Green, vegetation-covered rooftops are a popular way to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort. But how does a simple layer of greenery reduce strain on HVAC systems and contribute to cleaner air? Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or sustainability enthusiast, understanding these benefits can help you make informed choices about more efficient buildings. What Are Green Roofs? Planting greenery on a roof will provide environmental advantages while enhancing a building’s energy efficiency. Unlike traditional roofs made of concrete, metal, or shingles, green roofs consist of layers that support plant life, including a waterproof section, drainage system, soil, and carefully selected vegetation. There are two types of green roofs. While the…
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Decarbonize Your Life (Part 3)
Heat pump water heaters are one example of low-hanging efficiency fruit as they are 2-4x more efficient than other water heaters. This is the third article in a four-part series showing how, with modest steps and a middle-class income, a family has dramatically reduced emissions and is sequestering what remains through a small reforestation project. Their life is better for it. Decarbonize Your Life (part 1) Decarbonize Your Life (part 2) Many organizations have charted a path to a decarbonized world by 2050 and broken down required action into four areas or “pathways.” In past issues, we discussed the first two pathways–Decarbonizing Electricity and Electrifying Everything–and how individuals can take…
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More Electrifying Stories
Bill Mollison, of permaculture fame, made a rather profound observation: “Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” Applying his words to the problem of climate change, climate scientists and millions of concerned individuals agree that the solution is simple: stop burning fossil fuels and switch everything to electric power. A simple solution but a massive global undertaking to make it happen. It is happening and so we bring you a few items that caught our attention in the months since our Spring issue. JFK Airport To Go Solar The largest rooftop solar array in New York City and on any U.S. airport terminal will…
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Decarbonize Your Life (part 2)
Scientific consensus tells us that to stabilize the climate, we must achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 (27 short years) so that any remaining carbon emissions are balanced with carbon removal. Despite the enormity of this unprecedented challenge, there is a known and achievable way to get there.
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What’s In the Inflation Reduction Act for Me?
The Inflation Reduction Act represents a huge opportunity for you to build your electric future.
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How Does a Heat Pump Work
If you are looking to replace the air conditioning or heating system in your home, you may want to consider an air-source heat pump.
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Fight Back Against Fossil Fuel Autocrats
One of the many downsides to our reliance on fossil fuels is that it empowers autocrats in petro-states to spread chaos at home and across the world. It’s time to Electrify & Decarbonize.
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Save the Planet & Money with Heat Pumps
Super high-efficiency electric heat pumps have become very common in all parts of the world for water heating, space heating, and air conditioning. They can operate in even the coldest climates and deliver the same heating and cooling benefits, often at lower operating costs. In addition, heat pumps powered by renewable energy produce zero emissions! Heat pumps are super-efficient because they use very little energy to move heat. Heat pumps have been used for decades to transfer heat out of your refrigerator to keep it cold on the inside and for air conditioning systems to cool your house. The same technology can now heat and cool your home or heat…
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Simple Fixes for 6 Common HVAC Problems
Top Hint – Clean and replace the air filters regularly. Dirty, clogged or damaged air filters reduce air flow, which makes your HVAC system work harder. They can also allow dirt to enter your system, causing further damage.
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Green & Efficient Ways to Cool Your Home This Summer
Summer time. Kids home from school, pool parties, barbecues, summer road trips, spontaneous adventures and … high energy bills. Everyone wants to stay cool.
