26 economical ways to keep your house cooler
Simple changes such as moving lamps away from thermostats can save you hundreds of dollars. Here is more money -- and energy -- saving tips.
Sure, go ahead and turn that thermostat up to 80. You'll be sweaty and still shelling out a bundle -- unless you take other steps to make summer heat more bearable and reduce stress on your air conditioner.
Most of these cost little or nothing. Thank the Department of Energy's Energy Savers program, which provides most of these tips (and more) on its own
Get the most from your air conditioning
Open windows and use portable or ceiling fans instead of operating your air conditioner. Even mild air movement of 1 mph can make you feel three or four degrees cooler. Make sure your ceiling fan is turned for summer -- you should feel the air blown downward. If you live in a relatively dry climate, a bowl or tray of ice in front of a box fan can cool you as it evaporates.
Use a fan with your window air conditioner to spread the cool air through your home.
Without blocking air flow, shade your outside compressor. Change air filters monthly during the summer.
Use a programmable thermostat with your air conditioner to adjust the setting at night or when no one is home.
Don't place lamps or TV’s near your air conditioning thermostat? The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.
Consider installing a whole house fan or evaporative cooler (a "swamp cooler") if appropriate for your climate. Attics trap fierce amounts of heat; a well-placed and -sized whole-house fan pulls air through open windows on the bottom floors and exhausts it through the roof, lowering the inside temperature and reducing energy use by as much as third compared with an air conditioner. Cost is between $200 and $400 if you install it yourself. An evaporative cooler pulls air over pads soaked in cold water and uses a quarter the energy of refrigerated air, but they're useful only in low-humidity areas. Cost is $200 to $600. (See "Keep cool without pricey AC.")
Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
Install awnings on south-facing windows. Because of the angle of the sun, trees, a trellis, or a fence will best shade west-facing windows. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows.
Landscaping for a cooler house
Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses less electricity. Clean your compressor/condensing unit monthly – power wash.
Grown on trellises, vines such as ivy or grapevines can shade windows or the whole side of a house.
Avoid landscaping with lots of un-shaded rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides. It increases the temperature around the house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.
Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep your house cool in the summer. Just three trees, properly placed around a house, can save a few hundred dollars in annual cooling and heating costs. In summer, daytime air temperatures can be 3 degrees to 6 degrees cooler in tree-shaded neighborhoods.
Little things mean a lot
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents or LED; they produce the same light but use a fifth the energy and heat
Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater; 115° is comfortable for most uses.
Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
Don't air-condition the whole neighborhood
Caulking and weather-stripping will keep cool air in during the summer.
If you see holes or separated joints in your ducts, hire a professional to repair them.
Add insulation around air conditioning ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages; do the same for whole-house fans where they open to the exterior or to the attic. Install ERV.
Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed.
Plan ahead
More costly but effective cooling measures are available as your home undergoes normal upgrades and repairs.
A 10-year-old air conditioner, for example, is only half as efficient as a new one. A quick check of your air conditioner's efficiency can help you decide whether to call in a service professional. Use a household thermometer to measure the temperature of the discharge air from the register and the temperature of the return air at the return-air grill. (Keep the thermometer in place for five minutes to get a steady temperature.) The difference should be from 14 to 20 degrees, experts say. An air conditioner that's not cooling to those levels could be low on refrigerant or have leaks. A unit cooling more than 20 degrees could have a severe blockage.
Using light shingles on a new roof can cut the amount of heat the house absorbs. Repainting in a light color, especially south- and west-facing exterior areas, helps as well.
Upgraded insulation in the attic, attic fans and double-paned windows all around, complete with tinting to reflect sunlight, are good ideas, too. Install outdoor window shades on Southern and Western Exposure.
Keep cool without pricey AC
Whole-house fans and evaporative coolers can take the edge off summer's heat for just pennies an hour. But they're not for everyone or every climate.
You might think your only options for a heat wave are air conditioning, fans or sweating it out. But a couple of old-school technologies could keep you cooler and cut your electricity bills at the same time.
There's always a catch, though, isn't there? These alternatives -- whole-house fans and evaporative coolers -- don't perform well in all climates. If your area is humid, you won't be able to use most evaporative coolers. If your skies stay warm at night or if you don't have an attic, don't try a whole-house fan.
But if nights are cool and you've got a hot attic, or if your air isn't already dripping with moisture, read on. You could save a bundle.
energy bills?
Not long ago, fans and evaporative coolers -- known with derisive affection as "swamp coolers" -- made homes livable in the hottest climates. "In the '60s, an evaporative cooler was all we had," recalls Arizona native John Kirby, an engineer with SRP, a Phoenix-area utility. "Most homes couldn't afford air conditioning until it got more reasonable."
But there were downsides, including noise and, with swamp coolers, lots of maintenance. Enter central air conditioning: Invisible and quiet, it became the high-status choice. In the U.S., 89% of homes built in 2006 had central air, says the National Association of Home Builders, compared with just 46% in 1976.
But air conditioners draw lots of power, so now, with both summer temperatures and electricity costs rising, these old energy misers deserve a second look with newer, quieter models that need less maintenance.
Evaporative coolers
These also are called "poor people's air conditioning" because they're so cheap to run. But what's wrong with that? They use up to 75% less energy than air conditioners, says Gerald Katz, an energy specialist with Colton (Calif.) Electric Utility.
Because they don't cool as effectively as air conditioning, in really hot climates their use is limited to late spring and early fall.
There are several types:
Rolling. These budget coolers cost about $300, and run for as little as pennies an hour, depending on local electric rates. They are particularly effective in apartments and condos, where rooms are smaller and rules might prohibit anything in the windows.
Window. Old coolers were big, noisy metal boxes that covered a window. Many new ones use high-quality plastic and sit outside, beneath a window, with an outlet through the window into the home. They cost about $400 and up, installed, and less than 10 cents an hour to operate. They must be flushed and cleaned regularly to prevent rust and calcium buildup. Newer models need only yearly maintenance.
Roof-mounted. These high-end, low-maintenance coolers are installed on roofs and connected to ducts that direct cool air into the house and force hot air up and out. Some are built right into attics. They cost $1,000 and up, installed, and up to 20 cents an hour to run. But compare that with $5,000 to $6,000 for new central air that costs 75 cents to $1 an hour to run.
Save more money
Katz's municipally owned utility gives small evaporative coolers to some low-income customers. "I've seen bills drop by $100 a month when we give people these," he says.
His job includes helping customers conserve electricity -- and money. "I see people paying $150 a month for electricity in apartments and $200 to $300 or more in homes," he says. In summer, electricity use typically doubles, which tells him that air conditioning accounts for about half the bill.
The heat is on
You can count on your power bills to rise alongside summer's temperatures.
Evaporative coolers work by pulling fresh air over pads soaked in cold water. The air is chilled, cleansed and sent into the house on a cool breeze. You must open windows or doors while it's running so hot air can escape. If that's unsafe, consider an UpDuct, a pressure-operated damper ($12 to $15 where you buy evaporative coolers) installed in outside walls.
Continued: Making the decision
Advanced systems -- two-stage evaporative coolers such as those made by AdobeAir and Davis Energy Group's OASys -- employ a pre-cooler to extend the product's usefulness into hotter and more-humid conditions.
Making the decision
Coolers add humidity, so they shine where humidity is low. How low? A chart at the California Energy Commission's site shows optimum conditions to help you decide. A map at the Washington State University site marks the best regions (typically from the Rockies westward).
Should you buy a new evaporative cooler? That depends on your bills, your weather and the efficiency of the system you've already got. You might purchase a portable unit on a trial basis. Find them at home-improvement centers and chains such as Sears and Wal-Mart. They often sell out in heat waves, so call around to locate one, then check the store's return policy to ensure you could get a full refund. Learn how many days you have to return it and save your receipt. If the model you buy is noisy, try other brands.
Higher-end coolers require professional installation, so contact air-conditioning companies. They cost less than air conditioners and need no expensive professional maintenance, so providers are less motivated to carry them. You may have to phone around to find one.
Whole-house fans
Where nights are cooler, even during one or two seasons, a whole-house fan can whittle your electric bill. Their cost ranges from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 for the most expensive home units, with installation starting at around $300, more if attic venting is included. But it can shave 30% off your bill if you run it instead of air conditioning at night.
"At night you bring all this cool air into the house, then you close the house up in the day and you are living off the cool you got in the night," says Kirby, who used a whole-house fan while living in Missouri.
Video on MSN Money
The heat is on
You can count on your power bills to rise alongside summer's temperatures.
You'll need an attic because the point of the fan is to cool it off. It fits into the ceiling, usually in a hallway, and sucks hot air up and out attic vents. It can be quite effective.
Manny Robledo, in sweltering San Dimas, Calif., uses a whole-house fan. Returning home after a hot day, "you turn this thing on, and in a matter of 15 minutes you cool the house," he says.
Comparing costs
Here's how to compare the cost of operating your air conditioner with an evaporative cooler or whole-house fan:
Estimate how many hours a month you run air conditioning.
Check the label on your air conditioner to see how many kilowatts it uses. The label may not say, but it will show the amps and volts used, so calculate the number of watts it consumes by multiplying the amps (quantity of energy used) by the volts (pressure at which the energy is delivered) on the label. Divide by 1,000 for kilowatts.
Multiple the kilowatts used by the number of hours you run air conditioning each month to find the kilowatt-hours it consumes monthly.
Next, see what it's costing you to run the air conditioner by consulting your electric bill to find the cost of a kilowatt-hour of electricity. Multiple the cost by the number you arrived at for kilowatt-hours.
Do the same for the new appliance.
If in doubt, remember: The savings from an energy-efficient appliance will increase over time. "The way utility costs are rising, savings could potentially grow,"
Compiled by: Jay Draiman
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Utilizing all the sources into one formula.
Utilizing all the sources into one formula.
Often partial solutions to our problems are presented on the Internet but nobody puts the pieces together. Recently, I have focused quite a bit on the energy issue, and I have found that solutions abound, but the political will to implement them is lacking, or they appear uneconomical because they are, by themselves in fact uneconomical.
A good example of this is wind power penetrating the grid at more than about 20%. By itself taken in isolation, with all other variables ignored; more than about 20% seems impractical because of the variability of wind. But taken with other solutions the picture is quite different.
Our existing electrical grid is mostly an AC grid, the east and the western grids aren't substantially connected, and overall it's inefficient, unreliable, and at capacity straining to meet ever growing demands.
If this weren't the case; if we modernized our electrical grid adding east-west ties and converting all spans longer than 300km to DC transmission, first, doing this alone would be like adding 15% additional generating capacity to the grid without any additional pollution because we could cut the losses from around 17% to around 2%. Moreover, efficient east-west transmission would allow us to distribute the peak load across the time zones requiring less peak capacity and making more efficient use of the capacity we already have, above and beyond grid losses.
If we can utilize geographical diversity with wind generation, something only possible with the modernization of our power grid; then the total capacity available from wind power never falls below about 1/3rd of peak capacity, and then we could, if we choose, simply overbuild capacity and supply our entire electrical needs from wind alone. I'm not advocating wind alone, ideally we'd use a mixture of renewable sources, solar, geo-thermal, ocean-current, ocean-wave, tidal, ocean-thermal, various forms of hydro (there are forms that can capture energy from the movement of river water without dams), etc.
We could generate all of our electricity by wind if we so choose simply by building 3x as much capacity as we need and modernizing the electrical grid. But there is a snag, wind, presently the least expensive method of generating electricity, less so even than coal now, would lose its attractive economics if we had to overbuild by 3x AND if there were no market for that peak power.
Add in some other technologies, for example, we can take electricity, carbon dioxide, and water, and using one of three processes, we can make an alcohol called Butynol (Butynol is manufactured by combining the petroleum gases. isobutylene and isoprene at the extremely low temperature of 100 degree centigrade) which can directly be used as a replacement for gasoline in ordinary gasoline cars. Butynol actually has tremendous advantages over gasoline. Butynol produces only 3% of the hydrocarbon emissions, almost un-measurable carbon monoxide emissions, and greatly reduced nitrous oxides relative to gasoline. It also produces slightly better fuel mileage and power, greatly reduced acidic blow-by products (thereby enhancing engine life) and less waste heat (also enhancing engine life).
We can make Butynol from electricity, carbon dioxide, and water by one of three methods. There exists a kind of reverse fuel cell that was recently invented that uses a catalyst in the presence of electricity to convert carbon dioxide and water to Butynol. That is one method; it's a method that from what I've read Richard Branson paid to have developed to produce Butynol as a renewable jet fuel. However, there are two other methods also that can be used, carbon dioxide can be electrolyzed into oxygen and carbon monoxide, the carbon monoxide can be mixed with steam to form "process gas", and then in the presence of catalysts, this can be used to create a variety of useful hydrocarbons including Butynol. Lastly, electricity can be used to create sufficient heat to disassociate carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen and then the same process that follows electrolysis can be used. The last process has been demonstrated on an industrial scale, I'm not sure if the first processes have made it out of the lab, but they have at least been demonstrated in the lab. Using the latter two processes it is also possible to make synthetic diesel.
If use the electricity generated during times when there is excess capacity to create Butynol, we can replace imported oil used for gasoline and diesel, while at the same time providing a market for the peak electrical production, thereby allowing wind power to be economical even when capacity is overbuilt, and we create a market for the carbon dioxide generated by existing coal and gas fired plants instead of just releasing the carbon dioxide into the air. When the Butynol is burned it will release carbon dioxide, but this is displacing oil that would have been burnt, so the net result will be a reduction in carbon dioxide and if we can bring enough renewable electricity capacity online to eliminate the need for fossil fueled power generation, then we can continue to make Butynol by sequestering carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, thus making the process a closed loop resulting in no net carbon dioxide increase.
Any one of these elements by themselves may not be economic; but they are all mutually synergistic and implemented together they could eliminate our dependency upon foreign oil first, and later eliminate our dependency upon fossil fuels (or for that matter abiotic oil) entirely. (Abiotic - generally asserting that oil is formed from magma instead of an organic origin)
We should be doing this, and we should not be doing it ten or fifty years from now, we should be doing it now.
Jay Draiman said...
Water is the source of life - treasure it! R4.
Water is the source of all life on earth. It touches every area of our lives. Without it, we could not thrive — we could not even survive.
Sustainability – “We strive to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
We should discourage wastefulness and misuse, and promote efficiency and conservation.
"Conservation is really the cheapest source of supply,"
For the benefit of mankind, maintain the quality of life and preserve the peace and tranquility of world population. Water resources must be preserved - to sustain humanity. We must eliminate wasteful utilization of water, conserve our water sources and implement rigid conservation methods. We should utilize solar and or other source of renewable energy to operate desalinization projects from the oceans. Utilize renewable energy sources to purify and transport the water to its final destination. As world population increases the scarcity of water will become a cause for conflict, unless we take steps now to develop other sources of water for drinking, rainwater harvesting – storm-water and gray-water utilization. Designing of landscaping that uses minimal amount of water.
"With power shortages and a water scarcity a constant threat across the West, it's time to look at water and energy in a new way,"
To preserve the future generations sustainability, we should look into urban farming – vertical farming. The term "urban farming" may conjure up a community garden where locals grow a few heads of lettuce. But some academics envision something quite different for the increasingly hungry world of the 21st century: a vertical farm that will do for agriculture what the skyscraper did for office space. Greenhouse giant: By stacking floors full of produce, a vertical farm could rake in $18 million a year.
Jay Draiman, Energy and water conservation consultant
June 29, 2008
PS.
Hydro dynamics: forget oil. Sharing freshwater equitably poses political conundrums as explosive and far-reaching as global climate change.
Quoted from other sources
Anyone who has ever stood on a beach and looked out into the vast expanse of an ocean knows that there is a lot of water on this planet. In fact, 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water. It may seem like water is all around us, but safe, clean, reliable drinking water is not a ceaseless resource. The problems facing drinking water range from failing infrastructure, to climate change, to insufficient supplies.
