What is the most cost-effective way to increase the energy efficiency of your home? Most homes have insulation in their attic and walls, but forget to insulate underneath the home. Energy efficiency is all about encapsulating the air you’ve paid so much to heat or cool. With all the existing government tax credits, there is no better time than now to improve your home’s insulation. The tax credits are about to get even better with Cash for Caulkers Home Star Energy Efficiency program.

One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency usage is to insulate and weatherize your home. Crawl Space liners achieve both of these and are easy to install yourself. First, let me explain a little more about weatherization and insulation.

Weatherization vs. Insulation

These terms are often used interchangeably but there is a subtle difference between the two. Weatherization can be thought of as air sealing your home – reducing the convective heat flow. In every home there are little cracks that allow the air in your home to escape. Common places for these cracks are in the air ducts underneath your home, and the cracks in your floorboards. Rather than taking a magnifying glass and a tube a caulk to find every crack, the best way to weatherize underneath your home is to install a crawl space encapsulation system. Look for a system that is Zero permeability with a poly adhesive tape so no air will penetrate the liner.

Just like weatherization reduces convective heat flow, insulation reduces conductive heat flow. To reduce conductive heat flow, homes have the pink insulation in their walls and attics. The same crawl space liners that have weatherization properties can also have insulating properties. Look for a crawl space encapsulation system that has at least an R5 insulation value- this will dramatically reduce the conductive heat loss from underneath your home.

Cash for Caulkers – How to Cash in on Tax Credits for the Do It Yourselfer

There are many myths out there that you need a contractor to receive a tax credit for making your home more energy efficient. On the contrary, it’s actually as easy as rolling out carpet to install a crawl space encapsulation system in your home. Energy star rated crawl space liners can earn you a 30% (up to $1,500) tax refund on your material cost. So for example you have a 2,000 square foot crawl space in your home, the liner system costs you $3,000, you will get back $900, for a total cost of $2,100.

Easy Installation for the Do-It-Yourselfer (DIY) – A lot of people ask me “Who is the best contractor to install my crawl space liner?” Then I’ll mention to them that they could save $3000 to $8000 installing it themselves and it can be done in less than a day. You can visit my site for step-by-step instructions or a free sample kit of a Do-It-Yourself crawl space liner. About the Author – Eugene White has been in the crawl space business for over 20 years. He owns and operates Seal Tight Solutions a company that encourages the Do-It-Yourselfer to improve their home at an affordable cost with long-lasting benefits.

Author: Eugene White
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Healing food: natural way to cure cancer

When people discuss energy savings and a way to reduce their electric bills during the heat of the summer there are several strategies that are usually mentioned. A few of the more popular beliefs are to run air conditioning during daylight hours then open windows throughout the evening, while others are in favor of setting their thermostats a few degrees higher than normal and keeping the home at a constant temperature so the compressor does not run as often. Even more will tell you that investing in a programmable thermostat is the best way to experience energy savings within a cool home, and although all three of these tactics will help save a little bit of cash over the summer the actual biggest money saver of them all is hardly ever mentioned.

The most cost effective way to cool your home throughout the summer is by utilizing energy efficient ceiling fans throughout every room within your residence. While these units do not necessarily cool or remove humidity, by keeping the air currents within the room constantly circulating it will give the feel of an air conditioner. Since warm air naturally rises, as long as your ceiling fan is spinning counter clockwise all of the heat will be trapped up near the ceiling and the cool air will be allowed to circulate freely, which means your air conditioning unit will have to work much less to achieve the same results it normally does. As the sun sets the cool air moving throughout your residence will continue to keep you comfortable even with the air turned off, so the combined savings can be dramatic when everything is taken into consideration. During the winter the same technology can be applied backwards, and by reversing the motor on your ceiling fans warm air will be forced downwards to provide comfort through the room.

The even more impressive news is that the newer Energy Star ceiling fans are so efficient that they require less power than what a standard 150 light bulb would drain. Bellacor, the authority in energy efficient products available for residential consumers, has some of these new models so reasonably priced that is it possible to place one in every room throughout the home, and since they also produce an average of 20% more circulation when compared to conventional ceiling fans your air conditioning will hardly ever be required during the spring and fall seasons. With only running the air for a few months during the hottest hours of the day in June and July, these models can save consumers hundreds or even thousands of dollars off their annual utility bills without sacrificing comfort or a decent night’s rest.

