George asks…
What are some good ways to save energy in your home?
admin answers:
Turn off the lights when your not using them.
Turn off the faucet when your not using, dont let it just run.
Unplug electronics when they are not in use.
Use energy saving light bulbs.
Sandra asks…
what are some ways to save energy in your home?
admin answers:
Turn the lights off when your not using them, install energy efficient light bulbs, use energy efficient appliances (saves money in the long run). Also, turn down your heater a couple degrees, and use air conditioning a little less. You should also try to turn off appliances and electronics your not using (ie the radio, your computer, etc). You know, the basics…
Lisa asks…
Do you use energy saving light bulbs? If so how many are in your home ?
admin answers:
We have like 4 
Charles asks…
How can you save energy in the following places in your home . . .?
. . . proper doors and windows, heating and air conditioning, water heating, reduces water, electrical, appliances, lighting?
plz plz plz answer! i need it cuz i’m studying for my exams!
admin answers:
Windows should be double glazed to avoid using up as much energy for heating. Doors should have strips on the sides to avoid cold air coming through and warm air going out. Electrical appliances should be switched off at the wall when you are not using them. Lights should be turned off when you do not require them on and when you leave the room, also use energy saving light bulbs. Water reducing, use the least amount of water that you need. When brushing your teeth, don’t leave the tap running. Turn off taps PROPERLY!
Hope this helps x
Mark asks…
How much energy is saved drying your clothes on a clothesline?
In hot weather, using a clothesline has two energy benefits: saving energy by not using the dryer, and reducing the need for AC (because dryers put out heat into the home). How much energy is then saved for a large load of laundry?
admin answers:
I looked up on line that a dryer uses about 4kW and on average 13KWh per day. It’s like powering 40-50 light bulbs when it’s running.
A Watt is a unit of electrical power, which expresses how much energy (measured in Joules) gets used or transmitted per second.
1 Watt = 1 Joule/Second
Cost (for me) per day is $0.056/kWh * 13kWH = $0.73
I think that most of the heat is diverted out of the home but your right it does get hotter around a dryer. It would vary greatly though depending on the dryer, insulation, venting, how much lint is in the filter etc. I have no idea how to calculate the amount of heat energy that would escape into your house.
James asks…
What are some ways reduce energy consumption in your home?
Please list 5 ways.
Oh and as a bonus, what do you think the expected effect should be?
Here is an example:
Suggestion#1: Reduce the number of loads of laundry done per week by ensuring each load if laundry is full.
Expected Effect#1: I expect to reduce the number of loads per week from 10 to 8 loads of laundry. A washing machine uses electricity and water, so I expect to save both.
admin answers:
Use cold water instead of warm water when washing clothes
Expected Effect: Reduced energy from saving warm water and not using water heater as much.
Turn off computer monitors at night. Set computer power settings to hibernate.
Expected Effect: Reduced energy consumption.
Close off rooms when traveling.
Expected Effect: Reduced electricity/gas costs from reducing area that must be heated.
Use cloth/canvas bags when shopping.
Expected Effect: Reduced costs for environment from recycling, production of paper/plastic bags.
Use the microwave when possible rather than stove or oven.
Expected Effect: Microwaving uses significantly less energy than using the stove/oven in a shorter period of time.
Donald asks…
Is anyone interested in upgrading your home to be more energy efficient and use less resources?
There are many things you can do to your home to accomplish this. But, are you really willing to spend money upfront to help the environment and to save some money on the long run?
admin answers:
Yes, I have done several items and will continue to make changes as the budget permits.
Mandy asks…
Do u know about the Jevon Paradox, which warns about the futility of making your home more energy efficient?
It states that if someone makes significant energy efficiency improvements in their home (greener appliances, insulation, compact flourescent bulbs, etc.), they will save money on their power bills, but there are two only things that the vast majority of homeowners will do with that money:
1. Spend it… Since consumer spending is the primary engine of economic growth, freeing up money and putting it back into the economy will cause growth, meaning more demand for products and more use of fossil fuels in the production and transport of those products, or…
2. Put it in the bank as savings… banks make money by charging interest on loans, so they would loan out that money to OTHER people, who will do what I listed in number 1.
Either way, the short term energy savings may be good for the individual homeowner’s pocket book, but it also frees up money that will inevitably make its way back into the economy and cause economic growth, thus causing increased use of fossil fuels in the production and transport of the goods associated with this growth. The paradox argues that this increase in fuel use will more than offset any energy savings realized by the efficiency measures.
In other words, making energy efficiency improvements may actually speed up the rate that we deplete our energy reserves!
What say you?
admin answers:
Making homes more energy efficient isn’t solely about saving money though! A lot of it is about people taking responsibility for their own carbon footprint these days. I understand what you’re saying, but if enough people can prove they care it’s only a matter of time before businesses and the like start caring too.
Richard asks…
Have you considered a home energy audit?
Not many people have the money to install solar panels on their home or replace their heat pump with a geothermal unit. But an energy audit is cheap ($350) and it can save you just as much money as the fancy stuff.
Usually, after the audit you will need to spend time and money fixing problems in your home which can include:
* replacing windows
* adding insulation to the walls and ceiling
* insulating and sealing ducts
* using caulk and weatherstripping
* wrapping the water heater in a blanket
* replacing the water heater with a tankless version
* replacing the attic stairs with an insulated version
* insulating pipes
* replacing the hose to your dryer
* filling holes and gaps with spray in foam
* and many more ways
An energy auditor can educate you in the many ways you can improve your energy efficiency and it is the most cost effective method of going green.
admin answers:
To answer your question: Yes.
Many government agencies and energy companies will not only perform the audit for free but will supply discount coupons or offer rebates for the items you need. There are even some programs to do the upgrades, replacements, or work at no cost for low income and seniors.
But keep in mind that these auditors will be looking in places that your normal house guest would not venture. Many people have not cleaned the radiators on the back of their refrigerators let alone looking in the attics and crawlspaces. It is the time of year for spring cleaning.
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