of fans, or other moving parts that are known for making a lot of noise while heating the home. Then, there are the brands names that have a reputation for focusing on energy conservation. These brands highlight the benefits of using less energy and electricity without sacrificing heat. Their product descriptions don't just try to persuade you to go and make a purchase, they let you know up front that the brand cares about the planet and saving you money over the long haul. Some brands are known for focusing not just on the their bottom line but on your best interests, and as our world constantly changes and progresses, more brands will play a part in trying to save both the planet and money on electricity.

Consult product reviews

Websites that sell heating appliances are usually full of all kinds of reviews from past customers. Without reviews you would have to depend on getting the majority of your information from someone's whose main goal may only be to sell you something. However, user reviews will give you the hard facts about appliances from customers who have actually used them. Reading reviews will help you to learn whether a product is worth the money and whether it lives up to claims made in the product description. Focus on those products with a large number of reviews so you make your decision based many diverse opinions.

Become educated on energy efficiency.

Know the terms that are most talked about in the heating industry. There are all kinds of products that promise to solve your energy efficiency needs. However, if you become educated about space heaters vs room heaters or central heating systems vs forced air heating systems, you would have more of a solid foundation to work with when making your purchase. Consider that knowledge is power. For more information on heaters visit electric heaters for homes.

The Most Efficient Electric Heater - 3 Ways to Find the Most Efficient Electric Heater for Your Home

Get free information on electric heaters at electric heaters for homes.

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The 4 Main Types of Renewable Energy

As the world reaches its energy crisis we need to reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources, and start generating renewable energy on a massive scale.

To date there are four main types of renewable energy that we can produce: wind power, solar power, hydro power, and geothermic power.

Energy Efficiency

Wind Power:
Wind turbines have been around for millennia, further back than the birth of Christ. Over the years they have been used to pump water, drag boats and grind flour. But at the turn of the industrial revolution, wind turbines were made to produce electricity.

Although many people envision windmills as those ornate ones in Holland or the small wind-pumps on farms, they have been developed tremendously in the past decade. Now wind turbines are able to generate thousands of megawatts of power, and when used on a small scale at home, wind power can substitute conventional energy sources, helping households to get off the grid.

Solar Power:
The sun is the most readily available form of energy there is, so we should be using it to a larger extent. And as technology advances, households are provided with a number of ways to harness the power of the sun. These ways include solar electricity, solar heaters, solar dryers and solar cookers.

With solar electric and heating systems, they are both cost-effective, good for the environment, they require little maintenance and help you save on your utility bills. Solar cookers are very healthy way of cooking food, since they cook the food at a lower temperature-helping to retain its vitamins and minerals. They are also very portable, making them ideal for travelers and campers.

Hydro Power:
Initially hydro or water power was used industrially to rivers and waterfalls to power waterwheels that would then be used to move water for irrigation or grind flour.

Today hydro power is used in dams to produce electricity for households and businesses. Hydro-electric power is generate on a large scale where dammed up water is channeled through turbines, which spins a dynamo as it gushes through. The best example of hydro-electric power would be the Hoover Dam, which was built to provide electricity to Las Vegas. In fact hydro-electric power is efficient is popular nowadays that it accounts for over 90% of the worlds renewable energy.

There have been some social and environmental concerns about building dams for hydroelectricity since entire village and communities are flooded by the dam, and the walls prevent certain species of fish from swimming upstream to spawn.

Geothermal Power:
Geothermal power is typically produced in areas with ongoing volcanic activity, where magma is relatively close to the surface. One such area is Iceland, where a large proportion of its power is produced from volcanic geysers.

Here, large power plants are built over the geysers, where hot fast-moving steam from the geysers drives large turbines to make electricity. To speed up the process, water is sometimes pumped back into the geysers to make more steam, which is then used to drive the turbines once again, thus making it an endless cycle.

Well, this concludes our brief overview of the 4 main types of renewable energy. You can find out more in-depth information on each type by reading our other articles or browsing our website in the link below.

The 4 Main Types of Renewable Energy

Tim McDonald and his wife have been living off the grid since June 2008. If you want to learn to get off the grid and save thousands on your electricity bills, then be sure to Try Earth4Energy For FREE, before you go out and start any renewable energy project.

