Who says that a home with cutting-edge energy efficiency has to look like an ultra-modern pod? This recently completed Wisconsin home packs so much energy tech that it makes money by selling electricity back to the grid, and it still keeps a low neighborhood profile.

(more…)

Related posts:

1. “Low-E” Windows Maximize Buildings’ Energy Efficiency Low-E stands for low emissivity, and these windows are constructed...
2. TED 5000 Household Power Meter – Improve Home Energy Efficiency It’s no secret that cutting your household energy consumption is...
3. A Solar Flower Tower Rises In The Desert This unusual solar tower was designed by Israeli architect...

Summertime is almost here, but hot weather doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing power bills and nonstop air conditioning. We’ve compiled these tips to help you maximize your summer comfort and energy efficiency.
(more…)

Related posts:

1. Portable Air Conditioners Electric fans are the most efficient cooling devices. Fans...
2. Solar Powered Air Conditioner Released A company called GreenCore Air has released an air...
3. An Energy Producing Home In Disguise Who says that a home with cutting-edge energy efficiency...

“Low-E” Windows Maximize Buildings’ Energy Efficiency (photo: EWC)

Low-E stands for low emissivity, and these windows are constructed to minimize heat transfer through the glass. Since windows are essentially huge holes in the walls of a building, choosing a low-E window design that’s appropriate for local climate and architecture can greatly increase a structure’s thermal efficiency, while reducing energy use and utility costs.
(more…)

Related posts:

1. GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation: Energy Efficiency From Recycled Material One of the simplest ways to improve a home’s energy...
2. An Energy Producing Home In Disguise Who says that a home with cutting-edge energy efficiency...
3. Windows That Double As Solar Panels MIT researchers have announced that they have created “organic...

Electric fans are the most efficient cooling devices. Fans use far less power than air conditioners (see our recent review of the most efficient portable fan). But in hot and humid weather, air conditioning is a great relief. Cooling an entire house uses a lot of energy — it’s much more efficient to only cool the areas where you are sleeping or working, by using a portable air conditioner. (more…)

Related posts:

1. How To Stay Efficiently Cool This Summer Summertime is almost here, but hot weather doesn’t have...
2. Solar Powered Air Conditioner Released A company called GreenCore Air has released an air...
3. The First LEED Platinum Data Center ADC (Advanced Data Centers), a company based in San...

These “Vari-Cyclone” ceiling fans from FanWorks are perhaps the most efficient ceiling fans available. The fans utilize what Fanworks calls “Gossamer Wind” blade design technology, which is said to deliver 40% more air flow without any increase in power use. They also run on DC power, which also adds to their efficiency when off-grid power is used.

On the advantages of running under DC power, Fanworks says:

The average AC-powered ceiling fan draws between 0.5 and 1 amp. When an inverter is used to run the AC ceiling fan, you are pulling 5 to 10 amps DC to run the fan. This does not include the power consumed by the inverter to produce the AC power required by the ceiling fan.

The Vari-Cyclone, DC-powered ceiling fan, runs directly from your battery bank, no inverter required, and draws only 0.5 amp @ 12 VDC, making the Vari-Cyclone 10 times more energy efficient than an AC-powered ceiling fan.

Here are some stats:

Power Consumption: (with 3-blade configuration):
At 12 volt: 60 rpm, 7 watts, 2500 cfm.
At 24 volt: 120 rpm, 27 watts, 3400 cfm.

You can see a very in-depth analysis of the performance of these fans here.

Homepage: FanWorks

Available from: Survival Unlimited ($175-$195)

Related posts:

1. AC Propulsion Converts Cars To Electric Power Here’s a video from a company called AC Propulsion, showing...

The article illustrates the basics of passive cooling quite well: how to choose the right windows, using overhangs and catching breezes.

Be Cool by Home Power (PDF File)

Related posts:

1. Efficient Building In Seattle Requires No AC This new building in Seattle by Weber + Thompson...
2. How To Stay Efficiently Cool This Summer Summertime is almost here, but hot weather doesn’t have...
3. German Parliment To Use 100% Renewable Power The German Reichstag is expected to become the greenest...

These Endless Breeze fans are powerful,
portable, high volume 12 volt fans with a twelve inch blade that operates
at three speeds. Air movement of up to 1000 CMF (cubic feet per minute)
is a major breakthrough in 12 volt portable fans. Standing
only fourteen inches high on retractable legs and less than three inches
thick it travels and stores easily. It weights under five pounds.

Power Consumption:
Low: 1.18 Amps
Medium: 1.62 Amps
High: 2.58 Amps

Available from: Amazon ($60)
or Pplmotorhomes.com ($62.95)

Related posts:

1. Portable Air Conditioners Electric fans are the most efficient cooling devices. Fans...
2. The PowerGorilla: Flexible Portable Power I’ve been testing a device that just been introduced...