Personal Conservation
Preserving our water resources is not a job for water industry professionals alone. We all have a vested interest in ensuring that water remains safe, affordable and available. Therefore, each individual American has a responsibility to monitor and control their water use, There are many simple ways for people to reduce excess water use, lower water bills and protect the environment, especially in die spring and summer months, Beyond the standard constraints of watering the lawn only when necessary and washing car wisely by using soap and a bucket of water, some steps include: draining water lines to outside faucets, disconnecting hoses, shutting off outdoor water sources during cold weather and running a small trickle of water on whiter nights to prevent pipe from freezing.
Conclusion:
Water supply management is an issue that affects us all. It may not be apparent to every citizen today, but with climate change and population shifts transforming the United States, it soon will be. Effective solutions need to be put into place today before we are faced with a water crisis. A focus on careful planning, treatments, innovations and conservation measures will help to create stability for long-term water management. Commitment to keeping water at the top of the list for communities and citizens will better prepare us for whatever the future of water holds.
WATER!
The indispensable source of life-without water there would be no industry, no agriculture and, most importantly of all, no life. In dry parts of the world this essential commodity is even more precious. Almost all human actions involve water from taking a shower to reading a newspaper to driving a car or simply eating a sandwich - almost everything we do or touch is somehow related to this precious treasure. We ask that you stop and think how you use water and what you can do to conserve this essential natural resource.
*Water, beliefs and customs,
*Water as a vehicle of the economy,
*Water, source of art and life, irrigation and cultivation.
The people have decided to act to try and develop a real awareness program on the theme of water preservation and distribution in an attempt to help maintain the original purity of rivers and streams.
In many parts of the world water sources and wells are not equally distributed. Water as a source of life can also be at the source of conflict.
Whether we live in India, Iceland or the Atlas… we have always tried to trap and tame water. Dams, pumps, canals, water treatment centers; there are so many different ways to exploit this resource that we often forget how fragile this unique and essential treasure actually is.
Unfortunately, many of the things we do every day can harm our water. That’s why all people and government should be working with municipalities, farmers, business leaders and developers just like you to take action to protect our water and clean it up.
Small changes can make a big difference. This guide outlines practical things we can all do to preserve and protect our water. We all need to be part of the solution.
Concentrated Solar Power, which requires no solar panels at all. It works by concentrating sunlight onto a small pipe using cheap parabolic reflectors. The pipe contains a liquid that’s heated to very high temperatures by the sun and drives a steam boiler that rotates a turbine to generate electricity (much like nuclear power plants, but without the nuclear waste). It’s cheap, low-tech, and far more affordable than solar power. Plus, it can be built in practically any desert, so it doesn’t take up valuable land. As another bonus, when CSP operations are built near the ocean, they can desalinate ocean water as a side effect, providing fresh water for irrigation to grow food. This is the only renewable energy technology I know of that can produce cheap energy, fresh water and crop irrigation all at the same time. Plus, it has no emissions, no toxic chemicals, no nuclear waste and very little environmental impact..
“You can’t escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today” - Abraham Lincoln said it.
“That man is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest” – Henry David Thoreau.
“To waste, to destroy, our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified and developed” – Theodore Roosevelt.
“When the ‘study of the household’ (ecology) and the ‘management of the household’ (economics) can be merged, and when ethics can be extended to include ‘environmental’ as well as human values, then we can be optimistic about the future of mankind. Accordingly, bringing together these three E’s is the ultimate holism and the great challenge for our future” – Eugene Odum.
Water, it’s been said, is the "oil of the 21st century" -- a commodity whose availability and quality may be subject to both known and unknown influences. For companies, that poses significant risks, and many companies are making water a strategic issue, creating water management plans that include efficiency and conservation as well as contingency plans should water become less available or more costly. Many firms are examining their products, policies, and processes through the lens of a world in which the availability of water becomes a constraint to doing business.
June 29, 2008
Comment
To be sure water is important to life; it's one of the first things we look for on another planet when considering whether that planet may or may not be capable of supporting life.
That said; fresh water on Earth is a secondary problem. Water is an issue only to the degree energy is an issue because there is plenty of salt water and energy can turn salt water into fresh water.
You and I disagree with respect to priorities. You make the statement, "As population rises water will become more scarce".
Well, that's true; but let's look at the first part of that equation, "As population rises", and attack that issue first.
Population doesn't rise in developed countries with robust economies except through immigration.
The lesson there is, if we can eliminate poverty globally, we'll eliminate population growth. In my view, this ought to be priority number one because sustainability depends upon a stable population.
Eliminating poverty, even with conservation, is going to require increased energy production and that can't be accommodated by fossil fuels.
Even worse; the production of fossil fuels has at least temporarily peaked, and even though recent discoveries and new technology will no doubt allow it to continue to grow, no new technology will produce more air; or ocean capable of absorbing carbon dioxide; therefore it's important that the use of fossil fuels not increase, even if we are capable of doing so.
However, the demand is growing and supply is stable or shrinking, if this issue isn't addressed immediately we're looking at a world of economic collapse, widespread hunger, and increased population growth rate.
So we need to consider every option available to replace declining sweet light crude production, we can not, absolutely can not "forget oil" as you suggest.
June 29, 2008
Often partial solutions to our problems are presented on the Internet but nobody puts the pieces together. Recently, I have focused quite a bit on the energy issue, and I have found that solutions abound, but the political will to implement them is lacking, or they appear uneconomical because they are, by themselves in fact uneconomical.
A good example of this is wind power penetrating the grid at more than about 20%. By itself taken in isolation, with all other variables ignored; more than about 20% seems impractical because of the variability of wind. But taken with other solutions the picture is quite different.
Our existing electrical grid is mostly an AC grid, the east and the western grids aren't substantially connected, and overall it's inefficient, unreliable, and at capacity straining to meet ever growing demands.
If this weren't the case; if we modernized our electrical grid adding east-west ties and converting all spans longer than 300km to DC transmission, first, doing this alone would be like adding 15% additional generating capacity to the grid without any additional pollution because we could cut the losses from around 17% to around 2%. Moreover, efficient east-west transmission would allow us to distribute the peak load across the time zones requiring less peak capacity and making more efficient use of the capacity we already have, above and beyond grid losses.
If we can utilize geographical diversity with wind generation, something only possible with the modernization of our power grid; then the total capacity available from wind power never falls below about 1/3rd of peak capacity, and then we could, if we choose, simply overbuild capacity and supply our entire electrical needs from wind alone. I'm not advocating wind alone, ideally we'd use a mixture of renewable sources, solar, geo-thermal, ocean-current, ocean-wave, tidal, ocean-thermal, various forms of hydro (there are forms that can capture energy from the movement of river water without dams), etc.
We could generate all of our electricity by wind if we so choose simply by building 3x as much capacity as we need and modernizing the electrical grid. But there is a snag, wind, presently the least expensive method of generating electricity, less so even than coal now, would lose its attractive economics if we had to overbuild by 3x AND if there were no market for that peak power.
Add in some other technologies, for example, we can take electricity, carbon dioxide, and water, and using one of three processes, we can make an alcohol called Butynol (Butynol is manufactured by combining the petroleum gases. isobutylene and isoprene at the extremely low temperature of 100 degree centigrade) which can directly be used as a replacement for gasoline in ordinary gasoline cars. Butynol actually has tremendous advantages over gasoline. Butynol produces only 3% of the hydrocarbon emissions, almost un-measurable carbon monoxide emissions, and greatly reduced nitrous oxides relative to gasoline. It also produces slightly better fuel mileage and power, greatly reduced acidic blow-by products (thereby enhancing engine life) and less waste heat (also enhancing engine life).
We can make Butynol from electricity, carbon dioxide, and water by one of three methods. There exists a kind of reverse fuel cell that was recently invented that uses a catalyst in the presence of electricity to convert carbon dioxide and water to Butynol. That is one method; it's a method that from what I've read Richard Branson paid to have developed to produce Butynol as a renewable jet fuel. However, there are two other methods also that can be used, carbon dioxide can be electrolyzed into oxygen and carbon monoxide, the carbon monoxide can be mixed with steam to form "process gas", and then in the presence of catalysts, this can be used to create a variety of useful hydrocarbons including Butynol. Lastly, electricity can be used to create sufficient heat to disassociate carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen and then the same process that follows electrolysis can be used. The last process has been demonstrated on an industrial scale, I'm not sure if the first processes have made it out of the lab, but they have at least been demonstrated in the lab. Using the latter two processes it is also possible to make synthetic diesel.
If use the electricity generated during times when there is excess capacity to create Butynol, we can replace imported oil used for gasoline and diesel, while at the same time providing a market for the peak electrical production, thereby allowing wind power to be economical even when capacity is overbuilt, and we create a market for the carbon dioxide generated by existing coal and gas fired plants instead of just releasing the carbon dioxide into the air. When the Butynol is burned it will release carbon dioxide, but this is displacing oil that would have been burnt, so the net result will be a reduction in carbon dioxide and if we can bring enough renewable electricity capacity online to eliminate the need for fossil fueled power generation, then we can continue to make Butynol by sequestering carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, thus making the process a closed loop resulting in no net carbon dioxide increase.
Any one of these elements by themselves may not be economic; but they are all mutually synergistic and implemented together they could eliminate our dependency upon foreign oil first, and later eliminate our dependency upon fossil fuels (or for that matter abiotic oil) entirely. (Abiotic - generally asserting that oil is formed from magma instead of an organic origin)
We should be doing this, and we should not be doing it ten or fifty years from now, we should be doing it now.
Jay Draiman said...
Water is the source of life - treasure it! R4.
Water is the source of all life on earth. It touches every area of our lives. Without it, we could not thrive — we could not even survive.
Sustainability – “We strive to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
We should discourage wastefulness and misuse, and promote efficiency and conservation.
"Conservation is really the cheapest source of supply,"
For the benefit of mankind, maintain the quality of life and preserve the peace and tranquility of world population. Water resources must be preserved - to sustain humanity. We must eliminate wasteful utilization of water, conserve our water sources and implement rigid conservation methods. We should utilize solar and or other source of renewable energy to operate desalinization projects from the oceans. Utilize renewable energy sources to purify and transport the water to its final destination. As world population increases the scarcity of water will become a cause for conflict, unless we take steps now to develop other sources of water for drinking, rainwater harvesting – storm-water and gray-water utilization. Designing of landscaping that uses minimal amount of water.
"With power shortages and a water scarcity a constant threat across the West, it's time to look at water and energy in a new way,"
To preserve the future generations sustainability, we should look into urban farming – vertical farming. The term "urban farming" may conjure up a community garden where locals grow a few heads of lettuce. But some academics envision something quite different for the increasingly hungry world of the 21st century: a vertical farm that will do for agriculture what the skyscraper did for office space. Greenhouse giant: By stacking floors full of produce, a vertical farm could rake in $18 million a year.
Jay Draiman, Energy and water conservation consultant
June 29, 2008
PS.
Hydro dynamics: forget oil. Sharing freshwater equitably poses political conundrums as explosive and far-reaching as global climate change.
Quoted from other sources
Anyone who has ever stood on a beach and looked out into the vast expanse of an ocean knows that there is a lot of water on this planet. In fact, 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water. It may seem like water is all around us, but safe, clean, reliable drinking water is not a ceaseless resource. The problems facing drinking water range from failing infrastructure, to climate change, to insufficient supplies.
Personal Conservation
Preserving our water resources is not a job for water industry professionals alone. We all have a vested interest in ensuring that water remains safe, affordable and available. Therefore, each individual American has a responsibility to monitor and control their water use, There are many simple ways for people to reduce excess water use, lower water bills and protect the environment, especially in die spring and summer months, Beyond the standard constraints of watering the lawn only when necessary and washing car wisely by using soap and a bucket of water, some steps include: draining water lines to outside faucets, disconnecting hoses, shutting off outdoor water sources during cold weather and running a small trickle of water on whiter nights to prevent pipe from freezing.
Conclusion:
Water supply management is an issue that affects us all. It may not be apparent to every citizen today, but with climate change and population shifts transforming the United States, it soon will be. Effective solutions need to be put into place today before we are faced with a water crisis. A focus on careful planning, treatments, innovations and conservation measures will help to create stability for long-term water management. Commitment to keeping water at the top of the list for communities and citizens will better prepare us for whatever the future of water holds.
WATER!
The indispensable source of life-without water there would be no industry, no agriculture and, most importantly of all, no life. In dry parts of the world this essential commodity is even more precious. Almost all human actions involve water from taking a shower to reading a newspaper to driving a car or simply eating a sandwich - almost everything we do or touch is somehow related to this precious treasure. We ask that you stop and think how you use water and what you can do to conserve this essential natural resource.
*Water, beliefs and customs,
*Water as a vehicle of the economy,
*Water, source of art and life, irrigation and cultivation.
The people have decided to act to try and develop a real awareness program on the theme of water preservation and distribution in an attempt to help maintain the original purity of rivers and streams.
In many parts of the world water sources and wells are not equally distributed. Water as a source of life can also be at the source of conflict.
Whether we live in India, Iceland or the Atlas… we have always tried to trap and tame water. Dams, pumps, canals, water treatment centers; there are so many different ways to exploit this resource that we often forget how fragile this unique and essential treasure actually is.
Unfortunately, many of the things we do every day can harm our water. That’s why all people and government should be working with municipalities, farmers, business leaders and developers just like you to take action to protect our water and clean it up.
Small changes can make a big difference. This guide outlines practical things we can all do to preserve and protect our water. We all need to be part of the solution.
Concentrated Solar Power, which requires no solar panels at all. It works by concentrating sunlight onto a small pipe using cheap parabolic reflectors. The pipe contains a liquid that’s heated to very high temperatures by the sun and drives a steam boiler that rotates a turbine to generate electricity (much like nuclear power plants, but without the nuclear waste). It’s cheap, low-tech, and far more affordable than solar power. Plus, it can be built in practically any desert, so it doesn’t take up valuable land. As another bonus, when CSP operations are built near the ocean, they can desalinate ocean water as a side effect, providing fresh water for irrigation to grow food. This is the only renewable energy technology I know of that can produce cheap energy, fresh water and crop irrigation all at the same time. Plus, it has no emissions, no toxic chemicals, no nuclear waste and very little environmental impact..
“You can’t escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today” - Abraham Lincoln said it.
“That man is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest” – Henry David Thoreau.
“To waste, to destroy, our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified and developed” – Theodore Roosevelt.
“When the ‘study of the household’ (ecology) and the ‘management of the household’ (economics) can be merged, and when ethics can be extended to include ‘environmental’ as well as human values, then we can be optimistic about the future of mankind. Accordingly, bringing together these three E’s is the ultimate holism and the great challenge for our future” – Eugene Odum.
Water, it’s been said, is the "oil of the 21st century" -- a commodity whose availability and quality may be subject to both known and unknown influences. For companies, that poses significant risks, and many companies are making water a strategic issue, creating water management plans that include efficiency and conservation as well as contingency plans should water become less available or more costly. Many firms are examining their products, policies, and processes through the lens of a world in which the availability of water becomes a constraint to doing business.
June 29, 2008
Comment
To be sure water is important to life; it's one of the first things we look for on another planet when considering whether that planet may or may not be capable of supporting life.
That said; fresh water on Earth is a secondary problem. Water is an issue only to the degree energy is an issue because there is plenty of salt water and energy can turn salt water into fresh water.
You and I disagree with respect to priorities. You make the statement, "As population rises water will become more scarce".
Well, that's true; but let's look at the first part of that equation, "As population rises", and attack that issue first.
Population doesn't rise in developed countries with robust economies except through immigration.
The lesson there is, if we can eliminate poverty globally, we'll eliminate population growth. In my view, this ought to be priority number one because sustainability depends upon a stable population.
Eliminating poverty, even with conservation, is going to require increased energy production and that can't be accommodated by fossil fuels.
Even worse; the production of fossil fuels has at least temporarily peaked, and even though recent discoveries and new technology will no doubt allow it to continue to grow, no new technology will produce more air; or ocean capable of absorbing carbon dioxide; therefore it's important that the use of fossil fuels not increase, even if we are capable of doing so.
However, the demand is growing and supply is stable or shrinking, if this issue isn't addressed immediately we're looking at a world of economic collapse, widespread hunger, and increased population growth rate.
So we need to consider every option available to replace declining sweet light crude production, we can not, absolutely can not "forget oil" as you suggest.
