Everyone’s talking about energy efficiency these days – how to save on energy costs while preserving the environment. But do you really know why you spend what you do on energy? One way to find out is to have a home energy audit performed. A home energy audit is a great way to gather and analyze information to determine where you can save money on your energy costs.
A home energy audit is performed using infrared cameras, surface thermometers, furnace efficiency meters and other specialized equipment. A thorough examination of the home, inside and out, is completed by technicians. If the homeowner knows of any problem areas (hot spots, drafty areas, etc.) these can be looked at in more detail to determine the cause.
Additionally, the auditor will want to know how many people live in the home, what the occupants’ energy habits are (when are thermostats turned up or down, when are people home or at work, etc.) and what the actual monthly energy costs are. Once all of this information is compiled and analyzed, the audit can provide recommendations for improvements and areas where savings can be recognized.
The audit should also provide information about potential tax rebates for making energy efficiency improvements and a projection on how much the homeowner will save in energy costs. An energy audit is a great first step to leading a more energy efficient lifestyle.
Showing posts with label energy efficiency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label energy efficiency. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Futuristic Home Heating and Cooling Technology – Nest Thermostat
According to the EPA, using a programmable thermostat can save homeowners and residents 5% - 15% a year on your heating and cooling bill. They recommend setting your thermostat at 68°F when you are awake and at home, and programming a 10° to 15° setback for at least 8 hours. The same strategy would apply for cooling your home in the summer, by keeping the thermostat at 78° when you are home and awake, and using a warmer setting while at work or asleep.
Sounds easy, right? In a series of surveys done by researchers at University of California, it was discovered that 90% of programmable thermostats are rarely or never programmed. Photographs of participants’ thermostats that were collected revealed that 50% of the respondents had set their thermostats on “long term hold” and 20% of the units displayed the wrong time. Since many programmable thermostats don’t seem to be user-friendly, even homeowners who have the opportunity to save on energy bills are not using technology to their advantage.
Startup company Nest Labs wants to change that with their newly unveiled Nest thermostat, which can actually program itself. Users can adjust the thermostat manually as they normally do, and within one week the Nest unit will learn the patterns and program itself to raise and lower temperatures automatically. It can even recognize that the house is empty during vacation times and go into energy saving mode. Of course, the Nest can be programmed by the user as well, and if you practice good energy saving habits, Nest will pick up on them.
This year may be the time to take energy savings seriously and get a little help from a smart thermostat.
Sounds easy, right? In a series of surveys done by researchers at University of California, it was discovered that 90% of programmable thermostats are rarely or never programmed. Photographs of participants’ thermostats that were collected revealed that 50% of the respondents had set their thermostats on “long term hold” and 20% of the units displayed the wrong time. Since many programmable thermostats don’t seem to be user-friendly, even homeowners who have the opportunity to save on energy bills are not using technology to their advantage.
Startup company Nest Labs wants to change that with their newly unveiled Nest thermostat, which can actually program itself. Users can adjust the thermostat manually as they normally do, and within one week the Nest unit will learn the patterns and program itself to raise and lower temperatures automatically. It can even recognize that the house is empty during vacation times and go into energy saving mode. Of course, the Nest can be programmed by the user as well, and if you practice good energy saving habits, Nest will pick up on them.
This year may be the time to take energy savings seriously and get a little help from a smart thermostat.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
What is the NFRC?
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) was formed in 1989 as an independent agency that rates fenestration energy performance. So what exactly is fenestration? NFRC defines it as “products that fill openings in a building envelope, including windows, doors, skylights and curtain walls designed to permit the passage of air, light, vehicles or people.” The agency allows consumers to compare the performance of various products accurately and evaluate their effectiveness for a particular project.
The NFRC has developed a uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, etc. This allows architects and builders, along with homeowners, to easily compare products and decide which is best for their project. Through NFRC ratings, building and government officials can determine if products meet building codes.
