Saving Money and Energy with Nest

Dear EarthTalk: Will I really be able to save money and energy in the long run by shelling out hundreds of dollars now for a so-called “smart” thermostat?

– Bill Cone, Aptos, CA

Spending $200 or more to replace that older, still functioning thermostat with a new whiz-bang “smart” variety might seem like a waste of money, but it can be one of the best small investments a homeowner can make, given the potential for energy and cost savings down the line.

The coolest of the bunch of new smart thermostats, the Nest, was created by former Apple employees who had been instrumental in designing the original iPod and iPhone years earlier. This simple looking round thermostat is reminiscent of old-school thermostats that one would manually adjust by turning the temperature dial. But the auto-awake feature that turns on the bright blue digital display when someone walks nearby gives the Nest away as an ultra-modern piece of high tech gadgetry.

The Nest’s software “learns” the habits in a given space by logging when inhabitants tend to be home and awake and noting when they tend to turn up or down the heat—and then sets a heating/cooling schedule accordingly. Owners can also program the Nest, which connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi, to heat up or cool down the house at a set schedule or go into “away” mode from any web browser or smart phone.

While the Nest is likely the best known smart thermostat available—especially since Google acquired the company behind it in early 2014—several other manufacturers (including Honeywell, ecobee, Hunter, Radio Thermostat, Trane and Lux) have Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats available now as well.

While only some of them have the auto-sensing and “learning” capabilities of the Nest, those without that feature also cost less. And merely programming in a weekly schedule to any smart thermostat will be the main source of cost and energy savings. People who were diligent about turning their old thermostats up and down throughout the day might not see any substantial savings with a smart thermostat, but most of us aren’t so diligent—especially when it comes to turning the heat down at night when we are sleeping.

Many smart thermostat owners report savings of between $10 and $30 per month on their heating/cooling bills—and research has shown that such an upgrade can save upwards of 10 percent of the total energy consumed by a given household. Smart thermostats range in price from $50 to $250, so upgrading could pay for itself within a year or two at most, with long-term savings racking up month-by-month after that.

Many utilities now offer free or discounted smart thermostats to customers. Getting in on such a program is a great way to reduce energy costs without the up-front expense of installing a smart thermostat independently. According to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), incentives to install smart thermostats are available through utilities in 45 states. New York’s Con Edison, California’s PG&E and Texas’ CPS Energy are just a few of the larger utilities offering such incentives.

Those that do upgrade certainly won’t be alone. Navigant Research reports that the number of smart thermostats in operation around the world will jump from 1.4 million currently installed to some 32 million by 2020. These kinds of numbers will help utilities meet or exceed energy efficiency goals regardless of other upgrades on the power plant side of their businesses. Likewise, the efficiency boost also can play a key role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and our emissions of greenhouse gases.

- See more at: http://www.emagazine.com/earth-talk/smart-thermostats#sthash.MPJ7TgOc.dpuf

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• Smart Thermostat Market Will Grow 10-Fold by 2020

Hands On With Green City, Clean Waters

     

PWD staffer discusses stream restoration.

Water is energy, it is a source of life. In the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to examine that life source a bit more closely through an innovative outreach effort called the Green City, Clean Waters Ambassador Program from the Philadelphia Water Department and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

The program aims to create a new partnership to promote green infrastructure education and stewardship in Philadelphia neighborhoods. With a boost of hands-on training by specialists from the water department and various other related organizations, a group of community leaders from designated civic associations will emerge to become Green City, Clean Waters Ambassadors.

More specifically, the program focuses on storm-water management, including development, care and advocacy for sustainable landscape projects or green tools, such as tree trenches, bump-outs, bioswales, rain gardens, infiltration trenches, green roofs, and others, as part of the city's innovative initiative to reduce contamination from sewer runoff. It also integrates issues such as stream restoration, soil conservation, and other regenerative processes that are essential for maintaining healthy urban ecosystems.

A real bioswale (Photo credit: Steven Vance)

Green infrastructure improvements.

