http://www.wellhome.com/blog Blog about Home Energy, Energy News, Energy Infographics & More Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:00:34 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Most heating and cooling units are built to last; however, if you have an old unit, one way to save on your heating and cooling bills is to replace it. After all, a heating and cooling unit that is decades old isn’t just old and inefficient, but it is also not taking advantage of a [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/02/insulation-saves-wear-and-tear-on-your-heating-and-cooling-unit/ Talk to any energy expert, and you will learn that adding insulation to your home is a fantastic idea. Sometimes adding insulation can be integrated into a larger project such as a basement remodel or an attic conversion. Adding basement insulation or attic insulation when you are already engaging in a large-scale remodeling project makes [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/02/could-insulated-vinyl-siding-be-right-for-your-insulation-needs/ http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/02/insulation-a-remarkably-prudent-investment-in-your-home/ If you have large sliding doors, then you know that they are great advantage for a home. Sliding doors are fantastic for allowing a great deal of sunlight in. Of course, sliding doors are even better if they lead out onto a large deck or balcony. In the winter, you can use insulated curtains during [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/02/insulated-curtains-for-sliding-doors-2/ You might believe that because you’ve purchased a new home that you don’t have anything to worry about where energy-efficiency issues are concerned. Clearly, you can be forgiven for believing that this is the situation, and many times it is, in fact, a fairly accurate assumption. However, simply because a home is new doesn’t mean [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/important-energy-efficiency-steps-to-take-when-buying-a-new-home/ A cold garage is nothing to get excited about. Yet, many of us live with garages that are brutally cold in the winter and unforgivingly hot in the summer. Thanks to the convenience of modern heating and cooling technology, it is not necessary to live with such conditions. There are easy ways that you can [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/the-importance-of-insulating-around-your-garage/ What makes insulated panels such a great potential addition to your home? If you are undertaking a remodeling project or have an area of your home that you knows needs extra insulation, then you will want to consider using insulated panels. As you will learn in this article, insulated panels have a wide range of [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/the-benefits-of-insulated-panels/ Recycled materials have most definitely made their way into the world of insulation and home improvement. You might not think of insulation as being a recycled product. However, in the case of blue jean insulation, this is exactly what has taken place. In this article, we will learn more about this very innovative insulating product [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/could-blue-jean-insulation-be-a-good-fit-for-your-home/ Perhaps you have been putting off investing in insulating your home. You may think that the process will be too involved, take too much time, and costs too much. As you will see in this article, adding more of the right kind of insulation to your home isn’t as difficult or as costly as you [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/when-is-it-time-to-add-insulation-to-your-home/ Every homeowner has doors. Doors, like our walls and windows, are such a given part of our lives that they do, in fact, tend to “blend into the woodwork.” One of the byproducts of this fact is that we frequently fail to give ample consideration to how well our doors and windows are functioning from [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/should-you-invest-the-time-and-money-to-insulate-around-your-home-doors/ Your windows could be a major source of your energy bill headaches and you might not even know it. Poorly constructed windows or windows that have large or numerous cracks around them stand out as one of the major ways that warm air and cool air can escape from inside your home. The end result [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/using-window-insulation-film-to-reduce-your-heating-and-cooling-costs/ Spray foam insulation has a lot to offer homeowners seeking to slash their energy bills and make their homes more attractive to potential homebuyers in the future. Let’s take a closer look at how you can use spray foam insulation in an effort to reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs. Saving money on your [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/using-spray-foam-insulation-for-significant-cost-savings/ You might not be familiar with bubble wrap insulation, but it has many diverse uses and applications. This product may seem quite familiar, as it is essentially bubble wrap. But bubble wrap products that have been specifically designed to be insulation are definitely worth your consideration. As you will see in this article, bubble wrap [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/the-many-uses-of-bubble-wrap-insulation/ You’ve likely thought on a few occasions that it would be nice if there were a few easy and inexpensive ways that you could cut down your energy bill. The good news is that there are indeed ways that you can save. Further, many of these ways that you can save on your energy bill [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/cut-your-energy-bill-with-insulated-shades/ Do you have a crawl space? If so, you would be well advised to not forget about it, as it might just be helping money crawl out of your wallet and into the pockets of energy companies! That old crawl space is quite frequently completely forgotten by frustrated homeowners who are puzzled as they try [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/dont-forget-about-your-crawl-space/ Some home improvement projects are worth all the time you invest in researching them and every cent that you spend on them. Home improvement projects that yield monthly savings on energy should be placed at the top of your home improvement list. There are so many options when it comes to home improvement that it [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/just-how-much-can-i-save-thanks-to-spray-foam-insulation/ As you might have guessed from the name, wool insulation is indeed made from sheep’s wool. This, of course, means that it is quite popular with many environmentalists for a range of reasons. First, it is important to note that there is nothing new or unproven about wool insulation. Wool, after all, has been with [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/is-wool-insulation-an-effective-way-to-insulate-your-home/ Do you want to get the most you can out of your home insulation? If you are like most people, you want to get the most you can out of every single purchase you make whether it is large or small. Getting the most “bang” for your buck has never been more important. There are [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/get-the-most-out-of-your-insulation-by-reducing-your-energy-usage/ As energy prices go up and up, homeowners across the nation (and indeed across the world) are looking for ways of dealing with the serious problem of home energy usage. Finding ways of getting one’s home energy bills under control has become something of a pastime for millions of people. In this article, we will [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2012/01/attic-insulation-and-solar-fans/ If you are like most people, you work very hard for your money. This means that you want to know that you are spending it in a prudent fashion. When it comes to home improvement, you are likely very motivated to “get it right,” as home improvement projects, especially the larger ones, tend to be [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/getting-the-most-out-of-your-insulation-investment/ Spray foam insulation comes with numerous benefits. As it turns out, those advantages are also quite diverse. It would be easy to focus strictly on the fact that spray foam insulation is easy to use and install in your home, but this only tells half of a very interesting story. Thanks to the diversity of [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/the-health-benefits-of-spray-foam-insulation/ If you want to feel as though your home is very high tech, then maybe what you need is to consider aerogel insulation. There can be no doubt that aerogel is a fancy material, a “space age” one, an interesting one, and don’t forget, a very good insulator as well. In fact, aerogel insulation is [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/what-is-aerogel-insulation-anyway/ Whether you realize it or not, your home is losing money every single day due to energy-efficiency issues. Very few homeowners have been able to realize their home’s energy-efficiency potential. However, luckily, there are easy steps that you can take almost immediately to dramatically reduce your energy losses. More than ever, people are looking for [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/should-you-use-spray-foam-insulation-in-your-home/ In recent years, there has been a good deal of chatter about green insulation, and you might be left asking, why? The reason that green insulation is becoming a hot topic is that it ties into two different and important topics. Increasingly, there is a drive to make homes more energy efficient due to the [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/is-green-insulation-right-for-you/ If you have large sliding doors, then you know that they are great advantage for a home. Sliding doors are fantastic for allowing a great deal of sunlight in. Of course, sliding doors are even better if they lead out onto a large deck or smaller upper floor deck. In the winter, you can use [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/insulated-curtains-for-sliding-doors/ Insulation has a wide range of uses, to put it mildly. Insulation is so ubiquitous that we take it for granted and hardly even notice it. The bottom line is that insulation is in every part of your home and even every part of your life whether you realize it or not. Whether it’s in [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/how-insulation-can-make-your-life-easier/ An experienced energy auditor knows the signs to look for when trying to help you save on your energy bills. Poorly insulated homes truly are a shame. They cost their owners a fortune over the life of a home. Obviously, this is money that could be spent any number of ways, and this is only [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/do-you-have-a-hot-or-cold-basement-insulation-may-be-the-answer/ There is a good and basic reason that you want to insulate your attic. Heat and cold escape through areas that are not insulated well, and this process ultimately costs you money. Oftentimes, people simply don’t think about their attics. The old saying, “out of sight, out of mind,” definitely applies here in a major [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/why-attic-insulation-can-save-you-a-bundle/ Insulating your home isn’t as easy as just tossing some insulation into your attic. To truly insulate your home, your approach needs to be more comprehensive. The end result will be that you reap more energy-efficiency benefits and also save a good deal of money in the process. Photo Source: sips.org Two Big Steps You [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/saving-money-thanks-to-home-insulation/ If you are like most homeowners, there is a very good chance that you are paying too much every month on your energy bill. Some of the steps necessary to see a dramatic reduction in your energy bills involve undertaking considerable home improvement projects; however, this is not always the situation. Armed with the right [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/five-tips-to-big-savings-on-heating-and-cooling/ Did you know that from an energy-saving perspective, your appliances could be dangerous? The reason that this is the situation is that it is remarkably easy for most of us to just forget about our appliances. Appliances have a tendency to blend into the background rather easily. We begin to see them as “part of [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/which-appliances-may-be-costing-you-money/ It would be great if there were a way to save money on your energy bills just by purchasing the right appliances, wouldn’t it? The good news is that there is a way to do just that, and, in fact, you can have these savings very easily. Best of all, there is a wide variety [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/12/products-that-have-energy-star-options/ There are many great ways to incorporate solar energy into your home. Home solar panels are, of course, a great idea, but there are less obvious ideas that can really add up to reduce your dependency on the energy grid and save you money year round. Let’s look at some of the often-overlooked ways that [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/overlooked-ways-that-you-can-incorporate-solar-energy/ The simple fact is that solar energy for your home is a winning idea. The days when solar energy was complicated to install have been over for quite some time. Those who have recently embraced solar energy already know that the benefits are quite substantial. In this article, we will look at why you should [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/why-you-should-consider-solar-energy-for-your-home/ Making your home more energy efficient helps the environment, but it can also do wonders to help your pocketbook. If you are looking for ways to save more money every month, there are good reasons to take a serious look at making home improvements. There are numerous reasons for embarking on the journey of making [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/good-financial-reasons-to-make-energy-efficiency-focused-home-improvements/ When you decide to work with an energy auditor, you are giving yourself a valuable new way to save money on your energy bills. For most people, an energy auditor stands as a first step towards impressive savings that will last for years or even decades. Your home is complex in that it has thousands [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/working-with-an-energy-auditor-a-smart-move/ If you have ever received your electric or heating bill and said, “How is this possible?” take some solace in the fact that you are most certainly not alone. Most people look at their energy bills and wonder why the bill is so high and if there are any steps that can be taken to [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/5-smart-moves-for-keeping-your-home-heating-and-cooling-bill-down/ Wouldn’t it be nice if there were an easy way that you could reduce your monthly expenses and end up with more money in your pocket? We are all looking for ways to save a little bit more, but sometimes those ways are hard to find. Often the best ways of saving money can be [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/different-ways-that-you-can-reduce-your-energy-bill/ Some energy-saving ideas are just so easy and inexpensive that you might be wondering why you haven’t already implemented them. One such example of this is the ceiling fan. Ceiling fans are inexpensive and easy to use, yet they can do wonders in helping homeowners decrease their overall energy requirements. Additionally, ceiling fans can help [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/ceiling-fans-a-low-cost-energy-saver-youll-love/ Imagine for a moment that you could make a relatively simple home improvement that could save you money both on your electric bill and on your heating bill. Fortunately, there is just such an option, and for those who are looking to drive down their energy and heating costs, this option is an exciting one. [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/the-skylight-as-an-energy-saving-tool/ If you have often looked at your lights and wished for a way to save money by using solar lighting instead, there are some ways that you can accomplish that goal. Great solar lighting options do exist. In this article, we will look at a few of the ways that you can take advantage of [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/solar-lighting-options-are-they-right-for-you/ If electricity and water were free, then you wouldn’t necessarily have to worry about that old dishwasher very much. However, this isn’t the case.  