If you are in the process of turning your home more eco friendly, opting for some smart energy saving techniques would prove extremely beneficial as well as highly cost effective to you and your family. According to the latest reports released by the UNFCCC (United Nation’s Federation on Combating Climate Change) nearly 32% of our carbon footprint is the result of household energy consumption which can be effectively brought down by half through very simple energy saving measures. The UNFCCC has also ranked U.S as one of the prime consumers of household energy in the world and therefore a major contributor to green house gases.

The U.S government has recently launched several incentives in order to encourage home owners in making more eco friendly choices when it comes to buying as well as consuming energy on household items. One of the programs that have been successfully launched by the U.S Department of Energy across all states is the Star Program which offers consumers a wide range of discounts on the purchase of electronic as well as other household gadgets which have been starred under this scheme.

According to this program shoppers can pick up any household gadget which have been starred and avail discount on their purchase. The discounts vary across the U.S and are being decided by the state departments and the discount is available on gadgets such as air coolers, solar water heaters, refrigerators and several kitchen items that run on electricity.

Another beneficial scheme that has been launched by the DOE (Department of Energy) is the Lighting Incentive under which various households who are interested in reducing their electricity bills can switch to CFL lights and get a hefty rebate on the products while doing so. The use of CFL lights reduce power consumption by 30-60% depending on their efficiency, these lights are much more expensive than normal bulbs and tube lights.

The Lighting Incentive is therefore being viewed as a very efficient step towards the promotion of energy saving at the household level by making CFL’s more affordable and cost efficient for home owners. Consumers can also benefit from the usage of CFL lights in the long run as they help in generating much lower electricity bills.

The government has also come together with all the state housing apartments and has launched a very innovative scheme under which all home owners who are renovating their properties can avail a 15 – 35% rebate on the renovation costs if they have adopted green technologies in their houses such as solar water heaters, energy efficient heating and cooling systems as well as solar powered bulbs for outdoor lighting.

A long lazy bath is loved by all, but have you considered how much it costs you?

The US Dept. Of Energy says that water heating could eat up 15-25% of the energy used in your home. There are various tips to follow while water heating in order to achieve energy saving and cut energy bills.

The standard water heater consumes thousands of dollars in terms of energy wasted. Because of rising cost of power, tankless water heaters have become the rage.

They are popular because of 3 reasons: They consume 2/3rds less energy than traditional water heaters (energy saving), take up much less space and are far cheaper to use.

A conventional water heater holds 30 to 80 gallons of water, according to water use pattern and your home and family size. It works by continuously heating water whether it is in use or not. Thus it wastes a lot of energy. On the other hand, tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. The water gets heated as it runs via the unit. Electric water heaters work with an element on the inside while gas heaters work with a burner.

A conventional heater costs $300 to $400. Tankless water heaters are much more expensive but long run benefits outweigh original cost. The average cost for a tankless unit comes to $2400 to $3200. But tankless units consume far less energy per year (energy saving) and also earn you tax credits for 30% of installation charges. Tankless units also last much longer saving repair and maintenance charges. All tankless units have a sleek design which make it wall mounted and thus save a lot of valuable space. For a home with many members, installing multiple units may be the solution.

Commercial applications are also growing popular. Resorts across America are installing tankless units in their baths. According to an engineer, thinking that they can do substantial energy saving they replaced their hot water heaters with tankless units. They have gone from storing 650 gallons hot water to simply no storage.

Savings can also come from the kind of energy. Propane heaters are less expensive than electricity. While there were a few mishaps, there were some palpable benefits also. Advantage is the constant supply of hot water for guests. There are no complains from guest about running out of hot water.

But problems like sedimentation of water because of using well water have plagued the resort. But it can be cleaned within few minutes using a strainer. It is incomparable with the three and a half hour time of recovery for a conventional water heater.

Most energy saving efforts will cost more but long term savings and over all environment impact is highly beneficial and thus tankless water heaters will soon become popular.

The U.S government’s recently launched energy saving Star program has proved highly successful across all states which is enabling buyers to earn discounts on appliances that have been tagged with the Energy Star logo.

This initiative is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, under which each U.S state has designed their own rebate program on a set of recommended appliances which include freezers, refrigerators, central room heaters air conditioners, oil and gas furnaces, heating pumps, dish and clothes washers as well as boilers. While each state is running its very own energy saving program the scheme is being run through the Department of Energy (DOE).

The process of applying for the energy saving scheme is very simple. Each state has created its own Appliance Rebate program form which can be downloaded from the website of the respective state or union territory. Alternatively consumers can also visit the website of the DOE and go to the section featuring rebates for energy saving star appliances. On clicking on this section, they can choose the particular state and download the form successfully. This page will also help consumers in getting information on the DOE’s state wise energy saving programs including a detailed fact sheet.

