Monday, June 28, 2010

Making Your Mobile Home Energy Efficient

If you were living on a mobile home temporarily or permanently, you surely would want to cut down your electric consumption just like others who would like to cut down theirs.

Here are several ways in making your mobile home energy efficient :

·    Improving the roof paintjob

In the hot and humid months of June, July, August, and September, mobile homes tend to heat up. This is because mobile homes are not built with much ventilation. On regular homes, large attics the separate the outside from the inside keep houses cool. Vents on these attics further contribute to reduction of heat penetration to the house. The space separating the roof of a mobile home and the ceiling is not enough to keep the inside cool. As a result, air conditioning system works harder during hot summer days. Thus, consuming more energy. To lessen the heat penetration to the home, cool roof coating can be done.

Do this when it is not raining since cool roof coating is water-based.

Repainting the roof of your mobile home to deflect the heat that can potentially penetrate to the inside.

·    Providing better roof insulation

Many people, even a mobile home contractor would suggest that you couldn’t do anything to improve the insulation of your mobile home. To tell you honestly, they are totally wrong. You can access the roof cavity from the edge of the roof that is connected with the wall or from the directly through the rooftop. Doing so will save you as much as 15% of your total cooling system consumption.

You can do this on your own or find someone who knows how to do this.

·    Maintaining a good air conditioning

Air conditioning occupies the biggest chunk of your electric bill. This is why you need to make sure that you get the most out of it. To so this, check your air conditioning system regularly. You can start with the air duct. Make sure that the air duct is sealed. Any small leak would let the outside air to enter, thus making the air conditioning to work harder.

Your mobile home’s air duct is usually located underneath. You may want to skirt your mobile home to the ground of few inches from the ground to protect the duct during winter and summer. Skirting would also provide additional protection from your pets to destroy the duct.

·    Air sealing your mobile home

The best way to keep the air outside from entering is to seal every spaces of your mobile home. Windows, doors, and other openings can be sealed by weather stripping, a rubber sealant that keeps that interior airtight.

Doing this will let the air from coming out of the mobile home.

·    The mobile home location

Sitting your mobile home under the shade would let you save from air conditioning. Since shades draw away heat even before it reaches the roof of your mobile home, your air conditioning will not be forced to cool the interior.

·    Ensuring the water heater

The water heater takes 14% of your total energy consumption. This is the second largest energy consumer next to the air conditioning system. If your water heater is located outside the compartment, it surely takes additional energy load since the heat is lost because of the outside air. You cannot cover it of course for safety purposes. Instead, you can use insulation jacket. This will keep the heat inside the tank.

The thermostat dictates the energy consumption of the water heater. If you have less water demand, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient enough. For larger water consumption, 140 degrees Fahrenheit is usually required.

·    Windows

Proper selection of shutters, shades, and drapes is important to keep the heat inside or away from the mobile home. But, you have to use them properly. Close them during the night to keep the cool air from the outside away and open it during the day if you are not using air conditioning. Use thick shutters, shades, or drapes during winder to keep to cool air from coming in. 

Consider all these to make sure you maximize the use of power in your home. In turn, you will save money on electric bills. 

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Clients

Items referred to in this blog is addressed to individuals in the list below :

1. Having concern for the environment.

2. Having a concern for improving the level of oxygen in the air.

3. Having a desire to stop global warming.

4. Having a desire to prevent climate change.

5. Having a desire to save more energy efficient manner.

6. Have to use alternative energy to substitute fossil  energy.

7. Having the desire to make the future better world .

If you are one of the individuals who are above you can start buying and using renewable alternative products that can replace fossil energy is not renewable.

More information about renewable energy products that can be found on the site google, yahoo, MSN, Alexa and other search engines.


