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ENERGY
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[bobsays_inset]The electricity bill comes at the end of the month. You open it (perhaps begrudgingly), pay the amount...
It's almost second nature: You turn on the shower and go off to do something else, knowing full well that it will tak...
Heating tends to cost a small fortune in the winter, but it doesn't have to—not anymore. Yet homeowners still dread the arrival of the utility bill at the end of ...
Keeping up with the Joneses can be a frustrating and fruitless pursuit…but what if those enviable neighbors are saving money, supporting a cleaner environment, an...
Whether you live in a centuries-old charmer or a modern marvel, you share something in common with the owners of home...
The desire for renewable energy has never been higher, which has made solar power more popular than ever. Yet, while ...
When it comes to cooling and heating their homes, homeowners often face a difficult choice: They can either keep their home at a comfortable temperature, or cut c...
Homeowners rarely think about their water heater or its vital contribution to the convenience of modern living. Likew...
When its current owner first encountered this home on the shores of Truesdale Lake in Upstate New York, it was in a w...
You want to save money on utility costs and do your part to conserve energy, but some energy upgrades are so expensive that you may never see a payback in this li...
Who said solar was boring? These genius products, powered by nature's electricity, are bound to catch your interest. And because they run on sunshine they'll add ...
When temperatures really rise, summer fun can start to fizzle, especially indoors. It's a good thing that great minds have figured out ways to help you chill (lit...
We all want to provide our families with "all the comforts of home," but just what those comforts are has evolved over the decades, determined largely by the tech...
For homeowners who have witnessed their energy bills rise ever higher over the years, heating and cooling represents ...
Digital advances have dramatically reshaped our daily lives, yet for the most part, today's typical home isn't very different from a home built 50 years ago. Ther...
Here’s a cold-weather tidbit: Did you know that in many old homes, as much as a quarter of the heat generated by the ...
It may seem like a paradox, but sometimes you have to spend a little money to save a lot of green. Investing in just a few little upgrades like energy-efficient l...
This time of year, homeowners around the country bemoan the high cost of home heating and naturally seek out ways to ...
Owning a home is expensive: There are property taxes and mortgages, tiny repairs and big maintenance projects, energy costs and water bills. After all's said and ...
Does your blood pressure rise and fall with the ups-and-downs in your monthly energy costs? Particularly during heati...
A new year offers new opportunities to save money. Look around your home and you will see a huge variety of ways to save money, from increasing energy efficiency ...
Winter is coming! Is your house ready to deal with harsh winter winds, blowing snow, and frosty windows? A well winterized home has what it takes to stand up to w...
As a well-known quip notes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression. " The saying applies first and...
Believe it or not, in one fell swoop you can lower your energy bills and improve the air quality in your home. The se...
There's been a lot of talk about light bulbs over the past few years. In 2012, after the new federal light bulb stand...
For those who are lucky enough to own a swimming pool, this is the best time of year. But as you soak in the sun, you...
Winter's right around the corner, and with those falling temperatures come rising energy costs. But don’t despair—a few quick and easy solutions to common househo...
Whether you're building a new swimming pool or retrofitting your existing one, be proactive in pursuing the many new methods and technologies that can help you ke...
Up until recently, buying a light bulb was probably as routine for most people as buying a carton of milk. But new li...
If you live in an older home, the prospect of retrofitting it to be more energy efficient might send cold shivers dow...
Here's a great device for keeping your home energy dollars from going down the drain. A drain water heat recovery dev...
You’ve probably heard about vampire electricity, the electrical power that can suck the life out of your home power u...
If your windows let in anything other than a view, you may be thinking it's time for replacement windows. But not so ...
When you think about solar power, do you picture bulky panels protruding from rooftops? If so, think again. With the ...
Solar electric systems are appearing on more and more rooftops across America, but their pace of adoption has not bee...
One out of four American homes has a second refrigerator in it, according to the Department of Energy—that’s 30 milli...
For anyone interested in the developing field of solar power, today’s a big day. Starting today, the U. S. Department...
If you're looking for a green energy alternative to supplement your home's supply of electricity, heed the immortal w...
Window films are like sunglasses for your house, inexpensively improving the energy efficiency of your home, even as ...
As energy prices continue to rise, we've become even more conscious of the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our f...
Energy-smart appliances are not only better for the environment, they're better for you—and your monthly utility bills.
Check out these energy-saving tips that will help your air conditioner do its job without breaking a sweat—or the bank.
Homeowners looking to reduce air conditioning costs and shield interior furnishings from the sun’s harsh glare may wa...
Solar energy can be used to do all sorts of work around the house, from providing electricity for lights and applianc...
Most new models of toilets, showers, and kitchen appliances reflect eco-friendly manufacturing and design principles ...
Imagine a home where your heat pump, water heater, pool pump, dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, washer, and dryer all w...
