What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
Ok, you got a hybrid...that is a very good step. But what else have you done?
This is what I've done so far:
Replaced my central air conditioner with a far more efficient one
Replaced my fridge with a more efficient one
Installed a programmable thermostat
Replaced every single light bulb with either fluorescents or LEDs
I know, I know, I still have a long way to go.
The true smart man is the one who appears to be dumb in front of dumb man who appears to be smart.
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
I just finished installing an "on demand" electric water heater to replace the 60 gallon tank I had heated via oil. Today I ordered my second pellet stove and 4 tons of wood pellets. I'm hoping to virtually eliminate my home heating oil demands. Honestly, this was motivated mainly for financial reasons. I also re worked the ducting for our clothes dryer for a more efficient drying cycle. Now I'm trying to convince the ladies in the house to use a clothes line. Unfortunately it takes money to invest in some of the items to become more efficient. My fear is that there are lots of people who just can not afford to do this, and will be in dire straights next winter.
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
Moved much closer to town reducing my commute from 35 to 12 miles a day round trip stay at work for lunch. Changed shift to drive at less peak times.
Bought a new house with energy star/hi insu. (6in walls/r48 roof)value & low e glass, using mostly cfl's or led's (they just wont work in some places) small lot/footprint.
Xerscape's yard (back) bought rechargable electric mower for front.
90+ efficent furnace, set back thermo with the Maximum heat setting of 63. ultra efficent a/c unit. whole house fan to reduce the need for a/c.
Trees on west side of house, covered porch on front (south) and rear of house 4 ceiling fans.
rain sensing sprinklers.
Truck used only as needed using e-85 (about 1,000 miles a year)
Tint on Hybrid windows to reduce heat load.
Local, natural stone surfaces in lieu of laminate/vinyl/fiberglass.
Local wood floors for balance of house.
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
I use a push lawnmower, hang clothes out to dry on a clothesline when the weather permits, and bought a front-loading washing machine which uses much less water per load.
If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
We have:
Replaced our Riding Mower with a Cordless Electric Push Mower.
Replaced all our Lightbulbs with CFLs.
Replaced our thermostat with a programmable one.
Bought a subscription to Consumer Reports (might not seem relevant, but it helps you get the most bang for your "Green" buck).
What more we plan on doing:
Replace our gas powered weed wacker with an Electric one.
Start installing or making our own Solar Panels for the house.
Dwayne Vandiver
42... The Meaning of Life, The Universe, and Everything.
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
Well, i had forgotten one very important step I took years ago...planted several trees around the home. The land when I purchased was completely void of trees (this is south Texas).
The true smart man is the one who appears to be dumb in front of dumb man who appears to be smart.
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
This sort of relates...
Since the TCH purchase I have started recycling everything possible. It's amazing how it reduces the garbage each week. From 2-3 full bags per week down to 1 bag about 3/4 full.
Also, I started unplugging everything not in use in my house. So, during the day while I'm at work the only thing plugged in is the refrigerator. It has made a HUGE difference in my electric bill, even though I only have a 1 bedroom apartment. I try to conserve electricity in general when I am at home. It especially helped when our electric rates soared due to de-regulation.
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
Metal Energy Star roof on my residence and shop (Fed Tax Credit);
On-Demand Hot Water, all locations (Fed and State Tax Credit);
Closed cell insulation system on residence during rehab (power company incentive payment;
Heating switch to in-floor radiant heat (interest free loan from power company;
Low-E, gas filled windows with super insulating frames (Fed Tax Credit);
Lighting replacement throughout to low energy sources, (most full spectrum because it gets very gray in Washington, most had instant rebates or discount coupons);
Adding second hybrid this year, and both vehicles with down-sized engines from previous ones. (Hopefully, Fed Tax Credit on second one, I did take it on the first one).
Not trying to boast (too much) here -- but I posted it to point out all of the incentives, rebates and credits that you can get by considering and utilizing energy efficient alternatives. The savings achieved form all of the above exceed $10,000. This is a lot of money -- to anybody. We also calculate that we save several hundred dollars a month from these decisions.
Going green can do much more for you than just make you feel morally superior. It's smart financially too!
It is the ignorant among us that will eventually destroy us all.
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
I rent my house, so there's not a whole lot we can do as for modifications (although I'd love to get rid of the heating oil furnace!)
We've done what we can though... recycling... turning things off... energy efficient light bulbs. We hung up thicker curtains which so far is helping to keep things cool. This past winter we used a portable radiator to help extend the oil life for our furnace.
It worked! One tank of oil lasted the entire winter! (The year before we went through over 2 tanks! At 300gal/tank... well you get the idea).
I also traded my pickup for a Harley Davidson (40+MPG), and I purchased a little Ford Escort clunker for those 'rainy' days. Once it get it fixed, I figure it'll get 30 or so MPG.
One gallon of gas - $3.49
One used four wheel drive SUV that gets 30+ Miles Per Gallon - $15,999
Purchasing it used for $5000 UNDER bluebook because the dealership did not realize it was a hybrid - PRICELESS
Re: What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
[quote=FastMover;174351]
On-Demand Hot Water, all locations (Fed and State Tax Credit)?????
BobB, how did you receive a State Tax Credit when Washington has no state income tax? I want on demand hot water but I want some help paying for it ....how much was the federal tax credit?
Was the credit through your power company if so, I can forget it, Avista thinks green only referes to the money they take from us .
What other energy efficiency steps have you taken?
Going green can do much more for you than just make you feel morally superior. It's smart financially too!
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