Tough Economic Times

If you are feeling the pinch of this economy like so many, there may be some local programs that can help out a bit. Many of the local energy companies are offering help in retrograding homes or businesses, subsidizing energy costs and even upgrading weatherization. To find out more, please check out the Flex Your Power page on http://www.fypower.org/feature/lowincome/. They provide a list of companies that are offering income-qualified programs to help out local homeowners. California provides an abundance of resources for homeowners, why not take advantage of them? These initiatives are also helpful for the environment (as well as your pocket book) if we all use less energy, it's better all around. If you're looking for other ways to help the environment or to save on your energy bills, fypower.org (flex your power) is a great place to start. This California non-profit provides tips and tricks for homeowners seasonally and keeps a database of rebates and other economic incentives.

Green Your Browser

As technology gets more advanced, appliances generally become more energy efficient. There are also more virtual tools to help you keep track of your energy use. Microsoft has a virtual energy calculator and there are a couple of other big sites that will help calculate your carbon footprint. One of the easiest to use is part of firefox's add ons. These 'green' applications do several different things to help you keep track of your energy use as well as support businesses that are helping the environment. To see for yourself, watch the video.

Things to Know About AC

As it heats up, many homeowners are stuck making the difficult choice between buying a new air conditioner, or 'getting by' with their existing equipment. Here is an article that may add some perspective to the argument. Source: "Air Conditioners Cut Out Ozone Depeleting Gas Under New Rules" From USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2009-08-05-air-conditioner_N.htm This story highlights the use of R-22 (a common refrigerant) that is being phased out by next year. It looks at the costs of new installations and the differences between savings depending on SEER ratings. This article may make it easier to choose between installing a more efficient, more expensive unit now, or watching the prices of repairs go up later.

Older refrigerant will be harder to find

The phase-out of R-22 does not mean service and used parts will be unavailable for older air-conditioning models, Schneider says. The Montreal Protocol calls for a gradual elimination of all HCFC refrigerants in new equipment in developed countries by 2010. Service for older models could disappear by 2020.

The one drawback to purchasing a new ozone-conscious air conditioner is its price, which could stretch above the $10,000 mark. The cost all depends on how efficient homeowners decide to make their new system.

Air conditioners are graded on a scale known as SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating). The more efficient a system is, the higher its rating and price tag.

SEER "is the best measure of energy savings for the homeowner throughout the year," Schneider says.

A 13 SEER system, the bare minimum efficiency now required of all new air conditioners, using R-410A costs $5,000 to $8,000 depending on the region and the specifics of the installation, Schneider says. Ramping it up to 16 SEER would cost $8,000 to $11,000. An R-410A unit would cost about 5% more than a new one using R-22, but the service costs with R-22 could be higher.

Rebates offered for high-efficiency units

To ease the pain of the initial cost, air-conditioner manufacturers and even utility companies offer rebates as a reward for purchasing a "green" piece of equipment. Also, if homeowners decide to ratchet up the efficiency to 16 SEER, they are eligible for $1,500 in stimulus bill tax credits from the government, Schneider says.

"It made the most sense to go a little bit more efficient," says Jan Bohrer of Fairfax, Va., who recently had a new R-410A air-conditioning system with a 17 SEER rating installed into her house. She also says that her whole house feels cooler when her thermostat is set at a higher temperature and that she is able to control humidity far more effectively, which translates to comfort. The new system is also much quieter, she says.

"My old system sounded like aircraft carriers taking off when it was on," Bohrer says.

Because these new air conditioners operate with much higher pressure, they consume less energy.

Schneider says the average annual energy consumption cost of a 13 SEER machine is $665, which would save about $200 (or 23%) vs. the average energy cost of a typical existing unit. There is no difference between R-22 and R-410A energy costs when both are used in a 13 SEER system, because they are equally efficient, Schneider says.

HFCs have received scrutiny from some participants of the Kyoto Protocol, an international environmental treaty dedicated to combating global warming, based on concern that molecules of R-410A in its gaseous state trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere more than carbon dioxide. HFCs also have been criticized by Allan Thornton, president of the Environmental Investigation Agency, who says certain HFCs will be a major global warming threat in the future.

5 Green Ideas for Summer Fun

Originally posted at the Low Impact Living Blog: http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2009/08/05/five-green-ideas-for-summer-fun/

The Low Impact Living site provides information about how to calculate your carbon footprint, how to choose 'greener' services and tips on things to do to lower your emissions.

