Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits 101 Simple Solutions to Lower Energy Costs, Increase Your Home's Efficiency, and Save the Environment

About this book

Reduce your utility bill and your carbon footprint. This new "TAB Green Guru Guide" offers complete details on assessing home energy efficiency, and offers 101 energy- and money-saving solutions. The author describes simple, no- and low-cost measures to identify problems and dramatically increase livability, efficiency, and expendable income each and every year. Information on energy grants, rebates, and tax credits is included. Whether you're moving into a brand new home, buying an existing home, or improving a current residence, you'll find "Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits" and all its practical tips and projects invaluable.

Contents

Ch 1. How to create a home of comfort, increase your income Home/apartment/dwelling analysis Identification of waste Total cost (environmental, financial) Ch 2. Simple, no-cost energy solutions Interrelations of systems (heating/cooling) Service appliances, clean dryer filter, and refrigerator Turn up thermostat in summer, down in winter Shorten times of timed products: pool pump, electric lights Open your blinds Shower with drain closed AC placement: clean, insulate, and seal ducts, replace filter Strategic placement of heat and furnace Check furnace settings Unplug appliances and chargers Wash in cold, only full loads Outside clothing dryer all year round, winter, damp dryer 10 minutes not 1.5 hrs Appropriate Lighting Ch 3. Energy Information How to read utility bills BTU KWH Energy consumption Ch 4. Low cost energy solutions Programmable thermostat Compact fluorescent, or LED lights Vampire power Insulation Water usage Plant a tree Door and window molding Energy envelope, cracks seals, etc. Solar screens Ch 5. Effects on the environment and global warming Carbon cycle What your home is producing What you choose to produce What you can do today Ch 6. Creating an effective & efficient plan Strategy of largest energy consumption found in home Efficient solutions Ch 7. Contracting your project Knowledge and comfort to hire a contractor What to expect When to say no Contract and your protection Ch 8. Large renovation projects Know what you want, purpose, don't settle Total home solution Energy envelope Architect and builders General contractors Ch 9. Conversion information BTUs KWH Appliance efficiency Energy star ratings Other reliable sources Web reference How to purchase Standard and metric conversions Ch 10. Energy grants, rebates, and tax credits Local, State, Federal and International Financial Assistance Tax rebates Grants Low interest loans Loan relief Ch 11. Additional topics

Customer Reviews

Biography

David S. Findley is an assistant professor at Farmingdale State College and the owner of Synergy New Technology, a green technology solution provider.