Windows bring views, comfort, ventilation, and energy efficiency to a home. Windows also bring large solar heat gains...
Today’s advanced materials, better science, and new manufacturing processes make for high-performance window units. T...
“What ifs” can be a great way to get the ball rolling on home energy-efficiency projects: What if you added more insu...
Light from the StartToday’s residential lighting considerations go beyond decorative fixtures. Lighting influences ou...
Obviously there’s some green stuff in your kitchen, like lettuce and broccoli. But beyond buying organic food, it’s e...
Today’s home automation products allow homeowners to take an active role in managing power consumption while controll...
Unlike photovoltaic systems, which convert the sun’s energy into electricity, active solar thermal systems transform ...
Solar or photovoltaic systems are an increasingly popular way to offset rising utility bills — just place them in the...
Homeowners love windows — the light they bring, the views they frame, the feel they give to homes. Energy experts hat...
The Power of BulbsLamp or bulb power is measured in watts. One thousand watts equals one kilowatt, and a kilowatt-hou...
The green movement is in full swing: from organic foods to energy-efficient appliances to greener cleaning products, ...
Making homeowners’ heating systems energy-efficient is the answer to lower utility bills, the experts say. Thankfully...
There's been a lot of chatter about the energy-saving potential of geothermal heat pumps over the long term. Also kno...
Interested in solar power but not sure where to start? Solar panels are becoming increasingly available to the averag...
That faint sucking sound you hear may be vampire appliances draining electricity from your walls. Vampires are electr...
Today of all days, take one step toward protecting the planet, and your monthly utility costs will benefit as well.
Homeowners seeking ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs now have an interesting alt...
During our long experience with incandescent light bulbs, we got used to thinking about light in terms of wattage. Bu...
Standing in her kitchen, she knew the handsome stranger wasn't like the other men in her life, when he pulled her cl...
Adopt one of these 12 home energy saving ideas and save money on utilities in 2013.
We hear a lot about lighting and energy efficiency, but can the right light bulb really be effective in reducing mont...
The next generations will face fuel costs so high, they’ll make the standard twentieth-century under-insulated stick-...
Which projects will do the most good to lower your utility bills? A professional home energy audit can help you decid...
Today, September 14th, is the kickoff of the 2012 Solar Decathlon, and this year it’s being held in sunny Spain. List...
Wherever lights are accidentally left on a lot, your home is leaking money. Sometimes just changing the switch can so...
If you have a south-facing roof without solar panels on it, you’re probably paying too much for hot water. LISTENList...
Burning MoneyA fire in an open hearth is only 10 percent efficient at best, which means that 90 percent of the heat e...
Weather Stripping: Not Just for Winter Before you add to your electric bill trying to keep cool this summer, add some...
Give Fluorescent Lighting Another Chance We all know that switching to fluorescent lighting saves energy and money. B...
Solar Energy: Demand GrowsWhen photovoltaics (PV) or the conversion of solar energy to electric power came on the sce...
Reduce Fuel, Save Money If you have a south-facing roof, you're probably paying too much for hot water. Over a millio...
As April 15 bears down, you might be able to save a little "scratch" if your 2011 home improvements fell within the n...
Try Old-School Cooling Before you crank up the A/C this summer to keep cool, try a little old-fashioned ventilation f...
Cooktops that use magnets to generate heat. Lawn trimmers without wheels. Dishwashers for outdoors. Innovation is hap...
Let’s list some good bets for greening your routine: Switch to Fluorescent Lighting:  Energy-saving fluorescent ...
Despite what you may have heard—the incandescent light bulb is not going the way of the dinosaur. "It will, however...
Is your blood pressure rising on the same schedule as your month-to-month heating and cooling bills? Relax—you can st...
A zero-energy home (ZEH) produces as much energy as it consumes over a year's time. The only way to achieve this is t...
Homeowners are looking for ways to conserve energy and still make a positive impact on the environment. Here are some...
Work is being done on the roof—laying Deck-Armor and installing metal roofing and photovoltaic panels. Bob talks with Jeff Wolf from GroSolar about the photovolta...
Bob talks with Robert Rainey of PJ Overhead Door as the new and improved garage door panels and tracks are installed on the Norwell home.
As the upper-story walls are poured, Bob talks with the builder and contractor about the significant savings in time, energy, and cost that come with concrete and...
The Beasleys selected Pella Architect Series windows for their 1895 home. The windows are Energy Star rated for high efficiency and feature replica-style hardware.
Bob visits the South Bronx, NY, where Habitat for Humanity has partnered with private developer Les Bluestone to create a green oasis for low-income families that...
Architect Mary Kennedy and Bob tour her Georgian Colonial family home in Westchester County, NY. After a flood ruined the house, the challenge was to salvage and ...
Bob visits with architect Alan Shope who has built a unique earth-bermed house at his farm in Upstate New York.