Over 500 manufacturers participate in the NFRC rating program, which gives them a consistent and accurate way to show the energy benefits of over 1.67 million products, as well as giving consumers a way to compare products fairly. So, the next time you are considering using energy efficient fenestration, take a look at the NFRC rating on the products, or visit the NFRC website for a wealth of information.
The NFRC has developed a uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, etc. This allows architects and builders, along with homeowners, to easily compare products and decide which is best for their project. Through NFRC ratings, building and government officials can determine if products meet building codes.
Over 500 manufacturers participate in the NFRC rating program, which gives them a consistent and accurate way to show the energy benefits of over 1.67 million products, as well as giving consumers a way to compare products fairly. So, the next time you are considering using energy efficient fenestration, take a look at the NFRC rating on the products, or visit the NFRC website for a wealth of information.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Hot Water Recirculation Pumps Save Water and Time
Did you know that just waiting for hot water to reach your tap results in gallons of wasted water each day? In the 60 seconds it takes for hot water to actually come out of the faucet, unused water in the supply line is evacuated and wasted. In order to save water and save time is a hot water recirculation pump.
New homes can be constructed with a dedicated return line that is installed between the water heater and the end of the hot water supply line, and a pump that pushes heated water through the supply line from the heater and back through the return line. Existing homes can be retrofitted with a circulation pump that allows the cold water supply line to act as the return line.
Water is circulated back into the hot water storage so that it’s always ready when you turn on the tap. A pump keeps hot water in your supply line, while a valve at the tap creates a by-pass for recirculation. A timer can be installed to provide increased efficiency during low water use periods of the day or night. With this simple retrofit, you’ll enjoy instant hot water throughout your home while eliminating wasted water on a daily basis.
New homes can be constructed with a dedicated return line that is installed between the water heater and the end of the hot water supply line, and a pump that pushes heated water through the supply line from the heater and back through the return line. Existing homes can be retrofitted with a circulation pump that allows the cold water supply line to act as the return line.
Water is circulated back into the hot water storage so that it’s always ready when you turn on the tap. A pump keeps hot water in your supply line, while a valve at the tap creates a by-pass for recirculation. A timer can be installed to provide increased efficiency during low water use periods of the day or night. With this simple retrofit, you’ll enjoy instant hot water throughout your home while eliminating wasted water on a daily basis.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Big Savings with Little Changes to Appliances
This summer, concentrate on making some simple changes that relate to your household appliances, and see how much you can save on your energy costs. Start by keeping your fridge and oven doors closed. Don’t cool off in front of an open fridge door, and even though the kids are home, try to avoid opening and closing the fridge door frequently. Letting the cool out will cause your fridge to work harder to stay at the proper temperature. Of course, heating up your oven and opening that oven door will heat up your kitchen, requiring your air conditioning to work harder. Use your microwave or enjoy the outdoor barbeque instead of cooking in the oven.
Remember that “It’s a Dry heat in Arizona” so why not put it to use? Don’t run your dishwasher’s dry cycle – let your dishes dry naturally. Let clothes line-dry instead of running your dryer this summer – you’ll keep the house cooler and save on dryer energy costs.
If you are heading out of town to escape the heat, you can set your fridge and freezer a little bit higher since they won’t be opened up at all. APS recommends 42 degrees for the refrigerator and 5 degrees for the freezer. If you’ll be gone long-term you can clean it out and turn it off altogether. You can turn your hot water heater off while you’re away, or use the “vacation” setting if your heater has one. Before you leave on vacation, be sure to turn off electrical items such as computers, printers and unplug small appliances. Use only lighting needed for security, and set it up on timers. Paying attention to the little things can make a big difference in your energy bills this summer.
Remember that “It’s a Dry heat in Arizona” so why not put it to use? Don’t run your dishwasher’s dry cycle – let your dishes dry naturally. Let clothes line-dry instead of running your dryer this summer – you’ll keep the house cooler and save on dryer energy costs.
