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	Next Generation Cree LED Light BulbCree introduces its newest LED bulbs, which are super-efficient, long-lasting, affordable, and look just like traditional light bulbs, and are assembled in the USA.
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	New Device Reduces Lawn Mower Pollution by 93%:Students at UC Riverside have created an inexpensive device that effectively reduces pollution by 93% in gas-fueled lawn mowers.
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	The UrbMat by UrbnEarth:The UrbMat by UrbnEarth is an all-in-one garden system solution, perfect for first-time gardeners or those with limited gardening space.
	Bonide Garden Naturals:Bonide's Garden Naturals is a full line of natural, organic gardening products to help your garden grow and thrive.
	The Kerflight:The new Kerflight line of lamps,by design studio Graypants, uses recycled corrugated cardboard to create distinctive, reversible shades.
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	Energy Star Clothes Dryers:Starting with 2015 models, Energy Star will now certify clothes dryers. New models will be 20% more energy-efficient than the minimum energy standard.
	Dog Waste: Eco-Options:Searching for greener alternatives to throwing out dog waste with the trash.
	Cree T8 LED Linear Lamp The new Cree T8 LED Lamp easily replaces 4-foot fluorescent tube lamps. They are 30% more energy-efficient, and rated for 50,000 hours. Compatible with over 90% of existing ballasts.
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	Green Gadgets and Other Cool Stuff Visit our newest page where we look at green products that may not be essential, but certainly are fun!
	SnapRay Guide Lights SnapRay Guide Lights provide safe, efficient LED lights wherever you have electrical outlets in your home,without batteries or wiring required.
	Spring Lawn Care and Snow Mold:Though it looks terrible, dealing with snow mold and other issues is simple with these spring lawncare tips.
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	Whirlpool Duet High Efficiency Washer Learn more about the Whirlpool Duet washer, which has many features to get your clothes clean while using much less water and energy.
	Flash-and-Batt Insulation Flash-and-Batt Insulation installation combines the best of batt and spray foam insulations into one.
	Philips SlimStyle LED Light Bulb Philips breaks the $10 price point for quality LED bulbs with the distinctive-looking, super-efficient SlimStyle.
	WakaWaka POWER Solar Smartphone Charger The WakaWaka POWER solar smartphone charger will charge smartphones and other devices in only two hours, as well as providing a bright light with 5 different light modes.
	New 100-Watt Equivalent LED BulbsThere are new LED light bulbs coming to market with a brightness equal to a 100 watt incandescent while using up to 80% less energy.
	Simple Winterizing Tips to Save EnergyThere are many simple, inexpensive things you can do to save energy and money this winter.
	Niagara Stealth Ultra High-Efficiency ToiletOur review finds out whether an ultra-efficient toilet is up to the task of real world usage.
	Armstrong Tin Look Ceiling TilesCreate the distinct, detailed look of a tin ceiling with these tiles made from 55% recycled material.
	Energy Star Modems and RoutersNew Energy Star standards for modems and routers aim to reduce energy usage by 25% or more.
	Green on the Go: Reducing Air Travel Air travel is a huge source of climate change gas emissions. Here are a few ways to reduce its impact.
	Green in the News A new Green Home Source page to keep you informed of up-to-date news on environmental issues.
	Big Eco Directory A large database of green blogs and sites around the web.
	Nest Protect Smart Smoke Detector The new Nest Protect smoke detector is a high-tech connected way to keep your family safe.
	CD and DVD Recycling Don't throw out those unwanted discs! There are ways to reuse or recycle them.
	Home Composting Products Make composting at home even easier and faster with these helpful composting products!
	High Sierra Low Flow Shower Head High Sierra low flow shower heads use only 1.5 gpm to save water and energy! All-metal construction and 100% made in the U.S.A.
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	Green on the Go! Our newest column looks at ways to keep your commitment to living a green lifestyle when you're not at home.
	Radiant Barrier Foil Radiant barrier foil is a highly-reflective material that works to block radiant energy from the roof from overheating attic spaces. The result is lower cooling costs.
	Halcyon Mini-Split Heating and Cooling Ductless mini-split systems are perfect for energy-efficient zone heating and cooling or for room additions.
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	Green Built Michigan: For Michigan homeowners looking to build green, the Green Build Michigan certification program is the official green building program of the Michigan Association of Home Builders.
	What are Green Building Blocks Anyway?: The Green Home Source Building Blocks were created to help homeowners make the best decisions to save the most amount of energy and money, no matter your budget.
