Studies done by ENERGY STAR have found that commercial buildings waste up to one-third of the energy they use. Most of this waste is in the form of inefficient heating, cooling, and lighting. Poor control over power distribution contributes to the problem, as do old or dirty condenser coils and air ducts. Given that commercial […]
USI Blog
Why Micro-Homes Are Increasing In Popularity
The peaks and valleys in the housing market, combined with the high the cost of living, has convinced many Americans to reconsider owning a large home. Micro-homes have gained a lot of popularity in several states, and people are opting to live in a space that offers less than 300 square feet. Although they don’t […]
Six Common Ways Energy & Power Is Being Wasted For Commercial Builders
Last week, one-third of the country saw thermometers hit triple digits. Across the nation air conditioners were cranking up, and sprinklers chugged away as millions sought relief from the summer heat. While some are grateful for the relief provided by utilities, many are not mindful of the resources being consumed. On average, a commercial building can […]
How To Reduce Your Home’s Carbon Footprint
There are many different ways homeowners can be more energy efficient and help reduce their homes carbon imprint. Some of the more obvious changes would be turning off lights and recycling your plastics and paper, but there are countless other areas where necessities can be cut and energy can be saved. These days, most of […]
How to Keep Heat Out of a House in a Hot Desert
The spray foam installers at USI Preston Insulation recently worked on a new construction single family residential home in Dragoon, Arizona. On average, there are 284 sunny days per year in this part of the country and high temps in July are around 95 degrees. The homeowner wanted their home to have a tightly sealed […]
The Importance Of An ENERGY STAR Certification
When building a new house or doing an extensive remodel, it’s important for property owners to invest in energy efficiency. The U.S. Government notes that ENERGY STAR-certified homes use 15 to 30 percent less energy than houses of comparable size. If you are adding or remodeling an existing home, one of your first steps should […]
How To Calculate An Energy Rating Index
Those searching for a new home have a great tool at their disposal called the Home Energy Rating Index, or HERS Index. The index is based on a process that calculates the energy efficiency of a home. It allows you to compare the energy efficiency rating of a property you are interested in against a […]
Five Easy Ways You Can Cut Down On Your Energy Bill This Winter
Winter is upon us, and when temperatures drop your gas bill will be more expensive if your house is not energy-efficient. If you have not had an energy audit yet, now might be the perfect time since it can save you money in the long run. There are a few ways that you can stay […]
What is whole-building design?
Architects, engineers and project management leaders continually strive to find innovative ways to design and produce efficient and environmentally friendly spaces. Whole-Building design treats a building as a single system. Whole-building design has become the gold-standard in creating a sustainable building design that works as a symbiotic system, fostering full integration, seamless workflow, and a […]
Building Thermodynamics 101
Thermodynamics is the science of how heat transfers between objects. It is both an academic science as well as an important applied science in how to most efficiently heat and cool a building. Here is a look at some of the basic principles of thermodynamics, and how they apply to energy efficient heating and cooling […]