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Energy Conservation

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 Websites presented in alphabetical order

Clean Burning Wood Stoves and Fireplaces view detail comment email this

"This site offers information to help you choose an EPA certified stove ... or another cleaner burning hearth appliance (e.g., gas or pellet stove) and use it efficiently and safely." Discusses stove and fireplace types, safe installation and wood-burning practices, impacts of wood smoke on human health and the environment, cleaner burning fireplace options, and related topics. Also includes a guide for implementing a wood stove change-out campaign. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
http://www.epa.gov/woodstoves/
Topics: Home & Housing, Pollution

Last updated Sep 14, 2007


Consumer Energy Center: Cool Roofs view detail comment email this

Collection of resources on cool roofs, "highly reflective and emissive materials that stay 50 to 60 degrees F cooler in the summer sun, thereby reducing energy costs, improving occupant comfort, cutting maintenance costs, increasing the life cycle of the roof, and contributing to the reduction of urban heat islands and associated smog." Includes a FAQ addressing specifications and rebates in California and links to related websites. From the California Energy Commission.
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/coolroof/
Topics: Architecture, Home & Housing

Last updated May 30, 2006


Consumer Energy Center: Fireplaces and Wood Burning Stoves view detail comment email this

This fact sheet provides ideas for improving the energy efficiency of fireplaces, which are "relatively inefficient devices for heating the home." Some of the suggestions include keeping the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use, using glass or metal doors or heat shields, installing a fireplace insert, and installing a wood stove in front of the fireplace. From the California Energy Commission.
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/fireplaces.html
Topics: Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Sep 19, 2007


The Cool Colors Project view detail comment email this

Compilation of background materials and progress reports from this research project for the development of "cool" roofing materials to reduce roof temperature of buildings and increase energy efficiency. Includes publications and presentations from the group. Also includes a "Pigment Database" giving "the solar spectral radiative properties of conventional and cool pigmented coatings." A collaboration between Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
http://coolcolors.lbl.gov
Topics: Architecture, Home & Housing

Last updated May 30, 2006


Energy Hog view detail comment email this

Aimed at children, this site about saving energy features games and and interactive house to teach about energy efficiency. Includes sections for teachers and other adults. From the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
http://www.energyhog.org/
Topics: Energy, Environment, Home & Housing

Last updated Dec 19, 2008


Energy Savers: Lighting view detail comment email this

This site describes types of artificial lighting and lighting controls so that consumers can "reduce lighting energy use by selecting lighting and sources that use energy more efficiently." Topics include lighting principles and terms (such as lumen and footcandle), indoor and outdoor lighting design methods, types of bulbs, lighting controls, lamp and ballast replacement, and lighting maintenance. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/lighting_daylighting/index.cfm/mytopic=11980
Topics: Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Sep 30, 2009


Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home view detail comment email this

This site "provides homeowners with tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road." Features information about conducting a home energy audit, a major appliances shopping guide, and tips on insulation, heating and cooling, windows, and water heating. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/
Topics: Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Jul 3, 2006


Energy Star view detail comment email this

Energy Star is "a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency." The site provides information on building remodeling and repairing, a list of products that meet "energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy," and more. Searchable.
http://www.energystar.gov/
Topics: Architecture, Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Aug 25, 2004


FEMP [Federal Energy Management Program] Designated Product: Gas Water Heaters view detail comment email this

Consumer information about gas water heaters, covering efficiency recommendations, cost effectiveness, technology options (such as demand-type and solar assisted water heaters), and other tips for buying and using water heaters. Includes a cost calculator. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/technologies/eep_gas_waterheaters.html
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Jul 20, 2009


Flex Your Power view detail comment email this

The website for California's statewide energy efficiency campaign features energy efficiency and conservation information for residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, and agricultural users. Topics include energy saving tips, best practices guides, product guides, and more. Also includes information about rebates and the opportunity to sign up for email notification of alerts during California's hot weather season. Some material available in Spanish. From "a partnership of California's utilities, residents, businesses, institutions, government agencies and nonprofit organizations."
http://www.fypower.org/
Topics: Home & Housing