So the next time the great debate over how to save money during the summer comes up, hopefully you can now share the correct answer. Throw away those old power draining box fans, turn the thermostat up several degrees, and prepare to open the windows for several months out of the year to let the great outdoors flow through your home and keep everyone comfortable. Energy Star ceiling fans are definitely the way to go when it comes to saving money, and once their technology becomes more popular everyone will eventually make the necessary conversion to them.

Tip: For more savings on ceiling fans, look for Bellacor Coupons from CouponShack.com

Sok has been helping every day people save money since 2001. It began as a objective to learn how to save money with coupons for online purchases every now and then but has since evolved to a lifestyle. Now Sok spends his time, both online and offline, not only looking for coupons but also how to go beyond just coupons to get extreme savings on every day items. “Don’t under-estimate the value of a coupon”

Author: Sok K Verdery
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Make PCB Assembly

Living green doesn’t have to be hard. While it may feel like you need a major lifestyle change to get eco-friendly, the truth is with a few simple changes, you can live green with no inconvenience-and even save some money while doing so. The trick is to start small. Don’t reinvent the wheel; just make a few simple changes in your routine and go from there. Then, before you know it, you’ll be living green.

Water
A simple first step is to start turning off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth. When you bathe, resist the urge to fill the tub to brimming. While a long, hot soak is a nice treat, is it really necessary to have all of that water if you’re getting in and out in a hurry? If you shower, consider buying a water-efficient shower head. Make sure the dishwasher is full before you run it, or better yet, wash those few dishes by hand.

Energy
Little things that cost nothing and save loads include lowering your water heater to 120 degrees F, washing your clothes in cold water, lowering the thermostat during winter, and in warmer weather giving your dryer a rest and line-drying your clothes. Low-cost ideas include: insulating your water heater, attic, and HVAC ducts; installing a programmable thermostat; and ensuring your home is properly sealed against large air leaks.

Travel and Commuting
Depending upon where you live, commuting “green” may seem one of the more difficult things for you to embrace. But there are alternatives you can at least consider. Check out your local public transportation and see if there is a feasible option to driving to work every day. Taking the bus may seem unpleasant at first, but you may find time a commute spent reading, listening to music, or just watching the scenery puts you at work more relaxed than if you had driven.

Consider car-pooling. It might not be an option for work, but think about getting together with neighbors for shopping trips or play dates to the park. Think about walking instead of driving; taking your bike; or selecting vacation spots a bit closer to home.

When it comes time to buy a car, consider fuel-efficient models. But, don’t just replace the car you have in order to “be greener”. The energy used in new car production may outweigh the benefits of replacing the one you have.

Recycle
Probably one of the easiest ways to live green is to become aware of waste. How much of what you throw away can be recycled or reused? With most neighborhoods offering recycling programs, there is really little excuse to not participate. Donate unwanted items to charity; find out what stores participate in e-waste recycling programs and get rid of old electronics that way; return iPods and cell phones to the manufacturer for use as parts.

These are just a few of the many simple ways you can live a greener life with no hassle. Think about it. If it’s this easy to be green, then what excuse can you have not to be?

In this article we’ve given a couple of green living tips that can make your lifestyle greener with minimal effort. If you want to read more such tips, and discover more ways to change your life and home to a more eco-friendly one, please visit our website: Green Planet and Me.

Author: Tom Harkenshire
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low-volume PCB Assembly

When the temperature starts soaring in the summer months, you start noticing your energy bills soaring right along with the thermometer. You and your family need to keep cool, but the rising energy costs may be stressful to an already stretched personal budget.

This is a great time to remember all the ways you can make your home more energy efficient. There are small things you can do to help, such as:

• keeping the house a degree or two warmer,
• maintaining a consistent temperature on the thermostat,
• making sure all lights and fans are turned off when not in use,
• replacing traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs,
• keeping windows and doors shut tight,
• and closing the blinds or curtains during the daytime.

There are also bigger investments you can make to help your home become more energy efficient. These investments can provide a bigger payoff in the long run. A few of these improvements include:

• installing new energy efficient windows and doors
• installing solar panels
• using energy efficient appliances
• following the ENERGY STAR’s recommendations for Heating and Cooling Efficiently
• installing a new metal roof

Metal Roofing is an energy efficient choice for your home, especially if you choose an ENERGY STAR certified roofing product. A metal roof reflects more of the sun’s energy compared to asphalt shingles or traditional roofing material. It also emits solar radiation back into the night sky.

