While much of the EnergyStar® program is sound, and has led to real quantifiable energy savings over time, over the last four years, alarm bells have been sounding on the increasingly lax certification process. Just how lax? [social_buttons] A gasoline-powered alarm clock the size of a microwave was one of … [continued]
Attaining an EnergyStar rating is crucial for companies creating home electronics and appliances if they want to appeal to the eco-minded or cost-conscious consumer, which these days can be found in virtually every North American and many European households. New standards have just been released (on September 3rd) that encourage … [continued]
The building electrification movement could kick into high gear with an assist from fast-paced modular construction systems for urban development.
A. O. Smith just released a 120V plug-in heat pump water heater (HPWH), which is the second model to arrive on the mass market (the first to market, Rheem, I reviewed here). It is an exciting product with some innovative designs that allows many households to more easily replace their … [continued]
With winter weather in full force across the US, many of us are wondering if we can really heat our homes in frigid temperatures without burning fossil fuels. In the fall of 2021, we had the same question. The 35-year-old gas furnace at our family’s duplex in Cleveland, Ohio, was … [continued]
The Small Wind Guidebook helps homeowners, ranchers, and small business owners decide if wind energy will work for them by addressing the following questions: Is wind energy practical for me? What size wind turbine do I need? What are the basic parts of a small wind electric system? What do … [continued]
There are many ways to decarbonize your life in 2024 and most of them will actually pay for themselves over time.
A heat pump water heater can use two thirds less electricity and save homeowners thousands of dollars over its useful life.
Celebrate Heat Pump Water Heater Day — October 25! Energy-efficient water heating took significant strides in 2022, according to the latest data released by ENERGY STAR. Sales of heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) grew 26% last year, while sales of gas water heaters declined by 17%, underlining a clear shift in the U.S. … [continued]
The 120-volt plug-in heat pump water heater allows homeowners to easily plug a highly efficient water heater into a standard outlet. This is transformational because it allows the 60 million U.S. homes with gas water heaters to easily and cheaply transition to a clean, efficient, cost saving heat pump option. … [continued]
