How Efficient is Your AC?

As the summer stays hot and we turn the dial to cool down the house, you might wonder, “How efficient and how effective is my air conditioner?” Fortunately the Department of Energy has developed a system to let you know just how efficient your air conditioner can be (under optimal conditions). The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is clearly marked on every new air conditioner or heat pump.

A higher SEER rating leads to a more energy efficient unit. The typical SEER rating of air conditioners made before 1992 was around 6.0. The federal government established a minimum standard for units in 1992, requiring a SEER of 10. Residential air conditioners sold in the United States as of 2006 must have a SEER of at least 13. ENERGY STAR qualified Central Air Conditioners must have a SEER of at least 14.

If your central air conditioning unit is more than a dozen years old (SEER 10), you should seriously consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model (SEER 14, 15 or 16) that would improve your cooling efficiency by 40%-60%.

Green Irene tells our customers that upgrading an older yet well-functioning air conditioner is generally not worthwhile because the energy savings do not justify the upgrade.  But when it’s time to upgrade, get the best air conditioner you can afford.  Air conditioner and heat pumps have an estimated life of 12 years, which can be lengthened through proper maintenance.  Nevertheless, for best pricing, you can buy 1) off-season; and 2) when you are NOT desperate because your existing air conditioner just broke!

Green Irene also recommends the Cool-n-Save for increased energy efficiency with your central AC unit. This simple device reduces the temperature surrounding your unit, allowing it to operate more efficiently and less often. This can result in an immediate savings of up to 30% on your cooling costs!

Summer Tips for Staying Cool and Saving Money

With the summer season in full swing, it’s a perfect time to think about ways to reduce your home’s cooling costs. A typical household spends almost 20% of its utility bill on cooling, and by taking steps this summer to improve energy efficiency, you can save energy, save money and help fight climate change. Here are a few simple tips from the Energy Star program that can help you to start saving today:

Program your thermostat to work around your family’s summer schedule—set it a few degrees higher (such as 78 degrees) when no one is home, so your cooling system isn’t cooling an empty house. With proper use, programmable thermostats can save you about $180 a year in energy costs.

Check your HVAC system’s air filter every month. If the filter looks dirty, clean or change it (though disposable filters should be changed at least every three months). A dirty filter will slow air flow and make the system work harder to keep you cool, wasting energy. Green Irene carries several permanent filter options, including permanent rigid and permanent flexible HVAC air filters, and a pleated MERV 13 filter.

Run your ceiling fan to create a cool breeze. If you raise your thermostat by only two degrees and use your ceiling fan, you can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent. Remember that ceiling fans cool you, not the room, so when you leave the room make sure to turn off the fan.

For those with central air conditioning, a Cool-n-Save can help to save you up to 30% on your cooling bill. The device keeps the air surrounding your AC unit cooler, allowing it to work less and to work more efficiently.

Swap out incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient lighting choices. Energy Star qualified lighting not only uses less energy, it also produces about 75 percent less heat than incandescent lighting, so cooling bills will be reduced, too. Green Irene carries a full line of energy efficient lighting, including LED lighting options for chandeliers, where the larger number of bulbs can give off a lot of heat.

Your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant can provide you with many more tips for energy conservation in the summer months as part of a Green Home Makeover. They can also introduce you to many of the other products that Green Irene carries to help you and your family save money through energy conservation. With just a few steps, you can make a big difference in your utility bill and for the environment while keeping your home comfortable all summer long.

5 Tips for Improving Fuel Economy

With the summer holidays just around the corner, another driving season is rapidly approaching. Day-trips, beach outings, and family barbecues—not to mention family vacations—all increase the national demand for gasoline, pushing pump prices up even higher. Already the national average of regular gasoline is $2.73/gallon, up nearly 25 cents from last year. In the long term, the best answer will be to buy the most fuel efficient vehicles from your local car dealer. Fortunately, there are some simpler changes you can make right now to help you save big at the pump, without significantly impacting your lifestyle.

1. Choose the Most Fuel Efficient Vehicle for the Job

The average American household has between 2 and 3 cars, so choosing the right vehicle for the task at hand can make a big difference in your household’s fuel expenses. Odds are one vehicle has a higher MPG than the other, which may have more seating and trunk space. If you’re running an errand by yourself or going a long distance, choose the more fuel-efficient car if it’s available. That SUV may be better suited to dropping off four kids at camp or loading up for a long weekend. For the latest information on vehicle fuel economy, go to FuelEconomy.gov.