If you are heading out of town to escape the heat, you can set your fridge and freezer a little bit higher since they won’t be opened up at all. APS recommends 42 degrees for the refrigerator and 5 degrees for the freezer. If you’ll be gone long-term you can clean it out and turn it off altogether. You can turn your hot water heater off while you’re away, or use the “vacation” setting if your heater has one. Before you leave on vacation, be sure to turn off electrical items such as computers, printers and unplug small appliances. Use only lighting needed for security, and set it up on timers. Paying attention to the little things can make a big difference in your energy bills this summer.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Made in the Shade - Keep Summer Energy Costs Down
Many of us are working within tighter budgets this summer, and as things start to heat up there are a few ways you can add value to your home, while saving on energy costs. Simply adding more shade to your home can provide valuable energy savings in the summer.
Stop summer heat coming in through your windows by using shades, sun screens, awnings and patio covers to block the sun. If your sun screens are old, they may not be shading effectively and you may want to have the screening replaced. Here is an example from APS showing how much you could save by simply concentrating on your windows:
Shading Method or Annual Energy
Window Treatment Cost*
Awnings or overhangs $775
Tinted windows $740
Shade screens $650
No window treatment $950
(regular windows)
*The figures above are based on energy calculations by APS using the APS Standard Plan. Your actual energy costs may vary.
Another way to shade your home and keep it cooler is to plant trees or shrubs that will not only improve the look of your property, but will block the sun. Even groundcovers and low shrubs and reduce heat reflected from the ground to your walls and windows. Deciduous trees can provide shade in the summer, and after losing their leaves in winter will allow the sun to warm your home. Shade trees can also cool down your attic in summer. So block out the summer sun and enjoy some energy savings this season, and look for more energy saving tips next week.
Stop summer heat coming in through your windows by using shades, sun screens, awnings and patio covers to block the sun. If your sun screens are old, they may not be shading effectively and you may want to have the screening replaced. Here is an example from APS showing how much you could save by simply concentrating on your windows:
Shading Method or Annual Energy
Window Treatment Cost*
Awnings or overhangs $775
Tinted windows $740
Shade screens $650
No window treatment $950
(regular windows)
*The figures above are based on energy calculations by APS using the APS Standard Plan. Your actual energy costs may vary.
Another way to shade your home and keep it cooler is to plant trees or shrubs that will not only improve the look of your property, but will block the sun. Even groundcovers and low shrubs and reduce heat reflected from the ground to your walls and windows. Deciduous trees can provide shade in the summer, and after losing their leaves in winter will allow the sun to warm your home. Shade trees can also cool down your attic in summer. So block out the summer sun and enjoy some energy savings this season, and look for more energy saving tips next week.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Insulation in Arizona?
While family and friends battle snow drifts and icy blasts winter winds across the country, Arizona residents are enjoying some of the nation’s best weather. It’s easy at this time of year to forget the scorching heat of Arizona summers, and the toll the high temperatures take on our energy bills. Your home’s insulation (or lack of it) plays a key role in your utility costs.
The R-value of insulation measures resistance to heat flow, so insulation with a higher R-value provides more effective insulating power. APS recommends R-30 ceiling insulation and R-19 wall insulation for homes in the Phoenix area. There are several types of insulation that can be installed, including loose-fill or blown-in, batts or blankets. Having the insulation properly installed is crucial to effective insulating power. Air gaps can reduce the effectiveness of insulation by over 30%, and insulation that is compressed will also underperform.
The attic is the first place to start when investigating your home’s insulation. This is an area of the home where there are often deficiencies that can be corrected for energy savings that can be substantial. This is especially true in older Arizona homes. Just 5% missing attic insulation could result in R-value dropping by as much as 50%.
Having improvements made to your home’s insulation by a quality installer can be a great investment – both as an energy savings strategy, and as an investment in the proper care and maintenance of your home that will pay off when it’s time to sell your property.
