When I wrote about water heaters yesterday, I wasnโt aware of the proposal by the Department of Energy for new Energy Efficiency Standards. Why it matters: The new rules are eliminating an important category of tankless hot water heaters, the more affordable non-condensing version. But itโs not too late to make your voice heard. ๐ย Skip […]
๐ย Water heater wars Read More ยป
Hot water is one of those luxuries that you never fully appreciate until you travel to places without it! Yes, even in the summer. ๐ ๐ฅ The bottom line: Federal tax credits and utility rebates make the best options even more affordable. ๐ฌ Zoom in: Two great options are tankless natural gas and electric heat
๐ฅ๐ฟย Are you in hot water? Read More ยป
Every energy using device we have has 3 price tags: first cost, cost to operate and time to replacement. Why it matters: We have been conditioned to focus on first cost without thinking enough about total cost. ๐ผ๏ธ The big picture: On a 6 bulb chandelier, total cost for incandescent bulbs is 7x higher than LEDs.
๐กย 3 prices of a light bulb Read More ยป
With the new energy-efficient tax credits, payback on a new AC could be faster than you think. Why it matters: Newer equipment can yield significant savings on energy cost. The following is not tax advice. Please consult a tax expert to see if you qualify. ๐ก What you need to know: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions
โฐย Time for some energy upgrades? Read More ยป
A learning thermostat will heat and cool to your comfort level with maximum efficiency. Why it matters: Heating and cooling make up more than 50% of our energy costs. How it works: Enter your information through Oncorโs Retail Products Program. โ For your Smart Homeowner list Best, Travis
๐คย 20-35% off this money saving device Read More ยป
Uneven melting patterns on your roof can reveal problems in your attic. Why it matters: Leaky attics and leaky duct work increase a homeโs energy costs by 15-50%. ๐ As the snow and ice start melting, use the chance to observe your roof. ๐ฌZooming in: Good attic insulation keeps the warm air in your home. Snow
โ๏ธย Learning from the snow melting off your roof Read More ยป
Pool pumps run year round and can waste a lot of electricity. ๐ผ๏ธ The big picture: Pool owners who learn to program their pump correctly can save a lot of money on electricity. I wrote about the savings here. Hereโs how: โ> You want all the water to go through the filter once a day (maybe
๐โโ๏ธย Learn to program your pool pump Read More ยป
By learning your behavior, smart thermostats heat and cool for comfort and savings. ๐กย Why it matters: Half our energy costs come from cooling and heating our homes. Electricity and natural gas prices are going up. ๐ How it works: A learning thermostat does more than older digital or wifi models. Creates the ideal schedule so
๐ทย Your smart thermostat has a job Read More ยป
