Green Homes – Environmentally Friendly / Energy Efficient

Figure 1-Improved Insulation The concept of an environmentally friendly home, oftentimes referred to as a “green” home, has gained momentum since the turn of the 21st century. Though attention to “green” technologies tends to gravitate towards the more attractive solutions such as harnessing wind power or installing solar panels on our roofs, the actions related to making our homes...

The Smart Grid Defined

Smart Meters-AMI One of the more commonly used yet least understood terms in today’s electric utility vocabulary is the term Smart Grid. Much like other often-used terms, with broader use it now lacks any precision, particularly given the evolution of many related programs and initiatives. Virtually every presentation on the topic starts with a definition of what Smart Grid is relative to the...

The Value Case for Energy Efficiency

There is no questioning the notion that customer knowledge of how electricity is priced will lead to improved efficiency and conservation, and ultimately lower electricity bills. The continuing challenge to full customer acceptance of any initiative regarding energy efficiency is two-fold: Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Will investors support the programs? The Standard Approach State...

Demand Response-Opportunity and Value

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 specified that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determine the potential for demand response defined as: The ability for customers to change their electrical usage based on changes to price of electricity or in response to incentive payment programs, designed to encourage use of electricity during periods of lower demand. The desired...

ABCs of Energy Efficiency

Simple Measures to Improve Energy Efficiency There are two actions that, with relatively low levels of investment and virtually no intrusion into one’s habits and lifestyle, can have a dramatic impact on the energy efficiency of a home: Air sealing, often referred to as “plugging”, improves the overall energy efficiency of a home and represents one of the more important actions in...

Reducing Home Energy Consumption

By simply cleaning and performing minor maintenance tasks homeowners can significantly improve energy efficiency and realize savings on their energy bills. For example: Cleaning refrigerator coils and removing sediment around the water heater tank will ensure these major appliances operate at maximum efficiency, and Proper insulation in the attic will prevent ice dams from forming on the roof...

Energy Efficient Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), easily mistaken for stucco or concrete, consist of a wall cladding that uses stiff insulation boards on the outside of a structure’s wall and an exterior coating made of plaster. This building technology originated in Germany in the aftermath of World War II and was introduced to the U.S. in the 1960’s. There are a number of varieties, but all...

Wind Turbine Syndrome – The Newest Objection

Wind Turbine Farms Never underestimate our ability to raise objections to change, be it technology or societal driven. Wind power, which currently accounts for 1 percent of the electricity generated in the U.S., has traditionally wrestled with four issues in achieving its ambition of representing 20 percent of the energy produced in the U.S. annually. These objections view wind power...

Conserving Energy in the Laundry Room and Bathroom

The keys to reducing energy consumption in the laundry room and bathroom are to economize on the use of hot water and shorten the operation of appliances. Methods to Conserve Energy in the Laundry Room Energy Efficient Laundry Room The following tips are provided with respect to clothes washers: Cold water detergents are as effective as conventional detergents in cleaning clothing If the...

Showers and Water Conservation

Water conservation in the U.S is not generally a topic of major public concern except for regional events related to droughts over a well-defined period of time. Its level of public attention has not reached the level of importance of electricity conservation, though the use of hot water is a primary factor in electricity consumption in today’s households. Water – particularly water used...