Compare Electricity Rates – Another request for links and guest post

This is probably something like an advertising/actual content/simple search engine site. I make no claims about the sites CES links with. I got no legitimacy meter. This was not the article they wanted me to use but this one seemed a little more in line with the type of stuff I post. I would add two things to this list if you are capable of them, turn off your water heater and your air condition if it is in the summer and if if it is winter, dial back your heat dramatically.

http://compareelectricityrates.com/blog/2011/10-things-to-turn-off-before-going-on-vacation/

Attributed to:  Katherine Tworsey

Planning a vacation, time to get away from the hustle and bustle of life is fun and exciting, and if you remember to turn off these 10 things before you go on vacation, you will worry less about what’s going “on” at home and really enjoy your vacation!

  1. Lights: It might seem obvious to turn off the lights while you are away, but some people completely forget. You will save a bundle in electricity costs. Do consider, however, one or maybe two lights on a timer switch in a front room or bedroom, so it looks as if the lights are going on and off throughout the evening. Homes are less likely to be broken into if someone is home.
  2. Your coffee pot: don’t just turn off your coffee pot, and other small appliances, but unplug them completely. Many small appliances continue drawing electricity even when not in use. By unplugging them, you will be saving electricity as well as preventing a possible fire.
  3. Computer: Generally speaking, it is not good to have a computer sit idle, but when you are away from home, you must take extra care to protect your computer and files it contains. Unplug it from both the electrical service and disconnect it from the internet. Be sure to back up all your files before you leave either using an online service or external hard drive that is stored away from your computer.
  4. Wall Warts: Those little transformer boxes that charge electronic devices, cell phones, lap-top computers, etc; take a walk around your house and see how many chargers are plugged into electrical outlets with the other end open and waiting for some device to get charged up. Unplug them all before you leave!
  5. Garage door opener: Unplugging the motor of your garage door opener will ensure that no one will find a compatible opener and get your door open. Leave an extra key to the walk-in garage door with a trusted neighbor, so you won’t have any problems getting in when you get home.

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More tomorrow.

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If You Are In The Carolinas – These people can help you with your residential energy improvements

Every once in awhile I post about a company. But the same disclaimer always goes with such posts. I like my HVAC guy but if I posted about him here he would get the same disclaimer. I am not familiar with this company. Please check with the Better Business Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, the Attorney General of the state or State’s Attorney whatever is the case, and finally ask for and check out references. Without further hullabaloo:

https://www.progress-energy.com/carolinas/home/save-energy-money/energy-efficiency-improvements/heip/index.page

Home Energy Improvement Program

If you’re interested in making your home more energy-efficient, look no further than the Home Energy Improvement Program. Through this Progress Energy program, you can:

  • Receive rebates for improving your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Get a list of specially trained contractors you can use to complete your home improvements.
  • Learn more about the financial and other benefits of having an energy-efficient home.

 

View a short video about the HVAC audit for residential customers.

Energy efficiency: An investment that pays you back

Energy efficiency is one of the few investments that can help you gain a return on your energy bill and on the value of your home. View the program details tab to learn more about home improvement rebates offered by Progress Energy:

  • Air duct testing – Up to $60
  • Air duct repair and replacement – Up to $120
  • Attic insulation upgrade and attic sealing – $375
  • Energy-efficient window installation – Up to $450
  • Geothermal heat pump replacement – $300
  • HVAC Audit – $100
  • High-efficiency heat pump replacement – $300
  • High-efficiency central AC replacement – $300

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More tomorrow.

 

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Another 20 Ways To Save Energy List – Cool name though EcoMall

As I have pointed out in the past, these lists are pretty much all the same. Plus they usually don’t mention the bigger items like taking windows out of service (alternatively applying low e film) or blocking off unused space but, the name is really cool.

http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/20things.htm

EcoMall

 

20 THINGS YOU CAN DO
TO CONSERVE ENERGY

Whenever you save energy, you not only save money, you also reduce the demand for such fossil fuels as coal, oil, and natural gas. Less burning of fossil fuels also means lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary contributor to global warming, and other pollutants.

You do not have to do without to achieve these savings. There is now an energy efficient alternative for almost every kind of appliance or light fixture. That means that consumers have a real choice and the power to change their energy use on a revolutionary scale.

The average American produces about 40,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per year. Together, we use nearly a million dollars worth of energy every minute, night and day, every day of the year. By exercising even a few of the following steps, you can cut your annual emissions by thousands of pounds and your energy bills by a significant amount!

