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Articles from Sam Braidley | Selfgrowth.com
- Ten Simple Ways to Go Green - by Submitted on Aug 26, 2011 from Sam BraidleyClimate change, pollution and rampant irresponsible energy usage are all things that should concern every person on this planet. Each of these major points can be influenced by the actions of individuals, so it is in everyone’s best interests to begin practising eco-friendly lifestyles. This is ...
Views: 831(1 vote) - A look at green heating methods for your home - by Submitted on Apr 08, 2011 from Sam BraidleyMany people want to be able to use environmentally friendly methods to heat their home but are not sure which technologies fall into this category or how to choose the method that is right for them. Here is a look at exactly what a “green heating method” is, as well as some of the more common ...
Views: 607 - Avoid energy drain and reduce your home’s energy bills - by Submitted on Jul 21, 2011 from Sam BraidleyEnergy bills are getting more and more expensive each month. People are trying to find ways that they can save a large amount of energy and attempt to accomplish this through the use of energy efficient appliances and by changing the way that they power or heat their home. What they, and you, ...
Views: 597 - Can power bars make a difference in your home’s energy usage? - by Submitted on May 08, 2011 from Sam BraidleyEnergy use in our homes is influenced by many different factors. These can include how airtight our homes are, the age and efficiency of our heating systems and how energy efficient our appliances are. Now, however, some experts are looking to the power bars that those appliances are plugged ...
Views: 672 - Can you still use Green Technology and increase the value of your Home? What you need to know - by Submitted on Jun 01, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you know that you are going to be staying in your home for quite some time to come, it is not as important whether the green updates or changes to your home are as attractive to buyers. If, however, you are trying to find a way to use environmentally friendly items and technology in a way ...
Views: 819 - Cavity Wall Insulation for comfort, healthy indoors and low energy bills - by Submitted on Dec 14, 2010 from Sam BraidleyCavity Wall Insulation could be a remedy for the energy poverty undergone by many homes in Ireland. Available statistics show over 60,000 low income and 160,000 other homes suffer from energy poverty. This invariably affects their health, indoor comforts while causing huge wastage of limited ...
Views: 1134 - Choosing green roofing materials for your home - by Submitted on Apr 08, 2011 from Sam BraidleyEvery home needs a roof to keep weather from working its way inside. Whether precipitation is in the form of rain or snow, a proper roof is essential to keeping your home in good condition. Water damage can be devastating to a home but individuals who are looking for green materials for their ...
Views: 604 - Condensing Boilers - by Submitted on Mar 19, 2011 from Sam BraidleyDuring operation of a regular boiler the hot exhaust gases are given to the atmosphere. However, addition of a second heat exchanger makes it possible to gain the heat in the exhaust gas which is around 150o – 200o C. In the heat exchanger added the waste gas transfers its heat to the cooler ...
Views: 682 - Conserving Money and Conserving Energy with Window Glazing - by Submitted on Nov 20, 2011 from Sam BraidleyA home’s windows are one of the primary ways in which heat energy is lost; if you need to save cash on your heating bills, keep your home warmer and quieter, and decrease your general carbon footprint, it truly is in your own desires to put in energy efficient windows or glazing. Ways to ...
Views: 697 - Double glazed windows - by Submitted on May 01, 2011 from Sam BraidleyWhen multiple glass panes are fitted in a single unit this system is called insulated glazing or double glazed unit. They are used for heat and sound insulation with the help of the generally inert gas between the two glass layers. The inert gas does not conduct heat and sound waves so ...
Views: 678 - Global Warming is for Real. New Evidence point out - by Submitted on Nov 17, 2010 from Sam BraidleyGlobal warming, a terrifying thought to many (except for a few skeptics) is in the forefront once again. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the US government has announced only last September, the global average for the period January to August 2010 is 580F (14.5 0C) and ...
Views: 593 - Going green and saving green with the right home lighting choices - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2011 from Sam BraidleyEveryone knows that by decreasing the amount of energy you use in the home, the better it is for your light bill, as well as for the environment. Although you can save a lot of energy by shutting off lights when you’re not using them, choosing the right kind of light bulbs is also a major way to ...
