BOOK REVIEW: "The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency" by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi

With energy issues at the forefront of our minds and of the media lately, The Homeowner’s Handbook to Energy Efficiency couldn’t have come at a better time. No matter where you live – in a brownstone or single-family, apartment building or condo unit – The Handbook offers all readers practical suggestions on ways to save a few dollars while doing their part for the environment. Well-research and thorough, this book easily moves into the ranks as one of the “go-to” books for reference and information on home energy efficiency.

One of the books strengths is its thoroughness. There are full chapters dedicated to lighting and heating, doors and windows, insulation, landscaping, and much, much more. The Handbook offers practical suggestions on ways to improve your home's efficiency. Some of the many projects that are specifically mentioned in the book include:

• Details on how to better insulate your home - or what to look for when you hire someone to insulate your home
• How to figure out and, as needed, adjust your hot water heater to maximize its efficiency
• The best way to landscape your home in order to create a cooler home in the summer and a warmer home in the winter
• Simple ways to maximize the use of low-energy lighting both inside and outside your home

Another great thing about the book is that it is well-organized. Its chapters flow in a logical fashion from one from the other, discussing each part of your home. A detailed table of contents helps readers find their topic of interest quickly and easily, and enable this book to be easily used as a reference manual.

A recent homeowner myself I can appreciate that this book addresses all scales – no project is too big or too small. Renters certainly have different concerns than homeowners, and this book will help you, no matter what your position. Whether you are interested in upgrading an existing item or system in your home that is already in use or replacing it completely, The Handbook is a valuable tool. For example, the authors walk you through options for making your doors and windows more energy efficient through weather-stripping and other techniques, but also offer great information should you be looking to replace your doors and windows completely.

Homeowners and renters alike benefit by having this book on their shelf. I highly recommend it as a great reference tool to help make you green… and help save you green!

---Kris Ohleth
imagineatrium.com


For a multimedia tour inside The Handbook, click here.
Click here to listen to the authors discuss the book.

STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! You don't have to buy this book from a huge corporation or mega retail chain. Support and sustain your LOCAL economy buy purchasing this (or any other) book right in your own community. That way, dollars stay in your community. Find your local, independent bookstore at Indiebound.org