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may 06

Invest in Energy Efficiency

Economic stimulus payments will begin arriving at more than 130 million households this week. Why not invest that Treasury check in something that will continue to save you money, even as gas and energy prices rise? By spending your tax rebate to improve your home's energy efficiency, you'll enjoy lower energy bills while doing your part to stop global warming and stimulate a cleaner, greener economy.

Typical U.S. households spend between $1,000 and $1,800 each year to heat and cool their homes, power appliances and keep the lights on. With energy prices rising steadily, now's the time to invest in lowering your energy use.

Home Depot, Lowe's and other stores are offering special promotions and savings on energy-efficient products this month, thanks to Rep. Brian Baird, of Washington, who introduced a resolution urging retailers to offer special promotions to encourage Americans to use their rebate checks for renewable energy and energy-efficient products.

When shopping for new appliances, consider long-term operating and energy costs, not just the sticker price. Look for ENERGY STAR products, available in more than 50 product categories, including lighting and home appliances -- including clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. Energy Star qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy.

Some simple home improvements can reduce your monthly energy bill immediately. As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. Caulking up drafty holes and adding insulation to your attic are easy ways to reduce your energy use. One of the most effective ways to save energy is to install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat, which allows you to control the temperature in your house automatically so you're not wasting money warming or cooling an empty house while you're at work.

You could even use this year's tax rebate to purchase a solar energy system and claim a tax credit next year. Unfortunately, many clean energy and household efficiency tax incentives have expired or will expire at the end of this year unless Congress extends them. But there is still time to install a qualified solar energy system in 2008 and claim a tax credit in 2009. You can get back 30 percent of the cost of qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems, up to $2000, until the end of 2008. The credit applies to second homes too. You may also be eligible for rebates or other incentives from your state when you make energy-related improvements to your home. For state-by-state details, see http://www.dsireusa.org/

MinuteMorningMonth
  • Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying new appliances.
  • Sealing and insulating your home is the most cost effective way to reduce your energy bills. Seal cracks, gaps and holes and add insultation. New ENERGY STAR doors, windows and skylights use the latest technology to save energy and protect your home. 




Comments (1)
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1. 06/11/2008 02:53:01 PM
These are all good measures. Problem is that they should have been dogma thirty years ago. Now the problem is much more difficult to work with.  
 
All these incremental measures will not meet the challenge unless something is done to dramatically reduce total global consumption. Social iniquities aside, the global ecosystems cannot be expected to support the current level of human populations. 
 
Obviously the recently defeated senate bill would have helped, but even if it became law there is very little time to implement even marginal improvements. Evidence? This audience is well aware...
Written by Tom Yarish (Guest)

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