Seven Billion People on Earth- Energy Usage

The world population is growing like wildfire. Now, seven billion people live on earth. The most interesting fact is that if everyone on earth lived the way the United States lived that they would need five earths to maintain all the usage. Energy usage and consumption is horrible in the United States. One is never satisfied with what they have can always buying more than one needs. Please think...

Energy Saving Appliances

ACEEE: Focused on Energy Efficiency The American Council for Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) provides a wealth of information regarding energy efficiency. Founded in 1980, its program areas include Federal and State Energy Policy, Research and Communication. The following link provides tremendous insights to assist homeowners in purchasing Energy Saving...

Electric Vehicles-Just the Facts

Are we Prepared for Electric Vehiclex As the automobile industry includes electric vehicles in its product portfolio, there remains more questions than answers regarding the affordability and applicability of electric vehicles for the typical consumer. And, as we address these questions, there is little, if any guidance on which makes and models offer the benefits we would expect from selecting...

How to Keep Your Electric Bill in Check

The summers seem to be getting hotter and the winters colder, adding to the increasing role of energy (and electricity in particular) in our day-to-day living. The following posting presents 13 practical steps that can be taken to keep your electric bill at reasonable levels, particularly as the cost per kWh continues to...

Monthly Electric Bill Estimator

The Online Electric Bill Calculator As economic challenges continue to impact today’s consumers, the cost of energy remains a key and vital part of a household budget. Recognizing that proactive planning can alleviate some of the economic stress being absorbed by many, and may even point to opportunities to save on the cost of energy, there are a number of tools available to assist in...

Operation and Repair of Fluorescent Lamps

There are a number of reasons why homeowners might consider voluntarily replacing incandescent fixtures with fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps offer: More even and “shadow-free” illumination, and Improved energy efficiency as a significant amount of the electricity in an incandescent bulb is discharged as heat rather than light, where as a fluorescent bulb remains cool. Operation of...

Energy Performance Ratings

Energy Performance Ratings for windows, doors, and skylights indicate the potential for gaining or losing heat as well as transmitting sunlight into the home. Heat loss or gain can occur in a number of ways: Conduction, Radiation, and / or Air leakage. These properties are typically measured and rated according to a number of performance characteristics. Performance Characteristics The National...

Thermographic Inspections – An Energy Auditor’s Tool

Thermal Imaging Camera Infrared scanning, commonly referred to as “thermographic inspections,” detects thermal defects and air leakage in buildings. Through the use of infrared video and still cameras and their images (referred to as “thermograms”), this process: Measures surface temperatures, Detects light from the heat spectrum images on the video / film, and Records variations in...

“Do-It- Yourself” Home Energy Audits

A home energy assessment, commonly referred to as a “do-it-yourself” home energy audit, requires a comprehensive walk-through that, when coupled with the development of a detailed punch list of discrepancies, provides a means to upgrade the energy efficiency of one’s home. Typically, these audits inspect four major areas: Air Leaks Insulation Heating / Cooling Equipment Lighting Air Leaks...

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs – Are they Helpful or Harmful?

Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL) are the likely replacement for the traditional incandescent bulbs that have been the standard since the early 20th century. CFL’s have joined home thermostats and fish as potential contributors to mercury exposure. Since mercury is a neurotoxin, it can cause damage to nerve cells, and can be harmful even in small doses. The effects of mercury exposure can...