June 29, 2008
Monday, August 8, 2011
Renewable Energy Manufactures/suppliers should use their own product to manufacture.
Renewable Energy Manufactures/suppliers should use their own product to manufacture.
The manufacturers’ of Solar Panels and other forms of renewable energy with related support products manufactures/suppliers - should have at least the decency to practice what they preach what they market to the public.
That would be the best marketing approach I can think off.
If they believe in the product they manufacture/sell, they should utilize it to its fullest potential.
It will give the manufacturer the actual experience of utilizing the product on a daily basis, view and experience any shortcoming or improvements that are needed, implement the improvements and capitalize on that revision to improve the product and its performance.
This will instill confidence in the public to purchase the product.
Jay Draiman, Energy Analyst
PS
As with any new technology, PV will become more efficient, cheaper and cleaner to produce. In order for this to happen we (Governments / NGOs / Individuals) need to invest more time and money into making PV viable, e.g. through increased incentives, regulations, technical standards, R&D, manufacturing processes and generating consumer demand.
Just like the automobile industry, the manufacture used its own product.
Over the years the automobile industry and technology has evolved from the early 1900 to what it is today the year 2008.
I predict that in 10 years the automobile we know today will change drastically for the better, with new fuel technology and other modification that will improve its scales of economy and features.
The manufacturers’ of Solar Panels and other forms of renewable energy with related support products manufactures/suppliers - should have at least the decency to practice what they preach what they market to the public.
That would be the best marketing approach I can think off.
If they believe in the product they manufacture/sell, they should utilize it to its fullest potential.
It will give the manufacturer the actual experience of utilizing the product on a daily basis, view and experience any shortcoming or improvements that are needed, implement the improvements and capitalize on that revision to improve the product and its performance.
This will instill confidence in the public to purchase the product.
Jay Draiman, Energy Analyst
PS
As with any new technology, PV will become more efficient, cheaper and cleaner to produce. In order for this to happen we (Governments / NGOs / Individuals) need to invest more time and money into making PV viable, e.g. through increased incentives, regulations, technical standards, R&D, manufacturing processes and generating consumer demand.
Just like the automobile industry, the manufacture used its own product.
Over the years the automobile industry and technology has evolved from the early 1900 to what it is today the year 2008.
I predict that in 10 years the automobile we know today will change drastically for the better, with new fuel technology and other modification that will improve its scales of economy and features.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Energy Savers Utilities Analyses Guarantees Savings on Your Utility Costs
“Determination and perseverance will bring your goal to fruition” – never give-up
"THE KEY TO SUCCESS - IS BEING HONEST AND CANDID WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS"
“Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion”
Sustainability - "We strive to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
“It is cheaper to save energy than make energy”
Are you paying your fair share of Gas, Electric, Phone, Water and Sewer bills? Chances are you are not. Recent studies have shown that a high percentage of companies and property owners are being over-charged on their utility bills.
TRUE OR FALSE
___ Utility firms automatically give their customers the lowest rate obtainable.
___ State Public Service Commission establishes utility rates.
____ The Federal Power Commission exercises direct authority over utility rates.
____ Telephone companies only charge for completed (connected calls).
____ You can’t recover money overpaid on telephone and utility bills (gas, electric, water) in past years.
____ You must buy your gas and electricity from the local gas company. Can you increase energy efficiency?
IF YOU CHECKED “TRUE” to any of these statements, you could be throwing money away each month when you pay your telephone and utility bills.
A survey by Consumer’s Checkbook, a non-profit consumer group, showed that 7 out of 8 major long-distance phone companies were overcharging their customers.
Also companies that qualify for tax and rate concessions designed to attract new industry, many are not receiving any or all of these reductions on their utility bills.
The following outlines the services that we can offer you.
1. Energy Savers specializes in helping clients recover refunds or credits found on utility and telephone bills. We also help utilize better tariffs; there are yearly changes in tariffs which affect the consumer, utility taxes are modified.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPLEMENTATION IS CRUCIAL TO OUR ECONOMY
Offering cost recovery programs for Gas, Electric, Telecom and Water
"Paying for utility costs without using a Utility Auditor and Monitor is like driving a car at night with the lights turned off"
Water is the source of life - treasure it!
We should discourage wastefulness and misuse, and promote efficiency and conservation.
We can help you conserve water and reduce your costs.
Protect Yourself from Unauthorized Third-Party Charges on your Phone Bill
Energy sources and conservation
Our energy sources should not be limited to PV/Solar.
It should be a combination of PV/Wind and many instances Geothermal.
There are also Tidal and Wave Energy, Thermal, Fuel cell, etc.
You could also use renewable energy to convert water into hydrogen which would give you fuel to power generators and cars. We should utilize renewable energy for desalinization and transport the water to its ultimate destination.
People have to realize that in order for this approach to be successful.
We need everyone on board to work together for this common goal.
The Government, Corporate America and the people of the United States must make a commitment to this cause and pursue it relentlessly.
Above all that people have to concentrate on energy efficiency.
“It is cheaper to save energy than make energy”
Many people have to monitor their habits and be conscience of their daily habits in the use of energy and utilities. In changing your daily habits peoples can cut their energy costs between 30-60%, without any physical modification. Tests have proven for this to be correct. Imagine how much more you can conserve and save if you made some minor physical modifications.
There are many programs available to anyone which helps achieve these goals.
It is educating the public to conserve and not waste that will make the difference.
As a nation United States consumes more resources than any other country in the world.
Today’s economic crisis should serve as an impetus to implement a mission of conserving resources for all of the people in the United States. Conserve resources for our sake and the sake of future generations.
Developing Renewable Energy sources should be the “Manhattan project of the 21st century”
Thank you
YJ Draiman, Director of Utilities & Sustainability
No Cost / Low Cost Measures Energy
No Cost / Low Cost Measures
While a lighting or refrigeration upgrade is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take to save energy, boost your cash flow, and improve the look of your business, there are many other simple steps you can take in your facility to help reduce energy costs even more. These measures require little or no investment on your part, and can reap great energy benefits. So make sure you aren’t throwing money down the drain, out the window, through cracks in your ducts…and so on.
Consider implementing these simple changes:
NO-COST MEASURES
Lighting
Turn off lights in unoccupied areas, when not in use, or when windows supply sufficient daylighting. Examples include break rooms, storage rooms, walk-in refrigerators and freezers.
Make sure lighting controllers (time clocks, occupancy sensors and photocells) are set and working properly.
Make sure exterior lights are off during the daytime.
HVAC
Do not block air flow to HVAC vents to allow system to operate efficiently.
Keep windows and doors closed while HVAC system is running. Set thermostat to 68 degrees (heating) and 78 degrees (cooling) when occupied.
Refrigeration
Clean dirty condenser coils.
Allow air flow around coils so that waste heat can dissipate; shield coils from the sun.
Keep refrigerators loaded to reduce cycling; gallon jugs filled with water can serve this purpose well.
Office equipment
Turn off equipment such as computers, monitors, copy machines, and printers when not in use, including each night and on weekends. Make sure to turn off desk lamps, coffee machines and desk fans too.
Check cubicles to make sure “personal” heaters are turned off – these small heaters are often left on by accident, and surprisingly, represent a significant winter electric load in office buildings.
Shades and Blinds
In winter, open shades and blinds during daylight hours. In summer, close shades during daylight hours in areas that experience heat buildup.
LOW-COST MEASURES
Lighting
Replace incandescent lighting with Energy Star®-labeled
compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
Replace incandescent exit sign lamps with light-emitting diode (LED) or T1 cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) exit sign lamps.
Reduce general overhead lighting by de-lamping, and use task lighting where needed. Lighting can be reduced more near windows.
Replace any incandescent or halogen torchiéres with Energy Star® CFL torchiéres.
Install occupancy sensors in non-essential lighting areas.
When standard halogen bulbs fail, replace with halogen infrared (HIR) that use 30% less energy.
When purchasing task lighting, buy lamps that use CFLs. If you already have halogen task lamps, when a bulb fails replace it with a halogen infrared (HIR) bulb.
HVAC
Perform regular scheduled maintenance on units, including cleaning burners and air conditioner coils, cleaning and replacing air filters regularly, and checking ducts for leaks and pipe insulation for damage. Have your HVAC service person check the coolant charge, since an incorrect charge can make the unit work harder (and use more energy) to cool your air.
Install an Energy Star®-labeled programmable thermostat, with a locking cover to prevent tampering.
Replace HVAC air filters at least every three months.
Weatherization
Make sure windows and doors are closing properly, maintain tight seals and remain closed. Add weatherstripping to doorways to reduce leakage and drafts.
Insulate hot water lines where possible, especially in unconditioned spaces.
RESTAURANTS: NO-COST MEASURES
Be systematic about startup and shutdown of your appliances and cooking equipment.
Reduce dishwasher usage: fully load the washer and turn off tank heaters when not in use.
Turn off all fans when the building is unoccupied.
Turn off exhaust hoods when the appliances under them are off.
Maintain evaporative coolers—fan pumps and pads.
RESTAURANTS: LOW-COST MEASURES
Install high-efficiency pre-rinse spray nozzles at dish wash stations to reduce water and natural gas usage.
Maintain refrigerator doors by aligning them, replacing worn gaskets, enabling auto door-closers. Replace damaged strip curtains where present.
Insulate refrigerant lines where possible.
Install low-temperature occupancy sensors in walk-in refrigerators, to save on lighting costs.
Remember to buy Energy-Star® and other high-efficiency equipment when replacing old appliances—the incremental cost is usually minor, and rebates are often available!
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL: NO-COST MEASURES
Turn off compressed air systems when not in use—especially nights and weekends.
Do not use compressed air for cleaning; use blowers or sweep instead.
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL: LOW-COST MEASURES
Distribute heating and cooling loads by installing ductwork to each machine or station, rather than conditioning large open spaces.
SCHOOLS: NO-COST MEASURES
Organize after-school activities for outdoors or to utilize as few heating/cooling zones as possible so that HVAC systems can be turned off.
SCHOOLS: LOW-COST MEASURES
Organize student activities to look at energy conservation opportunities and to track the school’s energy performance.
While a lighting or refrigeration upgrade is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take to save energy, boost your cash flow, and improve the look of your business, there are many other simple steps you can take in your facility to help reduce energy costs even more. These measures require little or no investment on your part, and can reap great energy benefits. So make sure you aren’t throwing money down the drain, out the window, through cracks in your ducts…and so on.
Consider implementing these simple changes:
NO-COST MEASURES
Lighting
Turn off lights in unoccupied areas, when not in use, or when windows supply sufficient daylighting. Examples include break rooms, storage rooms, walk-in refrigerators and freezers.
Make sure lighting controllers (time clocks, occupancy sensors and photocells) are set and working properly.
Make sure exterior lights are off during the daytime.
HVAC
Do not block air flow to HVAC vents to allow system to operate efficiently.
Keep windows and doors closed while HVAC system is running. Set thermostat to 68 degrees (heating) and 78 degrees (cooling) when occupied.
Refrigeration
Clean dirty condenser coils.
Allow air flow around coils so that waste heat can dissipate; shield coils from the sun.
Keep refrigerators loaded to reduce cycling; gallon jugs filled with water can serve this purpose well.
Office equipment
Turn off equipment such as computers, monitors, copy machines, and printers when not in use, including each night and on weekends. Make sure to turn off desk lamps, coffee machines and desk fans too.
Check cubicles to make sure “personal” heaters are turned off – these small heaters are often left on by accident, and surprisingly, represent a significant winter electric load in office buildings.
Shades and Blinds
In winter, open shades and blinds during daylight hours. In summer, close shades during daylight hours in areas that experience heat buildup.
LOW-COST MEASURES
Lighting
Replace incandescent lighting with Energy Star®-labeled
compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
Replace incandescent exit sign lamps with light-emitting diode (LED) or T1 cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) exit sign lamps.
Reduce general overhead lighting by de-lamping, and use task lighting where needed. Lighting can be reduced more near windows.
Replace any incandescent or halogen torchiéres with Energy Star® CFL torchiéres.
Install occupancy sensors in non-essential lighting areas.
When standard halogen bulbs fail, replace with halogen infrared (HIR) that use 30% less energy.
When purchasing task lighting, buy lamps that use CFLs. If you already have halogen task lamps, when a bulb fails replace it with a halogen infrared (HIR) bulb.
HVAC
Perform regular scheduled maintenance on units, including cleaning burners and air conditioner coils, cleaning and replacing air filters regularly, and checking ducts for leaks and pipe insulation for damage. Have your HVAC service person check the coolant charge, since an incorrect charge can make the unit work harder (and use more energy) to cool your air.
Install an Energy Star®-labeled programmable thermostat, with a locking cover to prevent tampering.
Replace HVAC air filters at least every three months.
Weatherization
Make sure windows and doors are closing properly, maintain tight seals and remain closed. Add weatherstripping to doorways to reduce leakage and drafts.
Insulate hot water lines where possible, especially in unconditioned spaces.
RESTAURANTS: NO-COST MEASURES
Be systematic about startup and shutdown of your appliances and cooking equipment.
Reduce dishwasher usage: fully load the washer and turn off tank heaters when not in use.
Turn off all fans when the building is unoccupied.
Turn off exhaust hoods when the appliances under them are off.
Maintain evaporative coolers—fan pumps and pads.
RESTAURANTS: LOW-COST MEASURES
Install high-efficiency pre-rinse spray nozzles at dish wash stations to reduce water and natural gas usage.
Maintain refrigerator doors by aligning them, replacing worn gaskets, enabling auto door-closers. Replace damaged strip curtains where present.
Insulate refrigerant lines where possible.
Install low-temperature occupancy sensors in walk-in refrigerators, to save on lighting costs.
Remember to buy Energy-Star® and other high-efficiency equipment when replacing old appliances—the incremental cost is usually minor, and rebates are often available!
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL: NO-COST MEASURES
Turn off compressed air systems when not in use—especially nights and weekends.
Do not use compressed air for cleaning; use blowers or sweep instead.
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL: LOW-COST MEASURES
Distribute heating and cooling loads by installing ductwork to each machine or station, rather than conditioning large open spaces.
SCHOOLS: NO-COST MEASURES
Organize after-school activities for outdoors or to utilize as few heating/cooling zones as possible so that HVAC systems can be turned off.
SCHOOLS: LOW-COST MEASURES
Organize student activities to look at energy conservation opportunities and to track the school’s energy performance.
Fuel saving tips
Inflate your tires to their maximum recommended pressure. High pressure in tires enables you to accelerate with less gas and coast farther. It also enhances turn-in capability and facilitates better tire longevity.
2. Use the lowest weight oil recommended for your vehicle. Low-weight oil is easier to pump through an engine, and the engine components will interact more efficiently.
3. Change your air filter at least once a year. Engines work harder when they have to pull air through a dirty filter.
4. Drive as if you hypothetically do not have brakes. Gerdes says that drivers usually burn fuel to get up to an excessive speed, then throw that energy away by slamming on the brakes at a stop sign or red light. Thus, he asks drivers to imagine driving a brakeless vehicle and adjust their driving style accordingly. He recommends accelerating only as needed, and coasting up to red lights and stop signs when possible.
5. Don’t use cruise control or worry about keeping a constant speed — instead, be concerned with not changing the load on your engine. In other words, it’s acceptable to slow down as you go up a hill, as long as your engine continues to work only as hard as it did when you were on level ground. You’ll make up the loss in speed on the other side of the hill due to the assistance of gravity.
6. Don't drive above the speed limit. The faster you go, the more you increase drag on the car from the wind, consuming more fuel.
7. Turn your engine off if you are idling for more than 10 seconds. Idling is one of the worst fuel wasters.
8. Practice “potential parking.” First, seek out the highest point of a parking lot and, if parking lot topography permits, coast uphill into a spot where you can face out, allowing you to coast right out when you depart.
9. Instead of relying on your fuel gauge, odometer and your long division skills, install a ScanGauge (scanguage.com) automotive computer that calculates and displays your fuel consumption. Many luxury vehicles already have this functionality.
10. Sweat it out sans A/C. Running a mechanical and electrical accessory like air conditioning steals fuel from the engine and decreases fuel economy. Operating the air conditioner on its maximum setting can reduce miles per gallon by up to 25 percent.
