The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Energy Savings Plus Health Guide to protect and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools during building upgrades, particularly ener-gy ef ciency upgrades and building renovation ac-tivities. Energy management and protection of IAQ both should be critical priorities for school facility management. As school districts pursue energy cost savings and occupant health-protection goals, there can be a mistaken impression that the two goals are at odds with each other. In fact, when energy ef ciency and IAQ protection goals are integrated and addressed holistically, schools can achieve strong results in both areas. Alternatively, if careful attention is not paid to the interaction between energy management and IAQ, occupant health can suffer.

The Energy Savings Plus Health: Indoor air Quality Guidelines for Multifamily Building Upgrades provide specific assessment protocols for identifying potential indoor air quality issues that could arise during building upgrade work. The guidelines will be helpful to federal, state, tribal and local weatherization assistance programs; federally funded housing programs; industry standards organizations; private sector home performance organizations; and other contracting organizations.

The updated 5th edition of Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings identifies the most energy-efficient home appliances by brand name and model number. Reader-friendly and packed with illustrations, this handbook helps any homeowner save energy and money. Chapters include: -- energy use and the environment -- insulating and sealing air leaks -- new window options -- space heating -- cooling and air conditioning -- water heating -- refrigeration -- lighting...and much more This book is as compact and efficient as its subject matter. Its 274 pages are crammed with money-saving information. A directory of manufacturers helps the reader access purchase information on recommended appliances.

How efficient are front-load washing machines? When is it time to replace your old refrigerator? These questions and many more are answered in The Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, a one-stop resource for consumers who want to improve their home's energy performance and reduce costs. Zeroing in on the most useful response can be a challenge; this ninth edition cuts through the confusion. Well-organized and highly readable, The Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings begins with an overview of the interrelationships between energy use, economics, and the environment. Chapters focus on specific areas in the home, such as electronics, lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, kitchen, and laundry, and provide helpful explanations for each, including: Describing energy use characteristics Drawing comparisons between available technologies Outlining the most cost-effective repair and replacement options Providing step-by-step guidance for finding the right equipment Describing how the equipment operates Summarizing how much energy is used or lost Included are tips on improving existing equipment and guidance for when and why consumers should purchase new energy-efficient equipment, as well as a reminder to check local government and utility incentives for purchase or retrofit grants. This guide will be an invaluable resource to all consumers concerned about reducing both their energy bills and their environmental impact. Jennifer Thorne Amann is a senior associate in the ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) Buildings and Equipment Program. Alex Wilson is president of BuildingGreen, Inc., author of Your Green Home, and executive editor of Environmental Building News.

The most complete and up-to-date guide available to energy savings in the home . Increasing the energy efficiency of your home can save you money, help the environment, and enhance your comfort, but how do you decide which improvements are the most beneficial and cost-effective? Completely revised to incorporate the latest developments in green technology, The Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings is the definitive resource for consumers who want to better their home's performance while reducing their energy bills. Well-organized and highly readable, The Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings begins with an overview of the relationships between energy use, economics and the environment. Updated and expanded chapters focus on specific aspects of any home, such as heating and cooling, ventilation, electronics, lighting, cooking and laundry, and provide helpful explanations for each, including: Energy use characteristics Comparisons between available technologies Cost-effective repair and replacement options Step-by-step guidance for finding the right equipment. This comprehensive resource is packed with tips on improving existing equipment and guidance for when and why to invest in new purchases, as well as a reminder to check local government and utilities for purchase or retrofit grants or incentives. It is a must-read for anyone concerned about reducing both their energy bills and their environmental impact.

An energy auditor’s guide to using less, saving more, and choosing appliances and systems that will make your home healthier and more efficient. Many homeowners are beginning to examine the energy efficiency of their own homes, asking questions about where energy comes from and how much it costs, how to choose new appliances, and what options exist for renewable energy. The Home Energy Diet answers all these questions and more while helping readers take control of their personal energy use and costs so they can save money, live more comfortably, and help the environment. Energy auditor Paul Scheckel first explores energy literacy, and then describes how your home uses—and loses—energy you pay for via electricity, hot water, heating, air conditioning, windows, walls, and insulation. Energy efficiency is an investment that offers returns greater than Wall Street—and readers can potentially earn several hundred dollars every year just by following the advice in this book. As a bonus, many of these strategies, habits, and upgrades can make for improved indoor air quality and healthier, more comfortable homes. “A valuable resource [with a] humorous and down-to-earth style.” —Jim Gunshinan, managing editor, Home Energy