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Helpful Links
Geothermal Heat
http://geothermal.marin.org/pwrheat.html
On Demand Hot Water Heater
http://www.tanklesswater.com
What are the advantages of a tankless hot water heater system?
Also known as either a point of use water heater or an on demand
water heater, this innovative product generates hot water immediately
when you open the hot water site of our faucet. The unit then turns
itself off when the faucet is closed, thus saving energy costs over
the entire lifetime of the unit. The energy consumed is only for
heating the water that is needed for that specific time. Since there
is no storage of hot water and no constant heating and re-heating
of water as in standard water heaters, you're not wasting energy
when you don't need it.
The energy savings of the gas tankless water heaters translate to dollar savings for you and reduced impact on our environment. Typical savings are approximately 30% of your energy usage. Furthermore, tankless water heaters produce an endless supply of hot water, provided you size the unit appropriately. Point of use water heaters are also designed to last for 20+ years and can be mounted to a wall to save space.
Insulation
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html
Why Should You Insulate?
Heating and cooling ("space conditioning") account for 50 to 70% of
the energy used in the average American home. About 20% goes for heating
water. On the other hand, lighting and appliances and everything else
account for only 10 to 30% of the energy used in most residences. It
makes good sense to turn lights and appliances off when they are not
needed, and you'll save even more on your energy costs if your reduce
the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling.
Unless your home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, adding insulation will probably reduce your utility bills. Much of the existing housing stock in the United States is not insulated to the best level. Older homes are likely to use more energy than newer homes, leading to very high heating and air-conditioning bills. Even if you own a new home, adding insulation may save enough money in reduced utility bills to pay for itself within a few years, continue to save you money for as long as you own the home, and increase the resale value of your house.
The Crucial Role of Thermal Insulation
Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy
waste in most homes. Insulation saves money and our nation's limited
energy resources. It can also make your house more comfortable by
helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. Walls,
ceilings, and floors will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the
summer. Insulation can also act as a sound absorber or barrier, keeping
noise levels down.
It is possible to add insulation to almost any house. You may be able to do the job yourself if the structural framing is accessible--for instance, in unfinished attics or under the floor over an unheated space. Or, you may prefer to hire an insulation contractor. In either case, it is important to choose and install the insulation correctly.
The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors: your local climate; the size, shape, and construction of your house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency of the heating and cooling systems; and the fuel you use. Once the energy savings have paid for the installation cost, energy conserved is money saved--and the annual savings will increase if utility rates go up.
Replacement Windows
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columncc/cc040921.html
With the increases in utility rates over the past few years, replacing windows is a popular activity in many established neighborhoods as homeowners seek ways to shore up the house to conserve energy. Windows represent the weakest defense against heat and cold in any house.