These characteristics of a metal roof help prevent heat from entering your home through the attic and allow your air conditioning unit to do less work in order to effectively cool the house. This type of conservation addresses the root of our energy use and ultimately leads to burning less fossil fuels.

You can not only save energy with a metal roof, but you can save money by reducing energy consumption in your home plus you can help protect the environment by reducing your contribution to burning fossil fuels.

James Kenton is owner of Advanced Metal Roofing, a residential metal roofing company offering the exclusive MetalMan Roofing System. Every metal roof comes with a transferable, limited Lifetime Warranty, a 42% Energy Savings Pledge, and has the government ENERGY STAR seal of approval.

Author: James Kenton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canada duty tariff

My first suggestion would be to start slow. Start small with everyday things like sharing rides to work, walking or riding your bike to lower how much fuel you are consuming and lower your contribution to air pollution. Change the light bulbs in your home to the smaller fluorescent bulbs. Regular light bulbs can really increase your monthly bills and the newer ones will last a lot longer. This adds up to big savings for you over time.

Another approach is to do a little maintenance around the house. Start caulking any gaps around the doors and windows and seal up any opening. This will help keep out drafts that cost you money.

Another big tip is if you want to spend a little money – insulate, insulate, insulate! You will always make your money back on insulation. Having a well insulated home cuts down on those high energy cost in the wintertime. The more insulation, the less your furnace or heater will turn off and on costing you less.

One thing I hadn’t thought much about before was my appliances until my washer started to go crazy. If you have older appliances, they are probably eating your lunch in energy. It’s true! I couldn’t believe how much difference there was just in the ten years difference since I had bought my old one. You will actually save enough on your monthly bills over time to pay for a new energy efficient appliance. So if your spouse has been complaining about that old frig or washer, surprise them and replace it for them and save some money. (hint hint honey)

Of course, one of the most obvious “Going Green” changes that most of us have been exposed to since we were young is recycling. The bonus is that many vendors and manufacturers are making it easy for us. Watch for the recycling emblem when purchasing products. Buy more than one trash can so that you can separate out your paper, metal, glass and plastic.

These are all excellent ideas that you can utilize to start your “Going Green” lifestyle. Should you decide to pursue even bigger ideas’ there are many resources and a large amount of information available.

I started researching “Green Energy” and Home Alternate Energy as a way to save money on my electric bill. The result has been a driven need for more information and perhaps a way to indulge my passion to learn to market on the internet.

I also have a passion for my dogs Maddie and Rodeo and love to use my background in the pet industry to share information with you. Check out the following site for healthy dog food information.

http://www.love-your-dog-food.com

Author: Michelle Houser
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Healing food: natural way to cure cancer

President Obama’s energy plan was a great start to getting the country on the right track with the environment and our energy consumption but unfortunately the plan is being held up in congress. The plan outlined ways to reduce our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels and create new jobs in green industries.

One of the main goals of the plan was to get twenty-five percent of our power from renewable, alternative energy by the year 2025 and to reduce carbon emissions by eighty percent by 2050. Another reachable goal is to bring the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. These goals are achieved by installing a cap and trade program for carbon emissions.

The premise of the program would be mandated government caps on emissions; the cap would be based on allowances that would be bought in auctions. The companies who need higher allowances will have to pay for their emissions instead of just being given the right to pollute. Companies that have reduced their emissions can sell their allowance to other companies stimulating the market between businesses. Part of the revenue the government earns in these auctions will be put directly into research and technology for alternative energy strategies.

Along with the emissions cap the plan also outlined several incentive programs to get communities involved in improving the environment. The “cash for clunkers” program gives money to those replacing their old fuel burning vehicles for cars that are more fuel efficient. Tax credits would be given to those who install energy efficient appliances and alternative energy systems in their homes. Overall the plan was looking to invest $100 billion (that’s only one seventh of the financial sector’s bailout) and create 2 million new jobs.

Whether the plan passes through congress or not it’s clear that communities in America are choosing to show initiative and take matters in their own hands. A growing number of developments are appearing that adhere to strict green guidelines. These communities are proving that not only is living green possible but it can happen without a struggle when properly planned.

