Energy Efficiency: Residential Water Heaters

Studies indicate that the average U.S. household spends between $400 and $600 per year on water heating. On average, water heating is the second largest household energy expenditure after space heating and cooling. The vast majority of conventional water heaters sold in the U.S. market are only marginally more efficient than the ones sold 20 years ago, but improved designs do exist that can...

Energy Efficient LED Lighting

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting surpasses the quality, energy efficiency, durability, and versatility of substantially all existing lighting technologies (i.e. fluorescent and incandescent). According to the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) over the next 20 years the transition to LED lighting has the potential to offer the following socioeconomic benefits: Reduce energy expenditures by as...

Energy Efficient Appliances

The average U.S. household spends approximately $2,200 per year on its energy bills. Much of these energy costs originate from the use of basic home appliances, such as: Clothes Washers Dehumidifiers Dishwashers Refrigerators Freezers Room Air Conditioning Room Air Cleaners In making purchasing decisions, many consumers focus solely on the “take home” price (or initial cost), with little if...

Energy Efficient Lighting Products

Studies indicate that lighting makes up approximately 20 percent of a typical U.S. household’s electricity bill. By simply replacing inefficient light bulbsfrom incandescent to fluorescent designs an average residential customer can reduce his or her electricity costs by $30 per  light bulb. In the case of new construction or major renovation/remodelling, installing fluorescent or LED light...

Energy Efficient Dehumidifiers

Choosing an Energy Efficient Dehumidifier Energy Efficient Dehumidifier When shopping for a dehumidifier there are a number of important factors to consider: Capacity: The capacity of a dehumidifier, measured in pints per 24 hours (typically between 10 and 44) is determined by considering the size (ranging between 500 and 2,500 square feet) and condition (moderately damp, very damp, wet, or...

Energy Efficiency Considerations for Clothes Dryers

Since clothes dryers are not strictly regulated by the U.S. government, there is no list of specific requirements that would lead to the development and subsequent participation of clothes dryers in the ENERGY STAR program. A dryer will typically operate for 12  to 15 years and it would not be cost-effective to replace a well-functioning dryer before that amount of time has passed. This is...

Energy Efficiency Considerations for Clothes Washers

Some of the general variables that consumers should consider when selecting the optimum model include volume, modified energy factor, and the water factor. Energy Efficient Clothes Washers Selection Characteristics Prior to actually making a clothes washer purchase, consumers should consider the following specific attributes in their selection process: Resource Efficiency: Clothes washers that...

Residential ENERGY STAR-Energy Efficiency Appliance Programs

Electric Utility Energy Efficiency Appliance Programs The ENERGY STAR and High Efficiency Appliance Programs are used to encourage electricity customers to purchase energy-efficient appliances. As part of the program and in an effort to counter customer resistance resistance form the on higher initial purchase price of high-efficiency appliances, electric utilities are typically offering...

Residential HVAC Energy Efficiency Programs

Energy Efficiency: Residential HVAC Electric utilities offer residential HVAC efficiency programs to encourage customers to acquire high efficiency central air conditioners (CAC) or heat pumps (HP) with SEER ratings of 14.5 or greater. In order to encourage participation and overcome cost barriers related to the higher incremental costs of more efficient equipment, electric utilities are...

Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) Rewards Programs

Energy Efficient Programs: CFL Bulbs An Electric utility’s CFL Rewards Programs are used to encourage customers to purchase compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) instead of incandescent lamps. In order to encourage participation and overcome cost barriers, electric utilities are typically offering mail-in and point-of-sale rebates and markdowns (where possible).  The electric utilities typically...