One of the unique features of this energy saving program is that DOE is allocating funds to each state based on the region’s population so that consumers can avail discounts successfully and effectively. While the funding depends on the number of residents in the state there is a minimum amount of $100,000 as well. While the states will be continuing the scheme as long as their funds last, consumers can avail discounts only on products that have been purchased within the period of the program as well as some specific appliances which have been tagged under the energy star saving scheme.

The rebate amounts that can be benefited by the consumers depends upon the appliance that is purchased and varies from $50 – $500. There are also a large number of regions which are offering attractive discounts on recycled goods as well. The best part of this offer is that while the government is effectively decreasing residential energy use in the country through the scheme, the market is witnessing an increasing number of consumers who are willing to invest in energy saving appliances over more cost friendly gadgets.

The U.S government is working intensively to develop various energy efficiency programs and home improvements all over the country and initiate long term energy saving strategies at the household level. Some of the initiatives which are being currently implemented by the DOE include over 15 home efficiency research projects, sustainable building measures like installing cool roofs, introducing energy tax reduction and home star incentives as well as setting minimum efficiency standards for home appliances.

The U.S Department for energy (DOE) has recently allocated funds worth 30$ million to enhance energy saving through home efficiency. The funds are being channeled into 15 research projects which will look at various ways of conserving energy in more cost friendly ways at the household level. Some of the focal points of the research projects will include developing energy saving solutions for houses in all kinds of climate, improving insulation, introducing more renewable household gadgets as well as implementing efficiency models on a larger scale across neighborhoods and communities.

Another innovative scheme being carried out by the government its “Cool Roofs Initiative” under which cool roof technologies are being implemented in all government buildings which will be then replicated in residential communities. The central idea of this initiative is in the usage of lighter colored roof coatings in order to reflect more sunlight which will help in keeping buildings cooler at a lower cost and will directly aid in energy saving. The installation of cool roofs is an integral part of sustainable building model and will play a major role in cutting the country’s carbon emissions once replicated at the household level.

The American Recovery and Re-Investment Act has very recently introduced various energy reduction tax incentives which is also playing a major role in encouraging home owners to decrease their energy consumption and make their home more cost efficient as well as eco friendly. New reports from the U.S Green Building Council (U.S.G.B.C) points out to the fact that home owners can cut their monthly expenses down to 60% by introducing sustainable designs as well as building materials in their houses.

The DOE’s Home Star incentive program has also met with great success providing home owners a great opportunity to introduce energy saving gadgets in their households at highly economical prices. While the government is encouraging consumers to opt for eco friendly home products by providing heavy discounts and incentives, the Central Energy and Natural Resource Company is meanwhile working out minimum efficiency quality standards for heaters, air conditioners, electric furnaces and various other appliances in order to further reduce the consumption of household power and increase energy saving.

The U.S. Department of Energy has recently tied up with various manufacturing companies and has come up with a series of incentives for buyers interested in purchasing energy saving home products. So if you are a home buyer looking for some cost friendly energy saving gadgets for your house you should look out for the those appliances which have been started and include a discount from the Department of Energy. At present, nearly all electronic as well as home gadgets in the market are coming up with energy saving features. Some of the cost friendly eco products in the marketplace include efficient heating and cooling systems, solar powered water heaters, energy saving washing machines and kitchen appliances, eco friendly freezers as well as solar lamps for indoor and outdoor applications.

With an increasing impetus on energy saving, the leading manufacturers from all over the globe are coming up with various eco products for home owners within a cost friendly bracket. In U.S home owners spend a large chunk of their income in heating and cooling their houses which in turn put a huge drain on the countries carbon footprint. At present the U.S Government has launched various cash incentives for residents who have made the effort of insulating their homes and thereby decreasing the total energy consumption of their household. When looking for a more efficient heating and cooling tower for your home, buyers can avail heavy discounts in various states of the U.S by opting for products that have been starred under the government’s energy saving program.

There are also various companies in the market who are offering special discounts on solar powered water heating panels for households. These panels can be easily installed on the rooftops of households and ensures hot water for the whole family. Though buying a solar water heater is costlier than its electrical counterpart, it makes for a worthwhile investment due to much lower electricity bills as well as considerable energy saving in the long term. The same companies are also offering a wide range of cost friendly options in home and outdoor lighting which are powered by rechargeable solar batteries.

Other home appliances which are presently offering energy saving options in the market include washing machines as well as kitchen products like food processors, microwaves and ovens. On the whole, the current market scene is very favorable for home owners to make some wise as well as cost friendly investments in eco products and avail immediate as well as long term benefits of energy saving.