Green communities establish guidelines and use smart planning to grow. They carefully design and plan the layout of the community, paying close attention to environmental impacts and smart growth. They locate themselves within existing developments to revitalize brown fields and run down areas. This keeps the growth from spreading to undeveloped areas and preserves the existing environment (preventing urban sprawl).

The communities are designed to encourage alternative transportation and are walk-able and bike-friendly. Clean, well-lit paths are abundant throughout the area and encourage citizens to get out and enjoy their surroundings. One green community in Florida is even providing electric cars at various charging stations in place of allowing traditional vehicles on their roads.

Water conservation is also a top priority using smart irrigation and native landscaping. It goes without saying that these communities use only energy efficient appliances. Several developments are even going completely off-grid relying solely on solar and wind power.

In these neighborhoods the structures are built using renewable, recyclable materials with emphasis on compact and efficient designs. The area leaders ensure that criteria are met before building can begin and before the structures pass inspection. All of these ideas integrate into a community that illustrates green living is entirely possible.

Cities across the nation are adopting these guidelines and smart development is taking place of giant conglomerates greedily consuming land in areas that don’t need excessive expansion. Citizens are fighting back. In Lake Billy Chinook, OR the town operates completely of the grid and they like it that way.

Online forums and groups attract more and more members every day. The number of homeowners switching to renewable power grows by a third every year. Currently there are about 180,000 people living totally off the power grid. People are communicating with each other and learning we can make an impact with or without the help of congress.

Citizens are working with each other to spread awareness about the dangers of our inexcusable wastefulness of energy. Whether the government gets behind the people or not changes are being made and while they may seem small at first, overtime the citizens of this country can be heard. It’s time our officials start listening to the people who pay their salaries and realize we cannot continue down the path we are on.

For more information on green communities and to connect with others passionate about change join our solar forum. Here you can discuss ideas and views with other people interested in solar power and green living. Even those just looking to save money on energy during these trying times will find useful information on becoming more energy efficient homeowners.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more information about the solar revolution, please visit Solar Forum, a gathering place for the environmentally conscious.

Author: Anne Clarke
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Healing food: natural way to cure cancer

It is difficult to imagine that every time you switch on a washing machine that you will be in part to blame for the release of contaminants into the atmosphere, but the truth is that is exactly what is going on.

Estimates differ, but it’s known that in the USA about half of the electricity produced comes from burning coal. In China, the world’s biggest state, coal comprises more than three quarters of the country’s power consumption.

Coal is burned to generate heat, and then the heat is employed to turn water into steam. This steam is pressurised and then pushed over turbines, which causes the turbines spin. It is this rotating of the turbines which creates the electrical energy.

While there are alternate sources of heat to create steam (e.g. nuclear energy, geothermal power, and natural gas amongst others) coal is by a long shot the most frequent energy resource used.

The burning of coal emits many green house gases along with various other polluting materials into the atmosphere. Some of the air-borne pollutants emitted are:

- Carbon dioxide – the biggest cause of climate change,

- Sulfur Dioxide – which creates acid rain,

- NO (Nitrogen Oxide) – a major cause of smog

- Carbon Monoxide (CO) – a poison which is very dangerous

- particulates (small airborne particles)

- dangerous metals for example mercury

- lead and cadmium

Power companies, just like any other business, react to demand from customers. If there is demand from customers for electric power then somebody stands to make big money out of supplying it! And since burning coal is one of the most convenient and cheap techniques to produce the electricity, then it will, of course, remain in use.

So, in a very real sense, every single occasion you turn on a washing machine or light switch, somewhere there will certainly be coal being burnt to generate that electric power.

At this time there are various alternative sources of electric power that are starting to make their presence felt in today’s world. Wind energy, solar energy and now even wave energy are being harnessed and transformed into electricity. In the sophisticated technological era we live in almost any form of energy can be transformed into electrical power.

And with developments in technological know-how it means that harnessing this renewable source of power for your own personal use is getting to be much more feasible. Actually many folk are looking to get off-grid, produce their very own electric power and consequently reduce the need for electrical power produced through burning coal.

The author, Simon Lamberton is a wind power enthusiast. To discover more about just how producing your own electricity can be possible, take a look at this write-up regarding how simple it is to assemble your very own home windmills and begin to harness that no cost green and limitless energy source for yourself.

