Home Energy-$25,000-Makeover Sweepstakes

Green tech and the household energy gluttons- Guest Post

- How to keep your home as Green as you can

Going Green is now the generational movement for manufacturers and consumers alike.  The old energy guzzlers are on the way out, and good riddance. New Green technology is obliterating the inefficient power bill factories, and replacing them with much better machines. The big improvements in things like refrigerators and other domestic appliances are completely changing the whole paradigm of manufacturing and enforcing a better way of life.

The average home usually wastes a lot of power, simply through bad design of machinery and electronics. That's now changing as CAD design reinvents industrial manufacturing processes. There's a very strong business angle here, in that the Green machines are a lot cheaper, as well as more efficient.

Green technology is based on a bigger concept than simply a few appliances using less power. The idea is that the entire domestic market uses less power, and uses it more efficiently.  This is a synergistic effect, and it works a lot better in big markets like household equipment.

The Green effect

Any home can reconfigure its power usage quite easily. You can save money, as well as saving the planet.
It's pretty simple:

Stage 1- Find the problems

Check the wattage on your existing appliances. Up to 2000w is the average range.

Check the power usage generally. Some domestic appliances are used efficiency. Convection heaters, for example, chew up wattage, but they only need to be on for an hour or so. So a 2000w heater, used for one hour, is more efficient than a 1000w heater left on all night.

How's the air conditioner? Air conditioners don't need to be on all the time. Quite the opposite, they're not designed to operate like that, and you can cost yourself a fortune unnecessarily in repairs and replacements.

How's the fridge? Older fridges become inefficient power users over time. If the motor's sounding noisy and your power bills have been rising for a while, suspect number 1 is the fridge.

How's the washing machine? Washing machines more than about 5 years old can be an issue. Their water usage and power usage are different from the current generation of machines, and they're generally less energy and water efficient. If you've got a dryer as well, the new combination washer/dryers are usually better value.
Stage 2- Fix the problems

Identify everything that needs replacing, and do some research online before you spend a cent. The online retailers tend to be highly competitive and you'll be able to see a good bandwidth of prices to help you spot the g2ood deals.

Online shopping includes a few other advantages. You get a lot more information than you would foot-slogging through the malls and outlets. The service is better, too, and you can ask questions and get answers, rather than pure spiel.

This is the fastest way to deal with your power issues and improve your own home environment. It's like saving money before you earn it. Check out your options, because you'll find it's well worth it. 

Author Bio: Tim Millett is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He's published more than 500 articles about various topics, including <a href="http://www.pricepirate.com.au/category_s/28.htm">Refrigerators</a> and <a href="http://www.pricepirate.com.au/category_s/21.htm">Washing machines</a>.

Guest Post Provided by:
Scotty, Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://scottscontracting@wordpress.com

How to Save Money on Your Winter Heating Bills

• Did the first Snow of the Year catch you unprepared for winter?
• Is there enough insulation in your attic, walls, or floor?
• Do you feel cold air drafts around your windows and doors?
• Are your Heating bills higher this year than past years?
• Have you chosen to become an active participant to Reduce the Earth's Climate Change?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions its not too late to make your Building more Energy Efficient

• Insulation Levels [R-Value] For the St Louis Region (suggestions by the US Dept of Energy)

1. Attic Insulation Level Should be a Minimum Level R-49
2. Wall Insulation Level Minimum Level R-13
3. Flooring Insulation Minimum Level R-30
4. Basement Interior Wall Minimum Level R-11

Stop Cold Air Drafts in the Exterior Walls of Your Building by

1. Installing Weather Stripping around your Doors and Windows
2. Seal all Exterior Wall Electrical Boxes with Electrical Box Sealer
3. Seal Exterior Obtrusion's in Exterior Walls with Caulk or Spray Foam

Additional Insulation Information can be found:Insulating Roofs, Walls, and Floors , Attic Insulation and Attic Energy Solutions , Roof and Attic Ventilation , Fall Home Check Up Guide with Photos

Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in Lowering your Buildings Energy Needs- Click here to email: scottscontracting@gmail.com for any additional questions or to request a Free Green Site Evaluation. 

NOTE: For Every $1-Dollar Spent on Weatherization will Return a $2 Savings on your Energy Bills

Scotts Contracting Guarantees that with proper insulation levels and

stopping the Cold Air Drafts in your Building you will save money on your Heating Bills.Scotty

--
Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com

Fall Home Check Up Guide with Photos

Fall Fix-Ups Checklist for your Home Provided by BHG with additional Notes by: Scotty, Scotts Contracting Green Builder - Renewable Energy Distributor / Installer

The secret to a secure and comfortable home is regular maintenance. From cleaning gutters to fireplace safety, we discuss it all in a list of must-dos for fall.