	Green Building Blocks: Lowering Water Usage: Saving water in and around the home is a practical way to save money.
	Green Building Blocks:Moving Up the Wall: We continue to work our way up the Green Building Blocks wall, investigating even more ways to save energy and money.
	Green Building Blocks:Next Steps: Moving up the Green Building Blocks wall, these blocks offer signification energy savings and quicker payback to initial investments.
	Green Building Blocks:The Foundation: These are the building blocks that typically save the most energy and money with the least effort and investment.
	Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Store collected rainwater that falls on your homes' roof or other structure for use in outdoor irrigation. Save water, save money!
	Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): SIPs are an extremely strong and energy-efficient wall system that can reduce a homes' energy use by up to 50% compared to stick-frame construction.
	Green Home Siting: Simply where and how a home is situated on its site can save a great deal of energy and money; best of all, it's free!
	Blower-Door Test: Conducting a blowerdoor test is one of the best ways a builder can discover whether unwanted air is leaking into a home.
	The Benefits of a Smaller Home: Simply shrinking the size of a home is the best, simplest way to lighten its environmental impacts.
	The Building Blocks of Green: Our Green Building Blocks system will help you plan to get the most 'green' out of your home, no matter how large or small your budget.
	Site Wind Analysis: Determining whether your location has adequate annual wind speeds is an important first step in installing residential wind power.
	Recycled Building Materials: Using recycled building materials in your new green home greatly reduces its environmental footprint.
	Small Wind Turbines: Create clean, green power right at home with a small wind turbine.
	Advantages of Wind Energy: Wind power created right at home has many advantages....and some disadvantages.
	Cost of Wind Energy: Want to get your feet wet and get into wind energy, but are curious about the costs? Find out here.
	Walk for Water Day: Help us supply fresh clean drinking water to all parts of the world during Walk For Water Day.
	Greywater Systems: Greywater is simply another name for wastewater generated by the home; activities like laundry, dishwashing, and washing.
	Low Flow Shower Heads: Bathing is a huge source of water usage in the home; switching to low flow showerheads can cut water usage in the shower by 50% or more.
	How Does Wind Energy Work?: If you have been thinking of moving to a wind energy, be sure to scan this informative article.
	Renewable Building Materials: Most rapidly renewable materials are biodegradable, often low in VOCs, and produced from agricultural crops.
	2x6 Stud Framing: Using 2x6 studs instead of the traditional 2x4's may be better for your green home, and help to make it more energy-efficient.
	Front Load Washer Reviews: Averaged over 400 loads, the energy and money saving potential is enormous for these hi-tech machines.
	Phantom Power Reduction: Electrical devices that use 'standby power' even when turned off can be responsible for up to 10% of a home's total electricity usage.
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	Philips L Prize LED Bulb: This is the first winner of the U.S. government's L Prize, with remarkable energy savings.
	CFL Lights - Part 2: Additional information on the CFL that you should be aware of before you switch.
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	LED Christmas Lights: Check out these LED lights and make your White Christmas much more green and save greeen while you are at it.
	Ford Rouge Factory - Case Study: The living roof at Ford's Rouge Factory Complex is a 10.4 acre garden, planted with sedum.
	Faucet Aerator: This is a quick, simple way to save a significant amount of water, energy, and money in the home.
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	Green Electricity Suppliers: Renewable energy is quickly becoming a player in the energy supply industry.
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	Water Saving Toiets: Newer, efficient toilets with the WaterSense label are tested and certified to save money and water for consumers.
	Underfloor Insulation: While insulating walls, ceilings, and attic spaces seems like a no-brainer to most people. Another area to consider is the floor.
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	Residential Solar Panels: Get free renewable electricity for your home using only the energy of the sun.
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	Energy Tax Credit - Roofing, Water Heaters, Doors and Windows: There are some great tax credit available for use of these popular construction items.
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	Energy Tax Credit 2011 Wind Generators: Use a wind generator is a great way to spin your meter backwards and get tax credits as well.
	Solar Hot Water Credit: Solar hot water is one of the most energy efficient systems available. Save even more with a tax credit.
	HVAC Tax Credit: Energy efficient HVAC systems installed during 2011 may qualify for a federal energy tax credit.