Views: 683 - Green heating options- keep your house warm without harming the environment - by Submitted on Jul 12, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you live in areas where the weather gets cold you need to have a method of keeping your house warm. Keeping a house’s interior at a comfortable temperature does not mean that you have to harm the environment. It is possible to keep your home warm in a reliable and affordable manner and not ...
Views: 1511 - Green home renovations- how to take the first steps - by Submitted on Jul 26, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you are renovating your home there are many decisions that need to be made. You may be wondering which contractor to use or which areas to renovate first. What many people should think about (but don’t) is how to make sure that the renovation process is as environmentally friendly as ...
Views: 735 - How heat pumps can act as a green heat source for your home - by Submitted on May 24, 2011 from Sam BraidleyWhen most people think about ways to heat their home they think about the burning of wood or fossil fuels. Others may think about the use of hot water heat in order to keep a home or business at a comfortable temperature. Using fossil fuels can be an issue when it comes to the generation of ...
Views: 586 - How Performing a Home Energy Audit can help you save Money - by Submitted on May 10, 2011 from Sam BraidleyA large number of people are having home energy audits performed on their homes. As a result, they are able to enjoy discounts and rebates that many governments are offering. With the rising cost of energy, learning which areas of your home require updating or retrofitting can be money well ...
Views: 722 - How timers can make your home more environmentally friendly - by Submitted on May 24, 2011 from Sam BraidleyThere is a simple device that many homeowners overlook when they are trying to make their homes more energy efficient. It comes in one of several forms that suit different uses but each model can be easy to use and can shave a large amount off of a family’s energy bill. The device is a timer. It ...
Views: 547 - How to choose Green Insulation for your Home - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2011 from Sam BraidleyA properly insulated home can be much more affordable to heat and cool. This is because insulating key areas of your home can prevent the loss of treated air and eliminate drafty areas or areas which are abnormally hot or cold. While many people think that the only efficient choice is the ...
Views: 593 - How to Insulate Your Home using Environmentally Friendly Products - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2011 from Sam BraidleyUnless you live in a tropical climate, there will be times that you need to make your home warmer than the exterior temperature would normally allow. While it is important to choose environmentally friendly heating methods for your home such as solar energy or biomass heating systems, it is also ...
Views: 641 - How to Introduce Renewable Energy Sources into your home - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you want to lower your energy bill or even go off grid you may want to look at ways to utilize renewable energy sources. A renewable energy source, by definition, is one that is not used up. This is a definite benefit over other energy sources since they are finite and will eventually be ...
Views: 544 - How to keep your home warm in winter weather - by Submitted on Jan 18, 2011 from Sam BraidleyThey say this winter arrived premature. The severity is too extreme and Arctic. Can we do something about it? We certainly cannot change the new weather patterns in a hurry. Freak weather is bound to occur at regular intervals though the spacing may be short or long. The best way to counter ...
Views: 695 - How to tell whether the Products you are considering are Environmentally Friendly - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2011 from Sam BraidleyThere are many different products available on the market today and describing them as environmentally friendly has become a strong marketing tool. If you are serious about ensuring that your home is actually as green as possible it is important that you learn how to tell which are telling the ...
Views: 577 - How Wood Fuel systems can heat your home effectively - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you are interested in using an effective heating system that is environmentally friendly you may want to consider using a system that is fuelled by wood. Wood fuelled systems are carbon neutral and, as wood fuel grows quickly, it is much more abundant and renewable than fuel sources such as ...
Views: 521 - How “Going Green” Can Increase the “Green” in corporate pocketbooks - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIn order to remain relevant and profitable due to the ever-rising costs of energy, it is absolutely essential for businesses to begin enacting more environmentally-conscious practices. Not only will this reduce the energy bill (and, therefore, increase the bottom line), it will also have a ...
Views: 567 - Insulating your house - by Submitted on May 02, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIn a house where there is not sufficient insulation 30% of the energy generated can be lost through walls, roof, floor, pipes, windows and air leakages. To prevent this loss adequate insulation should be applied where necessary. Here are some insulation recommendations: Walls: Cavity wall ...