Last updated Jul 9, 2007


greenhomebuilding.com view detail comment email this

Information about environmentally friendly, sustainable architecture and natural building, using renewable energy, local and recycled materials, and incorporating principles of conservation. Includes resource links and book and video recommendations.
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/
Topics: Architecture, Energy, Home & Housing, Housing, Science, Technology

Last updated Mar 26, 2005


Home Energy Saver view detail comment email this

Enter your zip code and receive a "comparison of the energy costs of an average home and an energy-efficient home in your area," and learn how to save money on heating and cooling your home, hot water heaters, lighting, and appliances. Also features remodeling tips, a FAQ on saving energy, a glossary, and links to related resources. Developed by the Environmental Energy Technologies Division at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
http://hes.lbl.gov/
Topics: Energy, Home & Housing, Home & Housing

Last updated Jan 4, 2005


PG&E: Home Energy-Saving Checklist: Anytime Tips view detail comment email this

A list of a dozen energy-saving recommendations, from replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps to installing energy-saving showerheads to buying Energy Star-labeled appliances. From the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/savingstips/seasonaltips/anytime/
Topics: Energy, Home & Housing, Home & Housing

Last updated Feb 26, 2008


Project Laundry List view detail comment email this

Website for a nonprofit organization with a mission to make "air-drying laundry acceptable and desirable as a simple and effective way to save energy." Features laundry tips (on energy savings for washing and drying), blog, clothesline art, and material on advocacy efforts to make clotheslines legal in light of community covenants, landlord prohibitions, and zoning laws.
http://www.laundrylist.org/
Topics: Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Apr 13, 2009


Sierra Club Green Home view detail comment email this

This site "is dedicated to helping you create a more sustainable home environment." Main topics include reducing energy consumption (and a home carbon dioxide calculator), solar energy, and home health hazards (such as radon, pesticides, and mold). The "Learn More" section includes content organized by subjects such as bath, cleaning, flooring, landscaping, and plumbing. Also includes a video library. From the Sierra Club.
http://www.sierraclubgreenhome.com/
Topics: Environment, Home & Housing

Last updated Apr 23, 2009


Simply Insulate view detail comment email this

Information and resources to help learn how to lower your energy usage. You can find the Department of Energy's (DOE) recommended R-values (resistance to heat flow) for insulation in your state, a state-by-state listing of electric and gas utilities that offer rebates and assistance, free publications about home and energy efficiency, and a FAQ on home insulation. From the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA).
http://www.simplyinsulate.com/
Topics: Electrical Energy, Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Mar 26, 2005


Swimming Pool Heating view detail comment email this

This site outlines suggestions for improving the heating and energy efficiency of a swimming pool. It covers pool heaters (gas, heat pump, and solar), pool covers (bubble, vinyl, and insulated vinyl), water temperature management, and swimming pool pumps. Includes diagrams and charts showing energy cost comparisons for sample U.S. regions. Part of the U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13130
Topics: Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Sep 22, 2009


Use Energy Wisely view detail comment email this

Tips for making "your home more energy efficient, thereby reducing your heating and cooling bills, and conserving resources at the same time." Includes suggestions for furnaces and water heaters, insulation, and related items. Also includes tips for conserving fuel when driving and links to related sites. From the American Petroleum Institute, which represents the oil and natural gas industry in the United States.
http://www.api.org/aboutoilgas/energywise/
Topics: Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Sep 23, 2006


Water Heating view detail comment email this

Fact sheet on water heating, which "next to heating or cooling ... is typically the largest energy user in the home." Discusses types of water heaters (storage, demand, heat pump, indirect, and solar), selection, efficiency, cost comparison, and upgrading your current water heater. From the online version of the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/waterheating.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Energy, Home & Housing

Last updated Oct 14, 2007




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