Unlike many big ticket urban approaches to water reclamation that often involve major ovehalls of grey infrastructure, this program utilizes an interactive union of mother nature, the water department, and people power to make it all work. The end result is to give our local communities a sustainable development initiative that is light on the taxpayer's wallet, promotes community engagement and access, and creates a cleaner, more beautiful city. It's a very Philadelphia-like, neighborhood-minded solution to an issue that's troubling much of the nation these days.

An ambassador, huh? Perhaps. That certainly sounds prestigious. In any case, I think I'd fit the bill just fine sporting a white suite and fedora... More on this development in the coming weeks. --D.A. DeMers

For additional info on green infrastructure improvements and the Green City, Clean Waters Ambassador Program visit www.phillywatersheds.org.

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20 Years of Energy Star Savings 

 

Hard to believes that it's been that long. Seriously, like 20 years long. But let's not dwell to much on that. Instead let's think of the many good ways the Energy Star program has helped people save on energy costs while in their homes and offices. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson had some special words commemorating the anniversary in a recent blog post in the Huffington Post. Happy anniversary, indeed.  Read More.

To see a great YouTube video on the history of the Energy Star program, click here.

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Energy Efficiency Made Easy

  

Eric Barendsen, a communication specialist at the US Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Communications and Outreach Office, cuts to the chase with an Energy Saver's blog post on how he saved big with heating bills this winter. He also explains how that rolls into spring and summer. Best of all, he's got some quick and easy tips.  Read More. 

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Putting solar to work for your home

(Image: Wikipedia)

Photovoltaic cell.

Michigan home remodeler and instructor Steve Bredernitz sheds some light on the investment to saving ratio of his made in the USA home solar project, and how to get a solar system up and running quickly. This and more are reasons why he's gives thumbs up for solar. Post via Greenspiration Home:

"Just over a year ago, I was meeting with some fellow remodelers and we were talking about quirky clients, our teenage kids, and renewable energy. A few of these gentlemen had solar arrays and wind turbines at their homes and spoke highly of the benefits.  Others at the table were adamant that renewable energy was not cost effective. One remodeler in particular commented how solar was a horrible idea in the 1970s and is a horrible idea today. That was the moment I decided to act!"  Read More.

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Up next week on Home Science, we'll check in with a few Philadelphia sustainable businesses that are making good for the community while making smart business sense. Plus, more on solar products for your home. Stay tuned.


Related articles

• Bioswales and green infrastructure for New York (freshkillspark.wordpress.com)
• Green stormwater infrastructure sites identified for further study in West Seattle (westseattleherald.com)
• A Greener Strategy for New York's Runaway Sewage (green.blogs.nytimes.com)
• Report: Public overwhelmingly supports funding the tap in face of $600 billion need (yubanet.com)
• EPA Announces New Green Infrastructure Website and Technical Assistance, Apr. 6 deadline (chicagolandh2o.wordpress.com)

Lighting up the Neighborhood

    

Sustainable 19125 gives out CFLs on MLK day. Image info.

I missed a chance to meet up with the folks at Sustainable 19125 last week for their MLK day of service event, but it sure looks like they had fun mixing with Philly's Kensington community while helping to "light up the neighborhood" with free CFL bulbs for local residents. Toby from their office told me it was a great success and that a swarm of volunteers came out to help.

CFLs, or compact flourescent lightbulbs, can greatly reduce electric usage over standard incandescent types because they give off more light and require less energy. They also, on average, last much longer. Switching to CFLs is often the first reccomendation suggested when an energy auditor evaluates a home for energy savings.

For more on this topic and the good efforts of Sustainable 19125 check in at their informative website www.sustainable19125.org.--D.A DeMers

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Helping Keep Your New Year's Resolution
Sound advice from EnergyWorks and the ECA: 
  

Image by D.A. DeMers. GNU license.

The number one New Year’s Resolution for 2011 is to save money, and while many financial experts would recommend increased savings, investing or getting out of debt; with electricity prices and the cost of gas going up, the best way to keep your New Year resolution of saving money is to save energy.