2. Use the lowest weight oil recommended for your vehicle. Low-weight oil is easier to pump through an engine, and the engine components will interact more efficiently.
3. Change your air filter at least once a year. Engines work harder when they have to pull air through a dirty filter.
4. Drive as if you hypothetically do not have brakes. Gerdes says that drivers usually burn fuel to get up to an excessive speed, then throw that energy away by slamming on the brakes at a stop sign or red light. Thus, he asks drivers to imagine driving a brakeless vehicle and adjust their driving style accordingly. He recommends accelerating only as needed, and coasting up to red lights and stop signs when possible.
5. Don’t use cruise control or worry about keeping a constant speed — instead, be concerned with not changing the load on your engine. In other words, it’s acceptable to slow down as you go up a hill, as long as your engine continues to work only as hard as it did when you were on level ground. You’ll make up the loss in speed on the other side of the hill due to the assistance of gravity.
6. Don't drive above the speed limit. The faster you go, the more you increase drag on the car from the wind, consuming more fuel.
7. Turn your engine off if you are idling for more than 10 seconds. Idling is one of the worst fuel wasters.
8. Practice “potential parking.” First, seek out the highest point of a parking lot and, if parking lot topography permits, coast uphill into a spot where you can face out, allowing you to coast right out when you depart.
9. Instead of relying on your fuel gauge, odometer and your long division skills, install a ScanGauge (scanguage.com) automotive computer that calculates and displays your fuel consumption. Many luxury vehicles already have this functionality.
10. Sweat it out sans A/C. Running a mechanical and electrical accessory like air conditioning steals fuel from the engine and decreases fuel economy. Operating the air conditioner on its maximum setting can reduce miles per gallon by up to 25 percent.
Welcome to Energy Savers
Welcome to Energy Savers. We’re leading consultants in the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy and telecom portfolio planning and management. For rate-payer funded and market-based energy efficiency products and services, we provide services in:
o Strategic planning, portfolio design, and service delivery consulting;
o Negotiation and expert witness testimony;
o Management consulting;
o Evaluation; Utility auditing and
o Technical research.
Our clientele includes utilities, government, non-profit organizations, and energy service companies.
Energy Savers strives to help clients examine, formulate and execute efficiency investment alternatives that:
Reduce electricity and/or gas demand growth sufficiently to postpone the need for more costly new supply.
Maximize economic value from efficiency savings by helping customers spend less on saving energy then they pay to use it.
Reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and the undesirable by-products of their production and use.
Maximize the benefits of your telecom expenses
Energy Savers provides two different types of services depending on the setting. The bulk of our practice deals with efficiency programs funded by consumers of regulated electricity and/or gas service. In this setting we assist clients with program design and development; program planning; program assessment and evaluation; implementation; management; and regulatory review and policy support.
We also serve a limited clientele of energy service businesses seeking to harness the value, safety, comfort, and quality of efficiency products and services to build market share and customer loyalty.
Efficiency and Renewable Portfolio Strategic Planning and Management Consulting
Program design and development
Defining program scope (regional, state, utility system, targeted electric distribution circuits)and objectives (market transformation, resource acquisition, economic value, customer service, distributional equity)
Devising and packaging technical, financial, marketing, and delivery strategies to maximize program energy, economic and environmental savings
Program Planning
Characterizing costs and performance of efficiency and renewable technologies
Estimating achievable market penetration and participant savings\
Setting program performance goals
Projecting program resource savings
Program budgeting
Program assessment and evaluation
Developing, applying and supporting use of cost-effectiveness screening tools to demonstrate economic value of programs and particular projects.
Valuing and integrating projected program savings and costs into supply planning and acquisition
Developing, overseeing, conducting, and reviewing evaluation of program results and market research
Management Consulting
Development of management performance goals for meeting program objectives
Assisting program management with development of implementation plans and procedures to meet and exceed program performance goals
Supporting business development for commercial and industrial customers and trade allies (e.g., vendors, architects/engineers)
Establishing methods and assumptions for estimating and tracking program savings
Providing decision support in staffing and contracting (job descriptions, recruiting, contractor scope of work).
Reporting of program progress and outcomes.
Quality assurance planning and execution
Regulatory review and policy support
Expert testimony and advice on regulatory policy for efficiency and renewable investments
Support in regulatory review and approval of efficiency and renewable program plans and results
Formulation and support of cost recovery and program performance incentives
Development, Planning, Startup and Ongoing Support For Retail Energy Products and Services Businesses
Product Development
Helping conceptualize and define efficiency and renewable products and services
Integrating efficiency and renewable offerings with related products and services to strengthen market position
Business Planning and Startup
Preparing written business plans capable of securing startup financing
Putting in place the sales, operating, and customer service personnel and procedures that will sustain and grow the business over time
Providing ongoing support to improve business performance
Energy Saver’s Cost Effectiveness Screening Tool is a key element of our analysis capabilities. The tool provides a foundation for strategic planning efforts by assessing and accounting the costs and benefits of both individual applications and comprehensive portfolios, supporting short-and long-term evaluations of strategies and offered services.
The tool is highly versatile and multifaceted yet transparent. It is a spreadsheet-based software application, and is in use today at numerous utilities for efficiency program analysis.
Among the tools many capabilities are:
Full accounting of technology costs, including capital, fuel, operating and maintenance, and cost offsets such as non-electricity savings (e.g. gas) and non-energy benefits (e.g.water).
Proper accounting for the benefits of electric energy and demand savings from efficiency and renewable technologies, calculated using annual values of long-run avoided costs.
Precise treatment of various timing effects, including different lifetimes, multiple electricity costing periods, and proper handling of cost and savings shifts over time due to early retirement of existing inefficient equipment with high-efficiency technologies.
In-depth treatment of long-term market effects, including changes in technology costs and performance over time (e.g. reductions in technology costs due to market transformation), and projections of market penetrations under business as usual and under different policy initiatives.
Full reporting of electricity, economic, and environmental impacts over time.
Here are some of the hallmarks of Energy Saver’s approach to efficiency investment planning:
Rigorous analysis formulated and conducted to demonstrate the net economic value of efficiency investments, analysis that is both accessible to the public yet stands up to regulatory and investor scrutiny.
Complete treatment of all major determinants of efficiency technology and program performance, especially their interaction and integration as part of comprehensive solutions.
Effective integration of efficiency savings into energy supply planning, particularly the influence of efficiency program performance on the timing of generation, transmission and distribution needs.
Deep understanding of market barriers to efficiency investment by customers and suppliers , and solid grasp of proven market intervention strategies for overcoming these barriers rapidly and permanently.
Unique blend of hands-on experience with efficiency technologies and investment decision-making real-life business settings, backed by extensive technical, policy, management, and regulatory expertise.
Wide-ranging knowledge of the history, results, and lessons from efficiency programs run throughout North America over the past quarter-century.
Energy Savers has consistently brought these qualities to bear in the development, analysis and planning of energy-efficiency portfolios worth hundreds of millions of dollars throughout North America. These attributes make Energy Savers the first choice for consulting assistance in the design, development, planning, assessment, startup, and ongoing implementation management support for large-scale efficiency investment programs. Especially effective are the analytical tools Energy Savers uses to help clients demonstrate the net economic value to be realized from achievable efficiency and renewable technology potential, which manifests itself in the form of increased disposable income to households and increased competitiveness and profitability on the part of participating businesses.
www.energysavers2.com
o Strategic planning, portfolio design, and service delivery consulting;
o Negotiation and expert witness testimony;
o Management consulting;
o Evaluation; Utility auditing and
o Technical research.
Our clientele includes utilities, government, non-profit organizations, and energy service companies.
Energy Savers strives to help clients examine, formulate and execute efficiency investment alternatives that:
Reduce electricity and/or gas demand growth sufficiently to postpone the need for more costly new supply.
Maximize economic value from efficiency savings by helping customers spend less on saving energy then they pay to use it.
Reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and the undesirable by-products of their production and use.
Maximize the benefits of your telecom expenses
Energy Savers provides two different types of services depending on the setting. The bulk of our practice deals with efficiency programs funded by consumers of regulated electricity and/or gas service. In this setting we assist clients with program design and development; program planning; program assessment and evaluation; implementation; management; and regulatory review and policy support.
We also serve a limited clientele of energy service businesses seeking to harness the value, safety, comfort, and quality of efficiency products and services to build market share and customer loyalty.
Efficiency and Renewable Portfolio Strategic Planning and Management Consulting
Program design and development
Defining program scope (regional, state, utility system, targeted electric distribution circuits)and objectives (market transformation, resource acquisition, economic value, customer service, distributional equity)
Devising and packaging technical, financial, marketing, and delivery strategies to maximize program energy, economic and environmental savings
Program Planning
Characterizing costs and performance of efficiency and renewable technologies
Estimating achievable market penetration and participant savings\
Setting program performance goals
Projecting program resource savings
Program budgeting
Program assessment and evaluation
Developing, applying and supporting use of cost-effectiveness screening tools to demonstrate economic value of programs and particular projects.
Valuing and integrating projected program savings and costs into supply planning and acquisition
Developing, overseeing, conducting, and reviewing evaluation of program results and market research
Management Consulting
Development of management performance goals for meeting program objectives
Assisting program management with development of implementation plans and procedures to meet and exceed program performance goals
Supporting business development for commercial and industrial customers and trade allies (e.g., vendors, architects/engineers)
Establishing methods and assumptions for estimating and tracking program savings
Providing decision support in staffing and contracting (job descriptions, recruiting, contractor scope of work).
Reporting of program progress and outcomes.
Quality assurance planning and execution
Regulatory review and policy support
Expert testimony and advice on regulatory policy for efficiency and renewable investments
Support in regulatory review and approval of efficiency and renewable program plans and results
Formulation and support of cost recovery and program performance incentives
Development, Planning, Startup and Ongoing Support For Retail Energy Products and Services Businesses
Product Development
Helping conceptualize and define efficiency and renewable products and services
Integrating efficiency and renewable offerings with related products and services to strengthen market position
Business Planning and Startup
Preparing written business plans capable of securing startup financing
Putting in place the sales, operating, and customer service personnel and procedures that will sustain and grow the business over time
Providing ongoing support to improve business performance
Energy Saver’s Cost Effectiveness Screening Tool is a key element of our analysis capabilities. The tool provides a foundation for strategic planning efforts by assessing and accounting the costs and benefits of both individual applications and comprehensive portfolios, supporting short-and long-term evaluations of strategies and offered services.
The tool is highly versatile and multifaceted yet transparent. It is a spreadsheet-based software application, and is in use today at numerous utilities for efficiency program analysis.
Among the tools many capabilities are:
Full accounting of technology costs, including capital, fuel, operating and maintenance, and cost offsets such as non-electricity savings (e.g. gas) and non-energy benefits (e.g.water).
Proper accounting for the benefits of electric energy and demand savings from efficiency and renewable technologies, calculated using annual values of long-run avoided costs.
Precise treatment of various timing effects, including different lifetimes, multiple electricity costing periods, and proper handling of cost and savings shifts over time due to early retirement of existing inefficient equipment with high-efficiency technologies.
In-depth treatment of long-term market effects, including changes in technology costs and performance over time (e.g. reductions in technology costs due to market transformation), and projections of market penetrations under business as usual and under different policy initiatives.
Full reporting of electricity, economic, and environmental impacts over time.
Here are some of the hallmarks of Energy Saver’s approach to efficiency investment planning:
Rigorous analysis formulated and conducted to demonstrate the net economic value of efficiency investments, analysis that is both accessible to the public yet stands up to regulatory and investor scrutiny.
Complete treatment of all major determinants of efficiency technology and program performance, especially their interaction and integration as part of comprehensive solutions.
Effective integration of efficiency savings into energy supply planning, particularly the influence of efficiency program performance on the timing of generation, transmission and distribution needs.
Deep understanding of market barriers to efficiency investment by customers and suppliers , and solid grasp of proven market intervention strategies for overcoming these barriers rapidly and permanently.
Unique blend of hands-on experience with efficiency technologies and investment decision-making real-life business settings, backed by extensive technical, policy, management, and regulatory expertise.
Wide-ranging knowledge of the history, results, and lessons from efficiency programs run throughout North America over the past quarter-century.
Energy Savers has consistently brought these qualities to bear in the development, analysis and planning of energy-efficiency portfolios worth hundreds of millions of dollars throughout North America. These attributes make Energy Savers the first choice for consulting assistance in the design, development, planning, assessment, startup, and ongoing implementation management support for large-scale efficiency investment programs. Especially effective are the analytical tools Energy Savers uses to help clients demonstrate the net economic value to be realized from achievable efficiency and renewable technology potential, which manifests itself in the form of increased disposable income to households and increased competitiveness and profitability on the part of participating businesses.
www.energysavers2.com
You must serve as an example in implementing energy efficiency.
You must serve as an example in implementing energy efficiency.
I think if corporate America is serious about energy conservation; it must start with people at the top and roll down from there to the rest of the executives and employees.
In order to accomplish such an important mission as energy conservation every executive and employee has to believe that what he is doing is the right thing.
They must practice the same attitude at home and implement energy conservation at home. This attitude will carry on to the workplace.
First thing that must be done is, each employee should be asked what has he/she done in their own lives to conserve energy, and than if the answer is positive advance the initiative from there, if not an education process must be implemented to drive the process home once this process has been achieved, it will be easier to get everyone to participate in energy conservation.
The motive and behavior has to come from within each individual person – it must become part of a routine practice – it must become a way of life – reducing waste in any form.
In today’s rising cost of energy – conservation must become a national theme.
Jay Draiman, Energy Analyst
I think if corporate America is serious about energy conservation; it must start with people at the top and roll down from there to the rest of the executives and employees.
In order to accomplish such an important mission as energy conservation every executive and employee has to believe that what he is doing is the right thing.
They must practice the same attitude at home and implement energy conservation at home. This attitude will carry on to the workplace.
First thing that must be done is, each employee should be asked what has he/she done in their own lives to conserve energy, and than if the answer is positive advance the initiative from there, if not an education process must be implemented to drive the process home once this process has been achieved, it will be easier to get everyone to participate in energy conservation.
The motive and behavior has to come from within each individual person – it must become part of a routine practice – it must become a way of life – reducing waste in any form.
In today’s rising cost of energy – conservation must become a national theme.
Jay Draiman, Energy Analyst
BOYCOTT ALL CARS THAT ARE LESS THAN 100 MPG
BOYCOTT ALL CARS THAT ARE LESS THAN 100 MPG
Do you want to see a quick resolution to the energy crisis?
The public should boycott from purchasing any vehicle that is less than 100 mpg.
That is surely to grab the automobile industry attention worldwide to produce an energy efficient car that does 100 mpg or better on alternative energy – the vehicle must be pollution free.
“The ‘big three’ is not the ‘big three’ anymore,” Iacocca told National Public Radio, referring to the falling sales of General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. “[They] didn’t adapt quickly enough to the energy problem in this country [and were] not ready with the right kind of cars.”
Any big corporation that is too bureaucratic and cumbersome to quickly react to changing market conditions is doomed to failure.
In today’s fast moving market conditions and technology – you must be innovative, utilize the cutting edge of technology and produce a quality and economical product.
The public has a short memory, all they care is what have you done for me lately.
In life we must always live in hope.
Jay Draiman
Do you want to see a quick resolution to the energy crisis?
The public should boycott from purchasing any vehicle that is less than 100 mpg.
That is surely to grab the automobile industry attention worldwide to produce an energy efficient car that does 100 mpg or better on alternative energy – the vehicle must be pollution free.
“The ‘big three’ is not the ‘big three’ anymore,” Iacocca told National Public Radio, referring to the falling sales of General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. “[They] didn’t adapt quickly enough to the energy problem in this country [and were] not ready with the right kind of cars.”
Any big corporation that is too bureaucratic and cumbersome to quickly react to changing market conditions is doomed to failure.
In today’s fast moving market conditions and technology – you must be innovative, utilize the cutting edge of technology and produce a quality and economical product.
The public has a short memory, all they care is what have you done for me lately.
In life we must always live in hope.
Jay Draiman
Are You Getting the Most From Your Utility Management Service
Are You Getting the Most From Your Utility Management Service
In Pursuit of Balance: Are You Getting the Most from Your Utility Management Service?
