Solar How To: Using Insulation and Shades to Trap Solar Energy

By: Sean Burton

Solar energy is a largely untapped resource that can save homeowners money while being eco-conscious. There are ways to use solar energy without having to install costly solar panels. Passive solar options are the simplest, do-it yourself ways to optimize solar energy use.

In this solar how to, learn two of the best ways to use passive solar energy: proper insulation and shades. Proper insulation and using layers of sheet rock and concrete creates a high indoor thermal mass. This will lower energy bills by trapping air inside the house.

There are different areas of the home where proper insulation could prevent air from escaping. One area is the attic. Two-layers of fiberglass vats work best for this job. When adding the second layer, use un-faced insulation. Also, be sure the second layer is applied across the joists.

Walls are an often forgotten aspect of the home when it comes to insulation. Adding layers or plaster will help a home retain energy. Plastering can be a do-it yourself project, although it does require some practice. Before plastering directly onto a wall, practice on a foam board or spare piece of wood.

There are several tools necessary to add a plaster layer to a wall. You will need a bucket, stirring rod and plasterers beads to create the plaster. Then you will use a hawk, scarifier, plasterers hawk and float (preferably stainless steel), spirit level and water spray bottle in the application. These materials are available at any home improvement store. Be sure all tools and the surface are clean before starting.

To mix and apply the plaster:

1. The first step is to mix the plaster. Be sure to use gloves. Add the plastic beads to the bucket of water, stirring with the rod until the mixture is creamy. Plaster beads come in pre-fabricated shapes and vary depending on the surface you are plastering. Be sure to read the package instructions.

2. When plastering, always work from the bottom left corner upward in a complete vertical section. Load the hawk with plaster and push the plaster from the hawk onto the wall with the float. Do this in firm motions, flattening the plaster upward.

3. Use the scarifier to scratch the plaster. This will create lines that will allow for further applications to adhere to the wall. Once the previous layer has gone stiff, repeat the process.

4. After applying the final layer of plaster, wait 20 minutes before using a clean float to run over the wall and smooth any imperfections. After an additional 30 to 45 minutes, spray the wall down lightly with water and run a clean float over the walls. This will polish the wall and provide a silky finish. It is best to wait at least 48 hours before painting on a newly plastered surface.

Another way to trap solar energy is to try outdoor shades. Installing outdoor insulated window shades can keep heat in during cold winter months and keep heat out during summer scorchers. These types of shades come in a variety of styles and colors. They can also be added to decks and patios to provide both insulation and privacy.

For those looking to build a new home, consider south-facing glass windows, which will trap more solar heat energy. Do not forget the summer months either. Plant trees around the home for adequate shading. Consult with a contractor on the types of insulation that will be added to the house to make it more economical and efficient.

Whether building a new home or trying to make an old home more efficient, there are simple ways to make solar energy work. Do-it yourself projects like adding plaster layers to walls or fiberglass to an attic can make a huge difference. It is important to remember that using solar energy can be easy and affordable. Small steps lead to large gains in the quest for renewable energy sources.

Article Source: http://www.bigfreearticles.com

Whether building a new home or trying to make an old home more efficient, there are simple ways to make solar energy work. Do-it yourself projects like adding plaster layers to walls or fiberglass to an attic can make a huge difference. It is important to remember that using solar energy can be easy and affordable. Small steps lead to large gains in the quest for renewable energy sources.

About the Author:
Video instructions for your next solar project. Solar, How. information is free and available to you.

Tags: solar how to, insulations, solar energy, outdoor shades

Please Rate this Article

Comments

Share This Article - Quick and Easy Using This Button:

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Uncategorized Articles Via RSS!