	Energy Tax Credit Insulation: Adding insulation to your existing primary residence in 2011 can qualify for up to a $500 tax credit from the Federal Government.
	Window Tax Credit: Replacing your aging windows with new Energy Star windows in 2011 can qualify you for a Tax Credit on your 2011 Federal Taxes.
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	Brick Veneer: Brick Veneer is a natural product that is mined from the earth as clay, fired and provide a very durable product that used for a home's exterior and interior.
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	Engineered Wood Products: Engineered wood products offer greater strength and stability than solid wood, and can have a lower environmental impact as well.
	Energy Efficient Doors: Be sure to look for energy efficient doors that also use sustainable materials for your green home.
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	Doors and Windows: New Section started on energy efficient doors and windows. Great ideas on selecting the proper door and window elements.
	Radiant Floor Heating Installation: It's important to plan ahead before installing a radiant floor heating system, choosing the right type of system and the right flooring materials.
	Stucco Siding: Stucco has been used for building exteriors for centuries; it is extremely durable while also creating a beautiful exterior for your green home.
	Clay Roof Tiles: For thousands of years, clay roofing tiles have been a attractive and durable roofing material.
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	Building Envelope: The building envelope probably influences your home appearance and durability more than anything. Make the wise choice.
	Metal Roofing Materials: Metal roofs offer a more environmentally-friendly choice for a roofing material.
	Living Roofs: living roofs have several environmental benefits that make them an attractive choice for the ultimate in green home design.
	Asphalt Shingles: New And Exciting Products For Asphalt Shingles That Are Greener Than Ever.
	Green Roof Systems: Explore the Options of Greening Your Home From The Top Down.
	Roofing Systems - Types of Roofs: Explore This Section and Find Out How You Can Green-Up Your Roof.
	About Us: The Green Home Source Team. Our Experience, Our Passion and Our Goals.
	In-Floor Heating Options: Find Out What In-Floor Heating Options Are Available For Your Green Home Project.
	Radiant Heat Flooring: Get The Most Even And Comfortable Heat Available For Any Heating System Today.
	Electric Radiant Heat: An attractive option for those looking for radiant floor heating in new or existing homes.
	Residential HVAC Systems: Probably About The Most Significant System For Green Living and a Healthy Environment.
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	Skylight Shades: Carefully Control The Amount of Light, Heat and Heat Loss Through Your Skylights.
	Roof Windows: Bring Cooling Ventilation and Exiting Capabilities Into Your Living Spaces.
	Skylight Windows: Skylights Are A Great Way To Bring Natural Lighting To Core Areas And Work Areas.
	Solar Tubes - Skylights: These Little Gems Can Bring a Incredible About Of Light Into Your Interior Spaces.
	How Does Passive Solar Work: Find Out What It Is And How You Can Design A Green Home Smartly And Passively.
	Clerestory Windows: These Are Great Elements To Provide Natural Lighting, Ventilation and Solar Gain To Living Spaces.
	Roof Overhangs: Proper Design of Roof Overhangs Is An Essential Design Element In Green Home Design.
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	Basement Insulation: Make Your Basement Comfortable and Energy Efficient With These Insulation Tips.
	Attic Insulation: What Insulations Should You Use In Your Attic. We Will Give You Direction Here.
	Spray Foam Insulation: Great R Value, Moisture Proof and Gap Filling, Eco-Friendly Insulation.
	Blown Cellulose Insulation: Healthy, Inexpensive and Highly Recycled Product. Great For Attics and Cavity Insulation.
	Rockwool Insulation: A Great Environmentally-Friendly Blown-In Insulation With High Recycled Content and Great R-Values.
	Batt Insulation: By Far The Popular Insulation Product Is Now Greener. Tune Into This Article To Find Out Why.
	House Insulation: Learn All About the Different Insulation Types For Homes, R-Values, Green Aspects And A Lot More.
	Ways To Conserve Water: Learn How To Save One Of Our Most Important Natural Resources With These Easy To Implement Tips.
	Save On Utility Bills: Find Out How To Reduce Your Utility Bills Dramatically - Possibly Down To Zero.
	Resource Efficiency: Learn How To Save Our Precious Natural Resources When Building Your Home With These Great Efficient Tips.
	Recycled Glass Countertops: These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Countertops You Can Install, Plus They Are Very Eco-Friendly.
	Reclaimed Wood Flooring: If You Are Looking For a Green Alternative To Hardwood Flooring, Look Into This Product.
	Cork Flooring: Cork Is Rapidly Renewable, Recycled, Easy To Care For and Beautiful - Give Cork Flooring A Try.
	Concrete Countertops: Form These Counters In Virtually Any Shape, Color And Size And They Are Eco-Friendly.