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Types of Solar Panels - Size, Shape, Color, & Efficiency

Solar panels come in all shapes and sizes. How do you tell which one you're dealing with? This is a great question -- one I didn't know the answer to when I first got acquainted with solar moduels

Let's start off and discuss the three main types of photovoltaic (PV) panels:

Energy Efficiency

1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels - Monocrystalline cells are cut from a block of silicon that has been grown from a single crystal.These tend to be the most efficient, but also the most expensive solar modules. They have been considered the go-to panels for the last couple decades, and also boast being the oldest and most dependable.
2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels - Polycrystalline cells are cut from multifaceted silicon crystal. They don't come from a single piece of silicon crystal, but rather from many different crystals. These solar panels tend to be less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels of the same size. This means a 200 Watt Monocrystalline panel will usually be smaller than a 200 Watt Polycrystalline panel.
3. Thin Film or Amorphous Solar Panels - These panels are not made up of any crystals. They are actually a thin layer of silicon deposited on a substrate or base material like metal or glass. Thin film solar panels tend to be the least efficient per square foot, but they are also the cheapest. The best application for amorphous panels is if you have a large amount of surface area and space doesn't matter.

I talk a lot about efficiency above. I want to note that I am referring to efficiency per square foot. A 200 Watt Monocrystalline panel will generate as much electricity as a 200 Watt Polycrystalline panel or four 50 Watt Thin Film Panels. The main difference would be size.

So how can you tell which solar module is which? It's easy to tell the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels versus thin film panels. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules are rigid and much thicker than thin film. Thin film modules are flexible and they are, well, "thin." Thin film also has a mostly uniform color.

Now let's talk about the visual differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Polycrystalline usually have a shattered glass look. This is because polycrystalline panels are made up from many different crystals put together. Monocrystalline panels tend to have more of a one-color look to them because they come from a single crystal.

Types of Solar Panels - Size, Shape, Color, & Efficiency

For more information on solar technologies, please go to http://www.brightstarsolar.net

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Low-E Glass in Energy Efficient Windows

If you are purchasing windows, either for new construction or as replacement windows, you may be amazed at the number of options available, ranging from the very simple to the very complex. One feature you will most likely encounter among these options is low-E glass.

Low-E stands for low emissivity, which is the ability of a surface to radiate energy. Low-E glass is made by applying a non-visible, microscopic metal coating or metallic oxide to the surface of a pane of glass. This coating reflects the part of the light spectrum that transmits heat, reducing the amount of heat the escapes or enters the home through the windows. This maintains a more comfortable, consistent temperature in your home year-round. Low-E windows also block UV rays, reducing fading to furniture and other items.

Energy Efficiency

There are two types of metallic low-E coating: a hard coat and a soft coat. A hard coat is created by applying tin directly to the molten glass. For a soft coat, silver is applied after the glass has set. Of the two, soft coat low-E glass has better insulating properties.

Even the placement of the low-E coating is important. The specific placement of the metallic coating makes a significant different in how the window directs heat. For this reason, different placements should be used in different climates. In colder areas, where retaining heat is a priority, the low-E coating should be applied to the interior pane of glass. This keeps heat from escaping the home, and saves on winter heating bills. In warmer climates, the goal is to keep heat from entering the home, so the coating should be applied to the exterior pane of glass. This reflects heat back outward and keeps the A/C bills low.

Low-E Glass in Energy Efficient Windows

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10 Ways to Make Your Home Energy Star Efficient Which Will Save Money

There are so many things you can do to make your home more energy efficient and here are 10 Energy Star approved ways that will help you achieve this goal.

First of all, what does it mean to have an Energy Star rating. Energy Star is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. There is a whole host of products and things you can do in your home to meet the Energy Star standards and give yourself a more efficient home.

Energy Efficiency

1. Energy Star Appliances. Understanding that besides the cost of an appliance, knowing how much electricity it uses or how much water it uses will effect the amount of money it will cost to use it over time. With Energy Star qualified appliances that use less energy and less water the savings of up to 50% can far out weigh paying less money for a less efficient appliance. The fact is a good Energy Star rated washer, can save you close to 0.00 over time.

2. Heating and Cooling. We all know that one of the biggest expenses in our home is heating our homes in the winter and cooling them in the summer. Gas and electric bills seem never to cease going up each year. Older equipment use a lot of energy to operate. When it is time to replace a furnace or air conditioner, you need to be thinking Energy Star.

With equipment that is older then 10 years, it may be time to make some changes and not only increase the efficiency of the heating and cooling system in your home but also reducing the cost to run it. with Energy Star HVAC equipment, you can cut your bills by as much as 0 or more annually and at the same time make your home more comfortable to live in.

