DECC: Uninsulated Homes Waste $161 Every Year
With options ranging from cellulose to sheep wool, talk to your local HVAC professional to decide which is best for you! (image: mentorwindow.com)
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) released a report last week revealing that nearly half of all British homes are spending an extra 100 pounds annually because they’re not properly insulated. In the U.S., that lack of insulation translates to $161.55. Though federal funding is becoming more available for home weatherization and winterization, and more consumers are becoming aware of the importance of home energy efficiency, lack of insulation is a common problem driving up utility bills and fuel consumption nationwide.
The DECC estimated that in Britain, only 57% of lofts and 58% of cavity walls are properly insulated, despite government-driven financial incentives similar to those offered in the U.S.
“With energy prices predicted to rise once more, there has never been a better time to insulate your home,” commented energy expert Sylvia Baron. “Get it done this summer and start saving this winter.”
That’s solid advice right there, friends. Don’t wait ‘til the weather gets chilly to be sure your home isn’t wasting heat and energy. For some Heat USA insulation tips, check out some archive highlights here, here, and here.
Energy Summit: Efficiency Needs to Become the “New Normal”
Event speakers emphasized that business and commercial owners need to learn that pushing energy efficiency can be hugely beneficial to their bottom line. (image: pitchengine.com)
Con Edison held its first-ever Energy Efficiency Summit in New York on Wednesday, bringing together product companies, building operators, vendors, market partners, and suppliers to discuss improving energy efficiency in homes and commercial buildings, the Energy Collective reported yesterday.
Participants discussed ways to educate large HVAC-related and home appliance companies on how developing energy efficient products isn’t just eco-friendly, it’s profitable too. Representatives from the lighting industry suggested that though most people think HVAC is the single largest energy expense for commercial buildings, lighting is the real culprit.
“Energy Efficiency needs to become the new normal,” said one attendee, referring to the long road ahead before homes and larger buildings become even close to sustainable. “When it gets there, then we can talk about it.”
Other participants were more optimistic. Con Ed C&I Energy Efficiency Program member and summit organizer David Pospisil said, “We’re seeing bigger projects coming out of capital budgets. In previous years it was all about trying to tweak a little more from the opex. And we’re seeing some of the smaller players getting involved, mid-size businesses as opposed to just the big players.”
Attendees were also hopeful future meetings will pave the way for further progress, and that improved home HVAC appliances and products will continue to emerge from the industry.
“We intended this to be a one-time deal,” Pospisil said. “But we’ve got so many people out there asking when we’ll have the next one that I told the crew to be careful striking the set on the main stage. We may want to use it again next year.”
Free Home Energy Monitors Available for Low-Income Texans
Many home energy monitors send e-mail reports like this one to homeowners, breaking down energy use of different appliances and areas and comparing it to past weeks and months. (image: smartmetermarketing.com)
Reliant Energy, a Texas energy provider serving over 1.5 million customers, launched an initiative today to help low-income electricity users better understand how and where they’re consuming energy. The company is providing free home energy monitors to the first 1,000 eligible customers who request them, in an effort to help struggling consumers learn how to trim their own energy bills.
“Reliant is bringing the benefits of smart energy to all of our customers by offering solutions, products and services that turn smart meter data into useful consumer information,” said Bill Clayton, vice president of Customer Care.
“These monitors provide near real-time information about energy use that customers did not have before – essentially they will know how much power they have used and about how much it costs before their bill hits the mailbox,” he explained. “With that really useful information, our customers can better understand their electricity use and make more informed decisions that suit their lifestyle, especially when on a fixed income or budget.”
Fuel poverty can be a dangerous problem in any area that experiences extreme cold or hot temperatures, as Texas does. Sharing knowledge and educational tools, like monitors and home energy audits, could be a vital step towards combating fuel poverty as the cooling season really sets in. By learning how to use energy most efficiently, we can use less, pay less, and still be comfortable.
Apply for a free monitor here, and read up on what you can do to make your home more energy efficient this summer here, here, and here!
SMACNA Smartphone App Tests Air Duct Leakage
Homeowners can simply enter the dimensions of their duct system to calculate total allowable leakage. (image: appolicious.com)
The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor’s National Association (SMACNA) released a new smartphone application that will help contractors, designers, engineers and architects estimate leakage in home air duct systems, HVACR Business magazine reported today.
The first of its kind, the mobile app uses information about the multiple sections of a home’s ductwork, accounting for various shape and size, to generate an e-mailable report on the total leakage the system could allow. The free app is currently available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, and should soon be ready for Blackberry and Android devices as well.
Testing air duct efficiency in a home HVAC system is an important step towards preventing energy loss and high utility bills. The new technology is expected to be a hugely helpful tool for industry contractors and technicians.