By ENERGY SAVERS.
You’ve found a well respected, big name, and reliable utility management service to handle all of your entire utility spend – everything from bill presentment to energy procurement. You’ve taken the burden of managing multiple vendors off of your program manager, things are running smoothly and you feel like you’re saving money from a bundled service. In short, you’ve found the perfect solution – right?
In spite of the convenience of using one provider for all of your energy supply-side needs, is it really wise to outsource your entire utility spend to just one single firm? Where are the checks and balances? How do you know that your service provider is exercising quality checks on every aspect of energy management? You owe it to your shareholders to be absolutely certain you are getting the best quality of service for the least amount of money.
The Tradeoff: Quality vs Convenience
In a typical utility management scenario, the thorough process goes like this: the utility bill is presented, processed, paid, audited and a rate tariff analysis is performed. The final step in open utility markets is to go out and procure the energy commodity in deregulated states. There’s no doubt that it’s more convenient to have one company handling this entire process. Corporate energy staffs have been reduced through cost cutting measures and many program managers don’t have time to manage several vendors, so for ease, they turn over entire process to one entity.
It sounds good in theory, but where are the checks and balances – or the belts and suspenders? Who is performing the verification and validation necessary to ensure you are running a balanced program?
Keep in mind that although many firms offer a wholly integrated solution, the reality is that they are generally not experts in every step of the process – at least not best in class. This is where costly mistakes and oversights can hurt you, particularly when your service provider offers a performance guarantee, which ensures that you will receive results, no matter how the provider arrives at them.
Here’s a simple example that gives a false sense of security and results for many large national energy enterprises. The outsourced bill payer receives and processes the monthly utility bill but is paid late. Late fees are assessed and passed on to the end user, perhaps unintentionally. The bill payer then works to get the fees reduced and counts the reduction as savings that have been gained for client towards performance guarantee. In this situation, the client believes that their service provider has saved them money, when in reality the outsourced bill payer is getting credit for correcting a mistake. This may be intentional or inadvertent, but the result is the same: you are lulled into a false sense of security by your provider.
Then there are those consultants who claim savings in deregulated markets where there is no realistic benchmark in an open competitive market. What are the actual savings?
In essence, when you use a single vendor for your whole utility spend, there are no “belts and suspenders.” Because of a lack of checks and balances, you are opening yourself to the possibility of fraud and your shareholders are getting hurt because earnings are being affected by higher unnecessary costs of utilities. If you really want to see the results of your initiatives and benchmark savings, you should be receiving a report of savings that shows real measureable undisputed savings based on calculations of real effects of the service provider.
In some cases, an outsourced utility consultant may claim savings of high usage identified but without any implementation to secure and document effectual savings.
Muddy Waters
Is it really worth it to bundle supply side services? Many companies opt to receive bundled services not only because of convenience, but also because of a mistaken notion that bundled services accelerate cost savings. The truth is that segmented services can be just as cost efficient as bundled services if you are using the right providers.
The real problem with bundling of services lies in the fact that bundling muddies the effects of each individual service. For example, when services are bundled, it’s difficult to dissect and quantify the value and any savings attributed to energy commodity because there is not a firm benchmark to calculate savings. The calculations change depending on timing. But it’s still essential to have good processes in place that are sound for purchasing energy in a volatile market. Comparing a bundle of services differs widely from the exact comparison you can do when comparing just one service. To accurately benchmark savings, segmented services provide a better yardstick that is more exact and attributes success to specific initiatives.
Checks and Balances: A Better Solution
Checks and balances are essential if you want to accurately benchmark savings and be certain that you’re receiving fair and balanced utility management. The best way to ensure good checks and balances is to use a multi-vendor system with distinct segments by expertise.
Large national energy enterprises can be divided into three distinct segments. In a multi-vendor system, a different utility management provider would handle each segment:
Vendor #1 – With a transactional focus, handles bill presentment, bill processing, and bill payment; easily charged on a per bill per month basis.
Vendor # 2 – With a focus on, and experience in, utility supply-side pricing especially in regulated areas with filed rate tariff schedules, audits the bill payment process for refunds and tries to optimize future pricing according to regulated rate tariffs; value is easily measured from documented results and calculations on a monthly basis.
Vendor # 3 – With a focus on, and understanding of, energy commodity markets in deregulated environments, goes out to arrange for energy supply by negotiating the commodity contracts; able to be charged as a margin adder or as a monthly retainer.
This system provides the checks and balances necessary to provide quality, cost savings and convenience. Shareholders will be happier and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are a good steward of your company’s utility spend.
Though it’s tempting to fall prey to the convenience of using a one-stop company, I strongly urge you to consider segmented services. Using multiple vendors may be slightly less convenient, but the savings can be huge to get the best in their particular fields managing such a significant annual cost item. Ask yourself: is the bundling of utility of supply side services really worth the risk.
ENERGY SAVERS offers clients intelligent strategies, unmatched information systems, and full implementation services to reduce utility costs.
Privately owned ENERGY SAVERS has no interests other than serving clients. We do not sell or trade any commodity, supply energy equipment, or offer recommendations to buy additional services.
Our entire focus is objective and supplier neutral.
Based on our track record with several Fortune 500 companies in developing rate and tariff optimization systems, strategies, services, and results, we know we can assist you in reducing your utility costs.
We guarantee it!
In Pursuit of Balance: Are You Getting the Most from Your Utility Management Service?
By ENERGY SAVERS.
You’ve found a well respected, big name, and reliable utility management service to handle all of your entire utility spend – everything from bill presentment to energy procurement. You’ve taken the burden of managing multiple vendors off of your program manager, things are running smoothly and you feel like you’re saving money from a bundled service. In short, you’ve found the perfect solution – right?
In spite of the convenience of using one provider for all of your energy supply-side needs, is it really wise to outsource your entire utility spend to just one single firm? Where are the checks and balances? How do you know that your service provider is exercising quality checks on every aspect of energy management? You owe it to your shareholders to be absolutely certain you are getting the best quality of service for the least amount of money.
The Tradeoff: Quality vs Convenience
In a typical utility management scenario, the thorough process goes like this: the utility bill is presented, processed, paid, audited and a rate tariff analysis is performed. The final step in open utility markets is to go out and procure the energy commodity in deregulated states. There’s no doubt that it’s more convenient to have one company handling this entire process. Corporate energy staffs have been reduced through cost cutting measures and many program managers don’t have time to manage several vendors, so for ease, they turn over entire process to one entity.
It sounds good in theory, but where are the checks and balances – or the belts and suspenders? Who is performing the verification and validation necessary to ensure you are running a balanced program?
Keep in mind that although many firms offer a wholly integrated solution, the reality is that they are generally not experts in every step of the process – at least not best in class. This is where costly mistakes and oversights can hurt you, particularly when your service provider offers a performance guarantee, which ensures that you will receive results, no matter how the provider arrives at them.
Here’s a simple example that gives a false sense of security and results for many large national energy enterprises. The outsourced bill payer receives and processes the monthly utility bill but is paid late. Late fees are assessed and passed on to the end user, perhaps unintentionally. The bill payer then works to get the fees reduced and counts the reduction as savings that have been gained for client towards performance guarantee. In this situation, the client believes that their service provider has saved them money, when in reality the outsourced bill payer is getting credit for correcting a mistake. This may be intentional or inadvertent, but the result is the same: you are lulled into a false sense of security by your provider.
Then there are those consultants who claim savings in deregulated markets where there is no realistic benchmark in an open competitive market. What are the actual savings?
In essence, when you use a single vendor for your whole utility spend, there are no “belts and suspenders.” Because of a lack of checks and balances, you are opening yourself to the possibility of fraud and your shareholders are getting hurt because earnings are being affected by higher unnecessary costs of utilities. If you really want to see the results of your initiatives and benchmark savings, you should be receiving a report of savings that shows real measureable undisputed savings based on calculations of real effects of the service provider.
In some cases, an outsourced utility consultant may claim savings of high usage identified but without any implementation to secure and document effectual savings.
Muddy Waters
Is it really worth it to bundle supply side services? Many companies opt to receive bundled services not only because of convenience, but also because of a mistaken notion that bundled services accelerate cost savings. The truth is that segmented services can be just as cost efficient as bundled services if you are using the right providers.
The real problem with bundling of services lies in the fact that bundling muddies the effects of each individual service. For example, when services are bundled, it’s difficult to dissect and quantify the value and any savings attributed to energy commodity because there is not a firm benchmark to calculate savings. The calculations change depending on timing. But it’s still essential to have good processes in place that are sound for purchasing energy in a volatile market. Comparing a bundle of services differs widely from the exact comparison you can do when comparing just one service. To accurately benchmark savings, segmented services provide a better yardstick that is more exact and attributes success to specific initiatives.
Checks and Balances: A Better Solution
Checks and balances are essential if you want to accurately benchmark savings and be certain that you’re receiving fair and balanced utility management. The best way to ensure good checks and balances is to use a multi-vendor system with distinct segments by expertise.
Large national energy enterprises can be divided into three distinct segments. In a multi-vendor system, a different utility management provider would handle each segment:
Vendor #1 – With a transactional focus, handles bill presentment, bill processing, and bill payment; easily charged on a per bill per month basis.
Vendor # 2 – With a focus on, and experience in, utility supply-side pricing especially in regulated areas with filed rate tariff schedules, audits the bill payment process for refunds and tries to optimize future pricing according to regulated rate tariffs; value is easily measured from documented results and calculations on a monthly basis.
Vendor # 3 – With a focus on, and understanding of, energy commodity markets in deregulated environments, goes out to arrange for energy supply by negotiating the commodity contracts; able to be charged as a margin adder or as a monthly retainer.
This system provides the checks and balances necessary to provide quality, cost savings and convenience. Shareholders will be happier and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are a good steward of your company’s utility spend.
Though it’s tempting to fall prey to the convenience of using a one-stop company, I strongly urge you to consider segmented services. Using multiple vendors may be slightly less convenient, but the savings can be huge to get the best in their particular fields managing such a significant annual cost item. Ask yourself: is the bundling of utility of supply side services really worth the risk.
ENERGY SAVERS offers clients intelligent strategies, unmatched information systems, and full implementation services to reduce utility costs.
Privately owned ENERGY SAVERS has no interests other than serving clients. We do not sell or trade any commodity, supply energy equipment, or offer recommendations to buy additional services.
Our entire focus is objective and supplier neutral.
Based on our track record with several Fortune 500 companies in developing rate and tariff optimization systems, strategies, services, and results, we know we can assist you in reducing your utility costs.
We guarantee it!
ATTIC FANS AND WHOLE HOUSE FANS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY ON AIR-CONDITIONING
ATTIC FANS AND WHOLE HOUSE FANS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY ON AIR-CONDITIONING
Efficiency in cooling is the name of the game for homeowners who like to stay cool. One source of added efficiency often overlooked is the attic fan. There are two types of attic fans, one cools only the attic and is properly called an attic fan, the other one is really a whole house fan and cools the whole house using outside air instead of air conditioning. Both fans can be used with satisfying results.
WHOLE HOUSE FANS
Many people use whole house fans as an alternative to air-conditioning. A whole house fan is most effective when outside air temperatures are below 82ºF. It brings a cooling breeze in through the windows of the home and cools more efficiently than an air-conditioner (Click on picture to enlarge).
Some times central air-conditioning is too expensive to install. When a house has been originally built with hot water radiator heat, installing central air-conditioning can be cost prohibitive because there is not any ductwork to distribute air throughout the house. Also, a whole house fan only uses about ¼ of the power that a central air-conditioning system does. Some people just don’t like air conditioning or may want the option of using outside air for cooling and ventilating their homes. Whole house fans draw massive amounts of air through a home. Moving air feels cooler than still air so high volumes of air are usually preferred.
One objection that some people have with whole house fans is the sound that is created when running. There are basically three types of noise created: air noise, motor vibration and shutter rattle. A well-engineered whole house fan will address all of these issues.
Generally speaking the more blades a fan blade has the quieter it will be, (five blades are better that four). Each blade does less work and thereby creates a smoother, even sound as opposed to fewer blades where the sound is choppy and irritating. One strategy for sizing a whole house fan for a house is to get the largest fan that will fit into the ceiling area of a hallway where a fan would typically be installed. Any size fan will be quieter when run at a slower speed; so by getting a large fan that has a low speed you can get less noise and still move a high volume of air because of the large size. Running on low speed also creates less wear and tear on the fan and saves electricity. Better whole house fans will have the whole fan isolated from the homes framing with foam strips or rubber mountings that will not transmit sound into the framing of the house. This keeps the motor hum from resounding through the framing and drywall of the home. It is better to have no direct mechanical connection to the house framing. Heavier fans are better because they rest on foam weather stripping held down only by their own weight.
Higher quality shutters will be heavier and have connecting rods connecting vanes of the shutter so they act together. This prevents one or more vanes from oscillating and possibly clapping shut and re-opening. Also, a better shutter will have an adjustable spring that will assist in opening the shutter as the fan sucks it open and cushion and slow the closing when the fan is shut off. This prevents the shutters from creating a loud thump when shutting when the fan is turned off. Some shutters even have a felt strip at the edge of each vane to seal in air when the fan is off and to silence the shutter when it closes.
Having as timer is also a good idea. A timer will let the fan run a pre set length of time so that you can set it before going to bed an have it shut off automatically when you feel it may get too cold at night. Thermostats are not a good idea because they could turn the fan on when no one is home and preparation hasn’t been made for it to come on. Windows must be opened first. Also, a fire in the fireplace could trigger it to come on unexpectedly with danger of sucking flames in from the fireplace. Obviously, some caution must be used when operating a whole house fan. The drill is really pretty simple: turn off heating and air-conditioning, open windows, no fires in fireplace and then turn the whole house fan on. Without opening windows first, some air could also be drawn down other vents or chimneys for heating and water heat, possibly blowing out pilot lights.
The amount of work required to install a whole house fan varies from house to house, but can generally be retrofitted into an existing house by a professional in about 8 to 16 man-hours. One major variable is the venting, if you plan on running the fan on high speed, (most people do) you need to make sure that there is at least enough exhaust venting for high speed setting. Fans are rated by cubic feet of air per minute or cfm. A good rule of thumb is to provide one square foot of net free venting area for every 750 cfm. Net free venting is the area after subtracting for louvers and screens. Generally the vents are roof vents, louvered wall vents or eave vents. Some roof vents and some eave vents have their respective net free venting areas stamped right on them. Ridge vents, depending on type, are not as good for providing the bulk of vent area needed although they do help slightly.
One strategy is to get an attic fan with a whole house fan. Special timer switches (DPST) are available and when installed they will turn on both fans to help expel some of the air being pushed into the attic. It is important to use only this type of switch for this application, because with a normal switch the attic fan thermostat would back feed and run the whole house fan even when the homeowner has not selected the on position for the whole house fan switch.
Better whole house fans have a welded frame. Effectively they are one-piece construction using heavy gauge steel for the venturi and motor and fan supports. This type of construction is better because it will never loosen up or begin to squeak. The only problem might occur if the installer was trying to fit the fan into a very small attic space; it may not fit through the opening when turned up on end before hitting the roof. Fans that can be disassembled can be fit through and then reassembled in the attic. One strategy for installing a welded frame fan into a smaller attic is to use a larger shutter than is required so the fan could be lifted into the attic in a horizontal or flat position and then supported by ledger strips around inside of opening. The larger shutter would then fill the larger opening that was made in order to lift the fan through in flat position.