3. Ceiling Fans. Most homeowners have one or more ceiling fans. These devices, if used properly, can help to keep your home more comfortable both in the cold seasons and in the hot seasons. But, guess what? Energy Star qualified ceiling fans use improved motors and blade designs that make them more efficient to run and this will contribute to the overall energy savings in your home. If your fans have lights, then you need to be thinking about using more efficient Energy Star rated lighting.

4. Energy Star Rated Lighting. Energy Star qualified lighting provides bright, warm light but uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting. This lighting also can last up to 10 times longer and produces about 75 percent less heat then other lighting. Here is an amazing statistic, using the more energy efficient CFL lighting, can save you .00 over the lifetime of each bulb. Do the math and multiply this times the number of bulbs you would use in your home. It is recommended that you replace your existing bulbs with CFLs in fixtures that are used for 15 minutes or more at a time, several times a day.

5. Office Equipment. Have a home office? Most people do now days and here is another place in which you can cut your home energy costs. Most office equipment is left on for several hours each day. With the new energy-efficient design and power management features that the Energy Star rated office equipment has, using it not only saves energy but it will also help to reduce the green house gas emissions that can contribute to global warming.

Think about it! Computers, monitors, fax machines, printers and other equipment run for hours each day. Energy Star power management features place computers (CPU, hard drive, etc.) into a low-power "sleep mode" after a designated period of inactivity. Low-power modes for computers reduce the spinning of the hard disk, which decreases power consumption.

6. Home Electronics. When you consider that home electronic products use energy all the time even when they are off, it is no wonder that the average household spends over 0 a year just to power these devices while they are in the standby mode. Newer Energy Star models not only use less energy in the performance of these functions they also perform just as well if not better then those that use more energy.

There are so many home electronic products that we have come to depend on. TVs, Home Theater Systems, DVD Players, CD Players, Receivers, Speakers and more. When it is time to replace or upgrade these products, remember these two words, Energy Star.

7. Energy Star Windows and Skylights. Replacing old windows in your home with Energy Star rated glass can save you up to 0.00 a year. Older windows seem to always feel drafty and when they do, this means they are letting air infiltrate into your home. This is why so many people put plastic over their windows in the winter. With Energy Star rated windows, you would not need to use plastic.

Because skylights use the same technology as Energy Star windows, they act very similar except that they receive more sunlight in the summer and in the winter the variations in temperature is greater. Again, these more efficient skylights have less air infiltration and help to reduce your energy bills.

8. Energy Star Exterior Doors. We all know how important the weather stripping is on a door to keep the air out and the warmth in, but with Energy Star rated doors, more attention is focused on the weather stripping giving you a much tighter seal then older doors. The frames also have much tighter seals and fit together better. The core materials include a polyurethane foam core and energy efficient upgraded steel, wood or fiberglass cladding. They also incorporate double and triple Low E glass for maximum efficiency.

9. Sealing Your Home the Energy Star Way. There are so many places in a home where air can get in and you need to know how to seal those areas and keep the air outside, where it belongs. Air can get in around windows and doors, around recessed lights, around plumbing vents, wiring holes, switch and outlet covers, furnace flues and chases and around the frame work such as rim joists and soffits. Sealing air leaks in the basement and the attic with help keep your home air leak tight and energy efficient.

10. Energy Star Rated Insulation and Ventilation. Adding insulation to the block walls in basements, the outside walls of the home and in the attic can really help with your heating and cooling bills. In the attic it is also important to have the proper ventilation. So you add insulation in the attic for warmth, but why would you allow cold air to enter the attic to keep your home more efficient? In the winter with the proper flow of air in the attic, which helps keep the attic cold, it helps to reduce the potential for ice damming. I am sure that many people are aware of this problem. When snow builds up on the roof, a warm attic will cause the snow to melt and pretty soon ice forms. Ice dams build up and then as the ice melts the water can run up under the shingles and find entry into your home.

In the summer, natural air flow in a well-vented attic along with the proper vents and or ventilation fans or ventilators help move super-heated air out of the attic, protecting the roofing and getting the moisture out. You can even buy Solar Powered Ventilation Fans that make use of the natural power of sunlight to help cool the attic. The well insulated attic then helps keep the heat from getting into the house.

Using these 10 Energy suggestions will help you to maintain the most efficient house possible and save you hundreds of dollars.