2. Plan Your Trips Wisely

Knocking out all your errands in one swing or on your way home can save you both free time and miles. This is simply common sense, but it’s an important thing to remember. Even if you’re just running out because you forgot to get ice for the cooler, maybe you can stop at the ATM on your way home.

3. Know Where You Are Going

Getting lost can eat up your gasoline for no good reason. If your car is already equipped with a GPS, make it a goal to become an expert at using this valuable tool. If your car doesn’t have one, consider investing in a portable navigation system—not only are they convenient, but they can eventually pay for themselves by cutting fuel costs. Another option is to take advantage of online maps, which are now better than ever at finding businesses and stores.

4. Drive at Efficient Speeds

The actions you take behind the wheel can also positively contribute to your fuel economy. Every 5 mph you drive above 60 mph costs about 24 cents more per gallon, so drive at a moderate pace on the highway. If you’re traveling long distances, cruise control can be your best friend. And of course, try to limit the amount of breaking and accelerating you do by driving at the speed limit on country roads as well.

5. Keep Your Car in Shape

Not only is it good for the lifespan of your car and cutting on future repair costs, but regular maintenance can improve your vehicle’s MPG, too. Little things like regular oil changes, inflating your tires, and bringing your car in for a tune-up can add up to big savings. Removing extra weight from the trunk (such as a bag of golf clubs not being used till the weekend) will save you gas as well.

New Federal Rebate Under Development: HOMESTAR (Cash-For-Caulkers)

The HOMESTAR program (also known as Cash-for-Caulkers) is a proposed national initiative to retrofit homes in order to create jobs and to reduce environmental impact from energy use. Congress plans to enact the bill through the Home Star Act of 2010, which is currently under review by the Senate Committee for Energy and Natural Resources. If passed, it will provide significant incentives for a homeowner to reduce energy waste. Here’s some key info on the current state of the HOMESTAR bill:

- The program is currently broken into two initiatives: a GOLD STAR track (designed for major renovations coupled with energy assessments and accredited installation), and a SILVER STAR track. The SILVER STAR track would receive $3.6 billion in funding for a 1 year program.

- SILVER STAR provides a 50% rebate (including labor) for up to $1,500 per measure and $3,000 per household. The current focus is weatherization measures. The current list of covered measures is: whole house air sealing, attic insulation, duct sealing or replacement, wall insulation, crawl space or basement insulation, window replacement, door replacement, heating system replacement, air conditioner or heat-pump replacement, and hot water heater replacement.

- The bill uses a federal rebate model similar to Cash-For-Clunkers. It provides a Time of Sale rebate to the consumer, and the installing contractor then submits to be refunded for the rebate (they get refunded within 30 days). There will be no grandfathering of work done before the law passes, and it also cannot be combined with other federal rebates. However, when passed, watch for state variations (states may combine HOMESTAR with state/local/utility rebates and incentives).

- A Do-It-Yourself provision is currently being drafted. It will provide opportunities for rebates directly to consumers, but will require education on proper installation.

The bill is not yet law. It is under revision in Congress, and details are expected to change. At the current pace, it is expected to become law in a few months. Green Irene is following the progress of this bill closely to make sure homeowners can make the most of this opportunity to go green and save green. As part of a Green Home Makeover, your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant can provide you with the latest information on the HOMESTAR program, as well as the many federal, state, and local energy efficiency incentives that may be available for your home.

Saving Money by Going Green: Knowing Your State’s Incentives

Did you know that many states are now offering incentives to residents for energy-efficient upgrades to their home? To determine what’s available in your state, one great resource is the online Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireuse.org). This website continuously updates their listings, so check it often to see what programs and rebates you can benefit from.

From the DSIRE homepage, click on your state for a comprehensive list of state policies and incentives. For any particular rebate, it’s important to consider the available details. Click on the name of the rebate program to review the specific terms, deadlines, and application procedures to make sure that you can get the most money back for your conservation investments.

