Energy Saving Products That Pay for Themselves

Posted on December 6, 2010 by touchstone energy

You want a good return on your stocks and other investments, but what about the household products you buy?

You might not think of your everyday household items as a source of high ROI – return on investment – but you should.  Here are a few energy savings products that are worth the investment:

High-Efficiency Shower Head
Showerheads that carry a “water saving” designation can lower water flow rates to less than 2 gallons per minute, less than half of what they were 20 years ago. That’s a savings of about 2,300 gallons per household per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

That not only saves money on your water bill, but on your water-heating bill. The EPA estimates the average household could save 300 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power a television for one year.

You can buy a water-saving showerhead for as low as $15. Assuming an electricity rate of about 15 cents a kilowatt hour, that would save you about $45 a year.
Product pays for itself in: 4 months.

Solar Holiday Lights
The real savings, of course, comes on your electric bill, which can soar during December, depending on how Clark Griswold you get. (Remember Chevy Chase’s “Christmas Vacation,” with the 20,000 outdoor lights and tree that wouldn’t even fit in the house?!)

A string of 100 lights can use as much as 90 kilowatt hours of electricity in a season. If you calculate it at 15 cents an hour, that’s $13.50 and that strand pays for itself in about two seasons. (That may not seem like a lot but multiply it by 10 strands and you’re over $100 in electric costs.)

Not to mention, Oxenreider points out, you won’t have to worry about hiding the extension cords!
Product pays for itself in: About two seasons.

Programmable Thermostat
We waste a ton of energy while we’re sleeping and at work. With a programmable thermostat, which you can get for as little as $40, Consumer Reports estimates you can easily trim up to 20 percent off your heating and cooling bill by adjusting the temperature 5 to 10 degrees during those times.

If your monthly bill is $175 or more, that $40 product will pay for itself in just one month.

And, here’s the real bonus: You can set it to turn on half an hour before you wake up or before you come home from work – so no more freezing runs to the shower or hovering over the stove for warmth while the heat kicks on.
Product pays for itself in: 1 month.

10 Products That Pay for Themselves

 

Posted in Energy Savings, Heating & Cooling, Lighting
Tagged , , , , ,
2 Comments

Heat Your Home The Right Way – Avoid These Common Mistakes

Posted on November 30, 2010 by TouchstoneEnergyCooperatives

Keeping your home comfortable in the winter time can be a costly process if you make these common mistakes.

  1. Mistake – Maintaining a constant temperature
    A common misconception is that it takes more energy for the furnace to reach a comfortable temperature than to maintain that temperature. But by leaving the house at a comfortable 68 degrees, even when you are sleeping or away at work, you are missing out on major savings. By installing a programmable thermostat and knocking the temperature down by 10 degrees for eight hours per day, you can cut your heating bills by 5-10 percent. Sure, the furnace will cycle on for a longer period to return to the more comfortable temperature, but it will be far outweighed by hours of savings when it didn’t have to work as hard.
  2. Mistake – Cranking up the temperature to warm up the house
    Just because you’ve lowered the temperature when you left the house, doesn’t mean you need to blast the heat to warm it back up. If you return to a cold home, adjusting the thermostat to a higher setting will not warm up the house any quicker. Most furnaces pump out heat at the same rate no matter the temperature. They just cycle on for a longer period to reach the higher temperature.
  3. Mistake – Closing off vents in unused rooms
    You might think that you are wasting energy heating rooms that your aren’t using, but by closing off vents in unused rooms you are actually changing the air pressure of your whole system causing your furnace to run inefficiently. Experts recommend never shutting off more than 10 percent of vents. Sealing your ducts is a more efficient way to save energy.
  4. Mistake – Using the fireplace
    Sorry, but an open fireplace flue will likely suck more cold air into the house than the heat the fire can radiate into the living space.
  5. Mistake – Using electric room heaters
    A single energy-efficient space heater in a small, well-insulated room can save energy if the central heater is switched off but generally, using multiple space heaters to warm your home can lead to higher energy bills. Electric heaters can also be a fire hazard, so make sure the unit is placed in a safe location.

Too see more common mistakes, check out this article.

 

Posted in Energy Savings, Heating & Cooling
Tagged ,
Leave a comment

Get a Home Energy Score

Posted on November 29, 2010 by touchstone energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting Home Energy Scores from November 2010 through mid-2011.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting Home Energy Scores from November 2010 through mid-2011.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is partnering with some Touchstone Energy cooperatives in areas across the country to test and evaluate Home Energy Scores from November 2010 through mid-2011.

