New Building Technology Decreases Need for AC

Phase-changing materials that use parrafin wax capsules to absorb and distribute heat may help cool homes in the near future. National Gypsum,
the first American manufacturer to use phase-changing materials, is currently testing the technology in its ThermalCORE PCM drywall panels. The product will help meet rising demand for greener building materials and energy savings on heating and air-conditioning. Find out more about “melting drywall” in this article from Technology Review.

Trendy Twists on Fireplaces

You won’t believe this collection of fashionable and functional fireplaces, including portable, mountable, and tabletop models, identified by TrendHunter online magazine. Do you think these designs are merely artistic, or would you consider an edgy fireplace for your own home?

Control Humidity and Save Energy

High humidity can make a hot day feel 10 degrees warmer, and rainy weather increases that sticky feeling, a common problem during Kansas City summers. Air-conditioning helps regulate humidity, but you may be working it harder and more often than you need to if it’s too humid inside your home, causing power bills to spike.

The Weather Channel says homes with humidity problems may have:

• window condensation
• mold
• allergens
• bugs
• poor ventilation

Is your home too humid? Check out this handy humidity calculator to be sure. If humidity is a problem, try a dehumidifier and better ventilation in rooms that generate a lot of moisture, such as the bathroom and kitchen. Another easy solution is to hang a bundle of writing chalk in problem areas to absorb excess moisture.

Keeping humidity under control can make your home feel more comfortable during hot weather, eliminating the urge to crank down the air and giving your wallet some relief. In fact, for every degree you raise the thermostat, you can expect to cut energy consumption by 3-5%, according to Kansas City Power & Light, resulting in a lower power bill. The most energy-efficient (and cost-saving) setting for cooling in the summer is 78-80 degrees, and ceiling fans and box fans can be use to help circulate the air.

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