With all of the incentives out there, choosing the best energy-efficiency investment decisions and green product purchases can be a challenge. Making sure to follow the correct steps in obtaining your rebate can also be overwhelming. Your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant is the perfect local resource to help you make sense of your state incentives and determine the best path for you to follow on the road to energy efficiency. Your Eco-Consultant can also introduce you to Green Irene’s full line of green products, including products that qualify for local rebates! For instance, there is currently a rebate available in Arizona and Nevada that offsets much of the cost of the low-flow shower head that Green Irene offers. Contact your Eco-Consultant today, and take advantage of your local energy-efficiency incentives while they last!

Building a Foundation for Energy Conservation

Want to get the most bang for your buck in going green? High profile projects like home solar panels may not actually be the best first step. Check out Minnesota Power’s energy conservation pyramid above, which can help in understanding the best choices to get the highest return on your investment.

As the pyramid shows, changes like reducing vampire power and switching to energy-efficient lighting can make a big impact for your home without the significant cost of more complex projects like replacing windows or installing a home wind turbine. This means smaller purchases like CFL bulbs to replace incandescents or power strips for electronics can be the best way to start conserving.

Even more importantly, the pyramid shows that the base for energy conservation is information. Understanding your energy usage, potential steps, and appropriate products and tools is fundamental to any other conservation measures you may take.

A Green Home Makeover from your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant is a perfect first step in determining your best path to energy conservation. Your Green Irene Eco-Consultant is your local green friend who can help in making sure you get the best possible return on your investments. They can also provide you with more information on Green Irene’s wide selection of products for energy conservation and more, making sure that you choose the right products for greening your home. Contact him or her today, and start building the foundation to your family’s energy efficiency.

Characteristics of “Green” Window Treatments

“Going green” is a concept that can be applied to almost every area of your life, including how you select your home’s window treatments. Most people see window treatments as a way to decorate or have more privacy in their homes, but there are a few characteristics you can look for in blinds, shades or draperies that make them more eco-friendly.

The first of these characteristics is energy efficiency. This is not only good for the environment; it’s good for your wallet too. Energy efficient window treatments can help drastically reduce your energy bills by providing thermal protection. In the winter, certain window treatments can help provide insulation by preventing heat loss. Others can be effective in the summer by reducing heat gain. Your location and the type of material you select are both factors in a window treatment’s energy efficiency.

Checking the R-Value and Shading Coefficient ratings of the material is the best way to determine how energy efficient it is. The R-Value tells you the material’s effectiveness at preventing heat loss and the Shading Coefficient will tell you how much heat is coming through the window. So, if you live in a region where temperatures are colder for most of the year, you want to go with a material that has a high R-Value and low Shading Coefficient.

The next characteristic you want to look for in a “green” window treatment is whether or not the material is made from recyclable or renewable materials. Try and find products that are made from natural materials like cotton, hemp or silk and are not treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. The impact a treatment has on air quality is a factor in this as well. GREENGUARD certified products are well-regarded, as they have been tested for chemical emissions. The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is a non profit organization whose mission is to improve public health and quality of life by improving indoor air quality.

Sustainable manufacturing is the final characteristic you should look for in an eco-friendly window treatment. This means selecting a product that is manufactured without the emission of greenhouse gases, generating waste, or using non-renewable or toxic materials. A product’s entire life cycle and its full impact on the environment and the surrounding community are considered in sustainable manufacturing. The goal is to be able to manufacture in a way which is so sustainable that it is able to continue far into the future.

There is no one treatment that encapsulates all of these characteristics and unless the product comes with some sort of certification statement, you may have to do some research into a product to find out just how eco-friendly your window treatment is. NYC area residents may want to consider Horizon Window Treatments. But regardless of your location, if you follow these guidelines you should be able to select a treatment that is best for you, your wallet and the environment.

New National Rebate Program for ENERGY STAR Appliances

2010 might be the perfect year to replace your old home appliances. A new government initiative, modeled after the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program, provides rebates to consumers who purchase energy-efficient appliances to replace their older energy-hogging models.

The program will be administered at the state level, so the details will be different depending on your location. To find out what your state is offering, Consumer Reports has created this interactive map:

You can also visit the Department of Energy’s directory for local programs (http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70022.html) and select your state.

Rebates will only be available during the specific time period established by your state, so make sure to check out when your program begins and ends. Also keep in mind that the program has only one-tenth as much funding as Cash for Clunkers, so rebates could run out fast.