In many existences: Preventive Maintenance will save you $money$ before costly repairs are needed. Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in your Home Projects-Large or Small.

Clear the Gutters

Falling leaves and evergreen needles can block downspouts and cause rainwater to overflow gutters. Depending on where you live, the coming of winter can mean clogged gutters. This can cause ice dams, which push water under shingles and into your house. Clean gutters after most of the leaves have fallen, and do so by removing the debris with a plastic scoop or with a special curved wand attached to your garden hose. To keep gutters clear for next fall, install mesh or perforated leaf shields. In addition to cleaning gutters, you might need to install insulation in the attic or apply heat tape along the roof edge above the gutters to prevent ice dams.

Additional Note by Scotty: If the Water is not flowing towards the downspouts for any number of reasons this will create a backup of water and debris. The added weight could also dislodge the Gutter and Downspouts from the house. Sometimes the Gutter is completely falls off or the weight creates a sag in the gutter. This in turn creates more of a Blockage Dam with more weight added with each form of Precipitation and added Debris. Both causing damage that could effect more than the Gutters and Downspouts. Since the Gutter attaches to the Fascia of the Home it can be effected also. The Fascia Area / Board of Homes if the First Stop in Attic Infiltration from the Elements.

Inspect Your Gutters

If you live in an area where the winters are full of ice and snow, ensure that gutters are securely attached to the house before winter hits. Check for any loose gutter spikes (8-inch-long nails that secure gutters to the eaves) and replace them with gutter screws, which hold better. Simply remove any loose spikes and drill gutter screws into the same hole.

Rarely is a Gutter Fix this simple mainly because

• the Gutter Spike which has a diameter of 3/8inch (the Diameter of a Pencil) has generally created a bigger hole than the average screw can be screwed into with any holding power.
• Many times the gutter screw was not properly installed: Through the Fascia Board and Into the Rafter Tails of the Roofing System. Without the additional strength of the Screws or Nails penetrating the Rafter Tails adequate Strength Loads will not meet the Load Requirements for severe Snow and Ice Loads.

1. Fix:

• Remove Nail and Hanger
• Fill Hole with Silicone-In both the Gutter and Fascia Board. This will stop any water and air filtration into the Soffitt Area of Your Home.
• Move Gutter Hanger to Correct Location and Install with 2 ½ in or 3 in Screws. ( Ensuring that the Screw Penetrates into the Rafter Tails of the Roofing System.

Caulk the Cracks

Caulk can help keep out dirt, moisture, sound, and radon gas, and it can improve the general appearance of your home. Caulk before painting for a more finished look. Caulk where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house, around window and door frames, and at corner joints formed by siding.

Check the Roof

Inspecting the roof twice a year should become a routine. From the ground, use binoculars to look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Then note any leaks from inside, which might include checking your attic. Fall is a good time to replace missing shingles, cement down curled edges, and recaulk where plumbing stacks, cable brackets, or antennae penetrate the roof. If you're hesitant about scaling the heights, hire a reputable roofer.

Clean Up Your Exterior

Wash your home's exterior and windows to start fresh for fall and prevent the growth of mold and mildew that feed on dirt. Make the task easy by renting a pressure washer for $50-$100 per day. Find out exactly how much pressure the washer will exert and whether the surface you plan to wash can withstand it.

Note: While washing your exterior is a Good time to visually inspect for any areas in need of additional attention. Also by Cleaning the Exterior of your home will remove any debris that will attract more debris build-up over the Winter Months.

Insulate and Ventilate

Attic Insulation and Attic Energy Solutions (Prior Green Blog Post)

-Attic Insulation-

I've put a little information to help assist in explaining 'Attic Insulation for a Home'. I take a whole house approach to improve a Home's Energy Reduction Needs. The Attic Area and Attic insulation being just one area.

In the old days we just blew the insulation into the attic. Now, I suggest that any

• Air Infiltration areas be resolved before adding insulation- Stop the Air (Hot or Cold) From Entering or Leaving a Home.
  
  
  • This includes: proper attic ventilation, ceiling protrusions(Light Boxes / Ceiling Fan), access points, mechanical and electric points, Attic Knee Walls, Obtrusions, etc
  • Adding Radiant Barriers for Existing Buildings-in a nutshell this bounces the Exterior Temperature back outside.
  • Attached to the Underneath Side of Existing Rafters
  • Option 1:Double Reflective R-Values range from R-3.7 to R-17
  • Attic Add Insulation to meet Suggested Guidelines
  • 
    When used in conjunction with a Radiant Barrier-Cost of Insulation is reduced and thickness / weight of insulation is reduced.
    
