# Three Things Trending in Energy Efficiency

- Link: https://alpscomfortair.com/three-things-trending-in-energy-efficiency/
- Published: 2015-10-31T19:20:56+00:00
- Author: kathypuig

Saving money on your home’s energy bills is a hot topic. From solar panels to smart
thermostats, there are a lot of options for saving money. We scoured the web and
found a few interesting ideas that you can take and apply to your home. Some of 
these ideas take old principles, but apply them in new ways, while others are new
technologies that could change the way homes are built.

⌊soltech system, energy efficient homes, home energy efficiency orange county⌉⌊soltech
system, energy efficient homes, home energy efficiency orange county⌉These three
articles demonstrate some of the top trends in energy efficient homes.

## **GreenPods: Small, Low-Impact, Energy Efficient Homes**

GreenPods are relatively small homes, built to be energy efficient and have a limited
impact on the environment. Based out of Port Townsend, Washington, GreenPod Development
offer homes between 300 and 800 square feet. Additionally, owners can choose what
types of materials are used. For example, the roof can be made out of 100% recycled
metal, or can be a living green roof.

[Read more about Energy Efficient GreenPods.](http://www.offgridquest.com/homes-dwellings/greenpods-small-low-impact-energy-effici)

## **Solar Heating Just Got Stylish: Innovative Glass Roof Tiles for Energy-Efficient Homes**

SolTech System recently released a way to harness solar energy, without having large
panels installed on the roof of your home. The technology consists of glass tiles
installed as the roof of your home. Under the glass is the absorbing material that
then transmits the energy to your home. It can be integrated with your water or 
power system. In addition to being much more attractive, one of the major advantages
of this is that this also allows energy to be captured on days when it is cloudy.

[Read more about Stylish Solar Heating.](http://freshome.com/2014/12/17/solar-heating-just-got-stylish-innovative-glass-roof-tiles-for-energy-efficient-homes/)

## **Energy Efficient Dome Home in China is Made from Reclaimed Wood**

This home was built in China as a dome to be energy efficient. The dome shape and
the way it was constructed allows it to be heated and cooled with very little energy.
It requires the equivalent of boiling a pot of water to heat or cool the home. Part
of this efficiency is due to the materials and finishes they used, such as triple-
glazed windows imported from Europe.

[Read more about this Energy-Efficient Dome Home.](http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/dome-home-reclaimed-wood-china-timothy-oulton.html)