Alternative Ways to Heating Your Home

It’s winter and for those who live in colder climates that means higher energy bills. According to an article in USA TODAY, winter heating costs are expected to average 10.5% higher in 2017, and in most residences, represent the highest household cost.

Think—and Heat Differently.

Think and Heat Differently in text imageryBy far, the most popular way to heat a home is with a furnace or boiler. Furnaces heat air and distribute it through the house using ducts. Boilers heat water, which is delivered through baseboard radiators or a radiant floor system, or heat air through a coil.

But what if you wanted to explore alternative ways to keep warm and cozy in your home? Well, the good news is there are plenty of choices at hand.

Which System Is Best for You?

Heat pumps in text imageryHeat pumps—Heat pumps move heat instead of generating it. They use electricity to move heat from a cool space to a warm space, so the cool space is cooler and the warm space is warmer. In the winter, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house. Conversely, in the summer, heat pumps move heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors.

Solar Energy in text imagerySolar Energy—As its name implies, active solar heating uses the natural energy from the sun to heat either liquid or gas, and then transfers this solar heat to a storage system for later use.

Electric Resistance Heating in text imageryElectric Resistance Heating—This system is 100 percent energy-efficient because it converts all the incoming electric energy into heat. But it is also among the costliest, because most of the electricity is generated from coal, gas, or oil, which has a fuel-to-electricity conversion rate of only about 30 percent.

Wood and Pellet Heating in text imageryWood and Pellet Heating—Today’s generation of wood- and pellet-burning appliances are more efficient and powerful enough to heat most average-sized homes. They also burn cleaner.

Steam and Hot Water Radiators in text imagerySteam and Hot Water Radiators—Steam radiators are one of the oldest heating systems around. However, the process of boiling and condensing liquid into heat is not as efficient as more modern-day systems. Hot water radiators are very popular in newer homes. The most common types are baseboard or upright style.

Radiant Heating in text imageryRadiant Heating—Radiant heating systems deliver heat directly from a hot surface to people and objects in the room through infrared radiation. If you have ever felt heat from across the room from a stove top, you’ve experienced radiant heating.

Portable Heaters in text imageryPortable Heaters—When you need to supplement an inadequate heating system or central heat is cost prohibitive, portable heaters are a good alternative, especially if you only need to heat one room. Take safety considerations when purchasing one by making sure it:

  • Is a newer one with the most current safety features
  • Carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label
  • Is thermostatically controlled
  • Is properly sized for the room; not oversized
  • Is located on a flat surface, away from high traffic areas, children, and pets

Here are some more energy-efficiency tips.

   

Save Energy on National Cut Energy Costs Day

Happy National Cut Energy Costs Day! Today, and every day for that matter, is a great day to find new ways to save energy and money. There are many ways to accomplish this – it just takes a little bit of research, creativity, and lucky for you, help from EasyEnergySavingTips.com.

 

We’ve gathered a few ways to help you celebrate National Cut Energy Costs Day. What better way to celebrate than putting money back into your pocket?

 

 

Ways to Save Through Your Daily Routine

 

We often don’t realize just how much energy we are using during our morning, afternoon, and nightly routines. A few simple changes could go a long way for saving energy in your home.

 

  • Shorten the showers: your hot water heater won’t have to work as hard if you cut down that half hour shower to about 10 minutes or less.
  • For the ladies: let your hair air dry as often as possible.
  • Try carpooling: if you have little ones, carpool with other parents. Or, if you live near a coworker, have them give you a lift, or vice versa, every once in a while.
  • After dinner: you don’t have to run your dishwasher every night. Only run it when it’s full.

Small Investments Can Make a Big Impact

 

Not all investments have to take a chunk of change from your wallet right away. Small investments in energy-saving products can help you save some big bucks.

 

  • Energy-efficient light bulbs: while these bulbs are a tad more costly than regular bulbs, energy-efficient bulbs such as LED light bulbs help to preserve electricity.
  • Home insulation: we are still in the winter season, so invest in some home insulation. This will help to keep your home warmer without running up the electric bill.
  • Ceiling fans: be sure your ceiling fans work for the space they’re in. Optimize air flow by using this guide to help you pick the best size and type of fan for a specific room.  