Water and electricity have become more costly every year. This gives us all even more reason to find ways to save on all of our energy needs. The simple fact is [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/just-how-much-is-that-old-dishwasher-costing-you/ When the price of energy soars “through the roof,” people everywhere look for ways that they can save money on their electricity bills. The bad news is that energy costs are going up and up. The good news is that there are more ways to save on those bills than ever before. New technologies and [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/overlooked-ways-you-can-save-energy-every-day/ Are you tired of your monthly energy bill causing you stress and pain in your wallet? There are steps that you can take to ease some of this pain. Some steps are, of course, more involved than others, but with some planning and a little dedication, there are ways that you can dramatically reduce your [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/tips-for-optimizing-your-energy-budget/ You’ve likely heard the saying, “You’re letting money go down the drain.” Unfortunately, for most of us, these words are more than a saying and are more of a reality. In fact, this reality can cause us a good amount of pain in our pocketbooks as well. Start With the Basics Some energy-saving ideas are [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/easy-ways-that-you-can-save-on-your-water-bill/ Buying new appliances might not be at the top of your list of ways that you want to spend an afternoon, but it might be necessary to do so. The simple fact is that if your washer and/or dryer are not performing up to your standards, then it might be time to invest in a [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/is-it-time-to-replace-that-old-washer-and-dryer/ http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/buying-a-new-or-foreclosed-home-or-refinancing/ http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/hosting-an-audit-party-or-workshop/ Do you really, really love your gadgets? The odds are that if you are like most people, you probably really do adore your gadgets and feel naked without them! However, what many of us might not realize is that our gadgets love something, too… and that is energy. In fact, our gadgets love to soak [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/clever-ways-to-cut-your-gadget-energy-bill/ No doubt there are many renewable energy options out there and you can easily confuse yourself attempting to sift through what might be a good fit for you. However, in the end, you are likely to conclude that one or two options work the best for most circumstances. While there may be many interesting and [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/renewable-energy-lots-of-options-but-which-is-the-best-for-you/ If you are thinking that solar panels are not ready for “primetime,” think again! Massive improvements have been made in solar technology and in solar panels in the last few years alone. It is now easier than ever to install solar panels in the home. In this article, we will look at the numerous different [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/home-solar-panels-easier-than-ever/ Just as your home is complicated, learning how to save money on your energy costs can also be confusing. For most people, heating and cooling the home stands out as major energy expense and a major monthly bill. While there are many ways to reduce your energy costs, addressing your home’s heating and cooling unit [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/11/home-improvement-and-saving-money-start-with-your-heating-and-cooling-unit/ You may be familiar with the ENERGY STAR logo. In fact, the odds are excellent that you have seen this logo repeatedly throughout the years. Yet, if you are like most people, you are probably unfamiliar with what exactly ENERGY STAR means and how it works. When you see the logo, it means that the [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/energy-star-rebates-how-do-they-work/ Do you want to cut your energy bill? If you are like most Americans and, in fact, most people around the world, the odds are excellent that you want to cut your home energy costs and would like to do so in a hurry. Energy prices are going up and will likely do so on [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/looking-for-ways-to-cut-that-energy-bill-consider-your-water-heater-options/ Luckily, there are simple ways that you can beat the heat come summertime.  Considering the fact that energy bills are consistently rising every year, finding ways to cool off your home without hurting your pocketbook, of course, makes tremendous sense. In this article, we will look at what steps you can take to make sure [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/four-simple-steps-for-cooling-off-your-home-in-the-summertime/ Having a water heater is nothing short of an absolute essential in modern society. After all, if you want hot water in your home, then you will either need a hot water heater or, of course, a fire for boiling your own water. Considering that most of you are probably not going to want to [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/the-numerous-benefits-of-a-tankless-water-heater/ If you are like most people, you are probably pretty excited by the idea of saving a little money every month on your energy bill. There are many ways that you can approach doing just that. For this reason, it is a prudent move to consult professionals, such as energy auditors, regarding how you can [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/are-you-letting-your-hard-earned-cash-fly-out-of-your-attic/ Have you ever wondered how our energy bills in the United States compare to those around the world? The infographic below will give you a better understanding of what the price of energy is around the world.     