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Home : Advanced Technologies - Overview
Going Beyond the Basics with Advanced Technologies
There are a number of ways that homeowners can go beyond the basics and reduce energy bills and environmental impact. Technologies such as solar electric, also known as photovoltaics, and geothermal heating and cooling can be good alternatives to reduce the usage of natural resources. While not for every home, these technologies offer powerful options in conjunction with comprehensive energy efficiency improvements. However, the first step is to make your home as energy efficient as possible. If you are building a new home, consider building a New York ENERGY STAR Home. If you own an existing home, consider getting a Comprehensive Home Assessment through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR to evaluate the energy efficiency of your home and make necessary energy improvements. By reducing your home's energy usage, you could reduce the size of the advanced technology needed.
Solar Electric Systems
Solar electric, or photovoltaic (PV) technology, makes use of the abundant energy in the sun, and has little impact on our environment. Photovoltaics can be used in a wide range of products, from small consumer items to large commercial solar electric systems. Commonly known as solar cells, individual PV cells are electricity-producing devices made of semiconductor materials that are often connected together to form PV modules. Modules, in turn, can be combined and connected to form PV arrays. These connected systems integrate easily with existing energy supplies.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems
Even in northern climates, the soil maintains a temperature of around 50 degrees at about four feet beneath the earth's surface. Heat pumps move this heat energy from the soil to the house in the winter and operate in reverse in the summer, pulling heat out of the house and to the soil. Heat pumps installed in energy-efficient homes can use dramatically less electricity than conventional electric heating and cooling systems.
Solar Thermal Technology
Solar Thermal technology, often referred to as “Solar Heating and Cooling,” harnesses the power of the sun to provide solar thermal energy (as opposed to solar electric energy or photovoltaics) for:
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ENERGY SAVING TIPS
Consider using window fans, particularly in the evening when you can draw cooler air into the house.
Make sure floor & wall vents are not blocked by draperies, furniture, or rugs.
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