Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies^?

by Rik DeGunther

• ISBN13: 9780470436660
• ISBN10: 0470436662
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2008-12-01
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Hands-on, practical solutions to save money by making smart energy changes One of the best and most affordable strategies people can employ to combat global warming is to improve the energy and water efficiency of their homes. Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies provides homeowners with advice, tips, and projects to reduce costs, increase energy efficiency, and cut down on waste and pollution. After performing a do-it-yourself home energy audit, readers create an action plan based on their personal goals. Readers are presented with a wide range of potential solutions, from making better use of blinds and awnings to exploring geothermal options in order to reduce household costs and their impact on the planet. Rik DeGunther (Rescue, CA) is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy consulting firm that focuses on home energy audits and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Solving the World's Problems from Your Front Porch

Defining Efficiency

Energy Sources and Sinks

Eliminating the Guesswork with Home Energy Audits

Financing Efficiency Improvements

Making Tradeoffs That Work for You

Reducing Inefficiencies throughout Your Home

Keeping Your Home Free from Contaminants

Sealing and Insulating Your Home

Getting the Most Out of Your Heating and Air-Conditioning System

Lighting Your Home More Efficiently

Watering Down Your Water Consumption

Pigging Out on Power with Appliances

Controlling Solar Exposures in Your Home

Breathing Homes: Ventilation, Fans, and Air Filters

Reusing and Recycling: Play It Again, Sam

Putting Alternative Energy Sources to Work for You

Burning Desires: Wood and Gas Stoves

Shining a Light on Solar Power for Your Home

Radiant Heating Systems

Heating with Biomass Stoves

Geothermal Energy: Straight from Mother Nature

Considering Efficiency When You Buy, Build, or Sell a Home

Looking at Community Solutions to Energy Efficiency

Building an Energy-Efficient Home from the Ground Up

Buying and Selling an Energy-Efficient Home

The Part of Tens

Ten Best Energy-Efficient Investments

Ten Ridiculously Easy Energy-Saving Tips

Ten Best Solar Investments

Index

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