HomeSpot HQ

Your Home Maintenance Partner

Green Living

Tips when leaving on a Vacation

by

While away from your home on vacation you might as well save some money by reducing energy consumption. Also, it is good to take some security and emergency precautions. That last thing anyone wants is to have to deal with is a repair or security issue remotely.

Energy Efficiency

Since you will not be home, the heating and cooling systems can take a little bit of break. It isn’t a good idea to completely shut off the HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) system. If temperatures get very cold, pipes could freeze. Conversely, the air conditioning system is needed to keep the humidity in check.

water heater energy efficiencyEnergy Efficiency Tips around the House

  • Lower Thermostat – Drop the temperature inside the house to about 50 for the winter and 90 for the summer. This adjustment has the possibility of cutting 30% off the energy bill!
  • Lower Water Heater Temperature – Turn the temperature dial on the water heater to the lowest setting for gas-powered units and turn off electric units. Even though no hot water will be used, since nobody is home, the water heater still has to work to maintain the temperature of the water in the tank.
  • Manage Sunlight – The sun is a powerful source of energy. Use it to your advantage. During the winter open blinds and curtains to let sun into the house to lighten the load on the furnace. Close them during the summer to keep the inside of the house shaded to give the air conditioner a break.
  • Vampire Loads – Almost all electronic devices draw a small amount of current while being plugged in. Unplugging televisions, game consoles, and computers will help to reduce electric usage. The easiest way to manage this task is to plug groups of electronics into power strips. When you leave on vacation all you have to do is unplug the power strip instead of each individual device.
  • Empty Refrigerator -Okay, this tip doesn’t exactly save you money on the energy bill but it can on food and save a mess when you return home. Avoid buying any perishable items 2-3 days before leaving and toss any food that will go bad. If you are leaving for an extended period (2+ weeks), you can defreeze the freezer and empty the fridge the week leading up to the vacation. Leave a small box of baking soda in the frig to capture odors.

Water Heater Energy Efficiency

by

water heater energy efficiency

Correct Temperature Setting

The first step is optimizing energy efficiency for a water heater is setting it to the right temperature. Setting the temperature too high wastes energy. The heater has to maintain the water in the tank at all times and the higher the temperature, the harder it has to work. Also, the water coming out of showers and faucets may be scalding hot and burn people. On top of that, hot water evaporates faster and leaves behind minerals from hard water. This can be problem for hard water at any temperature but it is more problematic for hotter water.

Try adjusting the temperature control down and waiting a day. As long you don’t run out of hot water you can try turning it down a little more. If you start running out of hot water in the middle of shower or during other tasks, turn it back up a little.

Setting the temperature at the lowest position will save the most energy but can have harmful effects. Cooler temperatures and not flushing the sediment can allow dangerous bacteria to grow over extended periods of time.

If you are leaving on vacation, you can set it to the lowest setting (i.e. it is often times marked “Vacation”). The low temperature over a one to two week period will save energy but is not enough time for bacteria to grow.

Lower Energy Consumption with These 5 Tips

by

In recent years, most people have considered the amount of energy they use more than ever. With rising prices for energy and the poor impact on the environment that using too much energy can cause, more and more people are looking for new ways to save big on the cost of energy each month.

If you would like to reduce the amount of energy you use this winter to help the environment and save money, try some of the following changes in your energy-consumption practices:

Try a Programmable Thermostat

programmable themostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save on energy consumption each winter. You set the temperature that you want the thermostat to maintain based on specific days of the weeks or time of day. For example, you could set the thermostat to automatically lower by about 10 degrees while you are away from home at work each day. You can also lower the thermostat at night when you are in a warm bed. If you lower your thermostat for about 8 hours per day by 10 degrees, you can save about 20 percent on your total energy bills each month. This savings can quickly add up and you will be placing less stress on your furnace equipment as well.

Clean and Replace Air Filters

air filters
If your furnace has air filters, cleaning the filters can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your furnace. A blocked air filter can cause your furnace to work harder to maintain the same temperature reading in your house. Replacing the filters every three months will keep the air flow strong and prevent your furnace from consuming too much energy and overheating. If you use reusable filters, you can even save money by cleaning the filters instead of replacing them several times a year.

