State Energy Codes: An Uphill Battle
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Since the mid-1970s, building code officials and energy professionals have developed and promoted energy codes throughout the United States. Some states have developed their own codes, while others have incorporated the national Model Energy Code, or MEC, into local building codes. [continue reading]
New Shine on Hopi Homes
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Many houses on the rural Hopi Reservation of northeast Arizona rely on propane, wood, and coal for their heating, refrigeration, and cooking. [continue reading]
Remodeling with the Sun
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The passion for passive solar is not what it used to be; enthusiasm peaked sometime in the late 1970s. Today, even energy-conscious builders focus on improving insulation and air tightness more than on how the remodeled house will interact with the sun. [continue reading]
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for the Home
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Over a third of America's domestic hot water is heated by electric resistance elements. For many residences, electric resistance is a more expensive method of water-heating than fossil fuels or solar, but there are buildings where these latter alternatives aren't feasible. [continue reading]
Instant Insulation Estimates
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Do-it-yourself energy retrofitters often have to figure out whether their improvements will be cost-effective. [continue reading]
Energy-10
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In the past two decades, many energy analysis software packages have appeared on the market. Most of these have been time-consuming, complicated to use, or unable to handle a sufficient number of variables. [continue reading]
Regulating Ventless Heaters
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Ventless gas heaters have seen sales take off over the past few years, buoyed by their low cost, attractive design, and high efficiency. [continue reading]
Home Performance for the Lungs
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Feeling victorious in the war on cigarettes, state affiliates of the American Lung Association (ALA) are taking on indoor air pollution. [continue reading]
