Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Minos, Scott.
Learn about tools to estimate solar rooftop potential, or the amount of solar that could be installed on a residential or commercial rooftop. This fact sheet from Energy Saver also includes information about how installers estimate solar potential and why it's important.
Learn how installing residential renewable energy systems, such as geothermal heat pumps and wind or solar energy systems, can save energy, lower utility bills, and earn homeowners money. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on how to start planning to install renewable energy systems at home.
Follow the simple tips in the Energy Saver guide to make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool--while you save money. This guide shows you how easy it is to cut your energy use at home and also on the road.
Learn about different types of batteries and the proper ways to dispose of them. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on single-use, rechargeable, and automotive batteries, as well as tips for disposal, recycling, and safe handling.
Learn why straight vegetable oil and other waste cooking oils are not the same as biodiesel and why it is important to convert them to biodiesel for use in vehicles and heavy machinery. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on straight vegetable oil performance, its effects on engines, and fuel blends approved for diesel vehicles and engines.
Learn how ethanol is used in transportation fuels and about the different ethanol blends you may find at fueling stations. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on the history of ethanol in the United States, what fuel ethanol is, the three categories of ethanol blends, and flex-fuel vehicles.
Learn how good driving habits and maintaining your car can improve your fuel economy, as well as other ways to save fuel. This fact sheet from Energy Saver offers tips for how to save fuel and which driving habits and vehicle maintenance practices will have the greatest effect on your fuel economy.
Learn about the recycling symbols that indicate whether products or packaging can be recycled. This fact sheet from Energy Saver describes the recycling codes for plastic, glass, and paper that indicate how materials should be recycled or disposed of.
Learn what an electric vehicle (EV) could mean for you, including fuel economy, emission reductions, cost savings, and fueling flexibility. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on types of electric vehicles, how an EV could save you on fuel and money, how to charge an EV, and EV safety standards.
Learn why it's important to reduce vehicle idling and some strategies to cut down on vehicle idling. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on why modern cars do not need to idle, circumstances when you can turn off your engine, and some exceptions when you may need to idle.
Learn about biodiesel fuel and how, when combined with vehicles with diesel engines, it can be a green transportation choice. This fact sheet from Energy Saver also includes information on biodiesel blends, biodiesel performance, and downsides of biodiesel.
Learn how simple landscaping techniques, such as using trees, vines, and shrubs to create shade in the summer or to block wind in the winter, can help cut heating and cooling bills. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on summer and winter landscaping for energy savings, as well as climate-based strategies to improve comfort and reduce energy costs.
Learn how to use a small wind energy system to produce electricity to power your home. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on how small wind energy systems can work for homes and how to determine whether your site is a good candidate for a small wind turbine.
Learn how insulation material, when properly used, can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, greatly reducing heating and cooling bills throughout the year. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on the benefits of insulation, types of insulation, and how to determine the right R-value for your home.
Learn how ENERGYSTAR-qualified windows can improve indoor comfort while saving money on heating and cooling costs. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on ENERGY STAR standards for windows, replacing old windows, and considerations when purchasing windows.
Learn about types of heating and cooling systems, system maintenance, and best practices for saving energy with your heating and cooling. This fact sheet from Energy Saver also includes information on buying a new heating or cooling system; efficiency ratings; and selecting new systems including air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces.
Learn about controlling moisture and ventilation in your attic, as well as the steps to create a durable attic. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on why moisture control in attics is important and the strategies you can use to control moisture and ventilation in your attic.
Learn how you can use passive solar home design to reduce your electricity consumption and energy bills in any climate zone. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on the elements of passive solar design and information on how passive solar heats and cools.