Friday, June 25, 2010

Home Energy Rating System Certificate Training

Things You’ll Learn in a Home Energy Rating System Training Certificate

As a homeowner, you have to exercise an extreme sense of responsibility. Not only should you be responsible in keeping your home a healthy place to live in but it must be something that will exude an utmost environment-friendly surrounding too. When it comes to the home energy system, you must likewise be responsible in handling it too. Not because you’ve got a decent income means that you can consume as much home energy as you intend to just for the reason that you’ve got sufficient funds to pay for it. This thinking is definitely wrong! You should exercise that need to conduct some home energy rating. How will you do this? Home energy rating system training certificate are held by the concerned agencies. If you like, you can enroll.

What will you learn from the home energy rating training certificate?

Students in the home energy rating training certificate are taught about the house acting like that of a system. You will therefore be acquainted with the principles on how to readily evaluate the performance of the home energy system and likewise be able to hone some worthy improvements in it. You will also become aware of how you can make use of some powerful diagnostic devices and software that will help you conduct the thorough home energy analysis. Finally, you will be kept abreast with the most recent incentive programs and energy finances that will aid you in expanding any business you’ve got to tender.

Who are mostly attending the energy rating training certificate courses?

Any person who moves around and who gets involved in the building industry must be aware of how the energy system in his place works. In this manner, he will be given ample insights as to how he may extend his marketed business. The energy rating training certificate aims at educating business-minded personas. The most targeted groups of individuals include the insulation contractors, home inspectors, builders, HVAC contractors, utility representatives, energy engineers, and remodelers. These people are gauged towards the careers concerning energy rating so they must be equipped with sufficient knowledge on the matter. But if you are a simple homeowner who wants to know about the ropes of this trade, you may as well give yourself the opportunity to earn the knowledge regarding this stuff. But then if you do not understand any of these terms, you can just hire somebody who is an expert to conduct the home energy rating for you.

What are mostly to be learned from the energy rating training certificate course?

Generally, the students of the course will reap the knowledge about how the entire house works as one unified system; get to know the working principles of the moisture transfer, air, and heat; the process of using the most recent state-of-the-art diagnostic devices such as that of the duct blaster and the blower door; the manner of producing a thorough home energy analysis by the use of the necessary software; how you will be able to expand your business if you have by simply making use of the home energy rating system; how you will be able to gain promotion, compliance, and financial incentives from the utility-sponsored degree programs, and finally, on the knowledge of how you will be able to certify an energy star home.

What are usually included in the entire course?

The paraphernalia involved in the home rating training certificate are the copies of the residential energy, home energy rating manual, training overheads, set of Southface factsheets, resources on financing energy efficiency resources, samples of completed rating, discounts on the purchases of the vital equipment from the sponsored vendors, and lastly, the certificate of completion. 

What will you get out of this home energy training certificate classes?

By means of undergoing this course, you are already on your step towards becoming one certified Home Energy Rater. In truth, the energy rater is the one who creates the energy rating reports that will aid the homeowners and homebuyers to qualify for all of the financing incentives by means of the lineup of government and private loan programs.

If you are interested to attend these home rating training certificate courses, you must secure your application. The classes will definitely allot you with worthy insights and knowledge.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Solar Home Energy: What is it for ?

Solar energy—this term basically does not cause a stirring in the mind as the explanation that comes at hand is indeed too simple. 
Everyone knows what is meant by solar energy, and that is, the energy that comes from the sun. 

In its most basic sense, solar energy and other solar home equipment are nonetheless environment-friendly and not risky at all. 

But then you need not become one fine environmentalist first before you will be able to come across with whatever advantageous benefit solar home energy has.

Why is the solar home energy said to be environment-friendly? What are its general benefits ? 

Practically speaking, when solar home energy is used, the electrical bills tremendously go down as compared to the other type of home energy available for all people. 

Why would you pay for such expensive bills when all you need to do is to employ solar home energy ?

Another major advantage of the solar home energy is the absence of the very complicated and dangerous wiring. 

Solar energy lights in the garden path or any other solar energy-powered items used in your home are ready to be installed less the wiring to be dealt with. 

