In-depth, practical details on geothermal HVAC systemsThis definitive guide covers commercial and residential geothermal heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technologies and explains how to take advantage of their money- and energy-saving features. Geothermal HVAC: Green Heating and Cooling reviews the array of choices currently available, offers market values for systems based on varying options and conditions, and describes how to pair the best systems for each ...

Improve Your Ability to Read and Interpret All Types of Construction DrawingsBlueprint Reading is a step-by-step guide to reading and interpreting all types of construction drawings. Filled with hundreds of illustrations and study questions, this easy-to-use resource offers a complete overview of construction drawing basics for every aspect of the construction process- from site work, foundations, and structural systems to interior work and finishes.

The consumer guide to small-scale wind electricity production!Maybe you're not T. Boone Pickens, but you can build your own home-sized wind-power empire right in your back yard. Wind Power For Dummies supplies all the guidance you need to install and maintain a sustainable, cost-effective wind generator to power your home for decades to come.This authoritative, plain-English guide walks you through every step of the process, from assessing your site and av...

Save 30% on home construction!Whether you want to take on all the responsibility of contracting your home or simply want to intelligently communicate with your homebuilder, The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home can help you save 30% or more on the cost of home construction by teaching you the ins and outs of managing your construction project.Learn how to get your project off to a solid start. Get financial and legal details in language you c...

Easy, inexpensive, do-it-yourself solar energy projectsFeaturing step-by-step instructions and useful photos and illustrations, this hands-on guide is filled with solar energy solutions you can put to use right away. Solar Power for Your Home shows you how to set up a variety of simple, money-saving solar projects quickly and easily, such as a solar water heater, a solar pool pump, solar lighting, a solar oven--and even a solar-powered lawn mower!Learn all about ...

Anyone who has planned a renovation project knows that there are many, often difficult, decisions to make along the way. As Canada’s most trusted contractor, Mike has seen the good, the bad and the ugly. He provides expert advice in all aspects of planning and completing the most common renovation projects so homeowners willknow what’s possible: design and planning considerations, including advice on building greenlearn the basics: structural considerations, permits...

Wind energy is the fastest growing source of energy in the world, and by the year 2020 it is projected to supply at least 12 percent of global electrical demand.Wind Power Basics provides a clear understanding of wind and wind energy systems, including turbines, towers, inverters and batteries, site assessment, installation, and maintenance requirements.Whether you’re considering your own small-scale wind energy system or just want a straightforward, detailed intro...

Zero energy homes produce at least as much energy as they consume through a combination of energy efficiencies, passive design and renewable energy production. California has adopted zero net energy as the new residential standard for 2020; many other governments are considering similar policies. Developing zero energy homes is the first step towards making all buildings zero energy — a critical step in mitigating climate change, since buildings account for 40% of material and energy use w...

Make Your Green Home a Reality!Building the right-sized green home involves making eco-smart decisions. In Building Today's Green Home, you will learn:• How to choose the correct location of your building lot and what is the optimum placement of your house to take advantage of solar energy• How to design the right-sized home for your needs now and in the future• What are the best sustainable construction materials to...

This workbook was written by authors who understand students, the environment, and the science behind the ways things work. "CSI Your Home" is intended to be read by young people who want to be more effective in reducing waste and preserving the environment. For every reader, a systematic review of habitat and lifestyles can lead to significant savings and an action plan for sustainable living. The research gathered by using this workbook is designed to be shared at school, or in "Energy A...

Whether you just want to drop a few dollars off of your gas bill or you are looking for a better way to fuel your home altogether, doing just a few things can make a tremendous amount of difference in your home.Why bother with cost efficiency? You can afford the bills so why bother? Many people will be shocked to learn that they can lose up to 25% or more of the energy in their home without the need to. You literally could be flushing your money down the drain.The good news i...

Flip the switch to energy-efficient lightingThis do-it-yourself guide makes it easy to upgrade residential and commercial lighting to reduce costs and environmental impact while maintaining or even improving the quality of the lighting. Filled with step-by-step instructions, Green Lighting shows you how to save money and energy with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), solar lights, windows, skylights, fixtures, controls, and o...