The R-value of insulation measures resistance to heat flow, so insulation with a higher R-value provides more effective insulating power. APS recommends R-30 ceiling insulation and R-19 wall insulation for homes in the Phoenix area. There are several types of insulation that can be installed, including loose-fill or blown-in, batts or blankets. Having the insulation properly installed is crucial to effective insulating power. Air gaps can reduce the effectiveness of insulation by over 30%, and insulation that is compressed will also underperform.
The attic is the first place to start when investigating your home’s insulation. This is an area of the home where there are often deficiencies that can be corrected for energy savings that can be substantial. This is especially true in older Arizona homes. Just 5% missing attic insulation could result in R-value dropping by as much as 50%.
Having improvements made to your home’s insulation by a quality installer can be a great investment – both as an energy savings strategy, and as an investment in the proper care and maintenance of your home that will pay off when it’s time to sell your property.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Dual Flush Toilet Kits Save Water and Money
Dual Flush toilets are becoming more and more common in new construction. These toilets can perform a full flush, or a flush with half of the amount of water. In most cases, a half-flush is all that is needed to keep the toilet bowl clean. A new dual flush toilet can be expensive and require professional installation, but if you are looking to save water you can install a dual flush retrofit kit on your existing toilet.
These dual flush kits are generally easy to install and fit most existing toilets. Even if you decide to have the kit professionally installed, it will be significantly less expensive than a new dual flush toilet. Dual flush kits allow you to select the amount of water for flushing – 0.8 gallon for a lighter flush and 1.6 gallons when you need more power. Of course, your savings will vary depending on how many people are using the toilet, and how often – basically, how many times is the toilet flushed?
Estimates of how many gallons are saved using a dual flush toilet kit vary widely – from 1,600 gallons per year to 40,000 gallons per year. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that toilets account for 30% of the water used in the home, and that switching an older toilet to a dual flush or other water efficient toilet can save a family of four an average of $2,000 on water bills over the life of the fixture. That’s not a bad return on a minimal investment of time and money.
These dual flush kits are generally easy to install and fit most existing toilets. Even if you decide to have the kit professionally installed, it will be significantly less expensive than a new dual flush toilet. Dual flush kits allow you to select the amount of water for flushing – 0.8 gallon for a lighter flush and 1.6 gallons when you need more power. Of course, your savings will vary depending on how many people are using the toilet, and how often – basically, how many times is the toilet flushed?
Estimates of how many gallons are saved using a dual flush toilet kit vary widely – from 1,600 gallons per year to 40,000 gallons per year. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that toilets account for 30% of the water used in the home, and that switching an older toilet to a dual flush or other water efficient toilet can save a family of four an average of $2,000 on water bills over the life of the fixture. That’s not a bad return on a minimal investment of time and money.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tankless Hot Water Heaters – Save Energy and Space
No one wants to wake up to a cold shower in the morning. If your hot water heater isn’t doing the job, is showing signs of age and deterioration, or if you are interested in making energy efficient improvements to your home, a tankless hot water heater may be for you.
Tankless hot water heaters heat water on an “as needed” basis, instead of using energy around the clock to maintain a tank of hot water. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water is drawn into the water heater, where a flow sensor activates a gas burner. The water is heated by flowing around a heat exchanger that is warmed by the gas burner.
Benefits of a tankless hot water heater are a savings in energy costs by heating water only when you need it. There’s not just one tank full of hot water, the tankless heater keeps heating the flow of water until it’s turned off, so you never run out of hot water. You’ll have less maintenance, without the need to flush sediment out of a tank periodically.
Tankless hot water heaters are space savers. Gas tankless water heaters are wall mounted, and some are even designed for outdoor installation, which frees up space in your garage or basement. They have a life expectancy of 20 years, without the risk of a tank springing leak and potential water damage.
If you act quickly, you can take advantage of a tax benefit through the end of 2010. Energy Star rated tankless water heaters are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost – up to $1,500 throughout 2010.
Tankless hot water heaters heat water on an “as needed” basis, instead of using energy around the clock to maintain a tank of hot water. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water is drawn into the water heater, where a flow sensor activates a gas burner. The water is heated by flowing around a heat exchanger that is warmed by the gas burner.
