Energy Efficient Dishwashers

Advanced Technology uses Less Water and Energy The consumer appliance market is flooded with improved dishwasher models that apply advanced technology to clean dishes while using less water and energy. These technologies include Soil sensors that can actually test the cleanliness of dishes throughout the wash cycle and adjust the cycle to maximize cleaning while minimizing water and energy...

Energy Efficient Refrigerators

With recent improvements in insulation and compressors, refrigerators in general are much energy efficient. Consumers can realize further savings in energy consumption and costs with the purchase of an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator: Per U.S. Department of Energy requirements, to receive the ENERGY STAR label all refrigerators and freezers must be at least 20 percent more efficient than the...

Improving Home Energy Efficiency by Sealing and Insulating

Studies continue to show that sealing and insulating one’s home in the outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and floors is among the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency and provide comfort. Residential customers can often expect to save 20 percent on their heating and cooling costs (i.e. 10 percent of their total annual energy bill) by sealing air leaks throughout the home to...

Hybrid Cars and Solar Power

Hybrid electric cars try to save energy and reduce emissions wherever  possible while the car is running. Fuel efficiency is achieved when a vehicle is stopped, decelerating, or moving slowly in traffic because the gasoline engine switches off and an electric motor (which creates little or no emissions) switches on. The gasoline engine reengages only as the driver requires more power to reach...

Net Metering – A Developing Concept

What is Net Metering The prospect of dwindling energy resources and increased attention to environmental stewardship have expanded the role consumers can play in improving energy efficiency. Certainly the installation of solar panels on roofs and turning off of lights and appliances when not in use contribute to these initiatives. Despite these best of intentions, the problem of unused (i.e....

Green Roofs are Energy Efficient and Environmentally Clean

Long-Term Cost Savings Green Roofs: Energy Efficient and Environmentally Clean A green roof is one that can sustain living vegetation, yet still protect a building from the elements. The initial costs of installing a green roof are higher than more traditional roofing methods. However, the long-term benefits of a green roof produce savings and have the added benefit of protecting the environment....

Time of Use Electricity Rates

There are a growing number of U.S. electric utilities that offer time-of-use rates where the rates for using electric energy will vary by the time of day, the day of the week and/or by the season. Varying frameworks and criteria based on regional and utility-specific considerations are used to design these programs to encourage more desirable usage patterns and especially to reduce electricity...

Geothermal Heat Pumps Have Lower Lifecycle Costs

Geothermal Heat Pump Qualified geothermal heat pumps have traditionally used 30 percent less energy than standard heat pumps, but with the recently developed ENERGYSTAR specification that went into effect in December 2009 the efficiency should improve to 45 percent. Though more expensive to purchase than standard options, the difference will most assuredly by paid back over time through reduced...

Engaging Customers in Energy Efficiency

Improved Energy Efficiency Requires Changes in Customer Behavior Energy Efficiency: LED Light “Training” residential customers to change their behavior with respect to electricity consumption remains a major challenge to the electric industry in its efforts to achieve goals related to improving energy efficiency and reducing peak load demand. Technology advancements are just beginning to...

The Impact of Electric Vehicles (EV)

Electric Vehicles (EV) Proliferating Electric Vehicle The proliferation of electric vehicles appears to be increasing across the United States as state legislatures and city governments are working hand in hand with electric utilities to incorporate this initiative into their overall clean energy plans. Some specific recent examples include: In October 2008 the state of Hawaii and the Hawaiian...