Wind Energy (Photo credit: janie.hernandez55)

US energy future unfolding?

While total energy consumption is slightly down, natural gas, wind and solar sourcing are up.  The most surprising change in US energy sourcing is that from 2011 to 2012, coal use is down 12% for the period.  Another interesting figure is in power generation.  Almost 40% of our energy consumption is used to generate electricity. Petroleum use is down a bit and nuclear has also dropped due to four plants being shut down.

While the trend is slow, it’s also clear.  Cleaner sources are growing and consumers, business and industry alike are reducing energy use. If you’re an environmentalist, this news is encouraging.  If you’re a consumer, you can find satisfaction in your energy bills.

@EIAgov reporting total net US #energy imports from Jan-Jun 2013 DOWN 18.5% vs a year ago http://t.co/GXr8E5Gvmm #energyindependence #shale

— Katherine Richard (@WarwickEnergy) September 26, 2013

To get more of this new’s scoop, click here – http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/71262/Total-Energy-Use-Down-in-US-Wind-Solar-Up

Recycle-get this… (Photo credit: practicalowl)

I’ve been a big fan of recycling. It starts at the home, in which I did. I write little post-its, around my kitchen can, so that the correct items would be placed in the correct bins. I became very strict with my family because I wanted to teach them, how important recycling is to the WORLD.

I hate trash, I hate seeing it thrown from drivers or passengers just out the window, without any care or respect for others. Our planet would be safer and cleaner if the schools would imply on this information to the students, and teach them from that point, so as they are growing up they will learn to respect (at least some of them).

@PeelSchools Recycling Teams: clear plastics now accepted in @PeelPublicWorks Recycling Program – Learn more here: http://t.co/WUg8Vpcm3t

— Peel EcoSchools (@PDSB_eco) October 16, 2013

Get more of this story here – http://www.goodway.com/hvac-blog/2013/10/how-to-implement-a-recycling-program-in-your-facility/

photo credits to: www.mapawatt.com

Shopping on the internet can be a tricky business, especially when everybody is claiming that their product is better than the rest. So how do you successfully navigate your way through the sea of businesses eager to sell you their product? How can you tell who is legitimate and who is not? You can begin by recognizing a few simple tricks employed when designing the layout of a site.

These include drawing the reader in with flashy attention grabbing titles that promise a product that offers what others don’t, making the reader feel that they would be missing out if they didn’t purchase their products, and offering very competitive rates on their products to name but a few.

We covered these same scam artists a few weeks ago. Our friends over at Energy Vanguard just put up a great post… http://t.co/8aQvkKqUZt

— Mapawatt (@Mapawatt) September 18, 2013

For more information, click here – http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/71056/The-Secrets-of-Liars-How-to-Detect-an-Internet-Solar-Energy-Scam

Renovation Progress (Photo credit: nonformality)

The construction industry is improving as home builders and remodelers learn about building science and apply it to their work. Here are eleven building science secrets that every home builder and remodeler should know. This article covers the myth of “houses that need to breathe” and tackles other important efficiency and insulation standards that are important for you to know. The article also pays special attention to the do’s and dont’s of attics, including duct systems, kneewalls and power ventilators. Remember, codes don’t build good homes and rules don’t equal compliance! Competent, properly trained, experienced consultations and technicians are responsible for the institution and maintenance of best practices. Results matter, so remember to think about the individual needs of your client.

RT @EnergyVanguard: 11 Building Science Secrets Every Home Builder & Remodeler Should Know http://t.co/UsVManc66f Nice list. #avlgb

— WNC Green Building (@WNCGBC) July 30, 2013

Read more here – http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/68518/11-Building-Science-Secrets-Every-Home-Builder-Remodeler-Should-Know/” target=”_blank

Technician evaluating specimen (Photo credit: IITA Image Library)

There is an immense amount of responsibility that comes with being a Building Automation and Controls Technician. Most people (even the technicians themselves) have no idea how important and vital the roles these important tradesmen (and women) play in our lives. Veterans of the industry take note: Abel B Martinez II, a 14-year technician himself, has come up with 101 ways to become a bona fide all-star in the field. Get out your pen and paper and take notes, whether you’re a greenhorn or have years of experience under your belt, you are sure to learn a thing or two that you might have never thought of before.

“101 Ways to ROCK! as a Building Automation and Controls Technician”, @ControlsFreak13 shares in his blog: http://t.co/pOslf3wZs9 #HVAC

— Taco, Inc. (@TacoHVAC) August 10, 2013

Read more here:  http://www.thecontrolsfreak.com/2013/career/101-ways-to-rock-as-a-building-automation-and-controls-technician/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=101-ways-to-rock-as-a-building-automation-and-controls-technician/

Aparelho de ar condicionado (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your air conditioner will function far more efficiently what the ducts are moved into air conditioned space. Savings between fifteen to twenty five percent are commonly realized when this is done. The best methods to accomplish this range from raising or lowering your ceilings to bring the duct within air conditioned space, and ducting some cooled air into the existing duct space. Duct work can also be moved to between air conditioned floors to increase efficiency. There is at least one rather undesirable method of accomplishing this task, while you may realize the same savings, rerouting your duct work and leaving it exposed in the living area of your home is not recommended!

 

 

New EV post << The Most Orange Articles from the Energy Vanguard Blog in 2012 http://t.co/rRBjvqx8

— Energy Vanguard (@EnergyVanguard) December 29, 2012

Want to know a good ways of energy vanguard? Read here first – http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/67675/5-Good-Ways-1-Bad-Way-to-Get-Your-Ducts-Inside-Conditioned-Space” target=”_blank

When building a green house, there are a few beginner’s mistakes to keep an eye out for. The first problem is feeling ambitious and trying to complete everything yourself, you need to own a large variety of tools, the job is too long for renting tools.

While a lot of tasks can be handled by a beginner,tasks like creating the electrical system require a trained professional. Its more than the electrical system, problems like properly designing the basement or air ducts can grow out of proportion as you find your greenhouse growing larger and larger than expected making things costly and difficult.

Recycled glass surfaces are yet another unique, eco-friendly addition to any home. #Green is always the way to go! http://t.co/W8zyxPa5hI

— EcoHomeMagazine (@EcoHomeMagazine) July 16, 2013

Build your green home successfully! Read more here – http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/59860/The-Top-10-Mistakes-I-Made-in-Building-a-Green-Home