Benefits of a tankless hot water heater are a savings in energy costs by heating water only when you need it. There’s not just one tank full of hot water, the tankless heater keeps heating the flow of water until it’s turned off, so you never run out of hot water. You’ll have less maintenance, without the need to flush sediment out of a tank periodically.
Tankless hot water heaters are space savers. Gas tankless water heaters are wall mounted, and some are even designed for outdoor installation, which frees up space in your garage or basement. They have a life expectancy of 20 years, without the risk of a tank springing leak and potential water damage.
If you act quickly, you can take advantage of a tax benefit through the end of 2010. Energy Star rated tankless water heaters are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost – up to $1,500 throughout 2010.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Don’t Let Energy Vampires Scare You
Here are some tips for reducing your electric usage and eliminating frightful electric bills.
Start off with energy-efficient appliances. If you are replacing an old appliance, look for the Energy Star label, which assures you the product saves energy, and also prevents pollution. Buy the appliance best-suited to your needs and the size of your household, instead of the biggest with the most features.
Changing some simple settings can help lower your bills. Twenty percent of your household electric costs can come from your refrigerator. Check the temperature inside your fridge and freezer and adjust the settings so that your fridge reads 37-40 degrees and your freezer reads 3 degrees. Also use the energy saver switch. Adjusting your hot water thermostat can also result in significant savings. Try setting it for 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.
When cleaning up it pays to pay attention to settings as well. Use warm or cold water when doing laundry, instead of hot. When running the dishwasher, make sure you fill it completely and use the energy saver setting. Consider drying dishes the old fashioned way or just allowing them to air-dry without using the heated drying cycle, which can save up to 20% of your dishwasher’s electricity usage.
Pay attention to appliances and devices that are “turned off” but are standing by – chargers that are left plugged in, electronics with remote controls, and anything with a digital clock display. If you are not using these things, you may not give them another thought, but they are still drawing electricity constantly and can account for 5% of your electric bill.
Use these simple tricks for a treat on your next electric bill.
Start off with energy-efficient appliances. If you are replacing an old appliance, look for the Energy Star label, which assures you the product saves energy, and also prevents pollution. Buy the appliance best-suited to your needs and the size of your household, instead of the biggest with the most features.
Changing some simple settings can help lower your bills. Twenty percent of your household electric costs can come from your refrigerator. Check the temperature inside your fridge and freezer and adjust the settings so that your fridge reads 37-40 degrees and your freezer reads 3 degrees. Also use the energy saver switch. Adjusting your hot water thermostat can also result in significant savings. Try setting it for 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.
When cleaning up it pays to pay attention to settings as well. Use warm or cold water when doing laundry, instead of hot. When running the dishwasher, make sure you fill it completely and use the energy saver setting. Consider drying dishes the old fashioned way or just allowing them to air-dry without using the heated drying cycle, which can save up to 20% of your dishwasher’s electricity usage.
Pay attention to appliances and devices that are “turned off” but are standing by – chargers that are left plugged in, electronics with remote controls, and anything with a digital clock display. If you are not using these things, you may not give them another thought, but they are still drawing electricity constantly and can account for 5% of your electric bill.
Use these simple tricks for a treat on your next electric bill.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Choosing a Fridge
Renovating your kitchen? One of the most important decisions to make is what type of refrigerator you want. There are so many makes and models available, it might seem impossible to narrow down your choices to that one perfect fridge. Size is the first important factor in choosing a refrigerator that will incorporate into your kitchen remodel.
First measure the space you have selected for your fridge in your new kitchen layout. Include an inch or so at the top and sides for clearance, and remember to measure how far out the refrigerator extends with doors open. The other aspect of size that is important is the storage capacity of the unit. With two or three people in the home, 18 to 22 cubic feet of storage might be enough, but larger families or those who love entertaining will want more space.
