Posted by Damien Cabral on Fri, Oct 16, 2009
A recent breakthrough at MIT could save homeowners a significant amount of money on their yearly energy bills. The heart of this discovery is a new roofing tile that changes color based on ambient temperature. The tiles turn white (reflecting the heat) when it is hot outside and turn black (absorbing the heat) when it is cold. The tiles have been shown to reflect up to 80% of the sunlight when white and 30% when they are black.
The team who invented these tiles is appropriately named Thermeleon (like Chameleon). Thermeleon took first place and a prize of $5000 in the MIT competition Making and Designing Materials Engineering Contest (MADMEC).
Nick, a member of the team explains the technology:
"...they use a common commercial polymer (in one version, one that is commonly used in hair gels) in a water solution. That solution is encapsulated - between layers of glass and plastic in their original prototype, and between flexible plastic layers in their latest version - with a dark layer at the back.
When the temperature is below a certain level (which they can choose by varying the exact formulation), the polymer stays dissolved, and the black backing shows through, absorbing the sun's heat. But when the temperature climbs, the polymer condenses to form tiny droplets, whose small sizes scatter light and thus produce a white surface, reflecting the sun's heat."
These new-age materials will prove to help consumers drive down their energy costs as well as slow the rate of global warming. While these technologies are very interesting, they are a few years out to being commercial developed. Luckily for us, roof material manufacturers are already producing energy saving shingles. Moonworks sells several roofing materials with reflective granules like our Solaris and Cool Roofing Shingles. These products don't only save you money on your yearly energy bill, but also qualify you for up to a $1500 tax credit because they are Energy Star rated.
Posted by Caitlyn Colombi on Tue, Aug 25, 2009
When it comes to vinyl siding, there are many different things that a consumer looks to consider. Siding comes in so many colors and styles that it may cause a headache to those unaware of everything! At Moonworks, we're trying to make the process as easy as possible for you, so we've created a guide to smooth the process along.
Choosing your Siding
The thickness of the vinyl is the main key to its durability and cost. The thicker that the vinyl is, the longer it lasts, the better it withstands damage, and the more stable it is. Of course, the thicker the vinyl is, the more the vinyl will cost. Another important decision is the color. When choosing, make sure that you choose a color that will compliment your home and you will be able to enjoy for years to come, not just because it is trendy in the moment.
Choosing an Installer
When it comes to installers, a history of quality work is ALWAYS the best promise of quality. As a consumer, look for an experienced installer who isn't afraid to show you other works that they have done in the past. When properly installed, vinyl has a generally loose appearance. Certain signs of work that has been done poorly include bulges, warps and separations in the siding, sags in vinyl soffit and ripples in aluminum fascia. Be careful about your choice of siding brand. Not all vinyl siding brands are the same and many lower priced choices include other materials in their making. Siding that is not one hundred percent vinyl will be prone to cracking, breaking and peeling.
Other Considerations
There are some other things to take into consideration as well when making the big purchase. One factor to possibly look into is types of warranties available. Various manufacturers offer different options, so make sure you are completely happy and comfortable with the warranty from the brand you choose. Vinyl siding is especially easy to maintain. There is no need to ever paint the siding and the only regular maintenance vinyl siding needs is to be spray washed once or twice a year!
Overall, vinyl siding is a great investment to your home! Although it may cost a little more than you anticipate up front, the fact is that over time, you will have less to worry about! No need to worry about painting shingles and repairing wood on your home - instead just a quick power wash and your home looks brand new. Consider residing your home today, maybe even with Moonworks!
Posted by Caitlyn Colombi on Wed, Aug 19, 2009
Image provided by ABC Australia's Bob Watson.
Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources, like sunlight, wind, and rain, which are naturally replenished. With global warming and different oil crises through the years, different sources of energy are becoming more and more important, so naturally (no pun intended) we are turning to sources that are abundant to help!
Over the past decade or so, Australia has been researching and implementing different renewable energy sources to try and help cut the carbon pollution. This week, the government has proposed a new plan to produce 20 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2020, unlocking about $22 billion USD in projects. The renewable target works by forcing electricity companies to buy a portion of their power source from a renewable one! The law will also be responsible for the creation of about 28,000 jobs in industries such as wind and solar power. The carbon reduction plan would see Australia reduce greenhouse gases by between as much as 15 percent from 2000 levels in the next decade.
As of today, August 19th, Australia's main political parties developed an agreement and passed the plan to produce 20 percent of the energy from renewable sources. This plan is more than twice the current level! Currently, 8 percent of the continent's electricity comes from renewable sources, such as hydroelectric generators.
So what are you waiting for? Look at how much good renewable energy sources are going to do for Australia - imagine the amount of good it could do for your home! Solar thermal energy systems are always an option, and luckily for you, Moonworks can help with our Repower Systems! Check them out today.
Posted by Caitlyn Colombi on Thu, Aug 13, 2009
Did you know that the average home uses significantly more energy and is responsible for more carbon emissions than the average automobile? Windows play a large role in the home, so you can only imagine that choosing replacement windows is a big deal. But do you really know what to look for when picking the right windows? I know that I hadn't the slightest idea, but after researching, all breezes are blowing towards
Renewal by Andersen!