This is a great opportunity for consumers to save money both through the rebate and through energy conservation from the use of more efficient appliances. The older the appliance, the greater potential you have to save on your utility bills going forward. Do consider though, that for appliances that are less than five years old, it might not make sense to buy a replacement just for the rebate unless you plan to upgrade to a much higher efficiency model.

Also in effect through Dec. 31, 2010, is a federal tax credit for 30% of the cost of certain energy-efficient equipment items for your primary home (up to $1,500). Your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant can help you to make sense of these rebates and credits as part of a Green Home Makeover. Contact your local Eco-Consultant for more details, and start benefiting from energy conservation within your home.

Have you taken advantage of any green tax credits, rebates, or incentives? Let us know in the comments below!

85% likely to reduce energy consumption in 2010

The website Environmental Leader recently highlighted a survey by Tiller LLC with really interesting findings: about 85 percent of those polled said they were at least “somewhat likely” to reduce household energy consumption next year, while 84 percent said they expected to recycle more. So make a New Year’s resolution to reduce your energy use!

3 easy ways to start reducing your energy use include:

1) Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. This is the easiest way to use less energy – just like mom always told us.

2) Switch to energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs. The technology has come a long way, and there are CFLs in just about every size and shape and brightness to meet all your household needs. These CFLs only use about 1/4 the energy and last up to 10 times as long, often paying for themselves in one year. Look for the Energy Star label. A Green Irene Eco-consultant can help you pick the right ones for the right applications.

3) A few degrees make a difference. In the summer, set your AC to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you are away. In winter, set thermostats to 68 degrees when you are home and 55 degrees when you go to bed or leave the house. If you install a new “simpler to program” thermostat, you only have to think about these adjustments once.

Don’t forget to get your kids involved! An innovative and kid-friendly website, http://www.greenallowance.com, has launched, which provides practical ideas and customized assignments for kids — showing how they can save energy and, in turn, save money. Kids are encouraged to make a deal with their parents to share the savings on their electric bill – savings that are calculated and programmed to show up on their home computers every billing cycle.

There is so much more that you can do! Taking the little steps will add up to big steps which will make a difference for the environment and save your family money.

If you’re in the northern or central New Jersey region, contact me for more information on ways to conserve and save through Green Irene’s Green Home Makeover or Green Office Makeover services. For other areas, contact your local Eco-Consultant, and begin taking steps toward reducing your energy consumption today!

Barry Dambach
Green Irene Eco-Consultant
barry.flemington@greenirene.com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/BarryFlemington

Staying Warm For Less

As we head quickly into colder weather, now is a perfect time to make sure your home is ready for winter. The drafts we feel on cold days can add up: a leaky home wastes up to 25% of the energy that is used to heat it! Here are a few great tips to prepare your home for the season:

- Fireplaces can be a huge energy drain on your home. Make sure to close the fireplace damper when not in use, and consider using a Chimney Balloon (a removable, inflatable way to seal your chimney’s flue) to stop drafts and heat loss.

- As the weather gets colder and windows stay closed, there’ll be a lot less fresh air circulating into the house. Replace the air filters for your HVAC system with a permanent filter or with a MERV 13-rated filter. An air cleaner machine can also help in making sure your home’s air is pollutant free.

- Also, remember that with less home air circulation in winter, it is even more important to be mindful of the carbon monoxide emitted by furnaces, gas stoves, and other appliances. A CO detector is important for every home.

- Installing Energy Star programmable thermostats are an easy upgrade that can save your family up to $200 per year on energy bills. These devices have many more options than your manual thermostat, such as allowing you to set different target temperatures by day when you leave the house, at night when you’re sleeping, over the weekend, or when you’re traveling for the holidays.

- Turn on your ceiling fan when you’re in the room. Winter fan use can save you 10% on your heating costs. Reversing the direction of a ceiling fan helps redistribute warm air by pushing it back down from the ceiling, hence conserving energy. Fans only work as temperature regulators when you are in the room; otherwise they are wasting energy, and cool/warm no one.

Taking these initial steps can help to keep you warm all winter while also keeping your utility bill as low as possible. Your local Eco-Consultant offers many energy-saving products, and they can provide you with even more ideas for energy conservation, so you can make sure that your home is well prepared for the winter months.

Do you have other steps that you take to winterize your home? Share them with us in the comments below!

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