In reality, these solar light bulbs are equipped with darkness sensors so they need not be turned on to give off light and they need not be turned off as well when they are no longer needed.

As a sort of simple explanation, the solar light bulbs will simply have to be purchased, taken out of the boxes, installed, and then presto! You just have to situate them where you want them to be and never worry about them ever again.

A List of the Benefits of Solar home Energy

Why is the solar home energy equally beneficial ? 
Why is it more recommended for use ? 

Here are some of its benefits which are truly worth the attention to be graced by anyone:

Solar home energy is environmentally friendly. 
As mentioned a while ago, solar home energy will not harm the environmental features. 

It is specifically clean and renewable as well. More so, it does not cause pollution just like what the rest of the traditional electrical forms do.

Solar home energy systems need the least maintenance. 
They are not fuel-powered so no need to buy the refills.

Solar home energy makes you save a lot of money. 
The energy that is derived from the sun can be accessed for free as you make use of solar lights, solar panels, and the likes. The federal government most of the time gives out financial incentives. 
You don’t get affected by the rise of the fuel rates since you are using solar home energy.

Making use of the solar home energy makes you entirely independent from the foreign and centralized energy sources. 
Power outages will not likely affect you in any manner.

Most of the solar energy items are very easy to install thus lessening the complicated work of the wiring systems.

Some Common Disadvantages of the Solar Home Energy

Of course the disadvantages will not be taken aside. 
Here are some of the most common disadvantages of the solar home energy:

The employment of a solar home energy can be expensive at first. But as time passes by, it becomes light to the pocket.

The strength of the solar home energy will relatively depend on the location of your home in relation with its facing to the sun. Also, the area of your home is another point to consider. 
You will need large areas to install the solar panels.

The Various Solar Energy Items

There are lots of solar energy devices that you may opt to buy. Included are the solar flashlights, solar heaters, car ventilators, solar video cameras, solar radios, solar pool purifier, solar mosquito inhibitor, solar lighting, and solar fountain pumps.

What You Must Do

Back in the earlier years, solar energy powered devices were very costly that very few homeowners made use of the solar home energy. But these days, small volumes of solar energy devices are put up for sale therefore making it affordable for all. 

If you don’t have enough money to fund these items you can always start small.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Fall Home Energy Savings Tips


Fall Home Energy Savings Tips: Preparing for the Winter.

Whether you like it or not and whether you come prepared or not, winter is coming. So better not sit on your couch and wait for it to come like a dooms day, move and be prepared!

Winter means one thing: cold air. But for those who are conscious enough to notice, winter means larger electric bills. Yes, it is true. Aside from summer, winter is the season of the year where your electric bills skyrocket to digits that cost you financial burden. Why? Because we need to warm our home. Our home should have the right temperature to give us comfort. And the modern way to do it is by turning on our heating system. This consumes the biggest portion of our electric bill. Fortunately, we have the whole Fall to prepare for it. And to prepare for it means that we must have the right tool and proper information on how to save during the coming season.

The fireplace – Getting our fireplace ready will certainly yield to better savings; and fall is the best time to clean and repair our fireplace. Make sure that the dumper is tightly sealed when not using them. A small space would let the cold air rush in and send the warm air out. If you were using electric heating system, an opening on the fireplace would mean bigger work to maintain the place warm. Let professional contractor to do the proper maintenance. They are certainly more capable in securing your fireplace.

When you decide to use the fireplace, you can turn down your heater. This will save you as much as 8% on heating cost.

The furnace – The furnace will work extra effort if the filter is full of dirt. This will equate to energy waste since the furnace will consume more power against the service it brings. To avoid this, make sure that your filter is clean. The owner’s manual will tell you how to clean the filter. A clean filter will let you breath clean air around your house. A clean filter saves you 5% on heating cost.