ATTIC FANS - SOLAR & ELECTRIC
When the temperature climbs above 82ºF and you decide to use air conditioning, you can shut the windows and crank up the air knowing that the attic fan will save up to 30% on cooling costs by getting rid of trapped super hot air that tends to collect in attics and cause heat to back up into the home. (Click on picture to enlarge)
Attic temperatures can get up to 150ºF without an attic fan. Attic fans create a positive air-flow through your attic that does not rely on wind or require excessive passive venting. Excessive passive venting can cause excessive moisture infiltration in the form of snow or rain. The attic fan is normally mounted up on the roof of the home toward the back about two feet down from the peak. It goes on and off automatically with a thermostat, so it only runs when it is beneficial. The attic fan has a flashing that fits in with the shingles and is water-proof. Attic fans use less than 300 Watts, and offer these important advantages:
1. Lowers upstairs room temperatures by 10º.
2. Lengthens roof life by keeping shingles cooler.
3. With an optional humidistat, keep attics dry during winter months.
4. Saves up to 30% on air-conditioning costs.
The exact savings obtained depends on several factors like: the color of your roof, if the home is shaded, the amount of insulation you have, and the efficiency of your cooling system. Ideally, an attic fan installation will pay for itself within 3 years. A high quality attic fan is recommended. A heavy screen is required to stop pests. All metal construction is preferred as plastic fans do not hold up as well and over time will crack. A quality thermostat is also essential to save from climbing up into the attic for resetting. A firestat, which shuts the attic fan off for extremely high temperatures, is needed in case of a home fire. A permanently lubricated motor, insures quiet, maintenance-free operation.
There are 2 types of attic fans: roof top, and gable-end. Attic fans can be electrical or solar powered.
For more information on how you can obtain an Attic Fan or Whole House Fan for your home or for customers' homes, please click one of the links on the left.
Compiled by: Jay Draiman
Efficiency in cooling is the name of the game for homeowners who like to stay cool. One source of added efficiency often overlooked is the attic fan. There are two types of attic fans, one cools only the attic and is properly called an attic fan, the other one is really a whole house fan and cools the whole house using outside air instead of air conditioning. Both fans can be used with satisfying results.
WHOLE HOUSE FANS
Many people use whole house fans as an alternative to air-conditioning. A whole house fan is most effective when outside air temperatures are below 82ºF. It brings a cooling breeze in through the windows of the home and cools more efficiently than an air-conditioner (Click on picture to enlarge).
Some times central air-conditioning is too expensive to install. When a house has been originally built with hot water radiator heat, installing central air-conditioning can be cost prohibitive because there is not any ductwork to distribute air throughout the house. Also, a whole house fan only uses about ¼ of the power that a central air-conditioning system does. Some people just don’t like air conditioning or may want the option of using outside air for cooling and ventilating their homes. Whole house fans draw massive amounts of air through a home. Moving air feels cooler than still air so high volumes of air are usually preferred.
One objection that some people have with whole house fans is the sound that is created when running. There are basically three types of noise created: air noise, motor vibration and shutter rattle. A well-engineered whole house fan will address all of these issues.
Generally speaking the more blades a fan blade has the quieter it will be, (five blades are better that four). Each blade does less work and thereby creates a smoother, even sound as opposed to fewer blades where the sound is choppy and irritating. One strategy for sizing a whole house fan for a house is to get the largest fan that will fit into the ceiling area of a hallway where a fan would typically be installed. Any size fan will be quieter when run at a slower speed; so by getting a large fan that has a low speed you can get less noise and still move a high volume of air because of the large size. Running on low speed also creates less wear and tear on the fan and saves electricity. Better whole house fans will have the whole fan isolated from the homes framing with foam strips or rubber mountings that will not transmit sound into the framing of the house. This keeps the motor hum from resounding through the framing and drywall of the home. It is better to have no direct mechanical connection to the house framing. Heavier fans are better because they rest on foam weather stripping held down only by their own weight.
Higher quality shutters will be heavier and have connecting rods connecting vanes of the shutter so they act together. This prevents one or more vanes from oscillating and possibly clapping shut and re-opening. Also, a better shutter will have an adjustable spring that will assist in opening the shutter as the fan sucks it open and cushion and slow the closing when the fan is shut off. This prevents the shutters from creating a loud thump when shutting when the fan is turned off. Some shutters even have a felt strip at the edge of each vane to seal in air when the fan is off and to silence the shutter when it closes.
Having as timer is also a good idea. A timer will let the fan run a pre set length of time so that you can set it before going to bed an have it shut off automatically when you feel it may get too cold at night. Thermostats are not a good idea because they could turn the fan on when no one is home and preparation hasn’t been made for it to come on. Windows must be opened first. Also, a fire in the fireplace could trigger it to come on unexpectedly with danger of sucking flames in from the fireplace. Obviously, some caution must be used when operating a whole house fan. The drill is really pretty simple: turn off heating and air-conditioning, open windows, no fires in fireplace and then turn the whole house fan on. Without opening windows first, some air could also be drawn down other vents or chimneys for heating and water heat, possibly blowing out pilot lights.
The amount of work required to install a whole house fan varies from house to house, but can generally be retrofitted into an existing house by a professional in about 8 to 16 man-hours. One major variable is the venting, if you plan on running the fan on high speed, (most people do) you need to make sure that there is at least enough exhaust venting for high speed setting. Fans are rated by cubic feet of air per minute or cfm. A good rule of thumb is to provide one square foot of net free venting area for every 750 cfm. Net free venting is the area after subtracting for louvers and screens. Generally the vents are roof vents, louvered wall vents or eave vents. Some roof vents and some eave vents have their respective net free venting areas stamped right on them. Ridge vents, depending on type, are not as good for providing the bulk of vent area needed although they do help slightly.
One strategy is to get an attic fan with a whole house fan. Special timer switches (DPST) are available and when installed they will turn on both fans to help expel some of the air being pushed into the attic. It is important to use only this type of switch for this application, because with a normal switch the attic fan thermostat would back feed and run the whole house fan even when the homeowner has not selected the on position for the whole house fan switch.
Better whole house fans have a welded frame. Effectively they are one-piece construction using heavy gauge steel for the venturi and motor and fan supports. This type of construction is better because it will never loosen up or begin to squeak. The only problem might occur if the installer was trying to fit the fan into a very small attic space; it may not fit through the opening when turned up on end before hitting the roof. Fans that can be disassembled can be fit through and then reassembled in the attic. One strategy for installing a welded frame fan into a smaller attic is to use a larger shutter than is required so the fan could be lifted into the attic in a horizontal or flat position and then supported by ledger strips around inside of opening. The larger shutter would then fill the larger opening that was made in order to lift the fan through in flat position.
ATTIC FANS - SOLAR & ELECTRIC
When the temperature climbs above 82ºF and you decide to use air conditioning, you can shut the windows and crank up the air knowing that the attic fan will save up to 30% on cooling costs by getting rid of trapped super hot air that tends to collect in attics and cause heat to back up into the home. (Click on picture to enlarge)
Attic temperatures can get up to 150ºF without an attic fan. Attic fans create a positive air-flow through your attic that does not rely on wind or require excessive passive venting. Excessive passive venting can cause excessive moisture infiltration in the form of snow or rain. The attic fan is normally mounted up on the roof of the home toward the back about two feet down from the peak. It goes on and off automatically with a thermostat, so it only runs when it is beneficial. The attic fan has a flashing that fits in with the shingles and is water-proof. Attic fans use less than 300 Watts, and offer these important advantages:
1. Lowers upstairs room temperatures by 10º.
2. Lengthens roof life by keeping shingles cooler.
3. With an optional humidistat, keep attics dry during winter months.
4. Saves up to 30% on air-conditioning costs.
The exact savings obtained depends on several factors like: the color of your roof, if the home is shaded, the amount of insulation you have, and the efficiency of your cooling system. Ideally, an attic fan installation will pay for itself within 3 years. A high quality attic fan is recommended. A heavy screen is required to stop pests. All metal construction is preferred as plastic fans do not hold up as well and over time will crack. A quality thermostat is also essential to save from climbing up into the attic for resetting. A firestat, which shuts the attic fan off for extremely high temperatures, is needed in case of a home fire. A permanently lubricated motor, insures quiet, maintenance-free operation.
There are 2 types of attic fans: roof top, and gable-end. Attic fans can be electrical or solar powered.
For more information on how you can obtain an Attic Fan or Whole House Fan for your home or for customers' homes, please click one of the links on the left.
Compiled by: Jay Draiman
We are dedicated to help make alternative energy products and services an everyday reality.
We are dedicated to help make alternative energy products and services an everyday reality.
Despite great progress, there is still much work to be done to increase the uses of these technologies. However, there are encouraging trends.
Wind generated energy is becoming common place.
It is now not difficult for most people to move off the grid, own a back-up power system or at least have a choice of utilities that offer green energy.
Having an alternate source of electricity allows one the comfort and security of a reliable power supply.
Urgent environmental concerns, electricity deregulation, global warming, technology improvements and increased efficiencies, have expanded the market for alternative energy.
Consumers now have numerable choices of solar energy and wind generator systems. Reliable components and equipment are becoming widely available.
Fuel cell technologies are progressing well and industry consortiums are developing fuel cell systems for cars, trucks and buses.
Stationary systems are being developed to power industry and homes.
Through out our site we offer you a wide range of information on alternative energy products and services to learn about.
Not to be forgotten are the inventors, tinkerers, "free energy devices", home-brew alternative energy projects and enthusiasts out there.
We pay tribute to them by providing a diverse assortment of articles on alternate energy, technology, science, inventor's resources and other curious mind news from around the world.
We also have daily new updates, alternate energy news, contributing articles, and regular features that will help you to make educated decisions about your power options.
You can be on your way to energy self- sufficiency.
We are expanding our alternative energy resources all the time so drop by often. You may even have some fun while you are here.
Mission
Our mission is to help facilitate the mass marketing and commercialization of alternative energy products-services by
- Daily updated breaking news and articles on alternate and renewable energies, environment, science and sustainable development.
- Educating the general public about the availability, usage and need for these technologies.
- Providing forums and a marketplace for the exchange of ideas, products-services and resource information.
What you can do
Get involved. Find out what is happening with these amazing devices and how they are being applied in real time situations.
Efficient alternate energy systems are making significant contributions to the world's energy mix and are becoming more available to the public.
If you are thinking about purchasing renewable energy, do your home work. You will find that energy efficiency is one of the first steps that you must take in order to prepare your home.
There are a wide range of renewable energy resources at this site to help you evaluate and calculate your energy needs. Research company products-services and talk to people in your area who have installed or buy Green Power from their utility.
There are thousands of people around the world that get all of their electricity from renewable energy sources. You can be one of them too.
If you already obtain your electricity from these sources tell us your story, we know quite a few of our visitors would be happy to hear about your adventures in obtaining alternative energy for your home.
Market
The industry has changed from one of narrow remote applications to one characterized by wide public acceptance, price reductions and improved technologies. The world wide market for alternate energy is expanding at an astonishing rate of 25% per year as these systems become common. Wind energy is fast becoming cheaper to produce than traditional fossil fuels
The emerging hydrogen economy and developing infrastructures could change the way we obtain our energy. While there are still technological hurdles to overcome, micro fuel cells and stationary systems are beginning to reach the marketplace.
Escalating worldwide fuel prices are increasing the demand for clean, alternative fuel sources dramatically and it has become a global imperative that we break our addiction to oil. Providing for the ever increasing energy needs of the planet is going to take a wide range of alternate energy systems and green technologies are finally beginning to establish themselves in a sector expected to grow tenfold within several years. The future is bright for alternate energy sources and a more sustainable world.
Despite great progress, there is still much work to be done to increase the uses of these technologies. However, there are encouraging trends.
Wind generated energy is becoming common place.
It is now not difficult for most people to move off the grid, own a back-up power system or at least have a choice of utilities that offer green energy.
Having an alternate source of electricity allows one the comfort and security of a reliable power supply.
Urgent environmental concerns, electricity deregulation, global warming, technology improvements and increased efficiencies, have expanded the market for alternative energy.
Consumers now have numerable choices of solar energy and wind generator systems. Reliable components and equipment are becoming widely available.
Fuel cell technologies are progressing well and industry consortiums are developing fuel cell systems for cars, trucks and buses.
Stationary systems are being developed to power industry and homes.
Through out our site we offer you a wide range of information on alternative energy products and services to learn about.
Not to be forgotten are the inventors, tinkerers, "free energy devices", home-brew alternative energy projects and enthusiasts out there.
We pay tribute to them by providing a diverse assortment of articles on alternate energy, technology, science, inventor's resources and other curious mind news from around the world.
We also have daily new updates, alternate energy news, contributing articles, and regular features that will help you to make educated decisions about your power options.
You can be on your way to energy self- sufficiency.
We are expanding our alternative energy resources all the time so drop by often. You may even have some fun while you are here.
Mission
Our mission is to help facilitate the mass marketing and commercialization of alternative energy products-services by
- Daily updated breaking news and articles on alternate and renewable energies, environment, science and sustainable development.
- Educating the general public about the availability, usage and need for these technologies.
- Providing forums and a marketplace for the exchange of ideas, products-services and resource information.
What you can do
Get involved. Find out what is happening with these amazing devices and how they are being applied in real time situations.
Efficient alternate energy systems are making significant contributions to the world's energy mix and are becoming more available to the public.
If you are thinking about purchasing renewable energy, do your home work. You will find that energy efficiency is one of the first steps that you must take in order to prepare your home.
There are a wide range of renewable energy resources at this site to help you evaluate and calculate your energy needs. Research company products-services and talk to people in your area who have installed or buy Green Power from their utility.
There are thousands of people around the world that get all of their electricity from renewable energy sources. You can be one of them too.
If you already obtain your electricity from these sources tell us your story, we know quite a few of our visitors would be happy to hear about your adventures in obtaining alternative energy for your home.
Market
The industry has changed from one of narrow remote applications to one characterized by wide public acceptance, price reductions and improved technologies. The world wide market for alternate energy is expanding at an astonishing rate of 25% per year as these systems become common. Wind energy is fast becoming cheaper to produce than traditional fossil fuels
The emerging hydrogen economy and developing infrastructures could change the way we obtain our energy. While there are still technological hurdles to overcome, micro fuel cells and stationary systems are beginning to reach the marketplace.
Escalating worldwide fuel prices are increasing the demand for clean, alternative fuel sources dramatically and it has become a global imperative that we break our addiction to oil. Providing for the ever increasing energy needs of the planet is going to take a wide range of alternate energy systems and green technologies are finally beginning to establish themselves in a sector expected to grow tenfold within several years. The future is bright for alternate energy sources and a more sustainable world.
Renewable Energy Manufactures/suppliers should use their own product to manufacture.
Renewable Energy Manufactures/suppliers should use their own product to manufacture.
The manufacturers’ of Solar Panels and other forms of renewable energy with related support products manufactures/suppliers - should have at least the decency to practice what they preach what they market to the public.
That would be the best marketing approach I can think off.
If they believe in the product they manufacture/sell, they should utilize it to its fullest potential.
It will give the manufacturer the actual experience of utilizing the product on a daily basis, view and experience any shortcoming or improvements that are needed, implement the improvements and capitalize on that revision to improve the product and its performance.
This will instill confidence in the public to purchase the product.
Jay Draiman, Energy Analyst
PS
As with any new technology, PV will become more efficient, cheaper and cleaner to produce. In order for this to happen we (Governments / NGOs / Individuals) need to invest more time and money into making PV viable, e.g. through increased incentives, regulations, technical standards, R&D, manufacturing processes and generating consumer demand.
Just like the automobile industry, the manufacture used its own product.
Over the years the automobile industry and technology has evolved from the early 1900 to what it is today the year 2011.
I predict that in 10 years the automobile we know today will change drastically for the better, with new fuel technology and other modification that will improve its scales of economy and features.
The manufacturers’ of Solar Panels and other forms of renewable energy with related support products manufactures/suppliers - should have at least the decency to practice what they preach what they market to the public.
That would be the best marketing approach I can think off.
If they believe in the product they manufacture/sell, they should utilize it to its fullest potential.
It will give the manufacturer the actual experience of utilizing the product on a daily basis, view and experience any shortcoming or improvements that are needed, implement the improvements and capitalize on that revision to improve the product and its performance.
This will instill confidence in the public to purchase the product.
Jay Draiman, Energy Analyst
PS
As with any new technology, PV will become more efficient, cheaper and cleaner to produce. In order for this to happen we (Governments / NGOs / Individuals) need to invest more time and money into making PV viable, e.g. through increased incentives, regulations, technical standards, R&D, manufacturing processes and generating consumer demand.
Just like the automobile industry, the manufacture used its own product.
Over the years the automobile industry and technology has evolved from the early 1900 to what it is today the year 2011.
I predict that in 10 years the automobile we know today will change drastically for the better, with new fuel technology and other modification that will improve its scales of economy and features.
