Window Insulation
Windows are basically holes in the wall. Windows are one of the most important selections you can make about your home. They provide light and ventilation, and also affect the look of your home. There are several different types of windows, including double-hung, bow, and hopper. Let's briefly discuss the factors that are important in making your selection for new windows, then we'll jump right into installing.

If you've read already on Insulation, you might be familiar with R-Value. This is the amount of resistance to heat transfer a material has. U-Value is the amount of heat that is conducted from the outside to the inside by the contact made between the materials the window is constructed of. If you live in a colder climate, I would recommend a value of 0.35 or less. So remember, the most efficient windows have a high R-Value and a low U-Value.

No matter how thick your wall, how thick your insulation, if you don't have good windows, you will lose money in heating and cooling every year. The higher the insulating value of your windows, the longer the room stays comfortable after the furnace kicks off. Your home will be less comfortable because of the quick change from warm to cold in the winter, and from cool to hot in the summer.

Different Window Styles
The most popular type of window today is the Double-Hung window. These windows are generally much easier to clean because you can remove each sash, or just tip it down to clean both sides of the window.

Double-Pane
Today, there is absolutely no reason to buy windows that are not double-pane, except maybe if you live in a climate that is 75 degrees year round. When looking for a window, make sure they are double pane. These types of windows have two panes of glass separated by an inert gas. This separation and gas provide much better insulation than just one or two panes of glass alone. If, however, you live somewhere where it gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer, you'll want to have the best windows you can afford.

There are many, many other types of windows, for special applications. Bay Windows, and Bow Windows, have multiple window units and extend out past the exterior of the house. Fixed windows do not open, so they don't provide any ventilation. Casement windows have a sash that is hinged on one side, this swings outward. Awning windows have the sash hinged at the top.

Frank Sarntarpia
installing vinyl windows
Find also info on remodel contractors and solar power for houses.

Renovating Your Basement

Make your basement a living space
In many cases, a basement can be thought of as "found" living space in your house. If an unfinished basement or cellar can be renovated to become living space, you have for all intents and purposes increased the square footage of your house without moving. A finished basement will supply you with added comfort and convenience and can raise the future value of your house.

Renovating a cement or block makes always sense
Even if your basement is already finished, finishing again may still make sense. A previously underutilized basement spare bedroom may be transformed into that wine cellar you need, or a seldom used home entertainment may turn into the recreation room for the kids room you've always wanted. It's a good possibility that if your basement has already been renovated either by the former resident, or by you a long time ago, much of the work and expense can be eliminated from the new project.

Is your cement or block dry?
It is critical to be sure your basement will stay dry before you start your basement remodel. Kick off your project by thoroughly reviewing the foundation walls, paying added attention to the corners and the area where the walls meet the floor. Engage a specialist to fill any cracks in the cement or block walls you might spot, and it would be an important investment to have the walls waterproofed prior to starting your renovation.

Cover the walls
No matter what sort of area you are designing, you must cover the foundation walls. To cover the cement or block walls, it is best to hire a dry wall contractor who will stud out the walls and install the drywall. Finished and painted dry wall can quickly give your unfinished basement space a warmer and more lived in look.

Build a beautiful floor for your basement
The cement basement floor can be covered with linoleum or ceramic tiles, or it may be carpeted. You can mull over having your contractor install an insulated floor above the concrete slab; enabling you to keep the finishing basement warmer and dryer. A well-constructed and handsome floor gives a finished basement the appearance of being an integral part of the residence, not just an afterthought.

Proper lighting
Basements are by their very nature dim, because they have little or no natural lighting. Proper lighting is of utmost importance to a well-done basement renovation. If the basement is partially below grade, try to install as many windows as is feasible to maximize natural light. The goal of basement lighting is to permit the homeowner to forget that he is in an area lacking windows, or at best, equipped with small windows.
Indirect lighting is the most effective way to light a basement, since it gives the area a more spacious feel, and provides the impression of higher ceilings. If the basement is completely below grade, the homeowner should use as much lighting as possible to avoid having the normally low-ceilinged basement feel like a cave.

Let your decorating whims soar.
Since your basement is for all intents and purposes a gift of, let your decorating whims soar. If your pocketbook can stand it, you can switch some chilly, damp storage area into a wine cellar, a home entertainment room, a cozy den, a home office - and increase the value of your home in doing so.

Frank Sarntarpia
Find info on kitchen remodeling ideas and all about advantages of solar energy.

Replacing an old, single-setting thermostat with a programmable model is one of the easiest and quickest ways to save big energy dollars.

Such a replacement improves on the automatic temperature control of your home and keeps you from wasting valuable energy. It allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day or week.

Keep reading to learn more, including how you can get the most out of your programmable thermostat and how to install it.

How does a programmable thermostat work?