Create Some Good Habits

 

Adopting a few habits can help you save energy and money over time. Not all habits have to be bad habits.

 

  • Turn off the lights: it’s hard to remember to do this when you are in a rush. But if you become accustomed to turning off the lights regularly, you could save a lot of energy.
  • Turn down the thermostat when you leave: a few degrees can make a world of difference. While you’re not home, your heating and air conditioning shouldn’t have to work as hard.
  • Turn off the water: you’d be surprised at how much water is wasted while you’re brushing your teeth or scrubbing your hands.

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Four Gadgets to Help You Save Money in 2017

There are some awesome energy-saving gadgets out there that could be great investments for 2017. The following devices are definitely worth some extra spending and can potentially save you some big bucks down the road. Which ones would be the best investments for your home and wallet?

 

 

Smart Thermostats

 

smart-thermostatsWhile these gadgets cost an average of about $250, they really are worth the investment. Smart thermostats learn about how and when your family uses the heat and air-conditioning in your home. They also adjust to outdoor temperatures. Say goodbye to leaving your home and worrying about what temperature your thermostat is on—it’ll regulate all on its own. According to Thermostat Guide, a smart thermostat can save you up to $145 per year.

 

 

Energy Management Systems

 

energy-management-systemsSmart homes are officially a “thing”. Energy management systems allow you to control the air, lights, and all things electric in your home remotely from your mobile device. Forget to turn off the coffee pot or the stove? Not to worry—you can turn it off wherever you are at the touch of a button. You’ll never rack up electric bills with these smart devices! On average, these systems cost between $1,200–$4,500. However, homes with these systems cost about 30 percent less to operate than conventional homes.

 

 

Smart Power Strips

 

smart-power-stripsThese are ideal for those with a lot of electronics. Smart power strips cut phantom power from your devices. Phantom power can cost you a lot of money in monthly electricity bills. However, smart power strips can help reduce the amount of phantom power being used in your home. They often cost around $30, but can save up to $5 on your bills.

 

 

Large Ceiling Fans

 

large-ceiling-fansThis is nothing new, or high tech. But ceiling fans often get overlooked as a source of energy savings. Large fans help to circulate air around a room, sometimes more efficiently than your central cooling system. Mind you, more times than not, these large ceiling fans cost more than your standard size fan. However, you’ll notice that you won’t have to push your central air system as hard as you would with a standard size ceiling fan.

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Energy-Efficient Decorating Ideas for the Holidays

The holiday season is almost here and within the next couple of weeks, you’ll be decorating your home. With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, you may not realize that a lot of your traditional décor can actually eat significant amounts of energy and can cost you quite a bit of money when that December electricity bill comes in. So, as a gift to you, we have looked into some ways to decorate your home that will save energy and put some cash back into your pocket.

 

 

LED Lighting

 

led-lighting-in-text-imagesWe’re sure you saw this coming, but we really do swear by LED lights. While they are a tad more costly than incandescent lighting, LEDs use 75 percent less electricity and last 10 times longer. Plus, LED light strands will save you some sanity because if one bulb goes out, you won’t be searching through the entire thing to find the culprit.

 

 

Do It Yourself

 

do-it-yourself-in-text-imagesDon’t worry, we know that not everyone’s an artist. But decorations created by you are not only cheap, they also won’t add to your electricity bill. Even if your hand-made wreath doesn’t have sparkly lights, it can still be a beautiful addition to your décor. Plus, most DIY projects come with fool-proof directions, so your project is bound to turn out great.

 

 

Candlelit Decorations

 

candlelit-decorations-in-text-imagesWhy not enjoy pretty lighting the old-fashioned way? Don’t be afraid to dig out the candles you’ve been hoarding in the drawer all year. Putting candles around your home can add a cozy feel that’s perfect for the holidays. Plus, a lot of Christmas decorations need candlelight to operate or project their images. Just be sure to blow them out before you leave the house!