Electric Radiant Heat

Underfloor Cabling from Thermosoft Corporation

Using electric radiant heat has several advantages over more conventional forced-air heating systems:

it is typically more efficient than forced-air heat because there is no energy loss through ducts.

Radiant heat doesn't require moving air through a space, which can be helpful for people with asthma or allergy issues.

One of the more popular types of Electric Radiant Heat used in residential homes is electric floor heating. Electric radiant floor heat systems usually consist of electrical cables built directly into the floor.

Other types of electric floor systems use mats or grids of electrically-conductive materials which are mounted onto (or even under) the subfloor, beneath the floor covering.

Electricity rates are typically quite high in many areas, so in order to make electric radiant floor heat cost-effective, they should be used in a flooring that has a high thermal mass, such as concrete.

The thermal mass of the floor will "store" the heat given off by the electric cables or mats, and radiate that heat into the room space above gradually, over time.

If your electric utility offers time-of-use rates, you can charge the floor with electricity during off-peak hours (usually at night).

The heat stored in the thermal mass of the flooring itself can keep the space at comfortable temperatures for up to 8 or 10 hours without further electricity usage.

Installing Electric Radiant Heat in New or Retrofitting Existing Homes:

Electric Radiant Heat Thermostat Control

As mentioned above, electric radiant floor heat can work well when used in flooring with a high thermal mass such as concrete. Installing these types of floors is typically only feasible during construction of a new home. However, electric radiant floor heat also remains a popular option for existing home renovation or additions, where installing a new concrete flooring, or extending existing heat systems into an addition aren't possible, or cost-effective.

For retrofitting an existing home with electric radiant heat, electric mesh mats or wires can easily be installed directly under the floor covering, or cables can be sandwiched between the concrete or wood subfloor and the plywood or concrete floor underlayment.

In a home retrofit, Electric Radiant Floor Heat can also be installed on the underside of the sub-flooring, if it's accessible from below. Installing the electric radiant heat system this way leaves it accessible for future renovations or repairs. This type of installation involves hanging electric radiant heating elements from the underside of the subfloor in the spaces between the floor joists. Insulation or metal plating can be installed below the electric heat system to reflect the heat upwards into the room above, further increasing its' effectiveness.

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