Related Posts: Nuclear Melts Down, Renewables Explode Global Energy-Efficiency Advocacy Light Bulb Infographic The Future of [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/the-price-of-energy-around-the-world/ With energy costs seeming to rise practically daily, the odds are that you are looking for ways to reduce your own energy bills. There are many different ways that you can get your energy bill down and keep it down. Exploring those options is well worth the time and can save you hundreds if not [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/why-you-should-consider-spray-foam-insulation/ Home improvement is one of those blanket phrases that may leave you feeling as though you don’t know where to begin. As a result, it may seem a little daunting to decide where you should begin in terms of home improvements. In this article, we strive to demystify the concept of making home improvements and [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/home-improvement-where-to-begin/ Use less energy, and use renewable energy. For years, these two statements have guided the world’s sustainable energy strategies. But it is a third statement that has moved sustainable energy into the world of commerce, innovation, and popular culture: use energy in surprising ways. Alternative uses of green energy, with their innovative solar capture systems [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/interesting-ways-other-countries-are-using-renwable-energy/ Going green isn’t just for grownups. More schools across the nation are getting in on energy-efficient operations, which helps the school systems save money and teaches children about conserving energy. The “greening” of schools happens on many levels, from changing light bulbs to more energy-efficient models to becoming LEED certified. Here are some of the [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/energy-efficient-schools/ Can energy-efficient windows save you money? You bet! Saving money on home cooling and heating costs has a multitude of components. Oftentimes people focus attention on such important elements as the efficiency of their appliances and making sure that their home has a high r-value. However, they may overlook one of the biggest and most [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/a-look-at-how-energy-efficient-windows-can-save-you-a-bundle/ Home energy expenses can eat up a good percentage of your monthly budget, but there are steps you can take to make sure that less money flies out your doors and windows and more stays in your pocket. Reducing your monthly energy bill is a complex topic and involves many different and diverse factors. There [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/buying-a-solar-water-heater-some-points-you-should-ponder/ http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/novi-home-show/ Upcycling, repurposing, recycling, reusing, downcycling… all distinctly different actions with more than a little nuance among them. Recycling usually describes the process of discarding, sorting, cleaning, and remaking the matter that objects were composed of into a material that may be made into other things. [1] No doubt recycling will continue to play a key [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/upcycling-getting-started/ The adage that “time is money” is true. Both are very precious commodities, and it always seems like we don’t have enough of either. Every day, inventors try to come up with products and services to save us time and money. When they succeed, the world beats a path to their door to buy the [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/home-energy-savings-tips-that-take-under-10-minutes/ Generating energy from trash is not a new concept, but it is one we thought was worth taking a look at. There are different types of trash-based bio-fuels, to learn about them and their pros and cons take a look below. Thank you to Grist.org for publishing this informative infographic.     Related Posts: How [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/7331/ Wind has been powering human activities since sailors set out to sea during the B.C. era and relied on air currents to help them reach their destinations. [1] But the modern wind energy industry didn’t take root until the ’80s when companies installed what are now considered modest-size turbines in California. Since its inception, the [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/wind-energy-efficiency-gains-in-the-past-20-years/ Derided as a gas-guzzling and coal-burning nation – and now for engaging in the environmentally iffy practice of “fracking” (boring into rock layers to extract oil, gas, or coal) – the United States hasn’t yet garnered a global reputation for sustainability. However, many efforts to utilize renewable resources are underway, and our country’s problem isn’t [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/how-other-countries-are-using-renewable-energy/ Every day in cities across the United States, more and more people are choosing to skip the fast food restaurants and instead opt for dining at locally owned food trucks or carts. Conscious eaters know how much better the food can be when it is hot, fresh and cooked from scratch, and their options are [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/10/food-trucks-an-eco-friendly-option/ While New York’s recent fashion week has been a popular topic, the sustainability and the sourcing of fashion has not had top billing in the news. The Green Shows, otherwise known as New York’s Eco Fashion Week, is changing that. Though critics point out that fashion, which has new trends each season, has not yet [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/eco-conscious-designers-in-fashion-week/ With so many causes out there, it’s no wonder that the environment is getting its fair share of attention with eco-focused charities. The great thing about green charities is the fact that they create awareness and make change in issues that affect us all, like recycling, pollution, and renewable resources. The power of the Internet [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/eco-friendly-charities/ In the past 20 years, the alternative energy industry has undergone incredible growth, particularly solar power. According to The Energy Report published by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, the solar market grew an average of 30% per year from 1993 to 2008 [1], and in 2009 the market grew 62% [2] and then 67% [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/solar-energy-efficiency-gains-in-20-years/ Energy efficiency is part of education and entrepreneurship, and it is getting its chance to be truly competitive. From GE’s recent investment in home energy innovation through its Ecomagination Challenge to the Solar Decathlon that will be held in Washington, D.C., on September 23, there are many examples of public and private sector sponsors willing [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/energy-efficient-competitions/ http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/bundle-up-your-home-for-winter-and-save-money-in-the-process/ For Pennsylvania residents recently affected by damaging floods, here’s some good news: The Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) is offering low-interest-rate loans to homeowners in Adams, Bradford, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union, Wyoming, and York counties. Residents must apply for the limited-time rates, ranging [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/keystone-home-energy-loan-program/ With science and technology moving at the speed of light, the breakthroughs in energy-saving processes and devices are hard to keep up with. The good news is that scientists are continuing to come up with exciting ways to use materials and metamaterials to renew or conserve energy. Metamaterials Metamaterials are the superheroes of the materials [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/the-future-of-energy/ Watching the leaves change color from summer’s green to autumn’s yellow and orange, you get the sense that the earth is preparing itself for a rest after the long, laborious growing season. While the earth may be prepping for a break, the return of the fall means that it is time for football fans to [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/a-green-football-season/ As I speak to homeowners with comfort and energy efficiency concerns, I find myself constantly repeating the relationship of air sealing a home first and then properly insulating it.  When I mention the term “air sealing” homeowners usually ask “do you mean caulking my windows and sealing my doors?” It is actually a lot more [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/home-energy-efficiency-air-sealing/ What You Need to Know Electric Vehicles are serious competitors. Until recently, small startups like Tesla Motors, Fisker, and Smart have enjoyed most of the attention in the electric car market. With Chrysler, Ford, and Toyota now making electric vehicles for release in 2011 or 2012, the electric car market has significantly more competitors than [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/the-state-of-electric-vehicles/ Until recently, hybrid and electric cars were the most sustainable vehicles available. Now, a new generation of engineers and manufacturers is challenging the status quo and designing cars and roadways that are powered by solar energy. These projects are powered by solar panels reminiscent of those used in homes and schools to reduce energy costs. [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/the-future-of-solar-cars-and-roadways/ Looking for a different way to save energy other than energy efficient appliances? If so, then you should definitely consider your landscaping. Read below to learn different ways that you can use your landscaping to help you save energy in your home.   Related Posts: Designing a Green Home Do This Not That ~ Energy [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/getting-started-in-energy-efficient-landscaping/ There are many men and women who are environmentally focused artists, but we have decided to showcase some of the female talent in eco-art. But, before we list the artists, let’s examine the definition of “environmental art” or “eco-art.” You might think pieces in the field involve or depict natural elements. Or you could assume [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/five-inventive-female-eco-artists/ Children are our future. From the lips of politicians, this may sound like an empty platitude, but it is 100% true. Lucky for us, these kids have a lot of ingenuity and fresh ideas to face the challenges set before them. This list of the top 10 young green engineers gives hope for the future, [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/ten-remarkable-young-energy-and-environmental-innovators/ Wind farms might be becoming more common, but the debate still rages about their benefits. Costs of construction, noise, and unsightly wind turbines all play a role in these debates. To make matters more complicated, the terms of the debate are changing. Scientists, funders, and local residents have come together to develop new strategies for [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/debate-continues-over-a-new-generation-of-wind-farms/ Most of us know where we stand when it comes to energy efficiency, but have you ever wondered where the rest of the world stands? We thought it would be interesting to highlight some fascinating statistics about countries all over the world and where they stand on energy efficiency issues.   