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...

Energy Efficiency, Energy Conservation, and Demand Reduction Plans

Electric utilities have shifted a significant amount of their resources and attention to implementing programs aimed at reducing energy consumption and lowering peak demand either in: Energy Efficiency-Demand Reduction: Smart Meters Anticipation of projected shortages in generating capacity because of the planned decommissioning of fossil or nuclear power plants or rapid customer...

An Introduction to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Compact Fluorescent Lights A fluorescent lamp uses electricity to excite mercury vapor. The excited mercury atoms produce ultraviolet light and cause phosphors to fluoresce (referred to as gas-discharges). While larger fluorescent lamps have been used for decades in the larger commercial and industrial buildings (the economics are compelling), the advent of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), also...

ENERGY STAR Program

ENERGY STAR Label The ENERGY STAR program was created in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the standard for designating consumer products as energy efficient. Products carrying the ENERGY STAR logo generally use 30 to 35 percent less energy than specified by federal standards. It has since been adopted as a standard in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and...

The Basics of Home Generators

Home Generators Defined A home generator, simply stated, is a device that supplies electricity to residential customers during power outages. It typically provides enough capacity to support the use of essential appliances (e.g. air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, and lights). Home generators work by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by creating an alternating magnetic...