 

 

Fiber Optics

 

fiber-optics-in-text-imagesFiber optic trees and decorations are the ultimate energy saver and they’re cheap. In most cases, they operate from a single bulb located at the base of an entire decoration. Plus, fiber optic trees tend to operate from LED lighting, which is a double whammy in energy savings.

 

 

Use Lots of Color

 

use-lots-of-color-in-text-imagesYou don’t need lights to implement holiday spirit. When decorating, try changing the curtains to holiday colors and replacing your table clothes with new, festive ones. If you’re cognizant of using lots of color throughout your home to promote the holidays, you’ll find that you won’t need as many lights or electricity-operated decorations to fill your home with holiday cheer.

   

CFLs: The Good and The Bad

Compact florescent lamps (CFLs) are known to be the energy-saving light. While these lights use a little bit more energy when first turned on, CFLs use about 70% less energy than the traditional incandescent light bulb once the electricity starts moving. However, as with any product, there are drawbacks as well as benefits. So are CFLs worth the small investment? Let’s weigh the pros and the cons . . .

 

 

Compact Florescent Lamp Pros

 

  • Once plugged in, CFLs do save more than half the energy than incandescent light bulbs. The bulbs also produce about 75 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs, not only making them more environmentally sound, but safer as well.
  • While CFLs are a little costly to buy upfront, the bulbs save users about $40 per month in electricity costs over the span of the bulb’s lifetime. So, a $4 charge for the bulb is nothing compared to the hefty monthly savings.
  • One bulb can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by hundreds of pounds.
  • CFLs give off a large amount of light. People don’t often realize that a 23-watt CFL can give the equivalent of 100 watts in light output without exceeding the maximum wattage in a lamp.

Compact Florescent Lamp Cons

 

  • Studies have shown that CFLs can often dim quickly over the course of its lifespan. These bulbs may save energy, but it’s best to buy them in bulk in case they begin to dim sooner than expected.
  • CFLs contain small amounts of toxic mercury, about 4-5 mg. This toxin can be harmful to both humans and the environment if the bulbs are not disposed of properly.
  • Sometimes, the bulbs need a few minutes to “warm up” and reach full light potential.
  • CFLs do not work well with a dimming switch.
  • This type of light is meant to be switched “on” for long periods of time. Turning a CFL on and off frequently can reduce its lifespan significantly.

   

Internet Surfing’s Environmental Impact

If you’re like most people, you haven’t given much thought to the environmental impact of your Internet usage. A new plug-in, “Earth Mode,” for the Google Chrome browser hopes to change that, reports a recent PR Newswire release.

 

 

Making Surfers More Aware

 

Making Surfers More AwareThe Earth Mode plug-in is the result of a partnership between the Earth Day Network and Johnnie Walker®, makers of the world’s best-selling Scotch whiskey. The intent is to make Internet users more aware of their digital carbon footprint by calculating how much energy they use while online. Johnnie Walker will plant up to 75,000 trees to offset the use as part of the Earth Day Network Canopy Project.

 

 

Implications Beyond the Internet

 

Implications Beyond the Internet“Each time that you use a website or search the Internet, it requires a lot of energy to provide the data. Cumulatively across the world, this creates a large carbon footprint,” explains Michael Thornton, Chief Executive of Carbon Analytics. Thornton worked with Johnnie Walker to develop the Earth Mode plug-in. By making online users more aware, Johnnie Walker hopes the plug-in will inspire them to use less energy in general. The whiskey’s parent company, Diageo, has reduced its carbon emissions by 33% over eight years, in part, by making its 35,000 employees more aware of their own everyday usage.

 

 

How Energy Usage Is Calculated

 

How Energy Usage Is CalculatedThe Earth Mode plug-in measures online usage over a four-week period to estimate a user’s annual consumption. It is essentially an easy-to-use calculator that helps people understand their global footprint by displaying it in real-time, in the equivalent of everyday activities such as driving a car. Research suggests that the average online user consumes about 287 pounds of carbon a year, the equivalent of driving roughly 460 miles. The plug-in also indicates how many trees will be planted to offset this usage.