The duct – Small leaks on duct will certainly result to lost heat so make sure that this is regularly checked. Usually ducts are located on unheated places. This is another reason why heat is lost. Insulate the ducts by wrapping it with R-6 or higher fiberglass. Never use cloth-backed tapes. You can also wrap them with UL-approved metallic or plastic tapes and mastic sealants. The note that leaking ducts work 30% more on your heating system so make sure they are sealed and secured.

The solar heat – You need not have solar panels on your roof to use the sun as the source of heat. All you have to do is use open your drapes during the day to warn your room without using electricity. Just close them at night to keep the warn air inside. Reduction of the use of heating system during the day will let you cut as much as 10% on your electric consumption

The openings – Openings on your doors, windows, joints and sills will let the cold air outside to go in and the warm air from the inside to go out. Make sure that these openings are sealed with either sealant or weatherstripping. It will help reduce the work of the heating system immensely.

The thermostat – A programmable thermostat or a centralized heating system will let you save on the heating cost. The programmable thermostat will let you set your desired room temperature on a specific period of the day. This is much useful if you are leaving your home or are going to sleep overnight. The centralized heating system on the other hand will give you the ultimate control on the temperature of every room. These 2 will let you decide how warm a room could be. One interesting thing to note is that a centigrade lower on your heating system will let your save uas much as 5% on your heating cost.

The water heater – Households can set the heating system between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is ideal on both mobile homes and regular homes.

Brick Stone Home Energy Efficient

How Can Brick Stone Make Your Home Energy Efficient.

A home that’s energy-efficient is actually healthier and cost effective. Energy efficiency modifications in your home can eliminate or at least lessen the poor quality of air that’s brought in by various weather conditions. One way to make your home energy efficient is to pay attention to the building materials and to the house design.

In Australia, bricks have long been recognized as commonly chosen building materials. In fact, nearly 90% of the built houses in the said place are constructed using bricks. Because of the campaign to decrease energy consumption in its entire forms, there are building regulations these days that require the newly built houses to be more energy efficient. Well there are some things you need to know in order to come up with an informed choice.

Think about the amount of energy that’s usually consumed in your home. Maybe, you’ll be surprised to find out that a large part of the home energy is used up in cooling and heating. Cooking and lighting, even when put together, comprise only a few percent. Hence, anything which can help lessen the cooling and heating bills of your home will be a good investment, right? But the question is, do you think it is possible to cut down cooling and heating energy consumption while keeping up a practical thermal comfort inside your home? It is in this case that passive design comes into play.

Passive design handles the energy coming from the sun to improve the house’s cooling and heating in a natural way. There are actually four major principles in passive design. These are orientation, insulation and thermal mass.

· Orientation. The huge glass portion in the north part allows the low winter sun in. And to block the high summer sun, simple shading like eaves is applied.

· Ventilation. When the crest of summer time has already passed, air is permitted to get in and go out of the house in order to make it cool in a natural manner. To optimize cross ventilation, the either side of the building or the house have generous openings with almost negligible internal obstructions.

· Insulation. The insulation in the wall and ceiling serves as the obstacle to heat transportation. Insulation efficiency can be calculated by means of its R-value but it doesn’t present the whole issue. Various walls may have the same R-value but may not work the same.

· Thermal Mass. Wall materials that are dense and heavy, like bricks, suck up heat and hamper its conveyance through the walls. Through these, temperature changes become moderate and the heat absorption during summer is significantly hampered. Compared to brick walls, the lightweight materials have very low thermal mass. And because of this thermal mass, brick walls turn out to be more capable of moderating home temperature even if they have similar R-values.

Now come to think of thermal mass and consider brick stone. The first two techniques in the passive design, which are orientation and ventilation, need to be set up into the house. And your home material preference has a major effect on the quantity of thermal mass in a house or a building. One of the simplest and most economical ways to put up thermal mass is through bricks. Those bricks that are made from clay contain very high thermal mass. They are available to make your home well ventilated, comfortable and more energy efficient.