Bob reviews the heating and air conditioning equipment that will bring the Shingle Style house into its second century.
Bob meets with architect Gregory Rochlin and expert carpenter Danny Ruffini to restore old double-hung windows and replace lead sash weights with new spring-loade...
An old basement window is replaced, and experts explain the costs of the Owens Corning finishing system.
Bob meets with the installer of the new HVAC system to discuss how it filters air and reduces energy costs.
Bob talks with the installer of a new on-demand tankless water heater that is more energy efficient than tank water heaters.
Bob revisits the techniques and products used to keep the basement dry.
The house's two chimneys are repaired, allowing the installation of a gas fireplace insert, and basement family-room cabinets are completed.
Bob discusses the installation of a plastic subfloor to prevent water damage and the selection of a basement dehumidifier.
Bob meets with Electrician Harry Cunningham to install a backup generator.
Bob and Chris Vila visit the plastering contractor and receive a lesson in plaster mixing. Next, they talk to Dino from Dino's Construction, who's installing the ...
Bob meets with Lenora Campos from Toto USA, a leader in water technology and the largest toilet manufacturer in the world. Campos introduces Bob to the dual-flush...
Bob and Jeff Akers of The Air Authority review the water-cooled HVAC system, granting focus to its ingenious mechanical design and up-to-code energy efficiency.
Bob looks at the order and placement of the windows on the facade of the modern Colonial. Upon closer inspection, the classically inspired fenestration, size, typ...
Kevin Callahan from Sears joins Bob to talk about the new Kenmore air conditioning condensers that will be installed.
Robert Kirkpatrick from Rinnai joins Bob to explain the tankless hot-water system being installed in the Manhattan Brownstonel.
At the Cobb Hill co-housing community, Bob and general contractor Mark Albee look at some of the energy efficient and eco-friendly products in use.
Bob visits with Mark Lundquist of Burnham Hydronics to check out the boiler for the hot-water heating system being installed in the Mashpee, Massachusetts, afford...
Bob visits Emma and Jacob Josselyn in their Cape Cod-style home to see the new Vermont Castings Addison cast-iron electric stove that will warm the corner of thei...
Bob talks with Ray Adam (from Pella Windows) about the new French doors to be installed in the library. It's an active/inactive door with all hardware. The most i...
Bob goes up to the attic of the Victorian project house, where an ODL tubular skylight is being installed. Also, Bob looks back at the installation of windows on ...
Bob tours the master bathroom, noticing the finishing touches and pointing out the features. Also, Bob checks out the Finlandia sauna, before reviewing te Crysta...
Bob talks with Deane Evans (from the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing) and Ren Anderson (from the National Renewable Engergy Laboratory) about phot...
Bob visits the Global Solar factory in Tucson, AZ to see how they company manufactures its unique solar-electric (photovoltaic) devices.
Carpenter Bob Ryley meets Steve Wilkinson in the kitchen to install the Corian countertops, and Bob talks with Ren Anderson (from the National Renewable Energy La...
Janet MacIlvaine and George James (from the Department of Energy) show Bob how they conduct a blower door test.
Bob meets with Brian Redding (from the APA) to learn more about roof framing techniques for resisting hurricanes and high winds.
Bob inspects the remote device, controlling the PA system, HVAC, lighting, and entertainment systems. In the basement, Bob Ryley is exploring the wires and cables...
Bob assists electrician Barry Driscoll and carpenter Bob Ryley with the installation of a stacked energy-efficient washer-dryer unit.
Bob meets with plumbing contractor Craig Rinaldi and Mary Moffroid (from Controlled Energy), who are installing a tankless hot water heater.
A high-efficiency Buderus boiler is installed, and Steve Offutt (from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) explains the national Energy Star program.
Bob talks with factory representative Chris Hoff and heating contractor Peter Lydon during the installation of a Buderus high-efficiency boiler.
Bob and carpenter Bob Ryley install a Maytag Neptune washer-dryer set. Jay Klosterman (from Maytag) describes the product's energy saving features.
Bob reviews the kitchen appliances, paying special attention to their energy saving features.
Australian-born architect and homeowner, Gavin Langley, shows Bob how attics are insulated in his home country.
Landscape designer Ruth Foster explains her selection of plant material and flowering shrubs for the backyard and directs the planting of a Sephora Japonica shade...
John Marran (from Energy Kinetics) and heating expert Frank Iadarola review the energy efficient boiler system that will supply heat to the hydronic floors and to...
Ryan Pirro (from RestorationWindows.com) discusses refurbishing old windows with solid-bronze sash chains, new parting beads, and spring-bronze weather stripping ...
Bob meets with Don Schumacher (from NCFI), who explains polyurethane spray-on insulation. Applied directly to the back of sheathing, it swells to 25 times its liq...