03 April 2009
Blogging for Efficiency
Utility bills and the cost of energy are popular topics for conversation among everyday American consumers. The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recognizes that with its Energy Savers Blog, an ongoing online discussion among consumers trying to find smart ways to save energy. [http://eere.typepad.com/energysavers/]
The blog prompts readers with weekly questions. The excerpts shown here came in response to two questions: “What change has made the greatest difference in the efficiency of your home” and “What energy-saving improvements are on your ‘to-do’ list?”
Using a “solar clothes dryer” (also known as a "clothesline"). We cut our summer electric use by 20 percent. We still use the dryer in the winter.
Posted by: Linda | January 29, 2009 at 09:08 PM
We put new windows in our home that was built in 1972. Our bedroom is warm this winter - the first time since we bought the house in 1983.
Posted by: Cathy | January 31, 2009 at 10:06 PM
We installed a high-efficiency furnace, an Energy Star-rated chest freezer and have replaced all of our old light bulbs with more efficient ones.
Posted by: Jason | February 02, 2009 at 04:12 PM
I put plastic on the windows and sliding glass doors on my home in Minnesota. Simple to do. Total cost was 3 hours and $40. All the drafts are gone, and the furnace only runs 2 [times] an hour (vs 5!!!) when it is ~0 deg F [-18 degrees Celsius]. Looks like the bills are about $ 80cheaper vs last year based on heating degree days.
Posted by: Brian | February 09, 2009 at 03:42 PM
We have started to use the energy-efficient light bulbs, as well as energy-efficient windows and appliances. Also we have used a programmable thermostat to turn on the heat at certain times.
Posted by: James | February 16, 2009 at 11:45 PM
I have the luxury of being able to walk to school/work/the store...so I do. It feels good to walk in the mornings and again after a day of sitting in classes a walk feels great. Sure, it requires a few more layers when the mercury is around zero [-18 degrees Celsius] (or less!), but I just walk a little faster.
I also keep my apartment set at 64 degrees F [18 degrees Celsius] and just throw on a sweater/sweatshirt to stay comfortable. Lower fuels bills are just a bonus...the real reward is reducing the carbon footprint I make.
Posted by: Scott | January 28, 2009 at 01:47 PM
My future plans for energy-saving improvements are to replace all the windows and exterior doors in my home that is 45 years old. In the past few years I added insulation in the attic, put an insulation blanket around the water heater, changed most of the light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, and purchased a front-loading washer.
Posted by: Jim | January 29, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Gas bill was $620 last month. Out-rage-ous.
Bought 12 rolls of R-30 insulation for attic. Plan to do foam in walls to seal and insulate, seal around fixed windows, and new patio doors (there are 7, yes that is right, seven) patio doors in my west wall.
Posted by: Mark | January 31, 2009 at 04:26 PM
This year I plan on putting new siding on my home. When doing this, I will put on polystyrene foam, Tyvek® [brand name of a product that is wrapped around a home under construction to provide greater protection from the elements], and insulate and caulk around the windows on the whole house. I also want to put in new outside doors.
Posted by: Rich | February 02, 2009 at 09:24 AM
I have two main things on my to-do list: first is to replace my old dishwasher with an energy efficient unit, and second is to insulate my basement walls. These two items have the potential to save a lot of energy.
Posted by: Andy | February 02, 2009 at 12:06 PM
I am starting to be more careful about leaving lights on when I don't need them. I am changing to compact florescent bulbs, and making an effort to not use as much water, by taking shorter showers and not running it while I'm washing dishes so much.
Posted by: Rachel | February 02, 2009 at 05:32 PM
I plan to unplug the appliances that are on standby when they are not being used to help reduce my energy consumption.
Posted by: Shannon | February 03, 2009 at 11:06 AM
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. government.