10 Ways to Make Your Home Energy Star Efficient Which Will Save Money

In 2007, Rick Maselli founded RTM Directories Inc. and as president of this company his goal is to help the do-it-yourself people out there to have a one stop home improvement resource and that resulted in his new website, http://www.showroom411.com

Showroo411.com is Your Ultimate Home Improvement Resource which is free to the public and reflects all the hard work that Rick has put into to being a building Pro.

You can also read his reviews on many new and innovative building and high tech products in the News and Info Section, http://www.showroom411.com/cms/News.aspx

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Improving the Energy Efficiency of Historic Homes

From every media source we are challenged to find a way of living that will ensure the longevity and health of our environmental, economic, and social resources. We all want to do our part, but the plethora of information about "green" living, "green" technologies and "green" architecture can be overwhelming. Lucky for those of us with historic homes, our houses were built with many environmentally friendly assets that help us reduce energy consumption. Prior to the introduction of central heat and air conditioning, local builders used techniques that "green" designers are now advocating, such as deep covered porches and wide eaves, window awnings and shutters, and operable windows. While we may not be willing to turn off our air conditioners in August, these features do allow us to make the most of the more temperate seasons while reducing our energy consumption.

Front and rear porches served dual heat-related purposes for historic homeowners prior to the introduction of air conditioning. First, they sheltered the main building from the harsh sun, reducing heat gain and protecting interior furnishings from fading. In addition, porches provided an escape from the sweltering heat inside the home, providing a sheltered space to sit out of the sun while enjoying cooling breezes.

Energy Efficiency

A series of techniques were used in conjunction with windows and doors to increase cooling effects. Awnings were historically used to protect windows from direct sunlight thus helping to keep interior rooms cool. Popular from 1870 to 1930, fabric awnings were made of canvas attached to a fixed or retractable metal frame and came in several colors and patterns to accent the home's architecture. Metal awnings and Bahama shutters were common beginning in the 1940s and original versions are still seen shading many homes.

Windows in older homes were almost always all operable to allow cooling breezes to enter the home. They were typically covered with full-height wood framed screens to prevent pesky mosquito invasions. Screen doors were also installed on all exterior doors, again allowing breezes to enter the home without inviting bugs. Doors typically had covered overhangs when not already sheltered by a porch, protecting entrants protection from rain as well as sheltering the house from the sun.

In many early homes, sleeping porches were constructed for relief on hot summer nights. Usually located on an upper floor, these rooms typically either had rows of casement windows or screened openings to capture as much air movement as possible. As the name implies, rows of cots were set out to provide easier sleeping conditions during hot nights.

These are only a few of the methods typically utilized in older homes that are still effective today. We have become so reliant on air conditioning and heating that we sometimes forget to take advantage of the inherent good design found in our historic homes. As the weather gets more pleasant, consider taking a few steps to operate your historic house more energy efficiently, and save some money in the process. The following are some ideas to consider:

1. Unstick any windows that are painted shut. It is almost a universal trait of old homes to have at least one window that won't budge, but when more than half aren't functioning, it's time to take action. A web search for "windows painted shut" brings up countless websites with step-by-step instructions for loosening stuck windows, including HGTV and This Old House (they offer a video). Releasing a stuck window is not rocket science, but it generally requires some muscle and patience. Professional help can be called in, particularly if you need to reattach the counter weights; just beware of anyone telling you to replace your wood windows. There are good contractors that can repair your windows, preserving the character and integrity of your home as well as keeping dollars in your pocket.
2. Install wood framed screens on windows if they are missing. You are more likely to open those unstuck windows if you aren't worried about welts from mosquitoes. As a bonus, wood window screens add historic character and an additional accent color to the building exterior.
3. Install wood screen doors on all exterior doors. Wood screen doors should be heavy duty since they open and close as often as the primary door; if the model you see is made with thin, finger-jointed wood or comes with a diagonal wire support, don't expect it to function properly for more than a season or two. Choose self closing spring hinges rather than ugly vacuum bars for a more authentic design for your historic home.
4. Install ceiling fans and use in conjunction with open windows and doors.
5. Install awnings, operable shutters or blinds over openings on south and west elevations. When appropriate for your house style, they provide a nice architectural accent in addition to functioning as a shading device. Close shutters and blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
6. Install a solar powered ventilation fan in the attic to help remove excess heat. Turned on by a temperature sensor, this relatively inexpensive project will help reduce your cooling load next summer.
7. Caulk or foam-seal penetrations into your house (where the cable enters, water lines penetrate, etc.) and install weather-stripping around windows and doors. Air infiltration is good when you can control it by opening windows and doors, but bad when the air you paid to heat or cool escapes.
8. Insulate your attic space; most heat loss and gain comes through your roof. If you expose exterior wall framing during remodeling, install insulation as part of the project. Don't remove plaster walls just to insulate though; plaster is a surprisingly good insulator and reduces noise transmission from room to room.
9. Plant some shade trees on the south and west sides of the house. Trees are a long term investment in the environment, providing cleaner air, habitat for wildlife, reducing soil erosion and sheltering from the sun. Your historic house has shown that it appeals to multiple generations already, so even though the trees you plant today may not have much effect on energy bills for a while, the next owners will thank you.
10. Sit on your front porch rather than watch TV in the early evening a few nights a week. We tend to decorate our porches with inviting rocking chairs and beautiful potted flowers, but rarely take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere they provide. In addition to the pleasure of a cool, relaxing evening, you might find one of the other benefits of living in a historic home: friendly conversation with your neighbors.