Not only does saving money on energy bills provide home owners the best return on your most valuable investment; your home, it also increases the comfort of your home and can earn 6% to 20% return on investment, compared to a savings account which barely yields ½ percent and a Certificate of Deposit that may get you 4% or 5%. By investing in energy saving work for your home you also avoid the impact of rising gas, oil, and electricity costs.

With EnergyWorks, homeowners in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties can upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes and save money through an unprecedented combination of rebates, tax credits, and low interest loans, together with highly trained and certified energy analysts and contractors.  Energy Works is designed to help homeowners maximize their return by strategically investing in saving energy at home.

For example, a $2,000 investment = 10% reduction in your monthly energy bill with a $180 monthly bill, 10% x $180 = $18 per month. $18 x 12 = $216 per year. Therefore, a $216 savings/$2,000 investment = a 10.8% return on your money! You can’t get that return on investment at any bank, investment bank or on the stock market. Here are some other ways to save money and energy in the New Year.

• Install a programmable thermostat and turn it back by 10 to 15 degrees when you’re asleep or not at home can save around 10% a year on heating and cooling bills.

• Keep your hot water heater at 120◦ F and install a hot water heater insulating blanket. These two tips can save up to 5% to 10% in water heating energy cost.

• Unplug appliances when you’re not using them.

To learn more about Energy Works or schedule a home energy assessment, visit www.ecasavesenergy.org/energyworks and start saving now!

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Green is the New Red, White and Blue
Peter Bycks film Carbon Nation picks up the pride.
                             

Texas Wind Farmer Cliff Etheredge. Image info.

 

Empire State Building retrofit check. Image info.

Coming to theaters this February is an inspiring, entertaining new documentary from filmmaker Peter Byck that beautifully captures the zeal, heart and might of the rapidly growing clean energy movement in America. The film portrays the industry in a non-partisan, personable fashion, telling the remarkable story of how everyday people with a renewed sense of American ingenuity are doing amazing things to help lead us to a brighter future.

"We made this film for my Uncle Phil – a conservative who finds my liberal ways amusing," says Mr Byck, on his blog. "We made this film for the folks who see solutions to climate change as a national security issue – we have a chapter solely on the green hawks in the Department of Defense. We made this film for people who simply see huge profits to be made in energy efficiency. We made it for the great many Americans who don’t want to be told they’ve done something wrong, but do appreciate clean air and clean water."
    

Carbon Nation trailer.

For more information on this wondrous film, including theater locations or how you can participate in spreading the word, see the Carbon Nation website at www.carbonnationmovie.com.--D.A DeMers.

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Shadowing a Home Energy Inspector
Sourced from Jonathon Hickes and Grist. 

I was sent this link in my email a couple months ago, and sure feel bad for not getting to it sooner - been a busy time recently for Home Science. Regardless, Jonathan Hickes's inside look at the Energy Auditor job is a spectacular, informative piece, and well worth re-posting--D.A DeMers

Blower door air leakage test. Picasa image.

Weatherizing homes to cut heat waste makes all kinds of good sense -- it lowers utility bills, makes homes more comfortable, creates building-industry jobs, saves energy, is both a floor wax and a dessert topping, etc. Grist has sung the praises of building efficiency so often we've taken to recycling our old jokes (and they're not even good ones). We're usually looking at the big-picture questions of climate, economy, and jobs. For example, there's nothing better Congress could do right now than pass a well-designed retrofit program like the Home Star bill, which would save 44 times the amount of energy that spilled into the Gulf of Mexico this summer.

Blah, blah, green jobs, blah. Screw all that top-level policy for a moment. Let's take a look at how this stuff works on the ground.

I ventured out into the Real World (soon to be acquired by Google) last Friday to shadow Paul Holt, who runs home-energy inspections for the Seattle company EcoFab. Paul remodeled homes for much of his career, then moved into selling high-efficiency windows until he realized that "wasn't really the answer to energy efficiency." So he studied for the Building Performance Institute home performance certificate and passed the test two years ago. He's also a photo and printmaking artist. Read more...