Maintain your Furnace

furnace maintenance
With extended use, a furnace will eventually wear out. Burners can get dirty, hoses can crack, air blowers can fail, and other problems can occur with the system. The best way to ensure your furnace always operates at top efficiency levels is to have a professional come and inspect the unit each year. The inspector can make any necessary adjustments or repairs to prevent the furnace from wasting energy throughout the winter.

Seal home leaks

window and door air leaks
Your house can lose a large amount of the heated air your furnace products through small holes and cracks. Many cracks and leaks occur near doorways and windows. Adding weatherstripping to doors and windows is a highly effective way to control the leaks in your home. Look for other small leaks as well, such as near electrical outlets, plumbing connections, and unused chimneys. You can also prevent hot air from escaping through cold windows by covering windows with curtains at night.

Inspect your Ductwork

ductwork inspection
Your ductwork is extremely important and carries the air from your furnace to the rooms of your home. If there are leaks in the ductwork, then you will lose much of your heated air to unused areas of your home. Have a professional inspector come and investigate your ductwork and make any necessary repairs. Blocks in the vents, improper insulation, and holes in the ductwork can all cause you to waste energy and money while warming your home throughout the winter. Fixing your ductwork can help rescue up to 60 percent of the energy used to warm your home.

Nearly everyone has to warm their home throughout the winter. Without a warm home, many people would suffer through the winter. Because the need for heat is universal, heating your home can be one of the largest home expenses you face each year. However, if you follow the steps outlined above, you can maximize your home comfort while still saving energy and money.

This guest post was written by Endre R., a green energy and sustainability advocate. He is also a freelance writer representing UFH1, a company that helps you learn more about underfloor heating manifolds, located in the UK.

Going Green: NYC's First Solar Powered Restaurant

by

Habana Outpost

Habana Outpost sets the standard for energy efficiency and green methods
Habana Outpost in Brooklyn

Located in the Forte Green area of Brooklyn, the Habana Outpost has put green technology to use in every facet. It is a splendid blend of technology, art, and education. The evolution of the restaurant has been a collaboration of ideas from visitors, environmentalists, employees, and owner, Sean Meenan.

Even if you are not interested in green technology, it is still worth stopping by for the Mexican-Cuban style food. The pinnacle of the menu is the roasted corn topped with Mexican cheeses.  A testament to the popularity of their corn can be seen on busy nights when they have a separate line for corn and beer orders only.

Technology

Unlike some businesses that try to hide their solar panels from view, the Habana Outpost prominently displays their set of solar panels on an outdoor awning. Today, solar power is everywhere, but at the time it is was far less common. Sean mentioned that this was “New York’s first solar powered restaurant.” And the solar display is what sparked the collaboration of the community. Onlookers would be curiously drawn in by the large set of black panels and end up chatting with the friendly owner. Over time, fueled by Sean’s passion, it evolved into the green beacon it is today.

A great display of solar panels Everywhere you look there is some form of energy efficiency, recycling, or waste reduction. The large set of solar panels powers the entire restaurant. Rain water is collected by gutters and used to flush the toilets. The plates and napkins are made from recycled materials. The cups are made from corn instead of petroleum. Waste stations are clearly marked for segregating recyclable materials.

The most unique implementation of alternative power is the bicycle blender. “As you pedal it turns the blades,” said Sean. “It is fun for everyone to watch, kids or adults. It encapsulates what we are trying to do on the environmental side.”

Art

Pictograph on solar powerThe environmental message at Habana Outpost is beautifully delivered to any visitor through pictographs. The murals are enjoyable just to look at, but you can also look closer to see how solar works or how water is recycled to the toilets. There are little paintings all over (even in the bathroom stalls!).

The artwork throughout the place is another example of how Habana Outpost ties into the community. Many different artists have contributed to bring the whole restaurant together into a spectacular visual display. Not one spot has been overlooked. Even the barbed wire on the top of the courtyard fence has been painted green and decorated with plastic flowers.

