articles on Saving Energy

All About Insulation by Chiras, Dan. Mother Earth News 195, 2003. A detailed discussion of approaches you can take for insulating your home.

Buying an Energy Efficient Refrigerator by Barker, Jeffifer. Home Power 104, 2005. A very thorough review of the factors to look for in purchasing an energy efficient refrigerator.

The Energy-Efficient Home by Chiras, Daniel D. Solar Today 18(5), 2004. An overview on how to design homes to be more energy efficient.

How Efficient is Your House? by Bailes, Alison A. Home Power 106, 2005. An excellent article on doing a home energy audit. Includes a good description of blower door testing.

Hunting Phantom Loads by Chiras, Dan. Home Power 82, 2001. Very few homeowners are aware of just how much energy they lose to small energy sources such as power transformers, digital clocks and indicator lights. These types of small energy loads, often referred to as "phantom loads", are especially problematic in homes powered by alternative energy. In this article Dan Chiras talks about his attempts to eliminate phantom loads in his solar home.

Hydronic Heating on Renewable Energy by Hyatt, Rod. Home Power 79, 2000. This article shows you how to install radiant floor heating in a home that uses renewable energy.

Live On Less and Love It! by Idelbrook, Craig Mother Earth News 224, 2007. A fun article with good illustrations which lists 75 ideas on how people can live happily with less.

Pushing the Limits of Green Building by Brockman, Kacia and Brockman, Clark. Solar Today 21(6), 2007. This article explores seven trends in green building practices.

Retrofitting a Foundation for Energy Efficiency by Chiras, Dan. The Last Straw 38, 2002. This article by veteran energy reporter Dan Chiras discusses ways to retrofit your existing foundation so that it loses less energy. The Last Straw, one of our favorite magazine titles, is dedicated to the use of straw bale construction and is available on the Web at www.thelaststraw.org .

Save Energy and Money - Now! by Hurst-Wajszczuk, Joe. Mother Earth News 189, 2001. Suggestions on ways to cut your energy costs.

Tankless Is In by Weaver, Jennifer. Home Power 189, 2001. A discussion of on-demand water heaters. Does an excellent job of pointing out the advantages of this approach to water heating.

Warm Light, Cool Savings by Williams, Jeff Solar Today 105, 2005. An overview of some of the new options available for saving energy with more efficient windows and doors.

Windows: Looking Through the Options by Wilson, Alex. Solar Today 15(2), 2001. A review of the different types of energy efficient windows. Includes a guide on how to shop for windows.