Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
June 30, 2009
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency : ENERGY STAR.
Here’s the site with the requirements for the “green” federal tax credits.
www.eternalwaterheater.com
June 30, 2009
Eternal hybrid: the world’s first and most advanced hybrid water heating system.
My friend showed me this product awhile back. This tank is a hybrid between tankless and old-school water tank systems. The advantages seem to be that water is hot more quickly because of the reservoir (although, you’ll still have the water that’s standing in the pipes be cooled down, so it won’t be completely instantaneous, I assume), then you have “endless” hot water as the tankless part kicks in. It also is cheaper to vent and you’re able to hook a waste-heat recovery system (like this) up to it, which intrigues me.
The biggest drawback seems to be the cost – depending on the model they run around $2500-3000, compared to a tankless that’s between $1000-2000. It does advertise the “green rebate” (30%) that many of these appliances are eligible for, but I assume a regular tankless would qualify for those, too. I’ll have to look that up.
Anyway, I like the possibility of pairing the waste-heat recovery system with it. That is a big plus to me. I also wonder about how the cost of installation would compare.
Collapsible Rain Barrel
June 4, 2009
I’m considering various rainwater collection devices and this Collapsible Rain Barrel from Lee Valley seems reasonably priced. I’m wondering how the vinyl would hold up after a few years, though, so perhaps a wooden or metal one would be better even though they’re more pricey. Any experiences?
Under sink greywater system
February 22, 2009
I was originally looking at peddlerswagon.com site for these olla pottery jugs that are buried underground and use capillary action to wick water to plants’ roots. There doesn’t seem to be any information currently available about them, so I was poking around the site and found this Aqus under sink greywater system. It captures water used in the sink and uses it to fill the toilet instead of drinking water. Unfortunately it doesn’t currently work with dual-flush toilets, which I have my heart set on, but hopefully they’ll develop that soon. Great idea.
Touchless/Motion Sensor Faucets
January 30, 2009
I keep looking for touchless bathroom or kitchen faucets, like the ones I’m starting to see in commercial applications. I like the concept a lot. I found one at Kohler and will keep an eye out for others: Wellspring Touchless Faucet
I like the Contemporary version the best, I think.
Rainwater HOG
January 30, 2009
Neat product for water conservation, but pretty spendy at about $450 per unit: Rainwater HOG
Well, I’m not sure…but my husband thinks it’s a good idea…
September 10, 2008
Kohler “Steward” waterless urinal. It seems like a good idea, I think…? Anybody ever seen one of these installed in a house? Heh.
What’s in a name?
September 10, 2008
Reasonably-priced dual-flush toilet from Kohler: The Persuade
From the Sept/Oct issue of Natural Home Magazine
September 10, 2008
Some sites I want to check out:
“Think Green!” TV show from Designing Spaces
The Green Guide and eartheasy.com
March 31, 2008
Picked up National Geographic’s new Green Guide magazine today at the bookstore. I learned quite a few things from it and have already subscribed. 
In an article on CFL’s they suggested some found at eartheasy.com…poking around I found this interesting low-flow showerhead that also features a “trickle/savings mode” when the water reaches 95 degrees. I’m thinking this would be a great option for my husband since being the first shower-taker of the day means it takes awhile for his shower to be warm enough. I also really like their low-flow handheld showerhead (we use a handheld when bathing the girls), their indoor composter, and this barrel composter.