 

Home appliances

 

 

  • Turn your refrigerator down. Refrigerators account for about 20% of Household electricity use. Use a thermometer to set your refrigerator temperature as close to 37 degrees and your freezer as close to 3 degrees as possible. Make sure that its energy saver switch is turned on. Also, check the gaskets around your refrigerator/freezer doors to make sure they are clean and sealed tightly. 

  • Set your clothes washer to the warm or cold water setting, not hot. Switching from hot to warm for two loads per week can save nearly 500 pounds of CO2 per year if you have an electric water heater, or 150 pounds for a gas heater. 

  • Make sure your dishwasher is full when you run it and use the energy saving setting, if available, to allow the dishes to air dry. You can also turn off the drying cycle manually. Not using heat in the drying cycle can save 20 percent of your dishwasher’s total electricity use. 

  • Turn down your water heater thermostat. Thermostats are often set to 140 degrees F when 120 is usually fine. Each 10 degree reduction saves 600 pounds of CO2 per year for an electric water heater, or 440 pounds for a gas heater. If every household turned its water heater thermostat down 20 degrees, we could prevent more than 45 million tons of annual CO2 emissions – the same amount emitted by the entire nations of Kuwait or Libya. 

  • Select the most energy-efficient models when you replace your old appliances. Look for the Energy Star Label – your assurance that the product saves energy and prevents pollution. Buy the product that is sized to your typical needs – not the biggest one available. Front loading washing machines will usually cut hot water use by 60 to 70% compared to typical machines. Replacing a typical 1973 refrigerator with a new energy-efficient model, saves 1.4 tons of CO2 per year. Investing in a solar water heater can save 4.9 tons of CO2 annually.
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    I gave you the first 5. You have to go read the rest yourself. More tomorrow.

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    Energy Conservation The UK Way – Stiff upper lip and all

    Pip pip.

    http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

    • You are here (UK)

     

     

    Welcome!

    If you are looking for ways to stop wasting energy and money you’ll find lots of ideas here. The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organisation that provides free and impartial advice on how to save energy.

    The Renewable Heat Premium Payment has been announced as part of the Renewable Heat Incentive – find out more and apply now >

    For all the latest news, read the Energy Saving Trust’s blog >

    Sign up for our EU Life+ ‘Combining water and energy efficiency’ event on 22nd September

     

    Stay up to date with the latest news

    Have you joined the world of Facebook? Become a fan of the Energy Saving Trust and get energy saving tips and information on a daily basis, whether you’re sat at home or out and about.

     

    Become a fan today!

    What’s happening near you?

    Want to know what’s going on in your area? Find helpful, localised information about all things energy saving with ‘Where I Live’.

     

    What’s happening in your local area?

     

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    More tomorrow.

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    I Never Miss The State Fair – But sometimes it require grit

    Man the State Fair was kinda disappointing for me this year, at least from an energy perspective. Now I admit that the first year I started posting here was a pretty heady year. IDE had 2 booths for energy conservation. One was for seniors and one for the general public. Conservation World was packed. The Sierra Club had a tent with CWLP complete witha solar exhibit and a hybrid car. There were doors and windows guys galore in the Exhibition Hall, and even a guy selling wind turbines. The AG Equipment section even had an exhibit about biofuels. This year there was nada until I stopped at the “don’t mess with powerlines” guys tent (sorry – Live Line Demos) and saw the Wall Of Efficiencies display that was sharing space with him. Here is my picture.

    That is Aaron Ridenour of PPI. According to him, they originally got the Wall to take to there members Board Members meeting but since then it has been to North Dakota, Kansas and Washington DC. They were actually in a Senate Hearing concerning a Coops Bill.

    Here is what they say about it:

    http://www.ppi.coop/environmental/energy-efficiency/

    tilized by PPI and its member cooperatives over the past few years. The sixteen foot “Energy Efficiency Walls” illustrate various opportunities for air infiltration or leakage within the common home due to poor construction practices and materials. The displays address: energy efficient construction practices and materials, and energy efficient equipment and technologies. The proper use of caulking around penetration points in the home’s external walls, such as window and door openings, gas, water, AC and heating system fuel lines and ventilation systems, and the selection and installation of energy efficient insulation materials, ventilation equipment and lighting systems are just a few of the energy efficient items illustrated in the Walls. Utilizing the displays at member cooperatives’ annual membership meetings, NRECA and Touchstone Energy regional events, community college workshops and educational classes, … homebuilder shows, county fairs, legislative briefings in Washington DC to promote energy efficiency loan programs and other events, … over 400,000 consumers have been exposed to the educational opportunities of the Energy Efficiency Walls since 2009.