August 5th, 2009
Five Green Ideas for Summer Fun
Posted by Cassie Walker
Stumble it!digg it add to del.icio.ustechnoratiShareThis With summer in full swing, it might be time for some new ideas for entertainment. New green ideas, of course! Whether it’s catching a movie in a theater powered by solar power or hosting a barbecue using (gulp) reusable plates and utensils, check out our suggestions on how to close out summer with a (green) bang.
1. Take in a flick. OK, not exactly an original idea, but cooling off in a dark movie theater is one of America’s favorite summer pastimes. Especially when enjoyed during the heat of the day, it feels like a true escape…at least for a few hours.
Regardless of whether you’re going to see the new indie flick or the latest summer blockbuster, consider the environment as you make your choices. Cut your transportation emissions by rallying the troops for a bike ride to the theater, or try taking public transportation. Eat something healthy before you go to avoid the over packaged, over-sugared junk food at the theater. Or, bring a large purse…I’m not advocating anything here, I’m just saying, it’s an option.
Though most theaters are kept at temperatures that seem to be just above freezing, there are a few that reduce their impact by drawing power from alternative energy. For example, Livermoore Cinemas in Livermoore, CA gets 35% of its energy needs from a solar installation on the roof. Or, for something a little more old-school, check out the wind-powered Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City, IL. Though you’ll have to drive there (it being a drive-in and all) you can bring your own food and drinks. Bring unprocessed, organic treats and you’ll be saving more than money.
For an even greener experience – of both the environmental and cash varieties – consider joining one of the DVD services, like Netflix, which delivers movies right to your mailbox via the postal service. Less fun, perhaps, but perfect for a Tuesday night with the kids.
2. Catch up on your green TV So many programs, so little time! If you’re like me, your DVR gets backed up with shows during the busy spring months. With reruns ruling the airwaves this summer, check out some of the entertaining, educational programming on networks like Planet Green and Sundance. From cooking and home renovations to style and even science, there are shows about greening every aspect of work and play.
3. Throw a party Summer is the perfect time to throw a party, considering the long days and warm nights. Use e-vites to spread the word, and encourage people to carpool. If you’re up for a bit of cooking, scour your local farmers’ market or your garden to come up with the freshest, tastiest treats – your guests will thank you. Add wonderful sustainable wine, and you’re a hero!
If you’re the queen or king of the grill, choose propane over charcoal to minimize emissions. Don’t take the easy route with disposable plates and utensils – use reusable items and enlist a friend or two to help with clean-up. If you can’t swing reusables due to the number of people expected, look for biodegradable or compostable disposables. To keep pests at bay, try some of the more natural insect repellants, like those from Burt’s Bees. It only takes a little forethought to reduce the impact of your celebrations!
4. Have a garage sale Have your kids outgrown last year’s school clothes? Got a bunch of stuff stacked in the garage that’s still working or in good shape? Sounds like it’s time for a yard sale. Selling your old stuff will not only reduce your clutter, but will provide a new life for many of the things you can no longer use. Talk to others in your neighborhood about putting on a multi-family sale to garner additional buyers. Plus, they might have something that you could use! Get to know your neighbors, make a little extra money, and advance the concept of “reuse” – sounds like a good Saturday morning!
5. Do nothing at all My favorite. If just hanging out sounds like your speed (or you’re exhausted after your garage sale) consider hitting your local park, beach, lake, or even your own back yard. Pack some snacks, a blanket, and maybe a football or your trusty Scrabble board (depending on your sensibilities) and chill. Summer is prime relaxation time, so take advantage of the slower pace to decompress and recharge. Whatever you do this summer, consider the environment, but most importantly, have fun!

Check out their site for more information about being "green."

Electric Bill

Did your electric bill go up this month? You may have thought...hmm...a little high, but...I have been running the air conditioner almost constantly. While the constant cooling may have attributed some to the high costs of energy this last month, it may not be the sole cause. California regulators gave Edison the 'OK' to raise their rates in Southern California as of March 2009.

Read the story here: http://articles.latimes.com/2009/mar/13/business/fi-edison13

So, while there may not be anything you can do about your increased rate - if ever there was a time to start conserving electricity it's now!

Consider using lights only when they are needed. If natural light from the windows will suffice, don't turn on the lights, especially since lighting can increase the overall temperature of the room. Make sure to turn lights off when they are not needed, or when you leave a room. If you haven't switched over to efficient light bulbs, do so - they do actually conserve energy and last longer to boot.

Keep the drapes closed! If you have one side of the house that gets major sun consider installing outside shades to block and deflect some of the heat.

Focus on your attic - a lot of cool air can be lost through the attic. So if you have an older home (with less insulation) consider getting more insulation or even a radiant barrier installed to prevent the heat from your attic from getting into your home.