Improving the Energy Efficiency of Historic Homes

Ms. Peck is a Historic Preservation Consultant with over 12 years experience working with historic Florida homes. She is President of Preservation Resource, Inc., which has recently introduced a specialized product line for historic homes at http://www.HistoricShed.com

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Steps to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient Before Installing a Wind Or Solar Green Power System

So you've been looking into creating your own electricity for your home? That's Great! There are renewable energy sources all around you that you can easily tap into. Whether you are considering this option to save money on your utility bill, or doing your part to reduce your individual use of non-renewable fossil fuels, you will ultimately accomplish both!
There are a few steps, however that you must follow to be certain your home is energy-efficient for the coming Winter. Otherwise, what's the point?

- Seal Duct Work

Energy Efficiency

The number one way to conserve energy is to seal all duct work. Go crawl up into your attic or crawl space and check for leaks at joints and intersections. Then seal 'em up with foil-backed tape or silicon caulking. Be careful! Don't go fallin' through your ceiling...

- Check your Thermostat!

Duh! Of course keeping your home all nice and toasty would be wonderful, but what's wrong with wearing a comfy sweatshirt or somethin'? Lower your thermostat to around 60 degrees or so when no one's home, and keep it at 65-70 otherwise. Also turn it down when ya go to bed. Ah, I love sleeping under my thick down comforter in Winter. That's some good sleepin'!

- Fireplace are nice, but...

Fireplace are nice and romantic, aren't they? Yeah, having a fire lit, sippin' on a glass of wine, enjoying a nice conversation, or reading a book is somethin' we all enjoy, but impractical for home heating purposes. The open flume allows cold air in even while fire is goin'! Seal it up after the moment passes!

- Weather Stripping!

Be sure to check around all doors and windows for air coming in and escaping as well. Use weather stripping to seal it up. If around your windows leaks pretty bad, you might want to use that canned foam insulation stuff, and/or put up plastic window weather sheeting.

- Other Entry/Exit Points to check

More places to check and seal up are around plumbing pipes going through the wall, electrical outlets, light fixtures, etc. Use the proper insulation product! Check your hardware store and just ask your friendly clerk!

- Lower Water Heater Temperature

Lower your water heater to around 120 degrees and you will dramatically reduce the amount of fuel needed to keep the water heated. I mean, do you really need scorching hot water? Also, insulate the water pipes coming out of the water heater a few feet at least.

- Unplug All That Stuff!

Turn off all things like televisions, computers, etc...when not in use, Obviously. But also unplug all kitchen appliances such as toaster, coffee maker, microwave, whatever. They drain energy all day long sittin' there unused. Plug 'em into a power strip. It makes it a lot easier. Just flip a switch! Oh yeah, about those out-dated light bulbs: What's wrong with you? Use the new, energy-saving types. They last longer and use less power. True, they cost a heck of a lot more, but last so much longer, it's actually saving you money in the long run. Almost forgot to mention that!

Follow these steps to help make your home as energy-efficient as possible, before you even think about building your own solar or wind power plant! And welcome to the Renewable Energy Revolution!

Steps to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient Before Installing a Wind Or Solar Green Power System

Jaime is an average working joe who has awakened to the fact that our Earth is a living, breathing organism, and we all must stop behaving in such parasitic ways! I live in a suburb of Dallas. My home is energy-efficient, and even better - I create the Energy I use! See how Right Here [http://www.squidoo.com/alternative-energy-efficiency]

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