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    More tomorrow.

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    OutDoor Living Writer Melissa Anne – She writes a mean piece on Solar Fountains

    She asked and I said yes.

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    Top Solar Fountains for 2011

    Everybody’s trying to go green these days – we’re cutting back on driving, using energy efficient light bulbs, buying Energy Star appliances, and buying products that are made using only environmentally friendly practices. One area people don’t usually think of when going green is their outdoor accessories. Yes, solar powered items around for some time, but their popularity has really taken off in recent years with all the great products coming out. One of those products is the solar fountain. Today, we’re going to look at a few of the top solar fountains for 2011.

     

    First is the Alpine 2 Tier Water Fountain: Solar Panel Powered. When you first look at this, you’d swear it was carved out of a tree. But it’s actually made of fiberglass, so it’s pretty light and very durable. This model features a solar panel outside of the unit, attached by an 8 foot cord. This gives you more versatility in where you want to place it. For example, you could have your fountain sitting in the shade up on the patio but keep the panel out in the yard where it gets plenty of sun, so you can enjoy your fountain in cool comfort. Its unique look has made it a top seller this year and it’s sure to remain that way.

     

    Next is the Smart Solar Portsmouth Solar Birdbath. This fountain offers a modern take on the classic stone birdbath. It features Smart Solar’s patented solar panel design, with the panel sitting in the middle of the basin so it’s perfectly positioned to get all the sunlight it can. Even when it’s not running, it still makes a great decorative accent thanks to the designs around the bowl, column, and base. And with its resin construction, it can hold up outside almost all year without showing any wear. At its value price, this fountain really can’t be beat for anywhere around the home, from a spot on the patio to a flower bed in the front yard.

     

    Finally, we have another Smart Solar product, the Blenheim Two-Tier Solar-on-Demand Fountain. This model offers a little something extra, with a two tier design that gives you the beautiful sound of running water flowing from the top bowl to the bottom. Made of resin, it features a black iron finish, which is something you don’t find in a lot of fountains and looks great in a modern outdoor space. But what really separates it is the Solar-on-Demand technology. It has a backup battery that stores the sun’s energy so it can run for up to 6 hours in the evening or when the sun’s not out. This feature has made it one of the most popular solar fountains on the market today.

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    If you’re thinking of more ways to do your part to be green while beautifying your home, try a solar fountain. No wires and no electricity costs – just a fun way to enhance your home and help the environment!

     

    About The Author – Melissa Anne is a writer with OutdoorLiving.com/learning-center/ and a lifelong outdoor living enthusiast. For more on solar fountains, visit OutdoorFountains.com, where you can find everything from a solar pump to a solar bird bath.

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    More tomorrow.

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    Outdoor Living And Their Learning Center Asked For A Link

    So here it is with the history of the hammock. Actually Melissa Anne was supposed to get me a guest post in Word. It did not come but my deadline did. Maybe some other time I guess.

    http://www.outdoorliving.com/learning-center/cat/hammocks/post/the-history-of-hammocks/

    Hammocks are one of life’s simple pleasures, but there are a lot of different types out there that can make choosing just one a hard decision. We’ve got all the info you need to know, from the major styles to materials to how to hang them, so you can get the most out of your hammock experience.

    • Hammocks have been around for hundreds of years. Read on to find out why they’re love by people all over!

     

    Relaxation, a summer afternoon, ice cold lemonade – just some of the things that come to mind when you think of a hammock. An iconic image of backyard leisure, hammocks have been around for close to 1,000 years. Their exact location of origin is not clear, but European explorer Christopher Columbus encountered natives resting in them when he landed in what is now the Bahamas, introducing them to Europe when he later returned. Many Central and South American cultures were using hammocks at the time as well, such as the Mayans and the Venezuelans. Thanks to their functional design, they’ve been used throughout history by armies and navies needing a way to sleep safely without worry of insect bites in the jungle or being tossed from bed aboard a rocking ship. They finally went mainstream after World War II with the baby boomer families, becoming a popular choice for backyard recreation and leisure. Hammocks have come a long way from their original designs hundreds of years ago when they were made of bark from the hamack tree, but the dedication to quality and handcrafted workmanship still prevails. Today, consumers can choose from many different styles of hammocks, made from materials like cotton, polyester, and nylon. Whether you’re looking for a new way to get some rest and relaxation or another outlet for spending your leisure time, hammocks are an easy way to add a peaceful, relaxing accent to the inside of your home or your outdoor living space.

