Efficient Heat Pump Water Heaters

As homes become more efficient, the portion of energy used for water heating is growing larger. Collectively, the amount of energy expended on this simple task is astounding and much of it is wasted. There are many options for improving the efficiency of our water heating systems, including insulating the water heater and pipes, avoiding […]

Southern Nevada Solar Home Tour

October is my favorite month in Southern Nevada. The summer heat is waning and the cooler nights are delightful. It also happens to be National Energy Awareness Month. It sounds like the perfect time to visit and learn about solar homes, don’t you think? The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) agrees, and their annual National […]

National Clean Energy Summit 5.0

Since the dawn of time the core of human existence has been fueled by fire. Human beings have always loved gathering around the hearth, whether a small fire in a cave 50,000 years ago or the latest induction stove in the kitchen. We started by burning wood, but more recently added coal, oil and natural […]

Evaporative Coolers Save Energy and Money

Keeping cool can be a challenge during our hot summers, especially when faced with high energy bills. Modern air-conditioning systems use a lot of power and that’s why making our homes more energy-efficient can be so rewarding. Efficiency can only go so far though, so it’s good to have other options for chilling-out while saving […]

Water-Saving Stealth Provides a Royal Flush

In days of old, even kings and queens did not have the luxury of hot and cold running water and flush toilets had not even been imagined. Modern technology has come a long way since the outhouse moved in-house, but there is always room for improvement. Toilet technology is no exception. I like to find […]

The Next Big Thing: Energy Efficiency Remodels

Want to know what the “Next Big Thing” in home ownership will be? No one can predict the future with absolute certainty, but there are no safer predictions than these: non-renewable energy sources will become increasingly scarce; energy costs will rise over time; and people will continue to desire comfortable homes that are affordable to […]

Keep Energy Efficiency Energized

Home energy efficiency is a very common topic around here. I believe it is one of the best investments a person can make. It’s also one of the best investments our society can make. Home efficiency saves resources, reduces pollution, increases comfort and improves the economy. The best results occur with the local utility gets […]

Consider the Lowly Carpet

My previous Green Living column focused on the benefits of recycling and the transition to an enhanced single-stream system that dramatically increases participation and reduces waste. Perhaps this is a good time to look closer at what that really means. When we recycle we save energy, improve air and water quality and reduce our need […]

From Daylighting to Moonlighting

Green buildings perform well by incorporating a variety of ways to increase efficiency and enhance occupant comfort. Perhaps one of the most common strategies is daylighting, a means of utilizing natural light for interior illumination. It not only reduces energy usage, but provides natural, full-spectrum light that enhances our well-being. When an architect designs a […]

Tour of Solar Homes

Seven years ago, Southern Nevada experienced its first Solar Home Tour. At the time, I was involved with a great non-profit group called Solar NV, the Southern Nevada chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). I had attended a few solar home tours in Arizona and they were always a great experience. Our group […]