Seven Ways To Save Electricity And Money
Saving electricity in your home has many obvious benefits a couple of which are, saving money on your power bill and saving carbon emissions that it takes to generate electricity.
This not only makes more things available for your lifestyle, it reduces the impact that you make on everyone else's, a true win-win situation.
I want to start with a lesson that I learned from my house,
1. Clean or have cleaned the coils on the inside of your air-conditioning unit.
Having your central heating, cleaned and inspected yearly is a very good idea.
There are radiator like coils on the inside of a central air-conditioning unit that the air flows through to be heated or cooled and circulated back into the house. When these coils become clogged with dust and other particles of all kinds that fly around in the air we breathe, an accumulation of these tiny particles restricts the air flow which makes the unit less effective and the motors in the unit work harder, and also makes the entire unit work longer due to the restricted airflow.
Clearing a clogged unit can make a dramatic difference in the efficiency and the cost of your heating and cooling.
2. Stop the drafts.
There are many areas of your house, especially around windows and doors that allow too much air exchange.
I saw a neat door boot on TV that fits both sides of the door for the bottom of it for a quick and simple fix to stop drafts in that area.
Many times these seal between the window frame and the house is not tight enough and will need some caulk to seal the cracks.
3. Replace old Windows
If your windows are very old, replacing them with modern insulated windows can make an enormous difference. Although the initial investment is large, the added comfort and big savings in energy is usually worth it. I plan on new windows and insulated vinyl siding on my house as soon as possible.
4.Your Hot Water Heater
Your Hot Water Heater is an enormous consumer of power. You can reduce the temperature of your hot water to save energy and still have water that is plenty hot enough for everything you need around the house. I have the water at my business turned down all the way so that I can use hot water only, and still have my hands under the water. This may not be enough for your house, where people are taking showers and such, but it is an easy adjustment, so you can experiment with it to get yours set like you want it.
To adjust the temperature of your heater, First, turn off the power to it. Then look on the side of the hot water heater, There are usually two removable panels. Remove the panels, and underneath, you will see a dial that you can turn with a screwdriver to adjust the temperature of the water heater, you want to adjust both dials to the same setting. I would suggest turning it down 10° and going through your normal routine, if it is not made an undesirable impact, repeat the process until you reach the level that is just hot enough for your needs. Another point about your water heater is that although it has some insulation in the shell additional insulation can help conserve energy.
5. Flip the switch
Turn off lights, stereo equipment, TVs, and all the other stuff that we that we use when we're not using it. Turning off lights when you leave the room, even if you think you're coming right back will make a difference in your consumption. Putting a power strip and surge protector on your electronics can be switched off to prevent power drain when not in use as well as protect your expensive equipment.
6. Replace Outdated Appliances
Older appliances generally consume more electricity. So if your washer or dryer or dishwasher or some other appliance breaks down, you may want to consider replacing it with a more efficient model instead of repairing it.
7. Xedia Power Saving Electronics
I want to round out this list with another discovery that I made, it is a new technology put out by Xedia technologys called the X-power saver. It is a small cylindrical capacitor that you plug into an outlet in your home that tunes your electricity to make it more efficient. The items such as fans and other inductive loads on your system use much less electricity, as well as operate cooler and have a longer life if this unit is on the same phase with them. I can't say that I am an expert on how it works, But I have seen it demonstrated that it does work, and it comes with a six-month moneyback guarantee
This not only makes more things available for your lifestyle, it reduces the impact that you make on everyone else's, a true win-win situation.
I want to start with a lesson that I learned from my house,
1. Clean or have cleaned the coils on the inside of your air-conditioning unit.
Having your central heating, cleaned and inspected yearly is a very good idea.
There are radiator like coils on the inside of a central air-conditioning unit that the air flows through to be heated or cooled and circulated back into the house. When these coils become clogged with dust and other particles of all kinds that fly around in the air we breathe, an accumulation of these tiny particles restricts the air flow which makes the unit less effective and the motors in the unit work harder, and also makes the entire unit work longer due to the restricted airflow.
Clearing a clogged unit can make a dramatic difference in the efficiency and the cost of your heating and cooling.
2. Stop the drafts.
There are many areas of your house, especially around windows and doors that allow too much air exchange.
I saw a neat door boot on TV that fits both sides of the door for the bottom of it for a quick and simple fix to stop drafts in that area.
Many times these seal between the window frame and the house is not tight enough and will need some caulk to seal the cracks.
3. Replace old Windows
If your windows are very old, replacing them with modern insulated windows can make an enormous difference. Although the initial investment is large, the added comfort and big savings in energy is usually worth it. I plan on new windows and insulated vinyl siding on my house as soon as possible.
4.Your Hot Water Heater
Your Hot Water Heater is an enormous consumer of power. You can reduce the temperature of your hot water to save energy and still have water that is plenty hot enough for everything you need around the house. I have the water at my business turned down all the way so that I can use hot water only, and still have my hands under the water. This may not be enough for your house, where people are taking showers and such, but it is an easy adjustment, so you can experiment with it to get yours set like you want it.
To adjust the temperature of your heater, First, turn off the power to it. Then look on the side of the hot water heater, There are usually two removable panels. Remove the panels, and underneath, you will see a dial that you can turn with a screwdriver to adjust the temperature of the water heater, you want to adjust both dials to the same setting. I would suggest turning it down 10° and going through your normal routine, if it is not made an undesirable impact, repeat the process until you reach the level that is just hot enough for your needs. Another point about your water heater is that although it has some insulation in the shell additional insulation can help conserve energy.
5. Flip the switch
Turn off lights, stereo equipment, TVs, and all the other stuff that we that we use when we're not using it. Turning off lights when you leave the room, even if you think you're coming right back will make a difference in your consumption. Putting a power strip and surge protector on your electronics can be switched off to prevent power drain when not in use as well as protect your expensive equipment.
6. Replace Outdated Appliances
Older appliances generally consume more electricity. So if your washer or dryer or dishwasher or some other appliance breaks down, you may want to consider replacing it with a more efficient model instead of repairing it.
7. Xedia Power Saving Electronics
I want to round out this list with another discovery that I made, it is a new technology put out by Xedia technologys called the X-power saver. It is a small cylindrical capacitor that you plug into an outlet in your home that tunes your electricity to make it more efficient. The items such as fans and other inductive loads on your system use much less electricity, as well as operate cooler and have a longer life if this unit is on the same phase with them. I can't say that I am an expert on how it works, But I have seen it demonstrated that it does work, and it comes with a six-month moneyback guarantee
How Geothermal Heating and Cooling Works
How Geothermal Heating and Cooling Works
The earth is a wonderful source of heat. Just ask the burrowing animals that depend on it for warmth in the winter. In fact, the earth stores 47 percent of the solar energy that reaches us, making it a natural source of heat for our homes, if we can get it out. And we can. Geothermal heating and cooling systems -- also called geoexchange, earth-loop, or ground-coupled heat pumps -- move the heat from the ground into your home using the same technology your refrigerator uses to remove heat from food. When a cat curls up at the bottom vent of a refrigerator, it simply is enjoying the warm result of the refrigeration process. That explains the heating process, but the system simply reverses to provide cooling during the hot months twice as efficiently as any other air conditioning system. It's an elegant solution to home climate control.
The heart of a geothermal system is a cleanly designed box that looks like the average gas furnace, except that it replaces the fuel burner with a refrigeration system that converts heat from the earth into warmth for your home. Yes, geothermal systems use electricity, but because they only use it to move heat already available in the ground, they use a lot less than other electric heating systems.
And a geothermal system can do more than heat and cool; it can provide virtually free hot water and superior home dehumidification.
As documented by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heating and cooling is the most efficient home comfort system available, the "heating system for the 21st Century."
Environmental Facts
FACT:
Earth Comfort systems don't have an unsightly propane tank in the yard.
FACT:
Earth Comfort systems don't burn any fossil fuels in your house.
That makes them safer (nothing burning in the house) and cleaner (no toxic fumes released into the environment around your home).
FACT:
Earth Comfort systems are renewable. The heating and cooling comes from the temperature in the ground, a source renewed by the sun's cycles.
FACT:
A house with geothermal reduces overall environmental emissions by 70% as compared to electric with AC.
FACT:
A house with geothermal heating & cooling uses no flames, has no fumes, and needs no propane tank on your lawn.
FACT:
A house with geothermal is, on a source fuel basis, over 75% more efficient than heating a house with oil.
FACT:
A house with geothermal reduces overall environmental emissions by 40% as compared to natural gas and central air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are we going to be comfortable?
Probably more comfortable than ever. A geothermal system moves warm air throughout your home via a standard duct network. Because the system moves a larger volume of air, heat is more even throughout the home and the initial cold air blast common with fossil fuel furnaces is eliminated. It's also a great comfort to know that you've reduced your energy consumption while using a renewable source - the earth. And geothermal means a cleaner house because there is no soot from combustion, and increased air flow means increased filtration.
Can a geothermal system be added to my furnace?
Split systems can easily be added to existing furnaces for those wishing to have a dual- fuel system. Dual-fuel systems use the geothermal unit as the main heating source and a fossil fuel furnace as a supplement in extremely cold weather if additional heat is needed. Your electric utility may provide special rates for dual-fuel installations.
Do I need separate loops for heating and cooling?
No. The same loop works for both. All that happens when changing from heating to cooling is that the flow of heat is reversed.
Electric utilities like them because they use a lot of electricity, right?
Actually, utilities like geothermal systems because they use electricity in a way that benefits them and the customer. Because of the way they operate, geothermal systems provide a steady base load for utilities, pretty much avoiding the sharp peaks of electricity usage that require expensive reserve power sources. Those savings often are passed on to the customers in the form of special rates. And yes, geothermal systems use electricity, but because they only use it to move heat already available in the ground, they use a lot less than other electric heating systems. Geothermal systems operate at efficiencies 3 to 4 times higher than electric resistance heat. That is, a geothermal systems will provide 10,000-14,000 BTU's (British Thermal Units) of heat per kilowatt-hour compared with 3,413 BTU's per kWh produced by 100% efficient electric resistance heater. This also means that geothermal systems cost less-as much as 60 percent less to operate than propane or fuel oil furnaces.
How do geothermal owners feel about them?
State and national surveys show that over 90 percent of owners are very satisfied with their geothermal units. More than 95 percent said they would choose the system again and recommended it to others.
How much groundwater does an open-loop system need?
Geothermal heat pumps used in open loop systems need differing amounts of water depending on the size of the unit and the manufacturer's specifications. The water requirement is usually expressed in gallons per minute (g.p.m.) Your heating contractor should be able to provide this information. Generally, the average system will use 6-10 g.p.m. An extremely hot or cold day might result in usage of 6,000-10,000 gallons of water. Your well pump combination should be large enough to supply the water needed by the geothermal unit and your domestic water requirements.
I wouldn't want to be a guinea pig for some new gadget.
The technology has been around since the 1950s. Tens of thousands of the units have been installed in all parts of the U.S. and Canada. Approximately 15,000 are working in Michigan.
If I have a pond near my home can I put a loop in it?
If it is at least six feet deep, a pond is a perfect heat exchanger.
Is a geothermal heat pump difficult to install?
Most units are easy to install, especially when they are replacing another forced air system. They can be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion, thus, no need to vent exhaust gases. Ductwork must be installed in homes that don't have an existing air distribution system. The difficulty of installing ductwork will vary and should be assessed by a contractor.
My friend has a backhoe. Can we put in the loop ourselves and save a few bucks?
It's not recommended. In addition to thermal fusion of the pipe, good earth-to-soil contact is very important for successful loop operation. Nonprofessional installations may result in less than optimum system performance, and may void manufacturer's warranty. Look for qualified installers who guarantee their work and tell your friend to watch.
OK, so geothermal can provide cheap heat. Can it cool too?
It can do more than cool; it can make hot water, too. A simple switch at the thermostat reverses the process, allowing the geothermal system to provide cooling twice as efficiently as any other air conditioning system. In the process, the system provides virtually free hot water and superior home dehumidification plus, some units can make all of your hot water.
Should I buy a system large enough to heat my home with no supplemental heat?
Your contractor will calculate the heating and cooling load (heat loss/ heat gain) to guide equipment selection. Some new generation systems can be sized to meet optimum heating and cooling requirements without additional supplemental heat. Other models will supply 80-100 percent of your design heating load. Sizing the system to handle your entire heating needs may result in slightly lower heating costs, but the savings may not offset the added cost of the larger unit.
Is this magic? You can't get heat out of cold well water or the frozen earth.
The earth is a wonderful source of heat. Just ask the burrowing animals that depend on it for warmth in the winter. In fact, the earth stores 47 percent of the solar energy that reaches us, making it a natural source of heat for our homes, if we can get it out. And we can. Geothermal heating and cooling systems, also called earth loop, or ground-coupled heat pumps, move the heat from the ground into your home using the same technology your refrigerator uses to remove heat from food. When a cat curls up at the bottom vent of a refrigerator it simply is enjoying the warm result of the refrigeration process.
So what is this open-loop, closed-loop stuff?
The heart of the geothermal systems is the ground loop. An open-loop geothermal system uses well water as a heat source. As the water passes through it, the system extracts heat, reducing the water temperature about 5 degrees F. The water is then returned to the earth, usually by running it on the ground and letting it seep into the aquifer. A closed-loop system extracts heat from the earth by a series of liquid-filled pipes buried in the ground. The plastic pipes are filled with water and antifreeze. The pipe used in closed loop systems is buried beneath the frost line. The pipe can also be run vertically in bored holes. A typical home will have about 2,000 running feet of pipe in the earth loop. The pipe can have a guaranteed lifetime of 50 years or more.
How much does a geothermal system cost?
We get into trouble with dealers when we mention prices, because total installation cost depends on so many variables: unit size, type and style of loop, modifications to existing ductwork, among others. And the initial cost is more than offset by operating cost savings, which could be way more than half your current heating bill if you use propane or fuel oil.
Will an earth loop affect my lawn or landscape?
Well, digging a trench can get a little messy. But experience has shown that loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees or shrubs. Most horizontal loop installations use trenches about two feet wide. This of course, will leave temporary bare areas that can be restored with grass seed or sod. Vertical loops require little space and result in minimal disruption.
Your House
The temperature in the ground around your house is fairly constant year round, and that's the secret behind the efficiency of geothermal heating and cooling systems. That constant temperature - roughly 46 to 50 degrees F. in northern states and warmer as you travel south - allows already efficient electric heat pumps to operate for even less, reducing the cost of heating your home by more than half when compared with a propane furnace. And geothermal systems provide cooling at up to a third less than conventional central air conditioning systems.
Geothermal systems will work for any house, old or new, whether delivering forced air through ductwork or heated liquid through radiant tubing in the floor.
While the initial cost of a geothermal system is marginally higher than the cost of a comparable fossil fuel furnace with central air, the lower operating cost will make up for the extra cost several times over the lifetime of the equipment. In fact, when the cost of the geothermal system is included in the mortgage, the combined living expenses for mortgage and heating and cooling will be less than for the same house with a fossil fuel system. In other words, the lower energy bill for a geothermal home more than offsets the higher monthly mortgage payment. That's money in your pocket.
The earth is a wonderful source of heat. Just ask the burrowing animals that depend on it for warmth in the winter. In fact, the earth stores 47 percent of the solar energy that reaches us, making it a natural source of heat for our homes, if we can get it out. And we can. Geothermal heating and cooling systems -- also called geoexchange, earth-loop, or ground-coupled heat pumps -- move the heat from the ground into your home using the same technology your refrigerator uses to remove heat from food. When a cat curls up at the bottom vent of a refrigerator, it simply is enjoying the warm result of the refrigeration process. That explains the heating process, but the system simply reverses to provide cooling during the hot months twice as efficiently as any other air conditioning system. It's an elegant solution to home climate control.
The heart of a geothermal system is a cleanly designed box that looks like the average gas furnace, except that it replaces the fuel burner with a refrigeration system that converts heat from the earth into warmth for your home. Yes, geothermal systems use electricity, but because they only use it to move heat already available in the ground, they use a lot less than other electric heating systems.
And a geothermal system can do more than heat and cool; it can provide virtually free hot water and superior home dehumidification.