Some other Heat USA tips on keeping your home ventilation system happy and healthy this summer are available for your reading pleasure here and here!
Specialist Invention to Improve Central Systems, Cut Heating Oil Consumption
The Oxyvent System received good consumer reviews in Ireland, where it first became available and is now installed in thousands of homes. (image: cambridgefirst.co.uk)
Oxyvent, an Irish heating equipment specialist company, has devised an energy-saving system they believe will drastically improve performance in central home heating systems, conserving fuel and saving consumers money on energy bills, according to a report from OilFiredUp.com.
Company administrators claim the Oxyvent System eliminates recurring problems and fundamental flaws of central heating systems: poor flow rates, air in the system, and imbalances in water temperature. These issues contribute to decreased system efficiency, and often, repair bills.
How does it work? Basically, Oxyvent speeds up the rate water flows through radiators. Since the water is moving faster, it cuts the difference between radiator inlets and outlets to just 2 degrees Celsius (down from 11 degrees Celsius) – all radiators in the house will operate at the same temperature, instead of the hottest ones being closest to the boiler. By eliminating that pump cavitation, there’s no need for radiator balancing.
The system effectively removes air from heating systems at the source. That means less corrosion and a longer life for your equipment, with no more need to bleed the radiators. Plus, consistent water temperatures will cut down on problems that occur in the boiler from warm water mixing with cold return water.
If you’re having an understandably rough time with the HVAC jargon, check out Heat USA’s brief synopsis on how home heating systems work! All this adds up to your central heating system working more efficiently: less heating oil consumption with better performance.
Tim Cremin with an Oxyvent System, which he says can save homeowners up to 50% on hot water bills. (image. oxyvent.com)
Tim Cremin, a plumber and inventor of the Oxyvent System, said he was inspired by frustrations on the job.
“As a plumber I was tired of fixing heating systems because of recurring and unavoidable issues such as poor flow rate, the need to balance the system, pump cavitation, thermal shock and of course the presence of air in the system,” said Cremin. “The Oxyvent System has addressed all these and our clients know they won’t have to fix central heating problems because the Oxyvent System addresses the cause of these problems.”
“America’s Next Top Energy Innovator” Challenge Inspires New Window Technology
Vice President Biden visited the National Renewable Energy Laboratory last week to promote the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" Challenge. (image: entmoney.com)
Vice President Biden visited Golden, CO, and start-up company US e-Chromic LLC last week to praise its development of new energy efficient window technology, as part of the Department of Energy’s “America’s Next Top Energy Innovator” Challenge, BrighterEnergy.org reported yesterday.
The company earned recognition by devising a thin material film using electrochromic technology that allows consumers to control the transparency of a window. Manipulating transparency according to temperature and sun exposure at different times during the day will let windows reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it – certainly a timely invention for the summer months. The film also makes windows significantly more energy efficient, and consumers should see a pleasant difference in home cooling costs.
The “America’s Next Top Energy Innovator” challenge launched in March as part of the Obama administration’s plan to boost entrepreneurship and energy efficiency by streamlining patents for groundbreaking energy-related technology including grid energy storage, vehicle technology, and biomass. Biden welcomed US e-Chromic LLC to the program, saying this type of collaboration will help keep America competitive in global markets.
“Now, more than ever, America’s future competitiveness depends on our ability to innovate and our capacity to live up to our rich history of technological advancement,” said Biden. “This kind of public-private partnership fosters extraordinary innovation, allows brilliant ideas to develop, and gives businesses the tools they need to bring technology to the market.”
Energy Secretary Steven Chu also endorsed the initiative, as officials encouraged interested entrepreneurs to check out the DOE’s Energy Innovation Portal.
“This is a great example of what can happen when we unleash the American innovation machine and allow entrepreneurs to turn a great idea into a business opportunity,” Chu said. “By making it easier, faster and cheaper for start-ups to license groundbreaking technologies we can move innovative ideas to the marketplace – creating jobs and growing our economy.”
What Does LEED Certification Mean?
The concept of LEED was first developed in 1998, the same year Google was founded and Disney's Animal Kingdom opened its doors. That's a decent year right there. (image: fastcompany.com)
The word “green” is thrown around a lot these days, but if you’re looking for the real thing, look no further than Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design.
Developed by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is, at its most basic level, a third-party verification system. Nationally recognized, LEED is an established benchmark, providing substantiation that a building or home was built to certain green standards, including increased water and energy efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions, and sensitivity to the structure’s environmental impact. The system works by awarding points for each criteria that meets LEED’s standards, which then determines which level of certification the property has: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
According to a 2003 analysis of green building practices, LEED certified buildings are not only more energy efficient and cost-effective, but have been found to increase worker productivity due to better indoor air quality and lighting. Other benefits of LEED certification include government incentives, higher rental and occupancy rates, and of course, the good press. On the flip side, premium materials and a higher level of service demanded from the building team can mean higher construction costs and possible delays.