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• Energy Switch: Compare Switch & Save (globalthoughtz.com)
• How To Reduce Energy Usage (ideagreenshop.com)
• Marketing an Energy-Efficient Product as 'Money Saving' Just Doesn't Work - Here's Why (environmentalleader.com)
• Builders' Show: Lowe's puts energy savings front and center (blogs.consumerreports.org)

A Turning Point

   

The need to save energy is a notion that everyone seems to agree is of great importance these days. Whether you're short, tall, wealthy, poor, liberal, conservative, pink, green, or purple - the idea that you might be burning up dollars for no reason strikes a common nerve.

That's why it's comforting to know that professional guidance for the "power to save" has come to the greater Philadelphia region in the form of EnergyWorks, a comprehensive energy solutions program for home and commercial or industrial building owners. EnergyWorks experts help owners find ways to reduce their building’s energy use, and EnergyWorks’ low-interest loans help them pay for the upgrade.

At Energywise PA, a site sponsored by the new Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance, Deputy Philadelphia Mayor Alan Greenberger describes the program as follows:

"Energy Works pays to send auditors to a home or business to pinpoint specific changes that can save energy and money. I have a big house in Mount Airy and, even though I'm an architect, I can actually think of 10 things to do, but I don't know which one is the most bang for the buck."

Many homeowners can get a $400 energy audit and only pay $100 for it. Likewise, low-interest loans are available for improvements. The $25 million program is available in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.

An auditor views a home systems model at the ECA training center.

Last month Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Campus Apartments CEO David Adelman announced the first full commercial application of EnergyWorks in the launching of an impressive $50 million hotel project in Philadelphia's University City community.

A press release by the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation quotes the Mayor as saying "The city was able to pull levers in a difficult economic climate to obtain financing and make this project happen. By making a smart economic and environmental investment in Philadelphia, this project will bring new, quality jobs for our citizens and a brand-new, environmentally-friendly hotel for visitors. It’s a win for everyone involved.” 

The project will be the largest of its kind to utilize EnergyWorks trained contractors, an aspect that helps guarantee the investment will be fostered by an energy efficient, green-building methodology. That way, the return on the city's dollar is less likely to simply go up the chimney, literally.

A flamingo-like wind farm in the UK.

In essence, we seem to be at a real turning point in the building trades and with our society in general regarding issues of energy conservation. Notions of saving the environment and saving money have begun to merge at a mainstream level; they are seen as one and the same.

For Energy Coordinating Agency director Liz Robinson, the two were never far apart. Her 26 year old organization sprouted from the need for a local community resource to help mitigate issues related to some of the less attuned policies of utility companies and their often unhindered rate hikes.  

Describing the ECA's beginnings in an interview with Home Science, Ms. Robinson said "There was a necessity for community outreach and a comprehensive approach to solving energy solutions, and to get utility companies engaged in those solutions." 

Some of those solutions are evidenced by the initiation of utility caps at the end of the 1990's, and the current transformation of the utility marketplace through deregulation and a more open market. But most notably it's seen in the growing commitment to energy conservation through various sectors of the local economy.

With the evolving possibility of a genuine democratization of energy resources, Ms. Robinson emphasized the importance of "helping to elevate the energy literacy" of both energy consumers and contractors. "In the past," she said, "utility companies made it easy - the public hasn't had to understand everything. Now with more choices at hand, there is a great need for education on the issues for consumers as well as training and other resources for contractors involved in programs such as EnergyWorks."

A Delaware River "family" seeks a clean energy future.

Throughout the past decades, the ECA has been through many stages of this transformation, and deservedly, it now seems to be a lynch-pin for the vast array of these new exciting initiatives.--D.A DeMers.


For more information on the EnergyWorks program visit the ECA's links at www.ecasavesenergy.org/energyworks. Other resources on the web can be found at www.energyworksnow.com.

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Heated Debate...

While energy conservation and green-building tactics are central to the focus of this blog, it's also important to understand issues related to where our energy comes from before it arrives at our homes, schools, and office buildings. In regards to natural gas, nothing is burning hotter than the issue of hydraulic fracturing or gas fracking, a fairly new drilling technology being employed in the expansive, resource rich region of the Marcellus Shale.

Natural gas flame.