Education

You won’t hear any preaching or feel any guilt trips about environmental causes here. If you just want to get some food or a beer, that’s great. But if you want to learn more about Habana Outpost’s green efforts, there are plenty of opportunities. Between the pictographs, easy to see green systems, and kid’s activities, there is something everyone.

“We have what we call a kid’s corner every weekend to do arts and crafts. It has an environmental to blend to it. Some examples are a composting workshop, a lady bug release or making a Father’s Day present out of recycled material. I love kids. The kid’s corner, baby breakfast, and back to school event are all kid-centric. I don’t want to sound cliche, but they really are our future.”

Whether you live in New York City or you are just visiting, stop by the Habana Outpost. The great food, laid-back feel, and bright visuals draw locals and celebrities a like. And who knows, you may learn a thing or two about green technology.

Talking Home Energy Conservation with the Experts at Energeyes

by

As part of a new blog series for 2011, we’ll be speaking each month with a home improvement professional.  This month, we met with Phillip Bradrick from Energeyes, a home energy conservation company located in Raleigh, NC.

HSHQ: What is Energeyes?

PB: Energeyes is a locally owned energy conservation & home performance company founded to help home owners reduce utility cost while at the same time improving the comfort, air quality, and the durability of their dwellings.

HSHQ: What are the main things you look for or test during a Home Energy Audit?

PB: The first thing we look at when assessing a home is the building envelope.  Using high tech tools like a blower door and infrared camera we can pinpoint air leaks in the building envelope and thermal insulation voids.  In most homes air leaks are the highest priority improvements and proper insulation improvements are typically the next.

HSHQ: What do you find is the most common culprit for a home being energy inefficient?

PB:  Because homes tend to settle and are affected by the wear and tear of being lived in, air leaks are the most common issue we address.  The challenge is often knowing where those air leaks are.  One of the most common spots for air leakage are leaks in the duct system.  This has a very high impact on heating and cooling costs because you are losing conditioned air before it ever reaches your home.

HSHQ: What happens if you find a point of inefficiency? What can a homeowner do?

PB: For home owners the most important place to start is making your home tighter. Once you have had your home tested for air leaks and know where they are you can begin to seal them.  This process requires using products like duct mastic/sealant, caulk, expandable foam, and weather stripping. The process starts in the attic where the insulation needs to be pulled back and each plumbing penetration, wiring hole, and the top of each of the wall assemblies must be sealed with expandable foam as well as sealing any access doors.  Once that is done you can move into the living area of the house and begin using caulk to seal around un-caulked trim work, sealing can lights, plugs and light switches, around plumbing pipes and many other small holes in your building envelope. The last job is to descend into the crawlspace and pull back the insulation, sealing any holes in the sub floor.  Sealing your home can have huge benefits in energy savings and comfort but care should be taken that sealing your home is not having any negative effects.  If you have any gas fueled appliances there is the potential of unintentionally trapping carbon monoxide in your home which can be deadly.  We recommend that proper testing is done with a blower door system so that you can have the peace of mind that you are saving money without any danger.

HSHQ:  What role does routine home maintenance play in the energy efficiency of a home?

PB: Here are three routine maintenance projects that are very important but often neglected by home owners.

  1. Change your air filters monthly:  This is a easy project to over look but a air filter that is clogged with dust will cause the blower on your HVAC system to work double time because it is having to suck harder to pull air through this filter.
  2. Have your HVAC  system serviced at least annually:  Your HVAC system is mechanical and breaks down over time.  Servicing it on a regular basis will help it to run at its maximum performance not only saving you energy but making it last longer.
  3. Close your fireplace damper when it is not in use:  This task is easy to forget, but leaving it open allows the chimney to do what it was created to do and that is draw air up and out of your home.  An open flue can cost you hundreds of dollars per year by allowing air out 24/7

HQHS: How can customers reach you?

PB: We’re online at http://www.energeyesonline.com, and our local telephone number is 919-600-4973.

Energy Savings Calculator

by

Our friends at eLightBulbs.com have made available this great calculator for determining how much cash you might save by using more energy efficient lighting.  It is a simple effective tool for determining cost effectiveness for the more expensive energy efficient light bulbs. Try it out and post your savings.

elightbulbs.com — stress free shopping for your light bulbs