    
    
    
  • 
    When we come over to perform an estimate. We will inspect for the above mentioned problem areas. Discuss the various solutions. Next, I'll determine the Materials and Labor Needed to Complete and Fix the Areas Quoted in the Project. I'll then submit a Project Proposal that will discuss project in detail. Answer any Questions, Explain Procedures, etc.
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Looking forward to meeting you and discussing the ways I can help with Lowering your Energy Bills.
  
  
  
  
  

Weather-Strip Doors and Windows

Part of your fall buttoning-up should be checking your home's moving parts. Your goal is to have draft-free windows and doors, and you do that by maintaining or upgrading your weather stripping. All sorts of do-it-yourself materials are available: felt strips, metal-back strips, self-stick foam, and plastic channels. The idea is to ensure that your windows and doors are snug but still operative.

Change Outdoor Light bulbs

If you've got an entry light that's out, replace it before the cold weather sets in. Also, consider changing out your existing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) that use less energy and can save you money. (Estimated Change of 20 Light Bulbs to LED is 10% Savings on Electric Bills)

Protect Your Plumbing

Even if your pipes have never frozen before, it could happen this winter after you simply lower the thermostat a few degrees or fix a dripping faucet. Inspect the hot and cold supply lines as well as exposed pipes that run along exterior walls in an unheated basement or crawlspace. One way to safeguard them is to wrap electric heat tape around them, but keep in mind that the tape won't work during power outages. You can also wrap pipes with fiberglass insulation or ready-made pipe jackets.

Fireplace Safety

To many homeowners, fall and winter are seasons to curl up before a cozy fireplace or stove. You can avoid dangers such as chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning by putting safety before snuggling. Here are some tips from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA):
-- Have your chimney checked every year to ensure both your chimney system and venting systems are working properly and safely.
-- Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods to reduce buildup of creosote, a flammable compound.

-- Install a chimney cap to keep out debris and to prevent birds and animals from nesting.
-- Install a carbon monoxide detector to warn you if harmful gases are entering your home -- a blocked or damaged chimney can cause this.
-- Have your chimney waterproofed to prevent long-term corrosion and masonry damage. Avoid rebuilding old chimneys by replacing damaged clay liners with stainless-steel chimney liner pipes.

Scotts Contracting is available for all the above mentioned home repairs and maintenance needs. Scotty provides detailed free Green Estimates for each and every job quote he provides. scottscontracting@gmail.com or use the following link

 

Click Here to email Scotty for a Free Green Estimate for your Next Project

Home Energy Calculators

Finally a home energy meter that is easy to use. If you are seeking efforts to cut your energy use-age. The Micro Soft hohm energy meter can aid in reducing your energy use-age.

Dear Hohm user:

Here at Microsoft Hohm, we listened when you asked for a more immediate way to monitor and manage your home energy use. And today, we have great news: we're thrilled to announce that the Hohm-compatible PowerCost Monitor™ WiFi from Blue Line is now available!

Blue Line's PowerCost Monitor WiFi is a portable, wireless device that's easy to install (no electrician required!) and easy to use. It wirelessly sends your near real-time energy use to Hohm, providing you with more detailed energy use information than your monthly utility bill. You can view and track changes in energy use almost instantly, discovering potential energy waste in your home and areas where you can save. With Hohm and the PowerCost Monitor WiFi, you can now:

• See moment-to-moment energy use and costs
• Measure how much specific appliances are costing you, in dollars and electricity
• Track long-term energy use, which you can reset as often as you wish

Why is this a big deal? Studies show that consumers who are aware of their energy use can save up to 18% on their home energy bill on average. Just take a look at the graph below for an example: At about 9:15, Mike turned on his air conditioner for a few minutes after cleaning out the compressor. You can see the spike in energy use that it caused. At about 2:30, Mike turned on the air conditioning and let it run. That's where you see a spike followed by consistent energy use at close to 6 kilowatts. At about 3:15, one of Mike's kids also turned on a hair dryer- that's the next spike you see. Hohm captured all this information from the Blue Line device in near real time and made it easy to see and understand.

We think seeing near real-time energy data will make people smarter about how much energy things in their house use, and help them make better decisions accordingly. So if you've ever wondered how much energy you're really saving when you adjust your thermostat or wash your laundry in cold water versus hot, Hohm and Blue Line will help you find out the answer! Get the PowerCost Monitor WiFi today, and be one of the first to try it out and tell your friends! For more info on the PowerCost Monitor WiFi,

Thanks!

The Microsoft Hohm team

-- Scott's Contracting scottscontracting@gmail.com http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com