MetaEfficient Reviews » Cooling

An Energy Producing Home In Disguise

benjamin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:24:44 +0000

The Energy Producing Home (image: Neumann Developments)

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.

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How To Stay Efficiently Cool This Summer

benjamin — Sun, 31 May 2009 22:51:25 +0000

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.
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“Low-E” Windows Maximize Buildings’ Energy Efficiency

benjamin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:12:10 +0000

“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.
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Portable Air Conditioners

Justin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:37:34 +0000

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…)

Very Efficient: Vari-Cyclone Ceiling Fans

Justin — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 07:07:19 +0000

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.

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Using Natural Systems To Cool Down

Justin — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 04:21:36 +0000

The latest issue of Home Power has an article on how to cool your house down using natural systems (also known as passive cooling). This is a concept that is neglected in most modern house design — forcing home owners to use air conditioning throughout the summer.

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)

Endless Breeze Fan (12V)

Justin — Thu, 29 Jul 2004 07:06:36 +0000

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)