Posts Tagged ‘Heat’

No Cost Tips For Saving Energy

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RISMEDIA, December 12, 2009—Looking for fast, free ways to save on energy around the home this winter? According to Tom Kraeutler, host of the nationally-syndicated home improvement radio show, The Money Pit, there are many common-sense things you can do everyday in your home to lower energy bills.

Tip #1 – Lock your windows. Don’t just close them, but lock them to create an airtight seal that keeps out air leaks and drafts.

Tip #2 – Plug power-draining computers and electronic equipment into a power strip with a switch, so they can all be easily turned off when not in use.

Tip #3 – Turn off lights when leaving a room.

Tip #4 – Get free solar heat by opening the blinds and shades during the day.

Tip #5 – Chill out and do your laundry in cold water.

Tip #6 – Add a sweater and lower the thermostat. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you may be able to save 5% on heating costs.

Tip #7 – Run only full loads in your dishwasher.

Tip #8 – Remove lint often from your clothes dryer and its outside vent. And, run your dryer in the evening, when the extra heat helps warm your house.

Tip #9 – Close the doors (and the heating vents) in rooms with minimal use, like walk-in closets, laundry rooms and guest bedrooms, to reduce heat use in those areas.

Tip #10 – Snuggle up under more blankets at night and turn your heat down lower to reduce energy costs.

“Small things can add up to big energy savings in the home,” says Kraeutler. “You’ll be surprised to find your energy bills dropping by 20, 30 or more dollars each month when you consistently make the effort.
Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-12-12/around-the-home-10-no-cost-tips-for-saving-energy/#ixzz0ZgYdqFR2

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Geothermal Energy

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City of Reno
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Almost everywhere, the upper 10 feet of Earth’s surface maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50 and 60°F (10 and 16°C). A geothermal heat pump system consists of pipes buried in the shallow ground near a building, a heat exchanger, and ductwork into the building. In winter, heat from the relatively warmer ground goes through the heat exchanger into the house. In summer, hot air from the house is pulled through the heat exchanger into the relatively cooler ground. Heat removed during the summer can be used as no-cost energy to heat water.
There are also different types of water-source heat pumps. A variety of products are available, for both residential and commercial applications; there are water-to-air heat pumps, water-to-water heat pumps and hybrids between the two. Some manufacturers are now producing a reversible heat pump for chillers also.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Nevada ranks second in geothermal resources among the lower 48 states.
The system cost are returned in energy savings in 5–10 years. System life is estimated at 25 years for the inside components and 50+ years for the ground loop. There are approximately 50,000 geothermal heat pumps installed in the United States each year.
Upcoming Geothermal Energy Association Event 2009
October 4-7, 2009: Geothermal Energy 2009 Conference and Expo, Peppermill Resort and Casino, Reno, NV
Fun Fact:

About 6 million people in the U.S. get their household energy through geothermal technology?  Half of these, about 3 million, receive electricity from geothermal power plants, and the other half use geothermal heat pumps to provide their heating and cooling needs.

Being a Reno/Sparks real estate consultant I always appreciate any question or comments on the Reno/Sparks real estate or any of the articles I post.

Send all questions to chance@ballard-company.com

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