Archives: Energy Conservation

American Standard WaterSense Faucets Go To School

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation, Plumbing, Product Reviews

American Standard WaterSense Faucets One a recent design-build project we used American Standard Faucets certified with the WaterSense label. We were building a green addition for a local non-profit Montessori School and the folks at American Standard were very generous to donate both WaterSense Labeled toilets and faucets. The WaterSense Labeled toilets and faucets were…

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What Are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Energy Conservation, Framing

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) A reader asked me the other day to explain what’s the difference between Structural Insulated Panels and Prefabricated Wall Panels. Before answering the question on the difference it is important to answer the of: What Are Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs? Structural insulated panels (or structural insulating panels), SIPs, are a…

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Buying LED Lights at The Home Depot

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Energy Conservation

Affordable LED Lights Are Finally Here You might be surprised to learn that LED lights are now within reach both financially and technologically for your home. LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Lights have been around for quite some time but the technology wasn’t quite ready for home applications until recent manufacturing advances created affordable options. I had…

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Programmable Thermostats Save Money

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Energy Conservation, Home Improvement Cost Savings

Save Energy With Programmable Thermostats Using programmable digital thermostats save money. I can’t stress enough how making an investment in programmable digital thermostats can really pay off with your heating and cooling bills and save you money. In addition to saving you money digital thermostats also help make your house more comfortable by controlling the…

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2010 Energy Efficiency Tax Credits Ending Soon!

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Set To Expire The Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency are set to expire on December 31, 2010. If you want to take advantage of those tax credits it’s time to act fast. Investing in energy efficient home improvements will not only save you at tax time they will…

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Blower Door Test Results

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation

Understanding Blower Door Test Results Last year we built an Energy Star Home for a customer and we used a blower door test to evaluate the houses air infiltration performance. Simply put a blower door is a diagnostic tool used to measure how much air infiltration (air leakage) occurs in a house. The blower door…

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Solar Box Window Heater

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation, Green Building, Solar Power

Solar Box Heater Solar energy can be used to heat your home in several ways including this easy DIY solution. The idea here is to put solar box window heaters in south facing windows during the winter to supplement your heat needs. The beauty of a solar box window heater is you can make one…

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Windows as Picture Frames

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation, Windows

Creating Great Views PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – Residential home designer Marla Bruemmer has a unique viewpoint on the placement of windows in the houses she creates. “I use windows as picture frames in very specific locations within the home to produce great views,” says Bruemmer, owner of Design Evolutions. For more than 20 years Bruemmer…

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