In the private sector, more and more homes are being built or retrofitted to LEED standards, enjoying many of the same health and cost-cutting benefits. Here’s a quick look at the process for home certification (spoiler alert: Arrested Development fans might like the shout-out to actor Ed Begley Jr. at the end. We did!):
Arizona Home Energy Company Seeks Customer Volunteers for Conservation Test
APS president Don Robinson is looking to lighten the load on power plants during summer afternoon peak hours. (image: paysonroundup.com)
The Arizona Public Service Co. is asking for 800 customer volunteers to help the energy provider test whether taking control of their customer’s air conditioning thermostats, along with some other conservation-related measures, would be cost effective, the Arizona Republic reported last week. The goal is to determine exactly how much APS could save if these conservation programs were offered to all 1 million of their customers.
One group of volunteers will test devices, including smartphones and apps, that will show them exactly how much electricity is being consumed in their home. By identifying which appliances are sucking up the most energy, program administrators believe customers will be more likely to take action to minimize waste.
Another group of volunteers will allow APS to remotely control their thermostats with wireless technology and “smart meters.” The company will turn thermostats up a couple degrees during hot summer afternoons to decrease demand on the electrical grid during peak hours.
“Energy efficiency is a viable resource for us, as much coal or natural gas,” said Don Robinson, APS president and COO. “It means smarter appliances, smarter homes and a smarter grid, working together to use less power to meet Arizona’s energy goals.”
To be eligible, volunteers need to have the “smart meter” installed and average summer bills over $150, and at least a 3-ton air conditioner. What’s in it for the customer? Besides a free home energy audit, which usually run about $100 through utility providers, participants can keep whatever hardware or technology they want when the test is complete. To ensure thorough, accurate data, the testing period will span two years.
Virginia, Delaware Invest in Technology to Improve Weatherization Assistance Programs
With new weatherization management technology, energy auditors can make assessments and complete their recommendations in less than half the time it might normally take. (image: homeweatherizing.com)
State officials in Virginia and Delaware recently adopted software technology to help manage their respective Weatherization Assistance Programs aimed at helping low-income residents cut utility bills by reducing home energy consumption. The states selected Hancock Software, a leading provider of weatherization management tools, to assist with home energy audits and analysis, the company announced last week. The software will allow technicians to quickly monitor homes and identify problem areas, then it will assist with retrofitting measures and recommendations.
“We know that Hancock will help us manage our program effectively and transparently as well as assist us in tracking, monitoring and reporting on weatherization program accomplishments statewide,” said Willie Fobbs, Virginia’s Associate Director of Housing. “We can ensure our state is efficient and serves the right clients to reduce energy costs for low-income families.”
According to the Energy Information Administration’s Short Term Energy Outlook from last year, home energy analysis can slash the average energy bill of a low-income household by up to 35%. And whether you qualify for low-income assistance or not, energy audits are worth looking into – just by becoming aware of how much energy you’re consuming and how you’re using it, you’ll be far more likely and more prepared to make those little eco-friendly, money saving changes.
Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge to Host Home Energy Basics Workshops
U.S. Representative Joe Courtney with CT Governor Dannel Malloy in Hartford for the launch of the Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge in March. (image: hartfordbusiness.com)
Connecticut’s Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge is teaming up with the Lebanon Historical Society to bring homeowners free workshops on ways to improve their home’s energy efficiency and save on utility bills, the Norwich Bulletin reported. On Monday, professional technicians and energy advisors will lead eco-conscious Connecticut residents through The Home Energy Basics Workshop. They’ll cover ways to combat ice dams, available tax rebates for efficient equipment and systems, financing options, and simple do-it-yourself maintenance jobs that will slash energy consumption.
The Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge kicked off in March at the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection headquarters in Hartford, where prominent state leaders and lawmakers issued a challenge to communities to find creative ways to conserve energy. So far, the initiative has been well received, and administrators are hopeful the free workshops will encourage more residents to participate.
“Those of us who live in CT, we are a very practical bunch. There has to be some incentive to take these measures,” said Wethersfield resident Bob Wright in a testimonial on the program’s website. “I ran the numbers on the economic impact of upgrading my 22-year-old hot water heater and installing solar panels, and it was a no-brainer. I have cut my average monthly bill by 27 percent.”
Interested residents from Lebanon, Mansfield, and Windham are asked to RSVP to jzelenetss@ctenergychallenge.com by Sunday, May 15. If you can’t make it that day, there’ll be a follow-up workshop covering even deeper energy savings on May 18 in Ridgefield.
