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68Solar Thermal Systems for Energy Savings
by Elle MacKenna
Solar thermal systems are one of my favorite energy-efficiency topics. They are simple, affordable, green and save money. As energy costs continue to soar and sustainable building goes mainstream, many... published 10 months ago
82Sell Solar Power Into Your Grid and Make Money
by Elle MacKenna
A recent New York Times article blasted solar energy systems as making “no economic sense.” The truth: solar photovoltaic systems aren’t cheap but they do payback. Sales of solar photovoltaic systems have been rising up to 50% annually in some states and it’s not just environmental do-gooders who are investing in the renewable energy. For many homeowners, solar energy is about dollars and cents. published 15 months ago
66EcoBrokers: Realtors with Green Designation
by Elle MacKenna
The green building industry is experiencing incredible growth and the next five years are expected to bring even more. Real estate professionals are keeping up with new green designations that signify their... published 8 months ago
81Is Biodiesel Economical?
by Elle MacKenna
There has been a significant increase in the amount of biodiesel sold in the United States over the past decade from 500,000 gallons in 1999 to 250 million gallons in 2006, according to the National Biodiesel Board. The trend is driven by increasing concerns over oil dependence and growing awareness of environmental issues but is biodiesel economical? published 15 months ago
82Alternatives to Double Pane Windows
by Elle MacKenna
Windows have become a central focus in energy efficient building strategies. Newer technologies including double and triple glazing have helped boost window performance but these upgrades can be expensive and, depending on where you live, not necessarily the most cost-effective. Before you make a significant investment in double pane replacement windows, consider some alternatives. published 14 months ago
69Green Tags: Buying Into Renewable Energy
by Elle MacKenna
If you are like me you want to live as green as possible but sometimes find it a little difficult. Depending on your living situation, it’s not always feasible to make the greenest choices. At home, electricity from renewable energy is the ideal but what if you are confined by an existing infrastructure that runs off of conventional fuel? Enter Green Tags...read more published 15 months ago
70Ten Easy Ways to Save Energy This Winter
by Elle MacKenna
Winter is a great time of year but brings with it increased costs of homeownership. Cold winds, winter snows, less sunlight all present challenges to keeping warm. But there are easy ways to help ease the... published 10 months ago
80Tankless Water Heaters: Better Energy Efficiency
by Elle MacKenna
In a typical home the energy used to heat water accounts for around 15-20 percent of utility costs. Conventional systems use a storage tank to supply hot water but these can waste energy through standby loss – water that is heated but not used. One way to save energy and cut down the cost of heating your home’s water is by installing a tankless water heater. published 14 months ago
65Marketing Your Home's Energy Efficiency
by Elle MacKenna
Green building has had an enormous upswing over the past decade and energy efficiency is at the heart of the trend. Homebuyers are conscious of long term energy costs as part of a home’s value. Even if your home isn’t a “certified” green building you can still market its energy efficiency to potential buyers. published 11 months ago
60Understanding Energy Efficient Mortgages
by Elle MacKenna
As rising energy costs continue to plague homeowners, the FHA offers an incentive to buy energy efficient homes: energy efficient mortgages (EEM). An EEM applies to homes that include energy saving... published 12 months ago
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