Green resources for home energy, heating, cooling and more.
The typical family or business can save big money on energy by taking many small steps. The average American can boost home efficiency up to 65 percent, according to the Department of Energy, using technologies that are readily available. One good step is to purchase Energy Star–rated products. Another is to do a home energy audit to find trouble spots. For many folks, the most exciting parts of the clean-energy revolution are the emerging sources of renewable energy, from iconic solar and wind power to wave and tidal power, piezoelectric motion generators, fuel cells, and more. Research funding is increasing, breakthroughs are being made, and new tax incentives are coming online at the state and federal level.
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Heating and Cooling Systems Can be Efficient
Heating and Cooling Systems
Most households shell out 50 to 70 percent of their energy budgets on heating and cooling. Fossil fuels still dominate for these tasks, but natural gas burns cleaner than oil, which burns cleaner than coal. Electric heat is inefficient for most applications, and burning whole wood produces polluting smoke that contributes to smog and can endanger those with asthma and allergies.
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Here are three of the more than 1,000 Whole Green resources you’ll find in the catalog:
THE ENERGY DETECTIVE
Get the Facts on Your Energy Use
The quickest way for homeowners to see energy savings is to install a widget that displays how much energy is used to dry clothes, run an electric toothbrush, or heat breakfast…
HUNTER CEILING FANS
Comfort from Above
The easiest and most efficient way to cool off in the summer heat is to use portable floor fans or to install ceiling fans, both of which use 90 percent less energy…
PHILIPS LED HOLIDAY LIGHTS
No Lumps of Coal Needed
Make like the Rockefellers and switch to LED-strand holiday lights. Holiday displays at New York’s iconic Rockefeller Center…
Make sure your fridge, freezer, and ovens have tight, clean seals. Keep your refrigerator full so it will run more efficiently. If the fridge is nearly empty, keep pitchers of water in it, which will make it easier for the appliance to maintain an even temperature. Plus you’ll have cold water to drink on demand.
