Heat Pumps 101



The heat pump is located near the top of the image.

When you are in a hot building- what is the first word that comes to mind?  While it might be "air conditioning"- try thinking instead of "heat pump."  But what are heat pumps and what are their importance to your apartment?  Find out this week how heat pumps help you maintain a green life!

What Are Heat Pumps?

A heat pump is a device that provides energy, in the form of heat, to a specific location.  This process is referred to as "heat sink".  Essentially, heat pumps absorb heat, or the thermal energy, from a cold location and release that energy to warm space.

Air conditioners and freezers are common examples of heat pumps. 

How Do Heat Pumps Encourage Green Living?

When used for heat, heat pumps are actually three to four times more efficient than electrical resistance heaters in the use of electric power.

The Value of Recycling, Part II

Recycling Paper Products

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to live a green life!

Last week, the blog detailed some facts about recycling aluminum. 

This week, the blog focus is on paper recycling facts!

Did you know:

• To produce each week's Sunday edition newspapers, roughly 500 thousand trees must be chopped down.

The Value of Recycling, Part I

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to live a green life!

Do you know a lot about recycling, or do you just do it because it is the "right" thing to do?  For the next few weeks, we will introduce some facts that will help put into perspective exactly why it is so important to recycle!

Aluminum Recycling Facts

• It takes only 60 days for a used aluminum can to be recycled, re-purposed, and back on a grocery store shelf.
• Any aluminum object, not just cans, can be recycled.  This includes: car parts, gutters, lawn furniture, etc.

Green Car Care For The Wintertime

Living in an apartment, you have a lot of conveniences available to you!

During the winter, some people have to shovel out their sidewalks and driveways; but you don't!  You save a lot of time and energy by being able to get to your car with ease.

If your apartment community has an outdoor parking lot, however; you might want to remember some green tips to cleaning and scraping the ice from your car:

• Natural Ways To Prevent Frost

It is easy to prevent ice from forming on your car windows without harmful chemicals.  If you know a snow storm is coming through your area, try to prevent ice and frost on your car by rubbing it with a salt-water soaked sponge or soft cloth.  The, gently pat your car dry.  A vinegar mixture with water will also prevent frost from forming.