Styles include side-by-side models, and those with the freezer on the top or bottom. Different styles offer different amounts of storage space and functionality. Then there are features such as in-door ice and water dispensers, humidity and temperature controls, and slide-out storage features and shelves. And of course – color. You’ll want to match your new fridge to your other appliances, and possibly upgrade with panels to match your cabinetry for a seamless design.
Energy efficiency is also a consideration when choosing appliances today. Look for the Energy Star designation, and check into ways to conserve energy once you have your new appliance in place. Check reviews and ratings for your possible refrigerator choices to lessen the chance of unpleasant surprises once your dream fridge is in place, and look for a good warranty on your purchase. It should cover parts for a year and the sealed refrigeration system for five years.
Having the right new refrigerator can make or break your kitchen renovation and even add to your return on investment, so make sure to research and choose the model that works perfectly in your renovation design.
First measure the space you have selected for your fridge in your new kitchen layout. Include an inch or so at the top and sides for clearance, and remember to measure how far out the refrigerator extends with doors open. The other aspect of size that is important is the storage capacity of the unit. With two or three people in the home, 18 to 22 cubic feet of storage might be enough, but larger families or those who love entertaining will want more space.
Styles include side-by-side models, and those with the freezer on the top or bottom. Different styles offer different amounts of storage space and functionality. Then there are features such as in-door ice and water dispensers, humidity and temperature controls, and slide-out storage features and shelves. And of course – color. You’ll want to match your new fridge to your other appliances, and possibly upgrade with panels to match your cabinetry for a seamless design.
Energy efficiency is also a consideration when choosing appliances today. Look for the Energy Star designation, and check into ways to conserve energy once you have your new appliance in place. Check reviews and ratings for your possible refrigerator choices to lessen the chance of unpleasant surprises once your dream fridge is in place, and look for a good warranty on your purchase. It should cover parts for a year and the sealed refrigeration system for five years.
Having the right new refrigerator can make or break your kitchen renovation and even add to your return on investment, so make sure to research and choose the model that works perfectly in your renovation design.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Window Replacement: Energy Efficiency, Factory Rebates & Federal Tax Credits, October 17, 2009
Never has there been a better time to get your windows replaced than right now! Tune in this Saturday morning from 8 to 10 and find out about items like the tax credits offered from the Federal government and a FACTORY REBATE for up to $750 that ENDS OCTOBER 3oTH.
We will also disucss items such as:
1. Average energy savings you can expect by replacing your windows.
2. When you should NOT replace windows to save energy dollars.
3. Security that new windows can offer.
4. Noise reduction
5. And more....
There is no guest this week so we will open up the phones for your home improvement or repair questions so you can make the show interesting this Saturday morning!
Remember: HouseTalk has a new time slot! It is from 8 to 10 AM on News Talk 960 AM KKNT.
PS #1. If you've been wanting to find out about the tax credits available for purchasing energy efficient windows make sure to tune in this Saturday morning.
PS #2. Tell your family and friends about our new time slot from 8 to 10 AM on News Talk 960 AM KKNT. You can also listen ONLINE at by clicking here.
PS #3. If you have any questions about projects around your home, make sure to call in during the show to 602-508-0960.
I hope to talk to you on the show.
Make it a great day!
Warren
We will also disucss items such as:
1. Average energy savings you can expect by replacing your windows.
2. When you should NOT replace windows to save energy dollars.
3. Security that new windows can offer.
4. Noise reduction
5. And more....
There is no guest this week so we will open up the phones for your home improvement or repair questions so you can make the show interesting this Saturday morning!
Remember: HouseTalk has a new time slot! It is from 8 to 10 AM on News Talk 960 AM KKNT.
PS #1. If you've been wanting to find out about the tax credits available for purchasing energy efficient windows make sure to tune in this Saturday morning.
PS #2. Tell your family and friends about our new time slot from 8 to 10 AM on News Talk 960 AM KKNT. You can also listen ONLINE at by clicking here.
PS #3. If you have any questions about projects around your home, make sure to call in during the show to 602-508-0960.
I hope to talk to you on the show.
Make it a great day!
Warren
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