MakeHeat

Up north, the ground source heat pumps are still more prevalent, and we’re hoping to see more of the design efficiencies incorporated into them as well.  The upside of the air source heat pumps is that you don’t have to dig up your yard.  The downside is when the temperature extremes kick in.  With the ground at a constant 52 degrees, heating and cooling is more efficient during the summer heat and the winter cold.

“… There have been many recent developments in air-source heat pumps. The modulating, multistage output rotary compressor design is now available in heat pumps. This design produces high efficiencies for both heating and cooling (HSPF of 10 and SEER of 22). What this means is you can get $2 to $3 worth of heat for each $1 on your utility bills. …”

via Heat pumps are popular and efficient – St. Petersburg Times.

This doesn’t have anything to do with making heat, but you can save the heat you make by following their advice.  Save your cooling, too – and electricity, and gas, etc…

The Home Energy Saver .

Photo Credit: kitseeborg (from Flickr cc licensed photos)

At the Good Earth Home Show, exhibitors have plenty of cost saving suggestions for homeowners. 
One Year Payoff: Clothes lines – recoup the cost in one year by hanging it out to dry;

Five Year Payoff: Replace bulbs and add insulation;

Ten Year Payoff: Windows.  [editor] They’re costly, the free home audit can bring you slick salesmen and goofy clowns that try to make you  sign the bottom line (our home as well as my brother-in-laws seemed to cover the gamut.  If you want a crash course in sales techniques, request some “home audits”).  Even so, this is a great long term return. Check Consumer Reports and shop a lot before you make this investment.  More to read at: Business: Home | “GREEN WITH ENERGY” | The Register-Guard.