I am thinking of installing a rainwater catchment system. What are some things I should know? Installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater for non-potable use is an easy way to help the environment and save money. Water collection systems can be as simple as a rain...
Do low-flow showerheads and faucets save money? There’s a saying called “the rule of threes” that highlights the basic necessities of life: The typical human can survive 3 minutes with no air, 3 hours in a harsh environment with no shelter, 3 days with no water, and 3...
Glycol Every winter, several days of sustained cold temperatures tend to produce their share of frozen pipes. In the long term, the best way to protect water pipes is by addressing the source, rather than the symptoms, of the problem. This translates into insulating...
Can I save money with an electric water heater? Many homes in Fairbanks use oil-fired boilers to provide not just space heat but also domestic hot water. But in the summer, when you don’t have a demand for space heating, does it make more sense to install an electric...
Should you put a blanket on your storage water heater? While it’s true that installing a blanket on your storage water heater makes it more efficient, it doesn’t always make sense from a whole building energy use point-of-view. In most cases, the blanket will save you...
Why look at the Whole Wall R-Value of your Wall? You might think your walls are R-20, or R-30, because of the amount of insulation you have in the wall cavity. But have you factored in your studs and windows? Today’s emphasis on energy efficiency means that many...
