Feb 19, 2010
Home Energy Saving Contest Launched
At LifeStyle Homes, we’re all about saving energy in the new homes we build. Check out our SunSmart program at www.BuildingALifestyle.com to see all the details.
We’re committed to building “net energy zero” homes as soon as the technology proves economically feasible and reliable in use. Net energy zero homes will generate enough electricity, using roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, to supply the complete electrical needs of a typical family. Imagine, no power bills to pay!
The day when we will be able to do that is not far off. Meanwhile, we are equally interested in you being able to cut down on your energy costs in the home you live in now. That’s why we have launched our home energy saving ideas contest.
We want you to share the best ideas you’ve got for saving energy at home by posting them as comments on this blog. Each week for the next four weeks, we’ll post a new blog supporting this contest, and we’ll select a winner from the previous week’s comments.
There’re prizes and rules that you’ll want to check out, but your real reward will come from helping all of us save money while helping us save the Planet. Good things both.
To get you started with ideas, how about not using your dishwasher’s drying cycle? Surely, you’ve heard that one. Lowering your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees is another idea that’s been around for awhile. Have you actually done it? How about taking showers instead of baths?
Energy-saving practices like these require absolutely no investment of your scarce funds. You get all of the benefits from the very beginning. All you’ve got to do is make up your mind to pay attention and do some small things differently.
But, for the contest, we want your best NEW ideas. Things you’ve discovered or decided to do that maybe everyone hasn’t heard of already. Knock yourself out. Nothing is too wierd.
Here’s your chance to see yourself in print, help your neighbors and maybe win some cool cash. Get busy, OK?
Someone recently told me that leaving appliances plugged in actually uses energy, even when you aren’t using the appliance, like a toaster or coffee maker. So, I have been making an effort to unplug my appliances when I am not using them.
I wash my laundry with cold water and wait for full loads. I’d rather save my hot water for the shower!
It’s not new, but my best energy savings was installing double pane windows for my house. Not only are they hurricane proof, but they dropped my energy bill by 40%+. The next thing I want to try are sealing off the A/C ducts and plug outlets. Also, keeping unused chargers unplugged while not in use and the tried but true…if you aren’t using it…turn it off.
Looking forward to hearing some “new” ideas on energy saving from other commenters. I keep looking at solar panels, but they just aren’t really coming down in price…then you have to have it wired. My wallet says, “OUCH!”
Added Low E Film to my existing windows
utilizing ceiling fans where possible and turning up the thermostat as well as turning the faucet on and off when rinsing whether its shaving or rinsing dishes (saving the cost of heating the water in addition to the water consumption) in the sink
converted from a traditional hot water heater to a instant hot water heater(gas) and simple stuff like making sure you turn off the lights or fans when leaving a room!
From the energy miser!
I recently picked up one of these. http://bit.ly/1zKuDj They have an energy saving mode that automatically turns off your printer/scanner/display when it detects your computer is asleep. Saves a lot of energy these devices consume while idling.
I really try to minimize using my dryer when I do laundry. I try to hang out as many clothes (especially bulky items) as I can outside. Especially when the weather is nice your clothes can dry really fast and pretty much wrinkle free as well.
I keep the thermostat at 80 degrees in the summer. This year I will try for 82.
I run my pool 4 hours in the day from 10-2pm and then 3 hours in the evening from 2am to 5am. I also run my dishwasher after 2a.m was told that will save you money!
I installed a programable thermostat and utilize all of the times that were available. Example the a/c or heat cycles to a different temperature when we are not home and comes on prior to coming home from work. Our home is a comfortable temperature while we are there and we are saving money while we are not home.
Get rid of those old incadescant bulbs….replace them with new compact flourescent. Not only will they save energy they will last up to five times longer.
Plan for future energy saving today by planting fast growing shade trees on your property that will shade your home as they grow. It beautifies your home, increases its value and removes carbon dioxide from the air.
our saving energy tip would be to cut our time on our pool pump by 4 hours a day for at least a week.
Suggect the use of Fusion shades are two window treatments in one. Specially designed with a cellular shade liner, Fusion shades add a layer of energy efficient insulation. Fusion fabric shades, created with a flat panel design, provide a luxurious eye-catching cascade shade. A pleated cellular shade is used as a liner, hiding the cords, and providing superior insulation.Use on windows with a Western exposer will add in lower engery useage.
Study each family’s lighting needs and use patterns, paying special attention to high-use areas such as the living room, kitchen, and outside lighting. Look for ways to use lighting controls—like occupancy sensors, dimmers, or timers—to reduce lighting energy use, and replace standard (incandescent) light bulbs and fixtures with compact or standard fluorescent lamps.