ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES FOR DUMMIES

Hands-on, practical solutions to save money by making smart energy changes

One of the best and most affordable strategies people can employ to combat global warming is to improve the energy and water efficiency of their homes. Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies provides homeowners with advice, tips, and projects to reduce costs, increase energy efficiency, and cut down on waste and pollution. After performing a do-it-yourself home energy audit, readers create an action plan based on their personal goals. Readers are presented with a wide range of potential solutions, from making better use of blinds and awnings to exploring geothermal options in order to reduce household costs and their impact on the planet.

Rik DeGunther (Rescue, CA) is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy consulting firm that focuses on home energy audits and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems.

Rik DeGunther is a design engineer and energy efficiency consultant. He is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy consulting firm that focuses on home energy audits and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems.

Introduction.
Part I: Solving the World’s Problems from Your Front Porch.
Chapter 1: Defining Efficiency.
Chapter 2: Energy Sources and Sinks.
Chapter 3: Eliminating the Guesswork with Home Energy Audits.
Chapter 4: Financing Efficiency Improvements.
Chapter 5: Making Tradeoffs That Work for You.
Part II: Reducing Inefficiencies throughout Your Home.
Chapter 6: Keeping Your Home Free from Contaminants.
Chapter 7: Sealing and Insulating Your Home.
Chapter 8: Getting the Most Out of Your Heating and Air-Conditioning System.
Chapter 9: Lighting Your Home More Efficiently.
Chapter 10: Watering Down Your Water Consumption.
Chapter 11: Pigging Out on Power with Appliances.
Chapter 12: Controlling Solar Exposures in Your Home.
Chapter 13: Breathing Homes: Ventilation, Fans, and Air Filters.
Chapter 14: Reusing and Recycling: Play It Again, Sam.
Part III: Putting Alternative Energy Sources to Work for You.
Chapter 15: Burning Desires: Wood and Gas Stoves.
Chapter 16: Shining a Light on Solar Power for Your Home.
Chapter 17: Radiant Heating Systems.
Chapter 18: Heating with Biomass Stoves.
Chapter 19: Geothermal Energy: Straight from Mother Nature.
Part IV: Considering Efficiency When You Buy, Build, or Sell a Home.
Chapter 20: Looking at Community Solutions to Energy Efficiency.
Chapter 21: Building an Energy-Efficient Home from the Ground Up.
Chapter 22: Buying and Selling an Energy-Efficient Home.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 23: Ten Best Energy-Efficient Investments.
Chapter 24: Ten Ridiculously Easy Energy-Saving Tips.
Chapter 25: Ten Best Solar Investments.
Index.