What does Brad Pitt have in common with the Queen of England? Both of them have joined the geothermal energy movement. Celebrities are recognizing the benefits of geothermal energy, perhaps the most efficient, cost-effective, and green energy available today. Read below to learn about how different celebrities have put geothermal energy to use, and contact [...]
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Understanding the 2011 Energy Tax Credit
On December 17, the president signed a $858-billion federal tax bill that extended the energy tax credit, offering incentives under the Energy Star program for homeowners and builders to install natural energy systems such as geothermal heat pumps, and to use energy-efficient HVAC equipment and building materials. We here at BAIR Necessities put together a [...]
Top 5 Reasons to Install a Geothermal System in Maryland this Spring
If you have been considering upgrading or replacing your heating and cooling (HVAC) system this spring, you should consider a geothermal system. Geothermal energy is perhaps the cleanest and cheapest way to heat and cool your home. Geothermal systems are incredibly efficient, quiet, and unobtrusive (no loud, ugly unit lurking outside your home). Even better, [...]
Geothermal Heating: Heat your Home the Most Efficient Way
As the weather gets colder and thermostats are cranked up, homeowners start thinking about the high costs of oil, gas, and electric heating. This is the time of the year when we here at BAIR Necessities start to get a lot of calls asking about Geothermal heating. People want to know: What is Geothermal heating? [...]
You Can Afford Geothermal: How Energy Tax Credits help you save on a Maryland Geothermal Installation
Cooler weather is arriving in Maryland and here at BAIR Necessities we are turning up our thermostats for the first time. Fall is the perfect time to start planning and budgeting for a springtime geothermal installation, and we can help. A geothermal pump is a smart investment: geothermal systems have a 25 year lifespan, geothermal [...]
Installing Geothermal Pumps in Maryland
The process of installing a Geothermal pump for heating and cooling can be confusing for consumers and can differ slightly from state to state. BAIR Necessities, a Geothermal installer and contractor in Maryland, has put together a tutorial to describe the process of Geothermal installation with a focus on Maryland and answering common questions. How [...]
Controlling Indoor Humidity
Controlling Humidity with Air Conditioning and Dehumidifers Humidity is a pesky side effect of summer, causing our bodies to sweat and become easily fatigued, increasing allergies and asthma, and weakening our homes and appliances with moisture or even mildew and mold. Humidity can also be dangerous, because it magnifies the effects of hot temperatures on [...]
Geothermal by the Numbers: A Statistical Overview
Geothermal Heat Pumps are growing in popularity and usage all over the United States, as homeowners seek more affordable and energy efficient ways to provide heating and air conditioning in their homes. But how affordable is Geothermal heating and cooling? How many people are using this new technology? How is Geothermal heating and cooling helping [...]
Geothermal Air Conditioning and Heating: Save Money, Save the Environment
With the mammoth oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the global economic crisis, Americans are rightfully worried about our energy future. Oil production is expensive and dirty and, according to the government, likely to become more of both with crude oil harder to find and more difficult to access. With the future of [...]
Energy-Saving Tips for Summer
Summer is here, and the hot weather makes our energy bills heat up! Here are some tips from the experts at BAIR Necessities for saving money on energy this summer. Summer Energy-Saving Tips Air Conditioning and Cooling Heating and cooling account for about 56% of home’s energy use, so it is crucial to make sure [...]
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Apple in China: Taking Readers’ Questions
The pace of innovation in high technology carries a price: difficult, even toxic conditions for workers assembling electronics in China, according to employees, worker advocates and documents.
Apple, Electronics and Environmental Ills
Environmental groups say that while multinational corporations like Apple are trying to improve conditions, thousands — or perhaps tens of thousands — of smaller companies are cutting corners and dumping hazardous chemicals in rural areas and even near densely populated areas.
They’ve Done It Again: An Albatross Chick
For the second time, an endangered short-tailed albatross couple have produced a chick on United States soil.
Panel Urges ‘Urgent’ Solution on Nuclear Waste
A special panel warns that if a disposal site is not expedited, the federal government will foot ever-greater related expenses — and lose face with its citizens and the international community.
Is Spent Nuclear Fuel Really Waste?
A special commission on nuclear waste is not bullish on the near-term prospects for reprocessing it so that the uranium and plutonium it contains can be reused..
California’s Lead in Solar Is Slowly Eroding
A new report from Environment California details which areas of the state have the most solar capacity.
On Our Radar: A Big Solar Storm
High-energy particles raining down around the polar regions generate intense auroras.
Is Brazil Backsliding on Deforestation?
A bill seeking to overhaul Brazil’s 47-year-old Forest Code is the most serious test yet of the president’s stance on the environment.
Historic Buildings May Be Greener Than You Think
“Greening” historic buildings in New York City is often more about optimizing existing elements, like ensuring that cross-ventilation isn’t inadvertently blocked, than about radical retrofits
Oil Supply as a Strategic Risk
In an opinion piece in the journal Nature, two professors argue that given the constraints on supply, smart governments ought to be pushing hard to move their citizens into more efficient cars, onto public transit and so forth.