With an increasing global impetus on energy saving measures, the U.S government has recently made further efforts in cutting down the nation’s carbon foot print by floating a series of attractive rebates for consumers which are presently running through all the states in the country. The incentives are mainly on electrical appliances and are an effort to bring about an increased consumer consciousness amongst the American consumer. While there are more than 600 energy saving programs in the country at present, some of them include the Federal Appliance Rebate Program, the Cash for Appliance Rebate Program, and Tax Credit for Energy Improvement as well as the Cash for Caulkers Bill.

These incentives for energy saving are being viewed as an effective way to encourage buyers in making more eco friendly choices in their day to day life. Home owners can now swap their older and inefficient appliances for more eco friendly options without making a heavy dent in their pockets. Some of the rebate programs through which buyers can avail energy saving benefits have been listed below:

1. The Federal Appliance Rebate Program – This program enables consumers to exchange their lesser energy efficient gadgets for better performing and eco friendly appliances which have been starred under the Federal Appliance Rebate Programs. In the process consumers can earn rebates worth $50 to $500.
2. Cash for Appliance Rebate Program – Currently running very successfully in Florida and Oregon, this energy saving program allows buyers to get considerable rebates on the purchase of energy efficient gadgets as well as recycling old appliances. Consumers for instance can avail a rebate for 75$ on an energy star washer through the Cash for Appliance Rebate Program.
3. Tax Credit for Energy Improvement – Across the U.S a large number of states are also offering a federal tax credit abatement scheme through which consumers can claim up to $1500 towards the cost of home improvements which result in energy efficiency.
4. Cash for Caulkers Bill – Soon to become a law, this bill gives home owners a series of incentives and rebates on energy saving which can range from projects dealing with home insulation, installation of solar panels, switching to CFL lights and many more eco friendly measures.

While rebates like the above schemes, will make eco friendly appliances more affordable for most buyers, they have a much greater viability as well as consumers will save more money through lower electricity bills. Moreover, these incentives will prove to be much more effective in aiding the cause of saving the environment in the long term.

Berkeley Money for Energy Efficiency Program (ME2)

ME2 program for Energy Saving which is federally funded provides incentives, rebates and installation of energy efficiency upgrades like insulation and duct sealing. The aim of this program is to:

• Decrease the cost of energy improvements
• Help residents of Berkeley to save money on energy bills
• Reduce Carbon footprint of the area
• Improve comfort, safety and durability of buildings

Residents and business owners of the city will save USD 100 million in energy bills, help create green employment and reduce the GHG emissions of the city by 33% by 2020.

LED based lighting products

The LED based lighting solutions are energy efficient, small and robust. A 7.5W LED bulb gives light equivalent to a 40W incandescent bulb. LED lights give uniform gentle and natural light output. Life span of LED lighting systems is minimum 20 years. The LED lights come in a variety of forms such as ceiling, pendant, spot and wall lights.

Replacing Roofs – An Energy Saving Alternative

Replacing roofs can reduce energy consumption of buildings up to 90% and if government provides tax credits for replacing roofs, it would help create 40,000 jobs across the United States. The savings by replacing a roof in a business establishment is enormous; a Big Store in Miami Florida saved USD 648,000 in energy consumption by replacing their roof with a reflecting white roof.

Energy Saving Tips of the Week

In summers more than 50% of your electricity bill is related to cooling your home, and a
Tip to save about 12 to 19% energy is to keep your thermostat at 2 degrees higher. You may also use fan to keep your room chilled while the thermostat is at 2 degrees higher.

Direct heat from Sun is responsible for keeping your home warm, so keep your curtains, blinds and other draperies closed.

Do not open your refrigerator for too long as it would need to work harder to maintain it’s cooling thereby consuming more electricity.

Change ordinary bulbs to CFL or LED as they give more light, produce less heat and save 75 to 80% of the energy as compared to incandescent bulbs.

Another tip for energy savings is that the use of oven and stove top should be avoided during the day to cook food as the heat generated by using them will make the Air Conditioner to use more energy to maintain the cooling of your home.

Baltimore County Incentives on upgrading existing homes for Energy Savings

The Baltimore tax credit program offers to upgrade existing homes, the home owners will get a tax benefit of $1800 over a three year period. This county also offers tax benefits on new construction of houses if they follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, also called LEED standards.

Home owners would have to spare $400 for energy audit to determine where the energy loss is occurring in their home. Some homes may achieve up to 50% increase in efficiency so they will save on energy bills as well apart from the financial incentives provided by government programs.

Energy Saving Programs in Utah

With the help of American Recovery and Reinvestment act around 2900 homes were weatherized. This will help home owners in saving energy bills to the tune of $400.
Utah division of housing and community development has selected Intermountain Weatherization Training Center in Clearfield to receive $325,000 for expand and develop Utah’s Energy Saving Programs.

Gainesville’s Positive Experience in Energy Efficiency

With solar power installation benefits and bio mass power plants coming up Gainesville is leading area in US which is expected to get 22% of its energy from renewable resources. This area has lowest per kilowatt hour usage per household in Florida.

