Energy Saving Tip of the Week: Change Your A/C Filter Regularly!

Replacing old air-conditioning filters is an expense that pays for itself in cooling dollars. A dirty air-conditioning filter restricts air flow and lowers the efficiency of your cooling unit as much as 15% causing it to work harder and use more energy. Especially during hot summer months A/C filters should be replaced at least once every three months and as often as once a month in dusty environments. Clean filters will prevent dust and dirt build-up in the system which may lead to system failure and high maintenance costs.

Another advantage of clean air filters is to reduce the amount of allergens in the air that we breathe thus improving air quality in our home. If your room air-conditioner has a washable filter that looks like sponge rubber wash it with a mixture of mild detergent and water, rinse well, and air-dry it completely before re-installing it.

Energy Saving Tip of the Week: Lower Your Energy Costs With Proper Landscaping!

Did you know that you can reduce your monthly energy costs by up to 25% through careful landscape planning? Properly planted trees, plants, and shrubs can protect your house from afternoon sun in summer and act as a windbreaker during cold winter months. Research has shown that summer daytime temperatures can be 3-6 degrees lower in tree-shaded neighborhoods compared to areas with no trees. Planting dense trees on the west and northwest sides of a house will block summer setting sun. Similarly planting evergreens on the north side will slow down cold winter winds while funneling summer cool breezes into the house. Additionally vines climbing on walls form a foliage cover that insulates the home from summer sun and cold winter winds.

*Landscape Picture above Designed and installed by Garden Associates Landscape Architecture Inc., Licensed Landscape Architects.   

Green-By-Design Open House at WCCC

Warren County Community College in Washington New Jersey hosted their first Green-By-Design Open House on August 4, 2010. Maija Amaro of School of Continuing Education, who organized the event, stated that they plan on hosting similar green events in the future to educate the community on sustainable living.

Sponsored by Hance Construction, GBW Insurance and Milton Terry Associates, Green-By-Design was free to attend for the public. Green Domain was happy to take part in an event geared towards educating local residents on ways of leading an energy efficient and sustainable lifestyle. Energy efficiency specialists of Green Domain gave useful information to visitors on benefits of a home energy assessment. Among other exhibitors were green construction companies, solar energy providers, and green products manufacturers.
Commenced by the keynote speaker, Dr. William Austin of WCCC, the open house featured other speakers who shared their expertise with attendants on various topics on sustainable living such as green construction, solar design considerations, and sustainable strategies in interior space planning.

Links:
http://www.warren.edu/
http://www.hanceconstruction.com/
http://www.gbwinsurance.com/
http://www.miltonterry.com/

Energy Saving Tip of the Week: Don’t Let Air-Conditioning Dollars Go Out the Windows!

Did you know that windows can account for a significant portion of your energy bills? Windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coating cost about 10%-15% more than standard windows but they reduce your energy loss by 30%-50%. Low-e windows have a coating which is a microscopically thin metallic oxide layer applied on one or more panes of glass. There are different kinds of low-E coatings developed for high solar gain, moderate solar gain, and low solar gain depending on the climate you live in and the direction your windows are facing. For example for hot climates and east- and west-facing windows you should choose low-e windows where the coating is applied to the outside pane of the glass as this will keep the sun’s heat out of the house. When you are buying new windows look for ENERGY STAR label. Always work with reputable and knowledgeable installers to make sure your windows are installed and sealed properly to avoid any air leaks.

Energy Saving Tip of the Week: Fire up that Grill!

Using your outdoor grill saves you cooling dollars on hot summer days. Cooking inside in the oven or on stove top will warm up your house making your air conditioner work harder. The microwave is another good alternative for energy efficient cooking. Microwave ovens use around 50% less energy than conventional ones.