Home Science recently caught up with Pennsylvania State Senator Larry Farnese, fresh from his fact finding mission at the Atlas Energy gas drilling site in Fayette County. The senator said he took part in the tour to get a better understanding of the industry and its issues, as talk continues about a natural gas extraction tax or fee. He hopes to include safety and environmental concerns as an important part of that discussion.

"I have extreme concern for the safety of the men and women involved in this work," he said. "The entire process of extracting gas from the shale is one that is done under extremely high pressure from fluids, and it's important that we ensure safeguards are properly in place to protect those involved in the work."

At the core of the controversy is the issue of a gas severance tax. Pennsylvania is currently the largest state without some form of extraction fee in place to recoup possible environmental and oversight costs, or to help fund educational programs needed to insure that its own citizens benefit from the well paying jobs promised by the boom, and not simply professionals brought in from other locations. Reports from people in the shale regions claim that Texas license plates tend to be ever-present at many of the drilling sites. At the same time, Pennsylvania is currently facing budget shortfalls in many sectors, especially in areas of job training and education.

Natural gas extraction/production in the US.

But some have made a fierce argument that a gas severance tax would scare away investment, that it is essential to forgo such a fee in order to keep the state competitive in these fragile economic times. I proffered that position during the interview, but was quickly challenged.

"Absolute hogwash," declared the senator, displaying his sometimes outspoken, yet personable demeanor. "I talked to experts in top levels of the industry who say this is it. We have one of the nation's greatest energy resources, and the industry is coming here whether there is a fee or not." He emphasized that it is especially crucial now to pass the bill, because the greatest amount of the gas is predicted to be extracted in the first 5-7 years. "We will simply lose out," he said. "It is just absurd."

Despite the decision last October of the state's republican controlled senate to put off a vote on the tax, Senator Farnese feels there is still strong support on both sides of the aisle for such legislation. "To punt on this issue now is simply irresponsible," he said.

He may be right - the desire for a tax appears to be rapidly cutting across political boundaries and demographics. A poll published today in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review shows more than half of registered republicans in the commonwealth are now in favor of some sort of severance fee. Likewise, two-thirds of all Pennsylvania voters say they are for it. With a new administration taking over in Harrisburg, and a budget deadline set for early Spring, debate on the topic is certain to remain forefront.

Regardless, the gas fracking debate has become increasingly visible on a national level. This awareness was advanced greatly by the recent award winning documentary Gasland, filmed by Pennsylvanian native Josh Fox, which stunningly highlighted many of the practice's potential environmental hazards. Likewise, a plethora of clean water groups, such as Penn Future and Protecting Our Waters, seem to be continually persistent on the matter. With all this attention, there is little evidence of retreat from either side until a clear resolution of policy is enacted. Stay tuned.--D.A DeMers

 

Articles related to energy conservation

• Top Ten Green Building Trends for 2011 Selected by Earth Advantage Institute (prweb.com)
• Pathway Lending resuming loans for energy efficiency projects (knoxnews.com)
• Mayor Nutter and the Metropolitan Caucus Launch EnergyWorks (prnewswire.com)
• Program debuts to cut biz, home-energy bills (philly.com)
• Why Conserve Energy? (ideagreenshop.com)

A New Beginning

Image by gilderic via Flickr

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand how to make a building more energy efficient. Perhaps a Nobel Prize winning physicist, yes. That's why when the folks at the Energy Coordinating Agency (the Philly green jobs training center) announced recently that US Energy Secretary Steven Chu would be dropping in for a visit, everyone in the local sustainability sphere was ecstatic.

The US Department of Energy, and specifically Dr. Chu's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy office, EERE, has spawned several critical projects nationwide to assist homeowners and residents combat the alarming challenges of utility rate hikes and to fight continued adverse effects on the environment and depletion of our natural resources. In essence, it's the beginning of a substantial nationwide push to make our homes greener and cleaner energy systems.

Spearheading these projects in Philadelphia is the DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which seeks to help retrofit lower income households for energy efficiency - an issue that could impact on the mortgage crisis and economy in general as energy rates soar. Exxon Mobil, Dow Chemical, and a few other corporations are funding similar weatherization programs for the market sector. Many of them are being administrated by the ECA and the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation.