Read More Articles From - Home | Uncategorized

PHR Certification Demonstrates Mastery of HR Knowledge By: Jacquelyn Donner - Human resource professionals should consider sitting for an passing the PHR or SPHR exam to gain certification as a HR specialist. The certification demonstrates that the candidate has mastery of the human resource body of knowledge including strategic management, Workforce planning and employment, HR development, Compensation and benefits, Employee and labor relations, Occupational health, safety and security. These are the core areas of focus defined by the human Resource certification institute. To pass the PHR or SPHR exam you must have a minimum of 2 years of human resource experience in which the function of HR is a total of 51 percent of your activities. The exam is score unlike any other exam.
Real Estate Training - Get Started Now! By: Peter Vekselman - There has never been a better time than right now for real estate investing. More and more Americans look to either break into the real estate business as a part-time job or take it on full-time. In both case, and much like any other business, people are searching for good training and not just inspiration. There are plenty of people today who lost quite a bit of money in the real estate market who thought that it was easy. Just like anything else, successful real estate investing takes knowledge and time. And there are no short cuts. This is why real estate training prior to investing is so important. It can be the difference between being a successful real estate investor and taking a bath.
A PMP Simulator Can Help you Assess Your Readiness for the PMP Certification By: Jacquelyn Donner - A PMP simulator can help you assess your readiness for the project management professional examination. Candidates for the exam can now maximize their study efforts and time. The interface of an actual exam simulation that is similar to that of the actual test given by PMI is more dynamic than just using a book or questions on paper. With its flexible usage and wireless programming, you can use the program on the go or at work. The questions themselves are developed by Project management experts and often come endorsed by authoritative professionals. The questioning, answers and structure is similar to that of the actual exam administered by the project management institute that accredits project managers.
PHR Certification Human Resource Exam By: Jacquelyn Donner - Many human resource professional are intimated by a 200 question detailed HR exam. Everything for employee motivation, learning and leadership to Samuel Gompers will be covered on the exam. Very few people would know all the knowledge base covered unless they have prior training in human resources. Consider using some type of review program before you go in to sit for the exam because the details about labor unions history, key figures, laws, compensation and so on are things that most people just would not know. The exam is based on the entire human resource body of knowledge and can be quite comprehensive. Although most employees welcome feedback, many managers choose to ignore performance assessments.
The Small Business Debt Consolidation Option By: Chris Kennelly - Small business debt consolidation can be viewed as a separate subject of debt consolidation and does not necessarily follow the same routes or processes of personal debt consolidation. With small business debt consolidation a management firm can help the business that is potentially overwhelmed with debt get back on track. By utilizing this small business debt consolidation process the firm will negotiate with creditors for better repayment and financing terms on unsecured loans such as credit cards, refinancing as well as utility bills and IRS debt bills. This may include reduced monthly payments, reduced interest or no interest and attempt waivers of fees such as over the limit and late fees on facilities held by the small business at banks or other financing institutions.
14 Tips for the Successful Purchase of a Toronto Property By: Evan Sage - Outlined below is a very simple but highly successful 14-step approach to getting you the home that you desire and not ending up with a lemon. 1. Pre-approve it, Have you Toronto real estate agent help you determine how much you can afford and assist you in attaining the pre-approval for your mortgage or the transfer of existing financing. 2. Educate yourself, About the home buying process and then you will be comfortable actually doing it. Ask lots of questions. A good Toronto real estate agent will assist you throughout the entire process answering all of your concerns. 3. Design it, Based on your desires, needs and capabilities we will decide on the best neighbourhoods to target for the home that you want. 4.
Best Ways To Develop Your Abdominal Muscles By: Chris Jensen - Maybe you are searching for the best ways to develop your abdominal muscles so that you will feel more comfortable. Even though people tend to say that it is not good to judge someone by the way they look; we all know that most people tend to "judge a book by its cover." We all do it even though we do not want to admit it; after all that is why you see so many lean celebrities because no one is going to want to watch a fat celebrity in a movie.
Thinking of Traveling in Greece? This Travel Guide will Help You By: Nikos Nikolis - Greece is an easy place to visit and enjoy, as no immunizations are needed and credit cards work great. There are ample ATM machines with instructions in English. Almost everyone in Greece speaks at least some English. The recommendation is to pack lightly as shopping is part of the fun in Greece with extensive variety and styles available. If you are from a small list of countries, you will need a VISA. This list can be found at the Greek consulate or embassy. In planning your trip, it is good to work with a knowledgeable Greek at a travel agency. If you plan to see the Greek islands, ferry boats are the best way to do this. They are inexpensive, relaxing scenic.
Delaying The Process Of Buying Home After Bankruptcy By: Charles Bretz - Every year there are hundreds and thousands of people who file bankruptcy for several reasons and the common reasons among them is to erase all their consumer debts. Although filling a bankruptcy might relieve all the stress you should know that this bankruptcy is a damaging solution which would hang over you for almost the next ten years. However there are several possibilities to overcome bankruptcy and also possibilities for a bankruptcy house (house after bankruptcy). The main key is to make smarter credit and finance decisions. This would simply means that you still have a chance to buy a home after bankruptcy.
What Are Your Oil Rubbed Bronze Faucet Options By: James Steele - It seems like every time I go into a home improvement store these days, I am seeing more and more oil rubbed bronze faucets. Its amazing how the simplest design changes in the bathroom and kitchen can have such a huge effect in the overall feel of the room and it is no wonder that oil rubbed bronze fixtures have become so popular. This article will take a look at three popular styles of faucet and their uses. First, we will take a look at the oil rubbed bronze centerset faucet. Typically, this is the type of faucet that we have grown accustomed to seeing in our bathrooms and will consist a single piece with two separate knobs and a spout in the middle.