Give the Gift of Energy Savings This Christmas
Help a Loved One Lower Natural Gas and Electricity Costs Over TIme
Nov 3, 2009
The energy we use to power our homes is not cheap. Many people have difficulties paying their monthly bills, especially during cold winter months when consumption and costs can soar.
The following gift ideas will help reduce energy and save money. Most can be purchased at the local hardware store.
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)
CFLs are a good replacement for regular incandescent bulbs, which uses 90% of its energy to produce heat and only 10% to create light. CFLs use a 1/4 less energy and last at least ten times longer than traditional bulbs. The best quality CFLs cost a bit more, but are worth it.
Low-Flow Shower Head
Reduce water and energy consumption without compromising shower pressure. Low-flow shower heads use up to 70% less water, which means lower hot water costs.
Basket full of Air Sealing Materials
Older, leaky homes that experience drafts and high bills will benefit from air leakage control. A variety of materials are available that would make a great gift basket: all purpose caulking, door sweeps, weather strip, a window film kit and wall plugs.
You could also place some CFLs in the basket and a low-flow shower head!
Window Film Kit
Window film is an effective way to temporary improve the thermal performance of any window type to reduce cold drafts and persistent frosting. The film is applied to the window by use of an air drier and can be easily removed in the Spring.
Related article: Solutions to Frosty Window Panes
Energy Meter
Determine the amount of energy an electrical appliance is using over time through an energy meter. Doing so helps occupants learn what behavioral changes are required to reduce energy consumption and what appliances may need to be replaced for more energy efficient ones.
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat controls when a furnace operates at certain preset indoor temperatures. As a rule of thumb, for every degree the thermostat is turned down consistently over an eight hour period in the winter, 2% of energy is saved on the heating portion of the energy bill.
Energy Evaluation
A trained energy evaluator visits the home and provides an oral and written overview of its overall energy performance. He/she looks at the heating system, hot water heater, windows, doors, insulation from top to bottom, ventilation, lighting, and other energy-related items. The evaluator recommends minor and major retrofits possibilities aimed to lower energy consumption of the home and priorities them in order of best energy saving potential.
In Canada, an energy assessment government program is offered all across Canada through regional sub-contractors. It offers financial incentives to homeowners who undertake energy retrofits through the program. Check it out at: oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/grants.cfm.
What better way to help a family or friend through troublesome times than through gifts that keeps on giving!
 |
