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Home Energy Use Facts

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Here are some astonishing tidbits and facts I have discovered about home energy use in the United States. 

The average home contributes more air pollution than does the average car.

Every time you open the refrigerator door, up to one-third of the cold air can escape.

Switching from ten 100-watt bulbs to ten 40-watt bulbs saves 600 watt hours. That savings is for every hour the lights are on. Saving 0.6 kWh from changing 10 light bulbs x 8 hours/day x 365 days/yr = 1752 kWh.... read more

Everything You Need to Know about the UK’s Code for Sustainable Homes

Launched way back in 2006, the UK’s Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is a huge step in the right direction for the construction industry. Similar to LEED in the US, it is an environmental protocol that aims to change the way houses and other properties are built. It was introduced with the view that making ‘environmentally friendly’, sustainable buildings now, will help tackle the issues with the environment that we are currently experiencing.

In the official CSH documentation the following benefits are highlighted:

1.  Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions- Cutting greenhouse gasses is now the cornerstone of almost every ‘green’ project, so it’s not surprise to see this at the top of the list.... read more

What is a Home Energy Management System?

Home Energy Managing Systems are tools that monitor energy data from your electricity meter and/or PV solar system.  The system tracks how much energy is in use at any given time or over a period of time.  There are two types of energy management systems on the market: 1) those geared toward utility companies to monitor customer use and allow them to adjust rates based on use; and 2) those for home owners to monitor their own home energy use in order to be more efficient. ... read more

40 Home Energy Saving Tips

Home energy use

When there is a will there is a way. It is simple to save energy and money at home when you stop, think, and plan.  Here are 40 simple energy saving tips you can implement today.  Most of these are free (yes!) and can make a big difference.... read more

Tips for Greening Your Lawn

Many homeowners want a nice green lawn - as in the color.  But, how about making your lawn greener, in terms of sustainability?  It's easy!  

Here are some tips:

Less Grass

Having a huge lawn uses a lot of water.  Lawn care equipment is also responsable for roughly 5% of air pollution in areas that don't meet federal air quality standards, according to the EPA.  Start off by cutting down on the grass in your yard and fill up your yard with a nice patio, native plants, and edible gardens.  ... read more

How to Improve Home Window Efficiency

I recently wrote about how roughly one-third of your cool air escapes through your windows. Windows make up a large portion of the perimeter of your home – about 15% - so it’s important to understand how your windows impact your energy consumption. Here are 10 simple steps you can take to improve your home window efficiency.... read more

Simple Solutions for Home Energy Loss

Almost every home has energy loss problems that can be solved with easy, do-it-yourself solutions. Everyone is eager to cut a few dollars off that monthly energy bill and help the environment in the process.  Here are some simple solutions to your home energy loss problems.... read more

Comparing Incandescent, CFL, and LED Light bulbs

I just wanted to share this infographic from our friends over at Lamps.com.  It compares incandescent lightbulbs, CFL (the "swirly" shaped bulbs), and LED light bulbs.  

I didn't know much about LED bulbs, but incandescent and CFL bulbs ain't got nothing on them!

See below for the infographic:... read more