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 ...

The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Electrical Repair is a basic instruction manual on home wiring and repair. The book covers AC/DC, volts, watts, fuses, and circuit breakers, national and local codes, and caution signs and safety concerns. Learn when it's best to do–it–yourself and when you need to bring in the pros. Also covered are extension cords and multiple strips, switches and receptacles, installing fixtures and adding new circuits, and working around existing wiring.

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...

All the power you need is already thereThis third edition helps readers understand the basics of solar (photovoltaic) power and explore whether it makes sense for them, what their options are, and what's involved with installing various on– and off–grid systems.• Solar power is a $3 billion industry, and it's poised to grow to $39 billion by 2014• By 2011, the United States will surpass Germany as the largest market for solar power products

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...

For home buyers and home sellers.Here is the first how-to that addresses the needs of both buyers and sellers, making it the perfect companion to the bestselling The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Buying and Selling a Home. The buyer will depend on this guide to determine whether a house is worth buying. The seller will need it to determine which repairs are necessary before listing or signing anything. Readers will learn to troubleshoot all areas of ...

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...