 

The Earth Mode plug-in is available from Google Chrome. To learn more about how to use it, watch the video.

   

Cafeteria Food for Thought

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT’s) Center for Collective Intelligence created Climate CoLab as a place “where people work with experts and each other to create, analyze, and select detailed proposals for what to do about climate change.” Recent Climate CoLab contests asked participants to submit proposals on how to address climate change in several key areas.

The first two winners were reviewed in previous posts, “Creating the Right Climate for Green Learning at MIT” and “Bicycle Parking for a Healthier Planet“. Today, we announce the winner of “Fostering Climate Collaboration in Boulder, CO,” which answers the question, “How can we build community engagement and connectivity around climate change?”

A Greener Cafeteria Lunch

A Greener Cafeteria LunchThe winning proposal from Kira Davis and Zoë Sigle won in both the Judges’ Choice and Popular Choice categories. The idea behind the proposal is to “drastically reduce GHGs” by promoting monthly Green Commons Luncheons, hosted by one climate conscious institution for other like-minded institutions. The luncheons would promote a plant-based diet while “fostering collaboration on climate research, mitigation, and advocacy,” claim Davis and Sigle.

Sustainability in Practice

Sustainability in PracticeThe proposal suggests that the food industry could be the next frontier for reducing our carbon footprint. By promoting local plant-based foods, and even creating partnerships with local farmers, these collaborative green lunches would reduce demand for less efficient food sources, such as methane-producing cattle. In essence, this is an opportunity for institutions promoting global sustainability to put into practice what they have preached all along.

Winning the Bigger Contest

Winning the Bigger ContestThis latest Climate CoLab contest winner adds one more piece to the collective puzzle in what MIT hopes will someday be a broader, all-encompassing climate solution. With 130,000 community members who can ultimately submit proposals addressing each climate challenge, Climate CoLab plans to bring the various contest winners together in one, cohesive, global climate solution.

For more about Climate CoLab, including how to join the community, visit the Climate CoLab website.

   

ENERGY STAR Announces Top Cities for 2016

The Environmental Protection Agency recently disclosed what it considers the nation’s most energy efficient cities. The 2016 ENERGY STAR® Top Cities rankings reflect how a city’s buildings contribute to “stronger economies, healthier communities, and cleaner air for all of us.”

 

 

Number One

 

Number OneFor the second year in a row, Washington, D.C., took the top honor as the city with the most ENERGY STAR buildings for 2015. It was followed by Los Angeles and San Francisco. Atlanta and NYC rounded out the top five.

 

On a side note, The Washington Post reported Boston as the “top city in the country for saving energy” in 2015, based on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) City Scorecard. The ACEEE placed the nation’s capital in third place.

 

 

The Ranking Process

 

The Ranking ProcessThe ENERGY STAR survey ranked each city on the energy efficiency of its buildings. The top cities’ energy savings added up to millions of dollars, while also sparing the environment. The EPA claims that city buildings consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy, even while taking up just two percent of the global landmass.

 

 

What’s at Stake?

 

What’s at StakeBy reducing emissions via energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR rated buildings have saved more than $3.8 billion since 1999. The EPA explains, it would take roughly 2.6 million homes to prevent the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

 

Healthier Environment, Healthier Economy

 

Healthier Environment, Healthier EconomyEnergy efficiency in city buildings not only contributes to cleaner air and healthier communities, it also improves the economy. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy explains, “Money saved on energy bills can boost the bottom line and be reinvested.”

 

 

On a Smaller Scale

 

On a Smaller ScaleIt’s not just the major metro areas making an energy impact. Smaller cities are doing their part, too. San Jose, Honolulu, and Virginia Beach took top honors for mid-size cities. Midland, Texas, Sioux City, Iowa, and Martinsville, Virginia, were the top three small cities.

 

 

See where your city ranks in the 2016 ENERGY STAR Top Cities.

   

Artificial Grass Takes Root in California

California, hit hard by record drought, has become fertile ground for artificial grass. Here are some pros and cons of synthetic lawns.

