When you look for new windows, shop for ENERGY STAR qualified models.  Look into purchasing “Low-E” (low emissivity) glass and argon-glass between the panes.  These materials work brilliantly to reflect furnace heat right back into the home and to let sunlight in while filtering out ultraviolet rays.

Look for windows that have an energy rating of -11 or better if you’re looking for windows that open and +2 or better for fixed windows. Similarly, the U-value of the windows tells you a great deal about their insulation.  If you live in a cold climate, find a U-value of .35 or below.

Finally, rather than looking for sliding windows, find casement-style windows since they offer better air filtration and durability.

If you aren’t already wedded to a contractor you can find an energy-conscious contractor who employs technicians with NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Training or who have ENERGY STAR experience.

1.    Try and reduce the amount you actually need to use air conditioning

2.    Find a good contractor that knows something about keeping your house cool and installing an efficient heating and cooling system in your home.

3.    Choose a new system which will work efficiently

4.    If you can’t purchase a new system you can improve the efficiency level at which your old system works.

It is common sense to make your house well insulated so that your need for cooling it is reduced. Check for spaces in the house where hot air gets in and cold air gets out.

If you have appliances that are not working at top efficiency, then they are probably creating more heat than necessary. Replace them or fix them so that they create less heat when in use.

Paint you home with “cool” exterior finishes, on the roof and on the outside. Light colors keep absorbed heat into your house to a minimum.
Use shades on your windows to keep out the hot sun, and use trees and bushes to create shade to protect your house from the sun’s powerful rays.

Use fans as much as possible to keep cool. They use much less electricity and might be just the thing in a place with less humidity to help keep you cool.

Believe it or not air conditioning usage throughout the United States accounts for just about 5 per cent of overall energy usage per year. This translates to about 15 billion dollars just to homeowners every year. It is also important to be aware that this also contributes about 140 million tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. In the next two weeks IDT Energy and Affordable Clean Energy will explore ways to reduce the expenditure and the carbon footprint our air conditioners are responsible for.

As Technical Insights Research Association Chin Wai Loon explains, “It is projected that commercialization of wave and tidal energy will take place in the next 5-10 years as the technology evolves and production costs decline. Wave and tidal energy are expected to be deployed on a commercial scale due to its large promising resource and high market potential; it is crucial for technology developers to push through into the commercialization phase.”

Luckily, today there are several things a homeowner can do. IDT Energy suggests a few ways windows can be improved to help you save money.

1.    Windows can be certified by Energy Star. Used with curtains and shade you can save 10% to 15% on your cooling bill in the summer.
2.    Double-pane windows add a lot of insulating power to your windows. Add high performance glass, and you have a great combination. The higher cost of these special windows can be offset when building a home because with these windows installed a smaller heating and cooling system is needed.
3.    Improve performance of windows you already have. If the cost of getting new, specialty windows is too high, try attaching  heavy-duty, clear plastic sheeting on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of the window frames during the winter. Seal tightly for best effect.
4.    In the winter, open curtains during the day to let the warm sun’s rays into the house, and draw them closed at night to help keep the warm air in.
5.    Make sure the south facing windows are clean in the winter, to let in more of the sun’s warming rays.

He concludes by saying, “The reality is that a sustainable energy future is rooted in investment in people and local communities who can install and maintain renewable sources, rather than further subsidising capital-intensive, dirty and finite fossil fuels like deep offshore oil with all its robots.”

He then goes on to explain why he believes this to be true.  It offers interesting insights and food for thought for home owners.

1. If you’re in the market for a new oven, look for a convection oven.  It will consume a third less energy than a standard oven!  It creates a more evenly distributed cooking experience and requires less cooking time.
2. Only run the dishwasher with a full load to cut down on electricity costs.  Use your range hood while the dishwasher is on to vent excess heat and humidity.
3. While this may sound strange, you should vacuum your refrigerator’s cooling coils every three months.  If you have too much dust building up, it will hamper your refrigerator’s energy efficiency and the life expectancy of the compressor.  Also make sure you don’t have any gaps in the door seal.
4. Don’t stuff your refrigerator or freezer.  Cool air is needed to circulate through the interior of the appliance and you make it work harder and less efficiently when you stuff items into the space.