A typical thermostat that can be programmed has one cycle for weekdays and another for weekends. For each cycle, the thermostat lets you set two to four time settings and temperatures that correspond to when you wake up, leave for work, return home and go to sleep.

Which type of programmable thermostat should I buy?

When buying a thermostat with the capability to program, look for one with a manual override and a hold temperature button. These features allow you to maintain a temperature that's not specified in the programmed cycles.

This can be handy for vacations where you're home during the day or out with long absences. Push another button and your thermostat returns to its regular cycle.

Will the programmable thermostat work with my heating system?

Yes, they are designed to work with most heating and air conditioning systems that have 2, 3, 4 or 5 wires connected to the thermostat. If your house has electric baseboard heating, don't attempt to install the thermostat because it won't work with the high voltage associated with baseboard heat.

Can I install it myself?

Yes, all programmable thermostats should come with a set of instructions that tell you step-by-step how to remove your existing thermostat and connect the new one. Before you begin the installation process, remember to turn off the power to the furnace at the breaker panel or fuse box.

When you remove the old thermostat from the wall, grab the wires that were connected to it and keep them outside the wall. Separate the new thermostat from its base and then run the wires through the base and attach it to the wall.

Once the base is mounted to the wall, consult your instructions to find out which colored wire should connect where on your new thermostat. Remember to install backup batteries to keep the thermostat from losing its program in case of a power outage.

When you've completed attaching the wires, affix the thermostat to the base, begin programming your heating and cooling cycles and start saving money!

Every day, households around the world are using up the planet's resources for energy. If this continues, these energy sources will be depleted quickly -unless alternative renewable energy sources are utilized. One of the energy sources that modern technology has recently put to good use is solar energy. Solar energy isn't anything new, but new technology advancements have placed solar power more into the mainstream, and it may one day be one of our primary sources of power.

Advantages of Solar Energy

Since solar energy comes directly from the sun, it is not only renewable, but also accessible in any part of the world. As long as the proper equipment is utilized, unlimited amounts of solar power can be collected and put to good use.

Solar energy is also one of the cleanest energy forms, since it causes no pollution, and produces no greenhouse gases or waste products.

For residential uses, solar power minimizes any negative impacts on the surrounding environment, making it a safer alternative to wind or hydro power.

Not only is solar energy non-pollutant, in terms of gases, but it also causes zero noise pollution - since there are no moving parts in any of the devices which are used to capture the sun's energy.

Because no moving parts are used, maintenance costs are low as well - only occasional cleaning and periodic battery replacements are needed. Most manufacturers of solar panels provide twenty-year warranties for their equipment, guaranteeing long-life operation.

Solar panels placed on rooftops also double as a heat absorbers, slightly cooling the top area of the house which is directly below the roof.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

The most obvious drawback of solar energy is its sole dependence on the sun. Once the weather becomes cloudy, or night strikes, energy collection comes to a halt. However, recent advancements of technology now allow the generated power to be stored in special batteries which provide roughly enough electricity to last a night. This is why solar-powered devices, including flashlights, are gaining in popularity and are proving to be efficient energy savers.

Solar panels can also be expensive, because of the materials that are used to create them. And even when these materials are taken out of the equation, the entire process, considering the other devices involved, can be a bit costly. This includes portable devices that utilize solar energy. But most of the cost involved is in the initial purchase and installation of a solar power system - not running costs.

Fortunately, there are some people who sell damaged solar cells, which are much cheaper. These damaged solar cells can be used to build fully functional solar panels, using the application of simple do-it-yourself techniques.

Although sunlight hits every part of the world, at some point in time, direct sunlight is needed in order to make the most of the sun's energy, and to generate the highest amounts of power. This significantly restricts the placement of solar panels. And some areas in the world may receive little benefit, due to lesser sunlight.

What's the Bottom Line?

More research and development continues to be invested into this growing technology, and that's a good sign for the future of our households - as solar power may one day be used more frequently than other energy sources. Of course, solar energy isn't perfect, but it makes a great complimentary addition to other energy forms.

Visit Home Solar Power and Portable Solar Chargers for additional information on how solar power is used, in the home or on the road.

Source article: Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power

Solar water heating systems are an effective way of conserving energy and reducing your energy bill.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a new technology. Solar water heating systems have been used commercially for over a century now, with the first commercial water heater (the Climax Solar-Water Heater) going on sale in 1891 in the United States. By the year 1900, over 1600 houses in California were equipped with this solar water heater.

Due to its effectiveness and low cost, the solar water heater gained popularity until, by 1941, more than half the population of Florida was getting its hot water through solar water heaters!

It only lost its popularity as a result of lowered electricity rates, and an aggressive campaign by Florida Power and Light to increase electrical consumption. This was done by offering electric water heaters at bargain prices. Thus Florida's solar water heating was brought to halt.