Because heating and cooling costs are on the rise, if your windows are outdated, your money could be being wasted on a daily basis! If your old windows are drafty and outdated, consider replacement windows. Not only will you add to the value of your home, you're saving money on these heating and cooling costs, AND your house is going to look better!
Although there are many styles and types to consider, and they all have their own special attributes, there are advantages and disadvantages to every type of replacement window. Replacement windows are a major investment in your home, so take the time to consider everything.
Important things to consider when choosing windows are the framing material, glass type, and a proper installation. When it comes to frames, you have to consider things such as thermal conductivity and thermal expansion. While aluminum is the highest conductor of heat, vinyl expands greatly.
Glass is also extremely important. One of the first things to consider is the U-Factor, which measures the amount of heat lost. The lower the number, the less heat loss through the window! When comparing windows, a lower U-Factor means better insulating quality. The range is usually from 0.20, most energy efficient, to 1.20, least energy efficient. You also want to take into consideration how well a product reduces heat gain, and the amount of light that is transmitted.
Lastly, a window must fit well in the opening to provide long-term performance and energy efficiency. This is where the installation comes in! Improper installation can easily occur in instances where an installer uses the wrong sealant or doesn't insulate between the window and rough opening. Rough handling during the transportation or installation can also compromise the seal of the glass to the frame. Installation is extremely important when it comes to a window's performance!
Renewal by Andersen makes it easy when choosing replacement windows. First of all, they meet and even exceed the requirements determined by ENERGY STAR and Green Seal. Homeowners may also have the opportunity to receive a tax credit of up to $1,500 for energy efficient windows purchased in 2009 and 2010! With a certified staff and warranties to protect your windows, what better time than now to make an appointment!
Posted by Caitlyn Colombi on Wed, Jul 29, 2009
In the summer we want to keep our house as cool as possible, and whether it's the windows open or cranking up the air conditioner, our windows play a crucial role. We want to be able to keep in that cool A/C or let the nice breeze flow in. But what happens if your current windows are actually causing you to lose money?
Windows are not only a decorative feature in most homes, they also provide views and ventilation, offer a natural light source and act as solar heaters in the cooler months. However, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill! During the summer, your air conditioner needs to keep that hot air coming in cool, and therefore has to work even harder! So what better time than now to replace your windows with ENERGY STAR approved windows?
Installing high-performance windows will improve your home's energy performance. While it may take many years for new windows to pay off in energy savings, the benefits of added comfort and improved functionality may make the investment completely worth it.
What qualifies a window as "efficient"? Efficient windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the window panes, improved framing materials, and low-e coatings, which are microscopically thin coatings that help keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.
Luckily, Renewal by Andersen windows ARE approved to help you move towards a more energy efficient household. Andersen Corporation has been committed to making environmentally responsible products and conducting "green" manufacturing methods, and was the first window manufacturer to receive Green Seal Certification for Environmental Stewardship.
On top of helping you save money, a new set of windows throughout your house can qualify you for as much as a $1,500 tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. By making the choice to switch the windows in your house to energy efficient windows, you are adding value to your property while receiving money to do so!
So why wait? Go green by making your house aesthetically pleasing and saving yourself a little green!
Posted by Caitlyn Colombi on Mon, Jul 20, 2009
As prices seem to be rising in nearly aspect of our life, Americans are constantly hoping to catch some sort of break. Well, little do many know, solar-powered conversions are a great start to making that catch. By changing from a conventional water heater to a solar-powered water heater, not only are you helping save the environment - you're helping to save yourself money!
According to mechanical engineers at the University of Wisconsin's Solar Energy Laboratory, an average four-person household with an electric water heater needs about 6,400 kilowatt hours of electricity per year to heat their water. Assuming the electricity is generated by a typical power plant with an efficiency of around 30 percent, it means that the average electric water heater is responsible for about eight tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is almost double that emitted by a typical modern automobile. The same family of four using either a natural gas or oil-fired water heater will contribute about two tons of CO2 emissions annually in heating their water.
Surprising as it may seem, analysts believe that the annual total CO2 produced by residential water heaters throughout North America is roughly equal to that produced by all of the cars and light trucks driving around the continent. Another way of looking at it is: If half of all households used solar water heaters, the reduction in CO2 emissions would be the same as doubling the fuel-efficiency of all cars.
Having half of all households use solar water heaters might not be such a stretch. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), there are 1.5 million solar water heaters already in use in U.S. homes and businesses. Solar water heater systems can work in any climate - even that temperamental New England weather, and EESI estimates that 40 percent of all U.S. homes have sufficient access to sunlight, such that 29 million additional solar water heaters could be installed right now!!
Another great reason to switch to a solar water heater is financial savings. With savings in electricity or natural gas, solar water heaters pay for themselves within four to eight years. And solar water heaters last between 15 and 40 years - the same as conventional systems - so after that initial payback period is up, zero energy cost essentially means having free hot water for years to come.
Additionally, in 2005 the U.S., including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, began offering homeowners tax credits of up to 30% of the cost of installing a solar water heater. The credit is not available for swimming pool or hot tub heaters, and the system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation.
So after all these reasons, why not look into installing a solar-powered hot water system into your house? Check local companies, such as Repower Home Energy Solutions, today!