Comments on: 14 More Ways To Save Energy

By: Jason McKee

Jason McKee — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 21:46:00 +0000

Anything to save energy is good, and window film is a great place to start!

By: Peter Stelling

Peter Stelling — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 19:32:00 +0000

I’m sorry, but I have to take issue with the advice that new windows should be one of the first energy efficiency upgrades you should consider for your home. Insulation and air-sealing (especially in your attic) should be the first thing you consider. With relatively low (compared to windows) upfront cost, the payback based on energy savings is one of the fastest of any upgrade. Windows have a very high upfront cost, and based on payback via energy savings, it should be pretty low on your prioritized list of energy efficiency upgrades. There are, however, plenty of other reasons to upgrade your windows. Comfort, aesthetics, and resale value are just a few.

By: Mustafinho Nazario

Mustafinho Nazario — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 15:10:00 +0000

Perhaps you should search the web for “Phantom Power” and it might shed some light into this unplug thing for you.

By: NRG4All

NRG4All — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 15:10:00 +0000

In the winter we use a combination of insulated, accordion-style window shades and venetian blinds. The insulated shades are mounted next to the glass (dual pane) and the blinds are closed on the room side. The temperature difference between the glass temperature and the “blind” side is remarkable. In the morning on the south side we open them to get solar gain. Also, I’ve made removable insulating panels out of foam board and plastic sheet that you can get in 4’x8′ sheets at Home Depot or Lowes for our “glass wall” sliding doors.

By: JamesWimberley

JamesWimberley — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 22:48:00 +0000

And get a sense of priorities. Deleting an app from your smatphone will save a few watt-hours a year; unplugging your TV and stereo a few kilowatt-hours a year. A single bike ride to work saves more.

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 15:53:00 +0000

Some devices continue to use electricity even when turned off. The power bricks for laptops, etc. used to be very bad. Instant on TVs use power to “stay ready” while switched off.

I think most devices are much better than earlier models, but if you really want to minimize your electricity use you should check out your stuff. Perhaps purchase a meter like a Kill-A-Watt (about $20) and see what might be creating a phantom load. (Share the meter with friends and family. Let that $20 do multiple household good.)

By: mikgigs

mikgigs — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 15:47:00 +0000

i do not get the advice “unplug”. if you turned off a device, you have turned it off same as unplugged one

By: Ivor O'Connor

Ivor O'Connor — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 15:19:00 +0000

“Ride A Bike: The bicycle is the most efficient (common) transportation option on the planet. Furthermore, the energy used to move it forward comes from you, which helps you to get or stay in good shape and good health. Bicycling is also a lot of fun. People ride bikes for recreation all the time. Why not try bicycling for transportation and cutting your fuel use. It would save the average American over $10,000 a year. Pretty tantalizing, eh? In my opinion, this is one of the most exciting energy saving solutions out there.”

It is tempting.