Take Personal Action
Use less energy at home
Weatherstripping and Caulking
Weatherstripping and caulking keep drafts from coming in around windows and doors. Also consider installing foam draft blockers behind the cover plates if you get drafts through electrical outlets or switches on outside walls.
Annual Savings:
- To the planet: 650 lbs. of global warming pollution
- To you: $35
Insulation
Insulation keeps your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer. Make sure you have enough—contact your local utility and ask about a free energy audit.
Annual Savings:
- To the planet: 2,000 lbs. of global warming pollution
- To you: $245
Heating Water
Heating water requires a lot of electricity. Consider taking these steps:
1. Switch to a Tankless Water Heater. Heat your water as you use it instead of keeping a tank of water hot 24 hours a day.
Annual Savings:
- To the planet: 300 lbs. of global warming pollution
- To you: $390
2. Buy low-flow showerheads. Great water pressure, with much less hot water needed.
Annual Savings:
- To the planet: 350 lbs. of global warming pollution
- To you: $150
Double-pane Windows
Double-pane windows keep more heat inside your home so you use less energy. If you need new windows, consider these as an alternative.
Annual Savings:
- To the planet: 10,000 lbs. of global warming pollution
- To you: $436
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February 1st, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Hi Howard,
We have a list of 44 TYPES of energy use reduction actions (e.g., insulation to reduce conduction of various parts of a residence is ONE type).
I suggest we have pursued a “top/down” or “authority/listener” template for energy information exchange for 30+ years. We need peer-to-peer information exchange, though I’m uncertain exactly how this might best be created.
A 4p preliminary proposal for metro-area energy program, circulated following the Jan 2007 “Summit” on programs to be supported by overcharge funds, would make use of peer-to-peer info exchange at local workshops.
Keep up the great work!