Home Energy Audits Wellhome.com [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/global-energy-efficiency-advocacy/ It’s the midpoint for the EPA’s Battle of the Buildings, a nationwide competition in collaboration with ENERGY STAR. There are 245 buildings in 13 categories competing with one another to reduce energy waste the most. Meanwhile, the competition is helping to raise awareness within the competitors’ communities about how small actions can add up in [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/09/the-epa%e2%80%99s-national-building-competition-who%e2%80%99s-the-biggest-energy-usage-loser/ We know that solar energy can be used to heat and cool homes and buildings. But creative inventors are coming up with many more interesting ways to harness the power of the sun, cut down on pollution, and reduce the amount of fuel-based energy we consume. 1. Street Lights In the United States, streetlights use [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/six-ways-solar-power-is-changing-the-world/ Americans spend 48% of their budget on food consumed away from home, an average of $1,047 annually, according to the National Restaurant Assocation of America. [1] In other words, one out of two dollars in your food budget is likely to be spent at a restaurant, whether you are dining in or taking out. When [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/5-sustainability-tips-for-dining-out/ There are several common types of lightbulbs available on the market. Understanding the energy impact differences of different types of lightbulbs is important, and plays a much larger role in energy efficiency than most realize. Check out the infographic below to learn more about lightbulbs and energy usage.   Sources: http://www.ehow.com/about_5206554_halogen-bulb-lifespan.html http://p2pays.org/ref/26/25978.pdf http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/downloads/CFL_PRG.pdf http://erasecarbonfootpringt.com/treeoffset.html http://www.snopes.com/science/lightbulb.asp [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/light-bulb-infographic/   The kitchen is the “heart of the home,” the place where people gather to cook and spend time with each other, so it is no surprise that remodeling kitchens is very popular. People want their kitchens to be welcoming and functional. One way to spruce up the kitchen is to replace the countertops, and [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/green-home-improvements/ It may seem like you’re stepping back in time when riding a bike to work, but many modern cities today are doing all that they can to encourage more citizens to dump their private vehicles and adopt cycling as a regular form of transportation to and from work, the store, school, church, and when running [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/biking-cities-that-get-it-right/ On May 23, 2011 Unisource Electric (Tucson Electric Power) introduced BrightSave Home, a new program which enables their subscribers the ability to take advantage of incentives for home improvements which will allow for reduced energy consumption and improved home comfort. Utility providers throughout the state have been tasked by the Arizona Corporation Commission (utility regulatory [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/tucson-electric-power-launches-brightsave-home-rebates/ Have you ever used an online calculator to determine your personal carbon footprint? There are many tools that can help you to approximate the resultant CO2 emissions of your lifestyle, your home, travel habits, and more. The average American lifestyle emits 18 tons of carbon dioxide per year, and the rest of the world’s residents [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/10-web-tools-to-stay-green/ The Importance of Green Social Initiatives Recycling your used tin cans, carpooling with your coworkers, and turning lights off when you leave the room: These are all great individual acts of green thinking that help to reduce your personal carbon footprint and minimize your impact on the planet. But sometimes being green can be a [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/top-10-energy-efficient-group-initiatives/ Fast food is under attack as a major factor in America’s obesity epidemic, but its environmental impact should also draw concern and campaigns for behavioral change. Though major players in the industry such as McDonald’s and Burger King are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprints, further actions need to be implemented to substantially reduce [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/the-energy-of-fast-food/ During the summer driving season, when gas prices are often at their peak, Americans are more aware than ever of how much money they spend fueling up their vehicles. Each trip to the gas pumps can be painful, especially if you drive a larger car or SUV. In addition to being hard on the family [...]]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/a-closer-look-at-the-new-fuel-economy-standards-2/ Related Posts: Biking- Cities That Get it Right The Power Within a Hurricane Nuclear Melts Down, Renewables Explode Do This Not That ~ Energy Efficiency Edition Part 2 Interesting Ways Other Countries Are Using Renewable Energy]]> http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/the-future-of-bicycling/ http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/avoid-costly-flooding-and-high-cooling-bills/