Views: 647 - Is a New Furnace or Boiler really worth the expense? - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2011 from Sam BraidleyReplacing a furnace can be an expensive proposition. Because of this, people will often wait until they have no other option but to change their heating system. They may wait until their heating system has failed utterly before taking steps to replace it. Here are some factors you may want to ...
Views: 656 - Is it time to replace your boiler? What you need to know - by Submitted on May 15, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you heat your home with hot water, you may love the fact that your system is fairly low maintenance and can give you a steady supply of heat. Unfortunately, as with other types of heating systems, your boiler system can break down over time and there may come a time that it may need ...
Views: 625 - Is Passive Solar or Active Solar better for your home? - by Submitted on Feb 13, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you are considering making the switch to solar power as a way of reducing energy costs, you may wonder whether passive solar or active solar systems will meet your needs best. Without understanding more about each of these systems and their applications it can be difficult to make that ...
Views: 618 - Keep your home comfortable with natural cooling systems - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2011 from Sam BraidleySummers seem to be getting warmer every year. Many people have installed central air conditioning systems into their home and use them as an attempt to beat the heat. While they can work well they do cause a jump in a home’s hydro usage. If you are looking for a way to keep your home comfortable ...
Views: 538 - LED Light Technology fast catching up with CFLs? - by Submitted on Nov 04, 2010 from Sam BraidleyAt last someone has come up with Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting ceiling fixtures which is claimed a world first. Up to now, ceiling fixtures with LEDs were not commercially successful, mainly due to the low luminous flux levels and the directional property of LED lighting. The manufacturer ...
Views: 729 - Lowering Water Bills can be easy with a Grey Water Reclamation System - by Submitted on Apr 22, 2011 from Sam BraidleyOne monthly bill that seems to increase every month is our water bill. Many people do not realize that by using grey water instead of municipally treated water, they can still maintain the kind of lifestyle they are accustomed to while still reducing their water bill quickly and easily. What ...
Views: 648 - More than just lower Heating Bills- The Benefits of Radiant Heating Systems - by Submitted on Apr 24, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you want to heat your home efficiently and affordably, there is an option that you may want to consider. Opting to use a radiant heating system that warms the floors in your home and, from there, the air can actually be one of the most environmentally responsible ways of keeping your home at ...
Views: 584 - Passive solar energy and your home- what you need to know - by Submitted on May 17, 2011 from Sam BraidleyWhen someone thinks about solar energy, it is usually an active solar system that they are thinking of. These systems use the solar panels that many people are familiar with and can supply either hot water or the energy needed to power a home. A passive solar system can also be used effectively ...
Views: 546 - Pellet Stoves- Are they a viable heating source for your home? - by Submitted on Apr 22, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf someone is looking for an environmentally friendly way to heat their home, they may want to consider replacing a forced-air furnace or boiler system that is powered by fossil fuels with one that is fuelled using biomass fuel sources. The most well known of all of these systems are those that ...
Views: 621 - Performing an Energy Audit- How to tell if your home is efficient or not - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you are committed to making sure your energy bills are as low as possible, you may want to perform an energy audit. This will involve having experts examine your home in a number of ways and make sure that you are not losing energy that can be retained through updates and retrofitting. By ...
Views: 595 - Radiant Heating Systems- Are they right for your Home? - by Submitted on Aug 02, 2011 from Sam BraidleyYou may have heard a lot of people talking about radiant heating systems. They have been around for many years but advances in the design and materials make them a much more reliable heat source than they were in the past. As a result, these types of heating systems are being used in an ...
Views: 575 - Rainwater Harvesting Systems - by Submitted on Mar 22, 2011 from Sam BraidleyAlthough it was once being used by most of the civilizations throughout the history, rainwater harvesting became less popular since people were able to access treated water easily. However, it is now becoming more and more popular again due to the decreased amount of ground water sources. In ...