 

 

A Greener Alternative to Natural Grass

 

Artificial Grass Takes Root in California - In-Text ImagesGreener, albeit fake, grass has quickly become an acceptable alternative to natural grass for many Californians. The artificial turf business in the Golden State is booming as a result, according to an article in The Washington Post. Those who want greener lawns without incurring the wrath of water conservationists or the state government, see artificial grass as a smart solution.

 

 

What’s Driving Growth?

 

Whats Driving GrowthGovernor Jerry Brown last year ordered the state’s first mandatory watering restrictions in history. Lawn watering typically accounts for one-third of urban water use, so lawns are a natural choice for reducing water consumption. Since the restrictions took effect, business has grown nonstop for local turf manufacturers and retailers.

 

 

Who’s Buying It?

 

Whos Buying ItThe market ranges from celebrities to the middle-class – pretty much anyone who values a greener lawn while staying within the state’s stringent watering restrictions. Those who’ve tried artificial grass claim newer versions far surpass the original AstroTurf, bearing a much closer resemblance to lush, natural grass – only without the constant need for watering and mowing.

 

 

Who’s Not Buying It?

 

Whos Not Buying ItNot everyone thinks artificial grass is a good solution. Oddly, they cite the environment as the reason. Many conservation groups insist that artificial turf does little to foster soil health. Nor is it easily recycled. Some argue it can lead to excessive water runoff. To add to these concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun an investigation into the possible health risks of artificial turf used on playing fields.

 

 

Another recent Easy Energy Saving Tips article discusses rain barrels as another method of conserving water. You can learn more about installing artificial grass with step-by-step instructions from DIY Network. Or, find out more about the potential health risks from the EPA.

   

Fuel Efficiency Driving Tips

You may not have control over the price of gas, but you can impact your consumption of it. The next time you hop in the car, consider these fuel efficiency tips to help save yourself an extra trip to the pump.

 

 

Take it Easy

 

Take it EasyWhen you are hurried or frustrated with drivers, take a breath before you decide to zoom ahead only to break hard at stops. According to the Department of Energy, rapid acceleration and sudden braking can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% on city streets. Is added gasoline cost worth the time you might save? Accelerate smoothly to a speed that can be maintained steadily without the need to slam breaks or take corners aggressively.

 

 

Slow Down

 

Slow DownWhen you break free from rush hour gridlock, it’s tempting to leave everyone in the dust. But for every 5 mph that you drive over 50 mph, your gallon per gas consumption goes up $0.25. Think how annoying it is when gas prices go up even a few cents! If you search for the cheapest gas, and then fly down the highway at top speed, you aren’t saving energy or money. When you can’t keep a steady speed, utilize cruise control to help save gas.

 

 

Lose Weight

 

Lose WeightA roof-top cargo box reduces fuel economy from wind resistance, but it packs on extra weight as well, which causes the vehicle to use more fuel. According to thefueleconomy.gov website, even leaving an empty box on your roof reduces fuel economy by around 2% to 8% in city driving, and up to 25% on the highway. Use rear-mount boxes or trays instead to get your fuel consumption down to 1-2%. And don’t forget about weight in your trunk or the vehicle itself.

 

 

Stay Cool

 

Stay CoolWhen driving during short trips around town, you can economize fuel by driving with lowered windows. But when taking the long summer trip on the highway, it’s actually better to flip on the AC. Open windows will increase aerodynamic drag, which forces your car to work harder to move against wind at faster speeds. Air conditioning still adds to fuel inefficiency, so keep the temperature at the lowest setting that is comfortable for you.

 

 

Stop Your Engines

 

Stop Your EnginesIdling can use up to a half gallon of gas per hour, depending on engine size and AC use. These days, most cars do not need much time to warm up in cold weather (a minute or less), and you get zero miles per gallon when you leave it running in your driveway. When running errands, go to your furthest destination first, and your car will stay warmed up and use less fuel for the rest of your tasks.

 

The best way to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption may be to walk, bike or carpool, but when you are behind the wheel, these tips can help you get the most from your fuel budget.