Ten Steps to Building a Zero Energy Home

Zero Energy Homes

 

After working through several projects to retrofit an existing home to make it more energy efficient, it’s hard not to think about what could be done by starting from scratch.  A clean slate isn’t something that everyone will get when it comes to living in an energy efficient dwelling but those that … continue reading

Household Energy Use: Where is your money going?

2009 Energy Use Pie Chart

In order to start saving money on your energy bills and understand home energy consumption, you have to know where the best place to start is.  You could spend your whole life dedicated to cutting out all of your vampire loads, but that probably isn’t going … continue reading

Solar Thermal Intro

Solar Thermal (ST) water heating is a great way to take advantage of free energy from the Sun.  Before we go in-depth on how solar thermal water heating works, let’s go over the bare essentials.

1)  Solar Thermal water heating  is different from Solar PV (electricity)

2) Solar Thermal water heating … continue reading

Solar water heating for Jacuzzis

Our first night in Jackson, WY had us staying at the amazing Amangani Resort.  The Amangani was constructed to blend in to the natural habitat and look as if it is part of the mountain.  The builders did a very good job achieving that!  By building the resort into the hill it is … continue reading