Through these pilot energy audits, you can find out how your home stacks up energy-wise compared to your neighbors.

To find out if you live in one of the testing areas and more, check out the DOE’s site.

 

Posted in Energy Savings
Tagged , , ,
3 Comments

What To Expect This Coming Winter, And What You Can Do To Save Money

Posted on November 18, 2010 by touchstone energy
What to Expect This Coming Winter

Don't expect another "Snowmageddon" this winter but be prepared to spend about the same on your energy bills.

East Cost residents shouldn’t expect another “Snowmageddon,” but the Department of Energy is predicting most people will pay roughly the same amount for heat this winter as they did last year. So act now and try to save money this winter with some year end tax credits.

According to the IRS, there are two tax credits for winterizing your home that will expire at the end of the year.

If you add items like high-efficiency heaters, water heaters and stoves to your home, you can qualify for a 30 percent tax credit – up to $1,500. But be aware, this credit is for 2009 and 2010 combined. So if you used it up last year, you won’t be eligible.

Homeowners can also take a 30 percent tax credit by installing a solar electric system, hot water heater, geothermal pump, wind turbine or fuel-cell system. There’s no cap on that credit, so it could be a good time to make a long-term investment in saving energy.

For more information, check out this article.

Also, be sure to check out some of our other energy saving posts to help you save money this winter.

 

Posted in Rebates, Taxes
Tagged , , ,
1 Comment

Why Does My Electric Bill Go Up During the Holidays?

Posted on November 17, 2010 by touchstone energy

As we start looking toward the holiday season, some of you might notice a sudden jump in your utility bill and be wondering why? Here are some tips to help you keep those electric bills off the naughty list.

  1. Holiday lights and decorations use energy.
    Save energy by switching to LED holiday lights. You can keep all the festivities for much less energy.
  2. Holiday entertaining involves extra cooking and baking, which requires extra electricity.
    Try using your microwave for smaller dishes while saving your oven for larger items, like turkeys. Also make sure you’ve cleaned your refrigerator’s coils and check to make sure its seals fit tightly when the doors close. This will help ensure that just because you are working hard in the kitchen, you’re appliances won’t be doing overtime.
  3. Holiday guests mean more hot water for showers, laundry and dish washing; more heating and lighting in guest rooms; and more cooking.
    Consider installing a thermal wrap around your water heater. Also, try washing your clothes in cold water and remember to clean the inside lint filter before each drying cycle.
  4. Shorter days and longer nights mean lights stay on longer, both inside and out.
    A standard 100-watt lamp costs roughly a penny an hour to operate, so consider replacing it with an energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulb and always remember to turn the lights off when you leave the room.
  5. With colder temperatures, space heaters are often used in garages, basements and other places to provide warmth.
    Remember to turn these units off whenever you are not using them and check the seals around any pipe penetrations coming through the walls. Air that transfers in and out of homes through cracks, crevices and holes increases energy consumption so caulk or add weather stripping around doors, windows and any other openings.
  6. Even if you don’t use electric heat, many heating systems use electricity to power fans and functions.
    Clean or replace your filter and have an HVAC technician check carefully for duct leaks inspect your system to make sure it is working properly. Also keep inside and outdoor coils clean and free of debris.

 

Posted in Energy Savings
Tagged , , , ,
Leave a comment

Winterizing Tips That Work Wonders

Posted on November 3, 2010 by touchstone energy

If you are looking for quick and easy tips to winterize your home, below is a list containing some of the best ways to do save energy and money.

Remember to Change or Clean Your Air Filter This Winter

Remember to Change or Clean Your Air Filter This Winter

  1. Get a Furnace Check-Up.
    While this one may involve the help of a professional, it can be well worth the cost. A simple inspection can ensure that you’ll have heat when you need it. Also be sure to make sure to change your air filter and keep any vents clear.
  2. Apply Weatherstripping to Windows and Doors.
    This is the most common way to winterize your home. First, identify air leaks around your windows and doors, then measure the perimeters of each to know how much you will need to purchase to seal the cracks around movable joints in your home. There are a variety of different types of products to help you complete this task, but be sure to buy about 5-10% extra to account for waste from measurement or cutting errors. In addition, you can also purchase door sweeps to further seal your home.
  3. Seal the Cracks Around Your Home.
    Perhaps the simplest way to guard your interior against chilly breezes is to use a commercial sealant. For best results, make sure the area is clean, dry, and free of any previous sealant. Also try to apply the caulk or sealant in one continuous line, as compared to multiple, short applications.
  4. Install Storm Windows.
    If your home’s windows came with additional storm panes, it is important to install them in the weeks before colder weather starts. Otherwise, plastic insulation kits can give windows of any size or shape a better insulating factor when installed on the inside of the home. Kits start at around $3 per window, and usually include everything needed for installation.
  5. Put a “Blanket” Around Your Hot Water Heater.
    Just like covering up with a blanket helps you stay warm, a Water Heater wrap will also keep in the heat. Covers, or “blankets,” can be purchased at most home improvement stores for between $35 and $70, and are easy to install without professional help. However, be certain that the placement of a blanket will not void your manufacturer’s warranty.

