With fall just around the corner -- and cooler temperatures on the way -- we held an #askEnergy Twitter Chat on Thursday, September 13, on ways to save energy and money at home. Here's a recap of what we discussed and shared.
Home Energy Efficiency Twitter Chat
With fall just around the corner -- and cooler temperatures on the way -- we held an #askEnergy Twitter Chat on Thursday, September 13, on ways to save energy and money at home. Here's a recap of what we discussed and shared.
Storified by Energy Department ·
Fri, Sep 14 2012 14:19:31
To kick off the Twitter Chat, we shared some of Secretary Chu's tips for saving energy and money.
This morning we sat down with Sec. Chu to get his top home #energy efficiency tips #askEnergy
With fall around the corner, sealing your home’s air leaks will make the biggest impact on your #energy bill #askEnergy – Sec. Chu
Our new Savings Project shows how to caulk around your doors & windows http://go.usa.gov/rGF5 #askEnergy – Sec. Chu
A professional home energy audit can help you identify areas of energy loss & set a plan to start saving #askEnergy – Sec. Chu
Especially in an older home, adding insulation can help you cut your energy costs #askEnergy – Sec. Chu
Secretary Chu also wanted to know how others reduce their energy bills and asked for their tips and advice.
What are your tips & advice for saving energy at home? #askEnergy – Sec. Chu
Installing LED lights is one of the best ways to save!! #askEnergy
Change your air filter seasonally to keep air moving easily. #askEnergy #toptip
Tip: We can help you save on electric, efficiency, cost for thousands of products. We like to say we put #WattsInYourWallet. #AskEnergy
#askEnergy #Home #heating bills can be a real drain on your wallet. Go #green and save #money at the same time: http://bit.ly/OJHfdf
Why have a home energy audit? To find hidden was leaks/damage. To make your home more comfortable year-round. @energy #energysavings
Our home energy efficiency experts for the Twitter Chat were the Energy Department's David Lee, Supervisor for Residential Building Technologies Program, and Sam Rashkin, Chief Architect for the Residential Building Technologies Program.
Our home #energy efficiency experts - David Lee & Sam Rashkin - are answering your questions now. Send them to #askEnergy
After introductions, we started answering your questions.
Q1) Why are we not promoting LED lighting over CFL? #askEnergy
.@RupcoGJGNY We're technology neutral promoting LED & CFL lighting. DOE believes that LEDs ofter performance advantages once costs come down
#AskEnergy What physical actions can directly boost building efficiency and cut emissions? http://bit.ly/PjGjAs New #MIT #contest
.@ClimateCoLab You could use a set back thermostat or simply set home's temperatures higher in summer & lower in winter
.@ClimateCoLab Make sure the water heater is set to 125 degrees max, use CFL or LEDs for lighting in the home
One home energy efficiency improvement people wanted to know about was insulation, and we tried to answer as many of those questions as possible.
Attic Insulation | @ParetoEnergy http://bit.ly/r23UMa How to know if you have enough insulation (in your attic). @Energy #AskEnergy
.@ParetoEnergy 2012 IECC R-49 up north, R-38 in the middle & R-30 south, don't forget air sealing and air barriers! #askEnergy
We are considering spray foam insulation for our under-home crawl space; the expense is significant. Can we get tax credits? #askenergy
.@Solar_Amy (1/2) Spray foam is a great solution for under-floor insulation, but it no longer qualifies for tax credits #askEnergy
.@Solar_Amy (2/2) Spray foam is expensive, but it will save $ and improve comfort, indoor air quality and durability. #askEnergy
@ENERGY be careful recommending under floor insulation to @Solar_Amy, creates mold and reduces home durability. FYI #AskEnergy
.@ParetoEnergy @Solar_Amy That's why we like products like CCSprayfoam that inherently seal and block moisture flow. #askEnergy
After insulation, we covered a range of home energy questions.
@Energy #askEnergy Which is a greater inhibitor to increased home energy efficiency, "habit" or "initial expense"?
.@eesmc Generally homeowners balk at the initial price. that is why much of DOE's research focuses on reducing costs #askEnergy
How does @Energy see home #solar PV and hot water fitting into the EE equation? #askenergy
.@Solar_Amy DOE always recommends maximizing energy efficiency before solar, but both are important part of the solution #askEnergy
@ENERGY Most states agree and require energy audits before giving solar rebates. Same goal - reducing grid strain and energy use. #askenergy
In advance of the Twitter Chat, people could summit their home energy efficiency questions via email. We shared some of these with our followers.
Q from email: I want to install a propane tankless waterheater, but the cost seems high. Is it worth it & are there rebates? #askEnergy
A: A tankless system will save 20% over conventional. Look at your water bill and see if extra cost is worth the savings #askEnergy
Another theme of the chat was tax credits and rebates for home energy efficiency upgrades.
How does @ENERGY decide which technologies are tax credit eligible? And how important are credits to EE measure adoption? #askenergy
.@Solar_Amy U.S. Congress sets tax credits. They have been very successful in reducing the cost of more expensive technologies #askEnergy
Check out our tax credits, rebates & savings page to see what is available in your market http://go.usa.gov/rAZe #askEnergy
For the group: What's been your favorite energy saving project that you've done inside your own home? #askEnergy
.@DE_Youtility Last year I insulated my attic with cc spray foam and we have seen reduced energy bills #askEnergy -David
.@DE_Youtility Sealed my ducts and home sealed/insulated my attic. 2nd floor is comfortable year-round. $ savings nice too. #askEnergy -Sam
@DE_Youtility favorite energy saving project. Finishing my basement with well insulated walls. Come over and play some pool! #AskEnergy
We ended the chat with one final question about a home energy audit, the first step to improving a home's energy efficiency.
We have time for one more home #energy efficiency question. Send it to #askEnergy
Final Q: How do I do my own home energy audit? #askEnergy
A: Visit http://go.usa.gov/rAkCto & use Home Energy Yard Stick. W/ your utility bills you can see how you compare to your neighbors #askEnergy
@ENERGY Link not working? #askEnergy
.@RupcoGJGNY Sorry, try http://go.usa.gov/rA5z for the Home Energy Yard Stick #askEnergy
At the end of the chat, people shared their thanks for a constructive conversation on how saving energy saves you money.
If you're considering making your home more energy efficient, you NEED to check out @energy right now. Doing a helpful live chat #askEnergy
Thanks for everyone participating in our home #energy efficiency chat! #askEnergy -David & Sam
@ENERGY @enervee_com Appreciating the #askEnergy dialogue and your RTs!
@ENERGY Wow, I am very impressed that you answered @Solar_Amy 's #askEnergy so quickly! :) #governmentworks
Thanks, everyone! Very informative chat. #AskEnergy
If you missed the Twitter Chat, you can send your home energy efficiency questions to NewMedia@hq.doe.gov. And be sure to check out the new EnergySaver.gov for energy saving tips and advice!