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    More swinging tomorrow.

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    What Does Biofuel Have To Do With The Residential Market

    Well many of us like cooking with natural gas, and in a dramatically reduced energy environment absent hydrocarbons biofuels will make this possible. I do not believe they should be used in our transportation ground fleet and obviously air travel will have to be banned. Really burning wood or other things like dung would also have to be banned. Solar cookers can help in that. Still the use of biofuels is a closed system, first absorbing carbon then releasing it so it is carbon neutral.

    http://sundropfuels.com/index-10.html

    Even without the coming generation of “energy crops,” Sundrop Fuels can produce more than a billion gallons of renewable drop-in fuel using the agricultural residue and woody biomass that is available right now.
    #
    #

    How Sundrop Fuels connects biomass with the best resources. 

    There is ample high-quality biomass feedstock available throughout the U.S. to supply the Sundrop Fuels biorefineries with the feedstock necessary to produce billion of gallons of drop-in biofuels per year. Our flexibility in energy source and biomass type allows Sundrop Fuels to locate in the most economically and environmentally efficient areas of the country.

     

     

    While providing the highest fuel yield of any biomass process, the Sundrop Fuels RP Reactor™ radiant heat transfer technology can use any cellulosic plant material as feedstock. This can include:

    Agriculture waste
    Rice straw
    Rice Hulls
    Wheat straw
    Existing and future energy crops
    Miscanthus
    Switchgrass
    High-biomass sorghum
    Woody biomass
    Sustainable harvesting
    Forest thinnings
    Insect kill

     

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    More tomorrow.

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    Automated Residential Systems – Here is a good example

    Again these type systems are not for lower or working class families. They need basic energy conservation techniques and ultimately to be moved off the grid. But for those who can afford it this is pretty cool.

    http://www.magnumenergysolutions.com/resident.php?top_menu_id=1

    Venergy home is a complete home automation solution. The Venergy system allows homeowners to control all the lights in their home from a series of self-powering switches, Thermostat HVAC control, and electronics connected to the Venergy outlet. In addition the home owner has complete home automation through the Venergy software for entertainment, security alarm, cameras, real time smart energy monitoring and much more!

    New Home Construction or Retrofit Benefits:

    Reduce build costs in new construction with the Venergy new home 16 channel controller, which eliminates the need for switch legs.

    100% whole house dimming, which results in dramatic energy savings and extended bulb life with the Venergy new home controller

    Because all switches are 100% movable, homeowners can change switch locations any time they want or need to.

    Terminate Standby power to electronics with the Venergy outlet.

    Know to the kHw or penny how much energy your home is consuming with the Venergy Smart Monitor.

    Turn on lights, control temperature, monitor your home while out of town with your iPhone, Blackberry or web browser and the Venergy software interface.

    The Venergy home automation solution is a simple retrofit or new construction system which provides the home owner with basic or advanced control as they desire.

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    An Explosion Of Middle Class Energy Services – Not for the poor

    By the way, I do not mean this as a critic. As income rises so does energy wastage. They have bigger house and bigger stuff all the way around. So damping this residential sector is critical. But this requires some money.

    http://www.ecologices.com/

    Slash Your Energy Costs!

    The healthy, energy-efficient home of the future is here today! EcoLogic Energy Solutions is proud to offer the most advanced spray foam insulation systems for residential and commercial construction. We offer over four different types of spray foams, including soy-based, to meet your needs. Through the use of spray foam insulation, EcoLogic transforms an ordinary house into a modern day, high-performance home. The results speak for themselves. A home or building insulated with spray foam is up to 50-70% more energy efficient than a similar structure using fiberglass insulation!

    EcoLogic has assembled the most experienced, knowledgeable, and professional team in the region. We are committed to helping people save money, live in a healthy and comfortable home, and reduce their impact on the environment. We follow through with our commitment by donating a portion of our pre-tax profits to charities dedicated to helping safeguard our environment.

    Whether you are a homeowner, architect, builder, or contractor we invite you to explore our site and give us a call at 203-889-0505.

    Save money on residential heating and cooling

    We are proud to provide rating services to qualify new homes for the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are substantially more energy efficient than homes built to the minimum code requirements. Even in states with more rigorous energy codes, the U.S. EPA ensures that ENERGY STAR remains the symbol for truly energy-efficient performance. These homes are good for businesses, consumers, and the environment.

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    More tomorrow.

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