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Articles from Sam Braidley | Selfgrowth.com
- 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 - 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 - 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 - 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) - 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 - What “Green” really means to manufacturers - by Submitted on Jun 24, 2011 from Sam BraidleyGreen is definitely the new catchphrase for manufacturers and for retailers. Everything seems to be labeled as “environmentally friendly” even when it may seem unlikely that this is the case. Here are some reasons why certain products may be labeled as being “green” and others may not. The ...
Views: 788 - Wood Pellet Stoves to fight the current Financial Crisis? - by Submitted on Jan 05, 2011 from Sam BraidleyWood pellet Stoves and Boilers use locally available fuels, the Biomass. The financial crisis is on and soon the price of imported fuels, particularly petroleum product price is going to be sky high. Well, as it is globally the Petroleum crude price is at an all time high just after the lapse of ...
Views: 766 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 ...
Views: 720 - Using solar panels for optimum efficiency - by Submitted on Aug 30, 2010 from Sam BraidleyA solar Panel system used in Ireland generally comprise of all or most of the following components. Optimization of these is important to obtain best benefits desired. Solar Collector As the name implies its function is to absorb the beams of energy that impinge on it for beneficial use ...
Views: 713 - What is a Combi Boiler? - by Submitted on Feb 03, 2011 from Sam BraidleyCombi or combination boilers are compact devices for your domestic hot water (DHW) system and the home heating system. Both these systems are catered by the single boiler and hence the term “combi”. Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers ...
Views: 712 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Why proper Weather Stripping is so important - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Sam BraidleyWhen people think about reducing the heat that is lost from their home, they often concentrate their attention on the kind and amount of insulation that is in their home, as well as the windows that they own as well. While it is important to make sure that these areas are as energy efficient is ...
Views: 625 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Why Radiant Heating systems are becoming so popular - by Submitted on May 20, 2011 from Sam BraidleyRadiant heating systems have been around for some time. They have not been popular until recently when people began to notice the many advantages that using these systems could give. Here are a few advantages that you may want to consider when determining what kind of heating system is right for ...
Views: 591 - 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 - 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 - 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 - What to consider when replacing your boiler - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2011 from Sam BraidleyIf your boiler is more than about fifteen years old you may want to consider replacing it. It may be much less efficient than you would like it to be and this can translate into higher energy consumption. To lower energy bills and your home’s impact on the environment, here are things you need ...
Views: 577 - What you need to know about Energy Efficient Windows - by Submitted on Mar 02, 2011 from Sam BraidleyReplacing windows can be a fantastic way to stop the bleeding of energy from your home. Older windows may lack the insulating ability that newer windows do and may even have gaps and spaces around them that will allow direct heat loss. It is estimated that as much as a third of a home’s heat may ...
Views: 577 - 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 - 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 ...
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