Home Energy Magazine

Alan Meier

United States Leads in Refrigerator Efficiency

Author: Alan Meier

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January 01, 1996

Japan recently adopted the International Standards Organization (ISO) energy test procedure for measuring the energy use of its refrigerators. This is a closed-door, constant temperature test, similar to that used by the U.S. Department of Energy. Now it is easier to compare the energy use of Japanese, European, and U.S. refrigerators. [continue reading]

Ventilation Fans: the New Energy Hogs?

Author: Alan Meier

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March 01, 1996

The article on ventilation fans ("Mechanical Ventilation for the Home," p. 13) contains some remarkable information. The good news is that sizing and installation guidelines are being established and that small ventilation and exhaust fans themselves are improving. [continue reading]

Solar Sneaks in the Back Door

Author: Alan Meier

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May 01, 1996

Several articles in this issue deal with solar energy. [continue reading]

Catastrophe Under a Hot Thin Roof

Author: Alan Meier

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July 01, 1996

It's summer and it is hard to ignore the heat out there. In this issue, Home Energy offers three ways that energy professionals are beating the heat. [continue reading]

Preventing Urban Heat Catastrophes

Author: Alan Meier

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July 01, 1996

The heat wave in Chicago last summer created a great deal of human discomfort and, by many estimates, caused over 500 deaths in three days. The overwhelming majority of these deaths occurred in buildings with indoor conditions that were reported as stifling. [continue reading]

Is My Home's Energy Use Average?

Author: Alan Meier

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September 01, 1996

Many of us have heard this question after reviewing a household's utility bills. [continue reading]

What's So Great About Moving Heat?

Author: Alan Meier

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November 01, 1996

There are several articles in this issue about heat pumps-both air source and ground source. Heat pumps are attractive because they extract heat from otherwise unavailable sources and move it to useful places, like inside homes and water heaters. [continue reading]