As documented by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heating and cooling is the most efficient home comfort system available, the "heating system for the 21st Century."
Environmental Facts
FACT:
Earth Comfort systems don't have an unsightly propane tank in the yard.
FACT:
Earth Comfort systems don't burn any fossil fuels in your house.
That makes them safer (nothing burning in the house) and cleaner (no toxic fumes released into the environment around your home).
FACT:
Earth Comfort systems are renewable. The heating and cooling comes from the temperature in the ground, a source renewed by the sun's cycles.
FACT:
A house with geothermal reduces overall environmental emissions by 70% as compared to electric with AC.
FACT:
A house with geothermal heating & cooling uses no flames, has no fumes, and needs no propane tank on your lawn.
FACT:
A house with geothermal is, on a source fuel basis, over 75% more efficient than heating a house with oil.
FACT:
A house with geothermal reduces overall environmental emissions by 40% as compared to natural gas and central air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are we going to be comfortable?
Probably more comfortable than ever. A geothermal system moves warm air throughout your home via a standard duct network. Because the system moves a larger volume of air, heat is more even throughout the home and the initial cold air blast common with fossil fuel furnaces is eliminated. It's also a great comfort to know that you've reduced your energy consumption while using a renewable source - the earth. And geothermal means a cleaner house because there is no soot from combustion, and increased air flow means increased filtration.
Can a geothermal system be added to my furnace?
Split systems can easily be added to existing furnaces for those wishing to have a dual- fuel system. Dual-fuel systems use the geothermal unit as the main heating source and a fossil fuel furnace as a supplement in extremely cold weather if additional heat is needed. Your electric utility may provide special rates for dual-fuel installations.
Do I need separate loops for heating and cooling?
No. The same loop works for both. All that happens when changing from heating to cooling is that the flow of heat is reversed.
Electric utilities like them because they use a lot of electricity, right?
Actually, utilities like geothermal systems because they use electricity in a way that benefits them and the customer. Because of the way they operate, geothermal systems provide a steady base load for utilities, pretty much avoiding the sharp peaks of electricity usage that require expensive reserve power sources. Those savings often are passed on to the customers in the form of special rates. And yes, geothermal systems use electricity, but because they only use it to move heat already available in the ground, they use a lot less than other electric heating systems. Geothermal systems operate at efficiencies 3 to 4 times higher than electric resistance heat. That is, a geothermal systems will provide 10,000-14,000 BTU's (British Thermal Units) of heat per kilowatt-hour compared with 3,413 BTU's per kWh produced by 100% efficient electric resistance heater. This also means that geothermal systems cost less-as much as 60 percent less to operate than propane or fuel oil furnaces.
How do geothermal owners feel about them?
State and national surveys show that over 90 percent of owners are very satisfied with their geothermal units. More than 95 percent said they would choose the system again and recommended it to others.
How much groundwater does an open-loop system need?
Geothermal heat pumps used in open loop systems need differing amounts of water depending on the size of the unit and the manufacturer's specifications. The water requirement is usually expressed in gallons per minute (g.p.m.) Your heating contractor should be able to provide this information. Generally, the average system will use 6-10 g.p.m. An extremely hot or cold day might result in usage of 6,000-10,000 gallons of water. Your well pump combination should be large enough to supply the water needed by the geothermal unit and your domestic water requirements.
I wouldn't want to be a guinea pig for some new gadget.
The technology has been around since the 1950s. Tens of thousands of the units have been installed in all parts of the U.S. and Canada. Approximately 15,000 are working in Michigan.
If I have a pond near my home can I put a loop in it?
If it is at least six feet deep, a pond is a perfect heat exchanger.
Is a geothermal heat pump difficult to install?
Most units are easy to install, especially when they are replacing another forced air system. They can be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion, thus, no need to vent exhaust gases. Ductwork must be installed in homes that don't have an existing air distribution system. The difficulty of installing ductwork will vary and should be assessed by a contractor.
My friend has a backhoe. Can we put in the loop ourselves and save a few bucks?
It's not recommended. In addition to thermal fusion of the pipe, good earth-to-soil contact is very important for successful loop operation. Nonprofessional installations may result in less than optimum system performance, and may void manufacturer's warranty. Look for qualified installers who guarantee their work and tell your friend to watch.
OK, so geothermal can provide cheap heat. Can it cool too?
It can do more than cool; it can make hot water, too. A simple switch at the thermostat reverses the process, allowing the geothermal system to provide cooling twice as efficiently as any other air conditioning system. In the process, the system provides virtually free hot water and superior home dehumidification plus, some units can make all of your hot water.
Should I buy a system large enough to heat my home with no supplemental heat?
Your contractor will calculate the heating and cooling load (heat loss/ heat gain) to guide equipment selection. Some new generation systems can be sized to meet optimum heating and cooling requirements without additional supplemental heat. Other models will supply 80-100 percent of your design heating load. Sizing the system to handle your entire heating needs may result in slightly lower heating costs, but the savings may not offset the added cost of the larger unit.
Is this magic? You can't get heat out of cold well water or the frozen earth.
The earth is a wonderful source of heat. Just ask the burrowing animals that depend on it for warmth in the winter. In fact, the earth stores 47 percent of the solar energy that reaches us, making it a natural source of heat for our homes, if we can get it out. And we can. Geothermal heating and cooling systems, also called earth loop, or ground-coupled heat pumps, move the heat from the ground into your home using the same technology your refrigerator uses to remove heat from food. When a cat curls up at the bottom vent of a refrigerator it simply is enjoying the warm result of the refrigeration process.
So what is this open-loop, closed-loop stuff?
The heart of the geothermal systems is the ground loop. An open-loop geothermal system uses well water as a heat source. As the water passes through it, the system extracts heat, reducing the water temperature about 5 degrees F. The water is then returned to the earth, usually by running it on the ground and letting it seep into the aquifer. A closed-loop system extracts heat from the earth by a series of liquid-filled pipes buried in the ground. The plastic pipes are filled with water and antifreeze. The pipe used in closed loop systems is buried beneath the frost line. The pipe can also be run vertically in bored holes. A typical home will have about 2,000 running feet of pipe in the earth loop. The pipe can have a guaranteed lifetime of 50 years or more.
How much does a geothermal system cost?
We get into trouble with dealers when we mention prices, because total installation cost depends on so many variables: unit size, type and style of loop, modifications to existing ductwork, among others. And the initial cost is more than offset by operating cost savings, which could be way more than half your current heating bill if you use propane or fuel oil.
Will an earth loop affect my lawn or landscape?
Well, digging a trench can get a little messy. But experience has shown that loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees or shrubs. Most horizontal loop installations use trenches about two feet wide. This of course, will leave temporary bare areas that can be restored with grass seed or sod. Vertical loops require little space and result in minimal disruption.
Your House
The temperature in the ground around your house is fairly constant year round, and that's the secret behind the efficiency of geothermal heating and cooling systems. That constant temperature - roughly 46 to 50 degrees F. in northern states and warmer as you travel south - allows already efficient electric heat pumps to operate for even less, reducing the cost of heating your home by more than half when compared with a propane furnace. And geothermal systems provide cooling at up to a third less than conventional central air conditioning systems.
Geothermal systems will work for any house, old or new, whether delivering forced air through ductwork or heated liquid through radiant tubing in the floor.
While the initial cost of a geothermal system is marginally higher than the cost of a comparable fossil fuel furnace with central air, the lower operating cost will make up for the extra cost several times over the lifetime of the equipment. In fact, when the cost of the geothermal system is included in the mortgage, the combined living expenses for mortgage and heating and cooling will be less than for the same house with a fossil fuel system. In other words, the lower energy bill for a geothermal home more than offsets the higher monthly mortgage payment. That's money in your pocket.
Tips to save energy and money
Tips to save energy and money
1. Recycle aluminum and glass.
2. Buy energy efficient appliances
3. Run clothes washers only when fully loaded, but don't overload
4. Plant a tree
5. Do all ironing at one time
6. Buy recycled paper
7. Buy low wattage or compact fluorescent light bulbs
8. Turn off lights that don't need to be on
9. Use cold water instead of hot
10. Use small ovens or stove-top cooking methods instead of your large oven
11. Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store
12. Write companies urging them to use paper rather than plastics and styrofoam
13. Buy products that will last
14. Support environmentally conscious businesses.
15. Don't drive when air pollution is bad
16. Teach your children about these ideas
17. Avoid buying rainforest products
18. Take the bus, walk or ride your bike to meetings
19. Buy locally produced foods; avoid buying goods that must be trucked in
20. Support or start local tree planting programs
21. Recycle aluminum and glass
22. Recycle newspapers
23. Reuse glass containers
24. Buy a house plant
25. Plant a tree
26. Copy this list and send it to ten friends
27. Defrost your freezer
28. Do all ironing at one time
29. Buy environmentally safe products
30. Run dishwashers only when fully loaded
31. Request paper instead of styrofoam whenever possible
32. Hang your laundry to dry
33. Start a garden
34. Carpool to go shopping
35. Install water-efficient showerheads and faucets
36. Turn down your water heater to 121 degrees
37. Start a recycling program in your neighborhood
38. Defrost your freezer
39. Buy recycled paper
40. Cook with quick-heating, copper-bottom pans to conserve energy
41. Teach your children about these ideas
42. Use your microwave instead of the oven
43. Limit or eliminate using disposable items
44. Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store
45. Reuse your paper and plastic bags
46. Write companies urging them to use paper rather than plastics and styrofoam
47. Request paper instead of styrofoam whenever possible
48. Use water-based paints whenever possible
49. Buy products that will last
50. Don't buy fire extinguishers containing halon
51. Support environmentally conscious businesses
52. Buy environmentally safe products
53. Buy products that minimize packaging
54. Avoid buying rainforest products
55. Buy locally produced foods; avoid buying goods that must be trucked in
56. Start a garden
57. Support or start local tree planting programs
Urge local and state government to buy recycled paper
At the Office . . .
58.
59. Schedule deliveries together
60. Subsidize and sell employee bus passes in the office
61. Encourage employees to phone first rather than driving
62. Use teleconferencing instead of driving to meetings
63. Take the bus, walk or ride your bike to meetings
64. Offer employees incentives for not driving
65. Buy gas-efficient or alternatively fueled vehicles for your fleet
66. Put a carpool matching map in the office
67. Buy a bike rack for your employees
68. Buy an office bike for employee use
69. Buy recycled paper for office use
70. Start a paper recycling program
71. Make two-sided copies whenever possible
72. Put an aluminum can recycling bin next to the pop machine
73. Bus, carpool, walk or bike to work
74. Ask if you can work at home one or more days a week
With Your Car . . .
75. Recycle motor oil and batteries
76. Don't drive when air pollution is bad
77. Call your local transit system for bus schedules
78. Call your local carpool program or start one in your town
79. Carpool the kids to their school events
80. Carpool to the ski slopes
81. Carpool to go shopping
82. Eat lunch at the office instead of going out
83. Call stores first to see if they have what you want
84. Combine several small trips into one
85. Shop by mail and catalogs
86. Plan an evening at home with your kids
87. Do errands on the way home from work
88. Encourage your teens to walk or ride their bikes rather than taking the car, and do the same yourself
89. Shop for a neighbor when going to the grocery store or form a neighborhood co-op
90. Have your car's emissions tested regularly
91. Tune-up your car, especially before winter
92. Check for proper tire inflation when gassing up
93. Don't repair your car's air conditioning yourself, have it serviced at a station that recycles CFC's
94. Don't buy a car with air conditioning
95. When buying a new car, let dealers know that fuel efficiency is important
96. Park and go inside instead of idling at a drive-up window
97. Remove unnecessary articles from your car; each 100 lbs. of weight decreases fuel efficiency by 1%
98. Enjoy sports and activities that don't require gas or electricity
99. Avoid accelerated starts to save gas
100. Copy this list and send it to ten friends
101. Think often about the future and how you would like the earth to be 100 years from now for your grandchildren and their grandchildren
Sound good? If not, here are some
1. Recycle aluminum and glass.
2. Buy energy efficient appliances
3. Run clothes washers only when fully loaded, but don't overload
4. Plant a tree
5. Do all ironing at one time
6. Buy recycled paper
7. Buy low wattage or compact fluorescent light bulbs
8. Turn off lights that don't need to be on
9. Use cold water instead of hot
10. Use small ovens or stove-top cooking methods instead of your large oven
11. Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store
12. Write companies urging them to use paper rather than plastics and styrofoam
13. Buy products that will last
14. Support environmentally conscious businesses.
15. Don't drive when air pollution is bad
16. Teach your children about these ideas
17. Avoid buying rainforest products
18. Take the bus, walk or ride your bike to meetings
19. Buy locally produced foods; avoid buying goods that must be trucked in
20. Support or start local tree planting programs
21. Recycle aluminum and glass
22. Recycle newspapers
23. Reuse glass containers
24. Buy a house plant
25. Plant a tree
26. Copy this list and send it to ten friends
27. Defrost your freezer
28. Do all ironing at one time
29. Buy environmentally safe products
30. Run dishwashers only when fully loaded
31. Request paper instead of styrofoam whenever possible
32. Hang your laundry to dry
33. Start a garden
34. Carpool to go shopping
35. Install water-efficient showerheads and faucets
36. Turn down your water heater to 121 degrees
37. Start a recycling program in your neighborhood
38. Defrost your freezer
39. Buy recycled paper
40. Cook with quick-heating, copper-bottom pans to conserve energy
41. Teach your children about these ideas
42. Use your microwave instead of the oven
43. Limit or eliminate using disposable items
44. Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store
45. Reuse your paper and plastic bags
46. Write companies urging them to use paper rather than plastics and styrofoam
47. Request paper instead of styrofoam whenever possible
48. Use water-based paints whenever possible
49. Buy products that will last
50. Don't buy fire extinguishers containing halon
51. Support environmentally conscious businesses
52. Buy environmentally safe products
53. Buy products that minimize packaging
54. Avoid buying rainforest products
55. Buy locally produced foods; avoid buying goods that must be trucked in
56. Start a garden
57. Support or start local tree planting programs
Urge local and state government to buy recycled paper
At the Office . . .
58.
59. Schedule deliveries together
60. Subsidize and sell employee bus passes in the office
61. Encourage employees to phone first rather than driving
62. Use teleconferencing instead of driving to meetings
63. Take the bus, walk or ride your bike to meetings
64. Offer employees incentives for not driving
65. Buy gas-efficient or alternatively fueled vehicles for your fleet
66. Put a carpool matching map in the office
67. Buy a bike rack for your employees
68. Buy an office bike for employee use
69. Buy recycled paper for office use
70. Start a paper recycling program
71. Make two-sided copies whenever possible
72. Put an aluminum can recycling bin next to the pop machine
73. Bus, carpool, walk or bike to work
74. Ask if you can work at home one or more days a week
With Your Car . . .
75. Recycle motor oil and batteries
76. Don't drive when air pollution is bad
77. Call your local transit system for bus schedules
78. Call your local carpool program or start one in your town
79. Carpool the kids to their school events
80. Carpool to the ski slopes
81. Carpool to go shopping
82. Eat lunch at the office instead of going out
83. Call stores first to see if they have what you want
84. Combine several small trips into one
85. Shop by mail and catalogs
86. Plan an evening at home with your kids
87. Do errands on the way home from work
88. Encourage your teens to walk or ride their bikes rather than taking the car, and do the same yourself
89. Shop for a neighbor when going to the grocery store or form a neighborhood co-op
90. Have your car's emissions tested regularly
91. Tune-up your car, especially before winter
92. Check for proper tire inflation when gassing up
93. Don't repair your car's air conditioning yourself, have it serviced at a station that recycles CFC's
94. Don't buy a car with air conditioning
95. When buying a new car, let dealers know that fuel efficiency is important
96. Park and go inside instead of idling at a drive-up window
97. Remove unnecessary articles from your car; each 100 lbs. of weight decreases fuel efficiency by 1%
98. Enjoy sports and activities that don't require gas or electricity
99. Avoid accelerated starts to save gas
100. Copy this list and send it to ten friends
101. Think often about the future and how you would like the earth to be 100 years from now for your grandchildren and their grandchildren
Sound good? If not, here are some
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)