The United States is not the only country with a history of heating its water using solar power. There are many other countries where this heating method was used in the past, and has since fallen out of use, - but not all of them. In fact, there are currently more than ten million Japanese households which heat their water using solar heating systems. This is definite proof that it is a workable technology.

<B>Important Facts about Solar Hot Water Heating Systems</B>

• The fuel used to run a solar water heater is sunshine. And, at the time of this writing, sunshine is free - no tax has been added yet.
• Solar water heating can be used in any climate. Sound unbelievable? Check it out on the U.S. Department of Energy website. They say so as well.
• When building a new home, or when refinancing, the economic aspect of this becomes even more interesting. You can, for instance, include the cost of a solar water heater with a new thirty-year mortgage package. This would usually amount to about $13.00 -$20.00 a month. Federal income tax deductions for mortgage interest would reduce the payment for the solar water heater by about $3.00 -$5.00 per month. If your fuel savings with a solar water heating system is $15.00 or more per month (which it likely will be) you will have reduced your monthly heating bill right then and there.
• A solar water heater can reduce your water heating bill by 50%-80%. But with energy prices going up, the amount of savings will soon be even higher.
• Aside from reducing your energy bill right now, a solar water heating system will protect you from future energy price increases. Your heating will no longer rely on fossil fuels for electricity.
• Solar heaters can be installed in combination with backup systems. In fact, you could install a solar water heater next to your existing system and make it possible switch to conventional water heating whenever necessary. This way you are guaranteed always to have hot water.
• Solar water heating will significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and reduce the demand for fossil fuels which pollute the environment.

Types of Solar Water Heating Systems

There are two types of solar water heating systems, active solar water heating systems and passive solar water heating systems. They both work on the same principles.

The only difference is that active systems have a pump or other mechanical means of moving the water through the solar heating systems, and passive systems rely on nature's principles: warm water rises to the top, and cold water sinks to the bottom. Therefore, with a passive solar water heating system, the water storage tank must always be positioned above the solar water heater collector.

Active Solar Water Heating

There are two main designs of active water heating systems. Which one is best for you depends on the type of climate you live in.

There is what's called an "indirect circulation system" which uses a non-freezing heat-transfer fluid to transfer heat from the collector to a heat exchanger (a device used to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the water in your storage tank). This is good for colder climates.

There is also the direct circulation system, in which case water is simply passed through solar heat collector and is then routed to the water storage tank for use. This system works fine in milder climates.

Passive Solar Water Heating

Passive solar water heating systems are usually cheaper than "active solar water heating systems," as they do not need controls or pumps to circulate the water.

But generally, they are not as effective as the active systems. If you live in a warm climate, a passive water heating system may be all you need. Passive water heating systems are also known for being very reliable.

Essentially, solar hot water heating systems consist of a water storage tank and its solar collectors. The solar collectors are used to collect solar energy (which heats water), and the tanks store the heated water. That's all there is to it.

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Learn more about Solar Water Heating, Solar Power, and DIY Solar Hot Water

The financial pressure is on to save energy any way we can. Helpful options can range from expensive projects like replacement windows or solar panels to inexpensive choices such as reusing water.

Recycling grey water isn't just for efficiency experts or gung-ho environmentalists; it's something that every family can and should do. Grey water is essentially the used, but not overly dirty (non sewage) water that your household consumes.

Think about all the water that goes down the drain when you run the shower or washing machine. That water can be re-used. Keep reading to learn 3 ways you can recycle your grey water and save money on your water bills.

1. Washing Machine to the Garden

Washing machine drain lines are some of the easiest to convert to a gray water system. Washing machines that run on porches, in mud rooms or in the garage are easy to drain through a simple gray water line because you won't need to go through any major walls.

The proximity of the washing machine to your garden is another factor to consider. Also, because grey water lines flow by gravity, you need to have the used water receptacle lower than the appliance being drained.

With a washing machine, you can easily attach a hose to the drain line and store the water in simple, fifty gallon buckets. When you're ready to use the water, move it to smaller buckets and then use it to water plants and trees on your property.

When you're recycling household wash water, you also need to be careful about what kind of detergents you're using. You don't want chemicals seeping into your land and plants, especially if it's an edible garden.

2. Recycling Dishwasher Water

The most basic way to recycle dish water is to wash your dishes in a small basin, carry that water outside once you're done and dump it on the garden. It's easy and thrifty.

If you use an electric dishwasher, you can still drain the water. Like clothing washers, dishwashers are drained through a special hosing that keeps the cleaner water separate from any sewage. This water can then be used on your property for watering plants or washing your exterior walls.

3. From the Shower to the Toilet

Believe it or not, you can use your grey shower or bath water to flush your toilet. This simple method can be a fully automated process that involves a special grey water collection installation, or you can simply collect the water and fill your toilet's tank with it manually.

You can also install grey water collection systems that funnel your shower water to an outside water basin that can then be used for watering your property.