Infrared camera image used to detect hot/cold air leakage

The Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook has the home energy auditor listed as one of the fastest growing careers in an otherwise sluggish economy, especially compared to other occupations in the home-building trades. Much funding is being invested in this field in both public and private sectors. Programs for energy auditors, renewable energy installers, building retrofit experts, and more are in place throughout the nation.

While many advanced environmentalists are allured by exciting new developments in green-building such as green-roofing, solar power, and other alternative energy sources, it should be noted that the key to moving toward a net-zero home and sustainable housing is in energy efficiency and "sealing the envelope of the home." And that all starts with the home energy audit.

An auditor tests appliances

Utilizing a vast array of specialized diagnostic tools and imagery equipment, energy auditors and analysts are able to detect issues such as heating and cooling loss through air leaks, reduced efficiency of existing heat appliances due to incomplete combustion in the furnace, and problems with proper disbursement of home distribution systems. They also are knowledgeable in efficiency ratings of various household appliances and possess an overall expert understanding of the physics of energy and airflow in buildings.

Once the audit is conducted, a crew of technicians and installers can go to work on making recommended adjustments, or homeowners can choose to do the work themselves. The DOE does offer do-it-yourself home energy calculators on its website, which are helpful, but having an audit done from a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified professional auditor is likely to give best results in terms of savings recouped as well as safety for the home. BPI auditors are trained to look for potential home environmental safety issues such as carbon monoxide threats, an important concern as the building envelope is tightened. In the WAP program, auditors are trained to check for lead safety levels.

Diagrams of traditional home energy distribution systems.

Below are some useful tips from Fresh Home on ways to save energy costs this summer while also giving a little back to Mother Nature:


ELECTRICITY: Between air conditioning, fans, and swamp coolers – all of these run on electricity.  In the summer months these appliances use up large quantities of energy, and later to money out of your pocket.  Consider using darkening window treatments in rooms that have a lot of heat gain in the summer.  These treatments will keep your home cooler, and will help you save electricity. If you own blinds or shutters, close them so they face towards the ceiling.  This will keep heat levels lower, and will help slow fading of your furniture upholstery and carpet.  When using air conditioning set it at the warmest temperature you can feel comfortable inside your home.  While some would think 80 degrees is warm – it’s a lot cooler than 103 outside your home!

WATER: If you have a lawn irrigation system, set the timer to water in early morning.  Grass that is not stressed from the day’s heat will absorb less water, and it will help it grow stronger. There are several green irrigation practices you can follow for watering your landscaping. Consider using drip or rain water collection systems to water your plants.  Inside your home, conserve water by taking short showers over long bathtub soaks. Another water saving tip,  install low flow shower heads and save money. These shower heads are especially good for renters, because they are removable and can go to your next home.

ENERGY AUDIT: Your local electricity provider offers energy audits of your home.  Schedule for a representative to visit your home and walk through tips for saving energy. Tips can range from changing incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) to washing clothes in cold water in the laundry room.  Energy audits are usually a free service, and will help you learn about your home, and saving money.

SEAL OUT AIR: Make sure your attic in your home has ample insulation. You can save 20-25% off your energy bill, and your home will feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.   Check windows and doors for air leaks around them.  Caulk around windows, and use weather stripping to help your home keep its cool temperatures. Think of the money you will save if the hot summer air isn’t trickling in!

ACTIVITIES: Want to really save money during the summer in your home? Get out of the house! Participate in activities outside of your home – movie theaters, shopping centers, libraries, etc…  For a few hours, it will help you forget about the heat, and your wallet can have a break too!


Unfortunately, many people know little about the home science of energy efficiency and the roll-out of this new industry, one that strives help people save money, increase the comfort of their homes, safety, and perhaps do some good for the planet as a result. Whether you're a weatherization professional, or simply a curious do-it-yourself homeowner, the aim of this blog is provide some clear information about this great new clean energy efficient frontier--D.A. DeMers

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