As solar power becomes more familiar, innovations appear and new ideas are applied to existing technology to either improve output or come up with entirely new ways of harnessing the sun's renewable energy for everyday use. Solar chimneys are one of those innovations that could one day produce power on a grand scale.

Wood-Framed Walls

Wood-framed walls are the easiest part of the home to insulate since they can be treated in the same way as new construction. The main concerns for wood-framed walls are the thickness and accessibility of the wall cavity. Assessment of wood-framed walls should also determine the presence or absence of insulation.

A home that is over ten years old is unlikely to incorporate many energy-saving features in its original design. Nevertheless, there is no need to despair, to tear down and rebuild or to move out of your home. Rather, the home can be reviewed systematically in its entirety before determining how to stretch those renovation dollars for some good energy savings upgrades.