Views: 622 - Recycle your grey water for huge household savings - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you are watching your water bill spiral out of control or want to make sure that your impact on the environment is not as great, you may want to consider recycling the grey water that your home generates. This is water that has been used for purposes such as washing or in the kitchen rather ...
Views: 552 - Reduce Treated Water Usage with a Grey Water Reclamation System - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you want to reduce the amount of treated water that your home uses on a daily basis, as well as making it more environmentally friendly, you may want to consider a grey water recycling system. Much of the water that we use in our homes does not need to be treated. Only the water that we use ...
Views: 646 - Reuse the Energy used to heat your water with a Drain Water Heat Recovery System - by Submitted on Mar 27, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf you want to make the most of your hot water usage, why not consider a system that recovers the heat from drain water and uses it to heat your home? This allows you to reuse water that has already been heated and reduce not only your heating bill but also the impact that heating your home will ...
Views: 599 - Solar Panels - by Submitted on Sep 10, 2010 from Sam BraidleyWhat are solar panels? Solar panels or solar modules are man made panels which make use of the property of certain material to produce DC electricity when light falls on them. It so happens that in these materials the electrons that orbit the atoms enhance the energy level when ...
Views: 923 - Solar Panels: Are they for you? - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2011 from Sam BraidleyThe concept of climate change has become a real, present danger, as evidenced by the major shifts in temperature and weather all over our planet. Although it is too late to stop it now, it is possible to keep things for getting worse. One major way to do this is to encourage the uses of ...
Views: 647 - Solar Power to Energy –New Process - by Submitted on Feb 01, 2011 from Sam BraidleyUp to a few weeks back we knew only of a handful of processes to harness the immense sources of energy transmitted on to the earth surface. All forms of energy except perhaps nuclear energy, originated from the sun. (Sun it self is a huge nuclear reactor, come to think of it!) We have been ...
Views: 679 - Solar water heating systems - by Submitted on Mar 28, 2011 from Sam BraidleyDid you know that for regular household water heating costs are nearly one third of their fuel bills? It is possible to cut this amount significantly using solar energy for heating water. Solar water heaters work on the principle of absorbing the energy in sunlight through solar panels and ...
Views: 637 - The environmental advantages of tankless hot water systems - by Submitted on May 17, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIn the past, homes have got their hot water from systems that were basically the same regardless of the fuel that powered them. In a traditional hot water system, a boiler heats water to a specific temperature. The water is heated and stored in a tank until it is used. As the water in the tank ...
Views: 541 - The most suitable ways to reduce costs and energy in your house - by Submitted on Oct 27, 2011 from Sam BraidleyBecause of the state of the economy, everyone is interested in being economical; because of the state in the environment, most responsible people might like to do their part.Possibly the best ways to save money in your house is always to lessen your energy consumption, which can ultimately mean ...
Views: 618 - Thermomax solar panel, Thermomax systems, Solar panel - by Submitted on Apr 08, 2011 from Sam BraidleyThermomax systems, which are designed for extreme climates like Northern America, are high efficiency equipment for efficient and economical conversion of solar radiation into thermal energy. The evacuated heat-pipe solar collector is the result of extensive research, development and testing. ...
Views: 624 - Top Reasons you may want to go tankless for your hot water supply - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2011 from Sam BraidleyThe cost of heating water in your home can really add up quickly. If you are using an older tank it may be inefficient and lose heat quickly. This means that more fuel will be used to keep the water at a predetermined temperature. If you are interested in lowering your gas or electricity bills ...
Views: 547 - Types of Solar Panels - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2011 from Sam BraidleySolar water heating systems are among the most popular solar technologies considered by those planning to switch to “greener” technologies or want to reduce their heating bills by making use of a free source. Solar hot water systems differ hugely, depending basically to different climate ...
Views: 672 - Understanding Wood Pellet Systems and Carbon Neutrality - by Submitted on Feb 09, 2011 from Sam BraidleyOne of the major selling points to wood pellet systems is their carbon neutral label. Because these systems are considered to be carbon neutral, they are eligible for many different energy grants and rebates. But what is a wood pellet system, and how can any system that burns fuel be considered ...
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