There is a research proving the idea that Brick stone homes are energy efficient. The said research has revealed that a large part of the heat is bounced back to the outside environment via the brick’s exterior panel. Another conclusion that came out is that in summertime, the temperature inside a home that’s constructed from bricks remained favorable and comfortable in spite of the changing temperature outside.

The US Department of Energy stated that thermal mass stores up heat by means of converting its temperature. It can be achieved by storing heat coming from a warm room or by means or transforming direct solar radiation into heat. And since brick stone has more thermal mass than other building lightweight materials, it is a very useful element that can be used up in making your home more energy efficient.

To sum up, brick is a very simple and inexpensive technique in putting up thermal mass in your next home. Therefore a brick stone home is more energy efficient than those that are made from other materials.

Feng Shui Home Energy


How Feng Shui Influences Home Energy, Business Life and Office Reply Time.


Many people know about the ancient tradition of Feng shui.


In a nutshell, Feng Shui is the Chinese tradition of manipulating energy in order to produce harmony within a certain place.



So how does Feng Shui affect home energy, business life and office reply time?



Well, the principle of Feng Shui operates on the basic principle of Yin and Yang: harmony between the dark and the light.


In order to have true harmony, practitioners of Feng Shui try to arrange things around them in such a way that they can manipulate the energy to a balance.



The most recognizable symbol of Feng Shui is the octagon.


The octagon or Ba Gua represents the eight directions of chi that must be balanced in order for you to have good fortune.


Recently, it has been discovered that octagonal houses are actually more energy efficient. Quite a coincidence, wouldn’t you agree ?



Feng Shui influences home energy because of the theory that placing the different parts of a house such as the stairs, the furniture and the door can influence the flow of chi energy through your home.


This would lead to different effects.



In Feng Shui, it is believed that blockage to the chi can cause pretty big problems concerning business.


In this world today, many people are learning how to respect each other’s beliefs on what affects business.


We live in a global community.


Hence, we all should know how to do business with each other.



Right now, many westerners are researching Feng Shui because of the simple fact that many Asian businessmen would stop a deal if they feel that something is not right with the energy of the environment.


Thus, Feng Shui influences business life by allowing people to relate to each other in the terms of business.


When you observe the proper Feng Shui of a place, you show people that you have a respect for every tradition.

This would put you in the forefront of your business community.


But how does Feng Shui affect office reply time ?



We all know that in order for an office to function properly, communications must always be in order.


This means that people should be able to talk to others within the office itself. Thus, office reply time is very crucial to every person working inside the office.



As mentioned before, Feng Shui has a lot to do with the placement of objects within the area.
When designing a place, you not only consider the time factor but the Feng Shui as well. In many cases, these two are often conflicted.



Some Feng Shui experts, when noting building plans, often have stairways change places or even have steps added in order to have harmony.


This means that your plans for speedy office reply time may be put on hold in favor of Feng Shui.


Have you ever walked into a place and right away get a bad feeling? Some practitioners say that it is one manifestation of a place having bad Feng Shui.



Placement of objects is not the only factor that influences Feng Shui.

The colors and materials used for certain objects also influences the way chi energy moves around the house.
For example, wood furniture can enhance chi in the south, while ceramic or clay calms it.


Chi energy flows everywhere.


However, you can actually make certain modifications in order to gather more chi and promote good fortune.



Water promotes chi, that’s why you’ll see that in every Chinese restaurant they always have an aquarium. Certain types of fish, like a koi, actually helps promote good fortune.



The concept of Feng shui affecting home energy, business life and office reply time may seem to be pretty fat-fetched to the westerner.

However, you need to understand that some Asians take this stuff pretty seriously, and if you intend to have harmonious business relations with Asians, you may want to brush up on the different concepts of Feng Shui.


Here’s a final word: many things happen without any explanations. Feng Shui is one of those things that have neither been proven nor disproved.


Thus, a person must properly respect another’s beliefs in order for them to maintain a harmonious relationship.



After all, you do not want to be judged as you judge other people, do you
?