Learn more about how to use residential wind turbines to generate power

Author: Simon Lamberton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
iPhone/iPad apps

Why not spend a few minutes to give your fridge a tune up? Ensuring that your fridge is running at peak performance will reduce your energy bill and your grocery bill with one clean sweep!

Unlike freezers which operate best when they are as full as possible, fridges require some space to operate properly. When fridges are packed too full the air cannot circulate properly meaning that some foods will end up freezing and others will spoil because they are too warm.

Here are tips to help you keep your fridge running perfectly.

Watch your temperature. A Fridge has to maintain a steady temperature in order to work properly. A few degrees too high and all of your food will spoil very quickly; too cold will cause freezing and waste power. Buy an inexpensive thermometer and check it regularly to see if your fridge is set at the correct level. Ideally you want to maintain a temperature range between 36 and 38 Fahrenheit. You will also want to keep an eye on the thermometer as the weather changes; you may need to adjust your coldness settings throughout the year.

Keep you food in the right spot. Where the warmest and coldest places are will depend on your fridge as they can vary greatly. If you are not already aware of these spots within your fridge, move your thermometer around and see what information it can provide you.

Clean your coils. Fridge coils are notorious for collecting dust and assorted pet hair! Naturally they better they are maintained the more efficient your fridge will be. Use a brush or a vacuum attachment to clean them. Avoid any rough treatment during this process, just give them a throughout dusting to help them run at their peak.

Test your door seal. One of the main causes of energy loss is a loose door seal. Try the old standard test of closing the door onto a dollar bill. If the bill stays in place your fridge is doing fine, if it slips or falls you need to either clean or replace the gasket as soon as possible.

These simple steps will help to save you time and money. For more great ideas on home organization, Click Here

If you are interested in a FREE Book about making money online check this site out. Purple Drool.

Author: Amanda Jacobs
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canada duty rates

The research demonstrated that our leisure and recreation pursuits account for most of our emissions, rather than a lack of insulation or 4×4 cars. What is interesting about this research is that it found that mobile phone chargers, for example, accounted for between 35 and 70kg per person per year. This is obviously exasperated when mobile phones are fully charge but left on to continue to charge?. Lets face it nearly every mobile phone user is guilty of leaving their phone on too charge over night?

How much of that 35 to 70 kg is wasted effort is the question, how much could you cut down by charging your mobile until it’s full and turning off the charger. Or perhaps another option is to buy an in car charger and whilst damaging the environment driving, charge at the same time at no additional cost to your carbon footprint?

Now in all honesty my last point is not scientifically proven but I do think there is some logic in this point? Another trend which is developing in the mobile market today, that will be driving the carbon footprint is the trend to own more than one mobile phone? We are now seeing that people have mobile phones for there work and personal use and never the twain shall meet. That means the charging, or indeed over charging of two phones. But smart phones like the o2 XDA or the Nokia N95, are multi purpose phones and offer a great solution – but more about that in my next article.

For more information on Mobile Phones or Mobile Phone responsibility,

please visit our Mobile Phone News Blog Here.

Author: Sean Mauger
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Programmable Multi-cooker

Many window treatment companies are working hard at “going green” by producing products made from recycled materials that can also be recycled again when their years of usefulness are past. These companies are using materials that are eco-friendly and eliminating such substances as PVC and other chemicals from the items they are producing. You can’t tell it by looking at them, either. These eco-friendly window treatments are as stylish and elegant as you could hope for. In fact, many of them are downright beautiful, and you’ll be proud having them in your house.

You will find these new, eco-friendly window coverings made in a variety of different styles. Window blinds are made of wood, faux wood, woven wood, and a variety of recyclable fabrics. You might consider adding solar panels to your rooms. Not only are these shades made of eco-friendly materials, but they also block harmful UV rays, help maintain the temperature in your home, and control glare. Blackout shades are also energy savers that will help keep down your cooling bills in the summer.

If you’d like a look that will fit in with either formal or casual decor and still be eco-friendly, you should check out bamboo shades. Bamboo is an ideal material, because bamboo trees regenerate within just a few years and do not require replanting. In addition, bamboo is an extremely durable material and can be used to create window treatments that are texture-rich and a delight to look at.

You have windows, you need window treatments! Visit coveringyourwindows.com for more tips on Hunter Douglas window treatments and bay window treatments and learn more how to pick the right window covering for your home.

Author: Christopher W Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
News of Solar Power and Alternative Engery