For more information, check out this article.

 

Posted in Energy Savings
Tagged , , , , , , , ,
1 Comment

Winter Energy Saving Tips

Posted on October 28, 2010 by touchstone energy

Sunny summer days are a thing of the past as the cold winter weeks approach us, so here are some energy saving tips to help keep you warm without burning a whole through your wallet.

  1. Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun. Open your blinds during the day and let in the free heat from the sun. Just be sure to close the blinds at night and keep the winter chill out of your home.
  2. Cover Drafty Windows. Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months to reduce air infiltration. You can also install tight-fitting, insulating shades or drapes to help out as well.
  3. Adjust the Temperature. Set your thermostat as low as you are comfortable with to save energy and money. Also, try turning your thermostat back 10°–15° whenever you leave your home or go to sleep and you can save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
  4. Find and Seal Leaks. Use caulk and add weatherstripping to seal any air leaks around you home. Look for openings around utility or plumbing penetrations, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets, as well as leaky doors and windows.
  5. Maintain Your Heating System. Schedule service for your HVAC and remember to replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed. If you have a Wood- and Pellet-burning heaters, be sure to clear your flue vent regularly and clean the inside of the appliance with a wire brush periodically. Also, keep your fireplace damper closed unless you have a fire going.
  6. Lower Your Water Heating Costs. If you haven’t already, turn the temperature of your water heater down to120°F. This will still keep your showers hot but your energy bill cool. Also be sure to drain 1 or 2 gallons from the bottom of the water heater to help reduce sediment build up.
  7. Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs. Try using ENERGY STAR®-qualified or LED holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

Check out this article from The U.S. Department of Energy for more information.

 

Posted in Energy Savings
Tagged , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

Energy Efficient Projects You Can Do In Under An Hour

Posted on October 18, 2010 by touchstone energy

With cooler days ahead, why not take some time now to winterize your home with some quick and easy energy efficient projects you can complete in under an hour.

Switch to CFLs and use 75% less energy than incandescents

Switch to CFLs and use 75% less energy than incandescents

Here are ten ways you can save energy and money around in your home.

  1. Replace Your Showerhead
  2. Add Aerators to Your Faucets
  3. Install a Water-Efficient Toilet
  4. Switch to CFLs
  5. Install a Programmable Thermostat
  6. Build or Install an Insulated Attic Hatch
  7. Stop Chimney Drafts
  8. Drain Sediment From Your Water Heater
  9. Replace Your Washing Machine Hoses
  10. Add Insulating Window Treatments

Each one of these little projects can range in price from $10 to no more than $250 but will save you so much more on your energy bill by the end of the year.

Check out this article for more information.

 

Posted in Energy Savings
Tagged , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

Save Money by Spending More

Posted on September 30, 2010 by touchstone energy

A recent article by Yahoo! Finance listed out a handful of products and services where  spending a little more up front will have you saving more money over time.

Insulate your home to save energy and money.

Insulate your home to save energy and money.

When it came to saving money around your home, they suggest paying what you can best afford on:

  • Home Insulation
  • Light Bulbs
  • Energy Saving Appliances

Take the Home Tour and see what you can save through energy saving practices.

 

Posted in Insulation
Tagged , , ,
3 Comments

Which Light Bulb to Buy? Read the Latest Consumer Reports Study

Posted on September 24, 2010 by touchstone energy

Want to light up your house, without “dimming” your wallet? Not too sure which light bulb to use?  Read about light bulbs that are available now, that not only brighten your home, but help you save energy and money. This excellent article recently appeared in the October, 2010 edition of Consumer Reports.

See this attachment for the full article.

 

Posted in Energy Savings, Lighting
Tagged ,
Leave a comment