Energy Saving Tips

1. Open doors and windows in early morning and evening to enable cross ventilation so that you do not require air-conditioning during that period.
2. You may use window fan to pull cool air in and push hot air out.
3. Schedule Management – Delay your heat producing tasks like dishwashing, laundry and baking in home for evening so that there is less energy consumption during the hours when you use air-conditioners.
4. Seal the windows and doors properly so that you can keep cool air in and hot air out.
5. Use CFL for lighting purposes which use less electricity to produce more light and heat emission is also less which is reverse in the case of standard lighting systems which generate more heat and consume more power.
6. Buy Right Air conditioner – You must buy the right air-conditioner for your home which is appropriate for the size of your room. Extra tonnage air-conditioner as compared to size of your room will consume more energy unnecessarily and may not be effective in removing uncomfortable humidity.
7. The gaps inside and around the air-conditioners should be filled properly.
8. Clean the filters of your AC regularly and ensure front and back side of air-conditioners is clear of any obstruction.
9. Close the pool filter pump when nobody is using the swimming pool.

Thus utilize government incentives to upgrade your homes for energy efficiency and follow energy saving tips to help save the carbon emissions and reduce your energy bills.

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) launched a pilot program for energy saving in Chicago. The smart meters launched recently will send the reading information to ComEd, which will be made available to consumers through online tracking. The consumers will be able to get their usage every hour and subsequently they can take up measures to reduce their consumption. The site will also guide them for several measures to reduce their energy usage. The smart meters have been installed in 9 suburbs of Chicago and in the Humboldt Park area of the city.

There was an energy crisis in California 10 years ago but then there was a major initiative from government and several agencies to hand out florescent bulbs, educating how to use energy efficiently and imparting knowledge about renewable energy sources like wind & solar and also the electric cars.

Rebates of up to $4 Watt are given to people who install a 5KW solar power system. Installing solar systems does not give you quick return of investment; rather it is slow ROI but very efficient in terms of the eco-friendliness and energy saving issues.

Economic incentives are given to industries which adopt energy saving measures and consequently reduce green house gas emissions. The U.S. department of Energy has allocated $76 million to make buildings, both residential as well as commercial, energy efficient. This fund will also be utilized to train building owners, inspectors and operators to establish and maintain energy saving systems.

Stimulus money of $68.4 million will be given to corporations and academic institutions for 45 technology projects in the field of energy saving. Research and development to search for cleaner, cheaper and better energy sources should continue unabated.

Some important tips of the week for energy saving are:

1. Use Energy efficient washers and dryers.
2. Use public transport
3. Caulk the windows and add insulation.
4. Unplug computer when not in use.
5. Using Cars with higher mileage
6. Install programmable thermostats
7. Educate students for energy saving as they will be future leaders and decision makers.

Thus government is taking all the initiatives in research & development and improving the energy situation of the country. Now it all lies now in our hands to employ the energy saving tips and measures to conserve our natural resources and also save our environment by reducing green house gas emissions.

Disseminating of eco-friendly ideas is very important in recent times. In this article we bring you several energy saving tips to implement in home and as well as in businesses.

Some of the energy saving tips for home and offices are:

• One of the best tips to stay cool and save electricity is to increase your thermostat to 78.
• Depend more on fans.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Clean the air filters often and change them once a month.
• Use CFL of 11 W – 14 W which give light equivalent to a conventional 60W bulb.
• Find if there are any air leaks from plumbing, doors or attic. Just feel through your hand at all the possible places and if at any place you feel warm air it means the hot air is coming in from that point.

The Texas Energy Department is working hard to guide people in energy saving and helping them to pay their bills easily. They have a beat the heat program for residents where they run a:

• Moratorium in summer on disconnects
• Have easy payment plans for needy consumers
• Higher income cap for eligibility of assistance

Businesses are contributing their maximum in energy saving, taking the case of Franz Bakery in Portland, this company achieved more than 15% energy saving and thus received Energy Champion Award. The methodologies used by them are:

• Keeping the water clean
• Conserving and using clean energy sources
• Reducing / Recycling packaging
• Proper Fuel Efficiency management at all distribution channels
• Installation of Oxidizer to keep the air clean

Some other Energy saving initiatives you can employ are:

Energy Clubs should be made in schools where students would discuss energy saving techniques and guide their family at home and also their peers at their future work place.

Students will be Energy Ambassadors to help inculcate energy saving culture in people.

Other energy saving initiatives could be going to work by bike or using public transport, Using furniture made of bamboo rather than wood, trying vegetarian diet, buying fewer clothes.

By living a simple and thrift life you can save money as well as energy. Do not waste anything as production of everything requires energy. Thus your energy saving initiatives will go a long way to provide better environment for your children.