Energy Efficient Appliances and Electronics

When shopping for appliances and electronics look for the Energy Guide and Energy Star Label. Here's the difference:

Energy Star Label: When you see this label on appliances and electronics, strict energy saving guidelines have been met. These guidelines have been established by the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Energy Guide Label: This label provide very useful information regarding energy consumption and energy efficiency. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) requires these labels be placed on most appliances but excluding ovens, strove ranges and home electronics (examples: computers, televisions). By comparing labels you are able to determine short-term and long-term costs.

And remember, the amount of energy appliances and electronics consume is a major factor in the lifespan of the product.

Saving Energy Is a Lifestyle, Not a Diet

This blog has been aimed at helping you save energy. We've offered ideas on ways to fit your home for the winter months, including checklists of tasks from the easy to the not-as-easy, and we've shown how saving energy saves you money. Some of the posts here are practical advice, while others are about the why behind this whole effort.

So why are we doing this?

There are a few reasons:

1. It's something you need to know. We at the Department of Energy have a responsibility to teach the public about energy; we can't expect people to make good, informed choices about being energy efficient if we haven't spelled out why this is important. If you understand why your choices matter, you'll be encouraged to make good choices.
2. Technology needs public support. Things like solar panels for homes, wind farms and more fuel-efficient vehicles (including hybrids) need a market. Markets don't just happen—they need to be developed, by helping the buyers understand the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
3. It sounds like hard work but it's just a series of steps. Much like trying to lose weight, getting your home and family to be energy efficient is about adjusting your lifestyle. Getting used to turning off lights and lowering the thermostat isn't glamorous or exciting, but small changes add up—and getting into the habit of being energy efficient is more than half the battle.
4. You can do it. That's the most important thing.

And that's really what it's about. Huge changes happen from lots and lots of small changes being made. So make that change. You'll see that you don't have to go on an energy "diet;" you just have to adjust your lifestyle a little here and there. You'll be glad you did.

Drew Bittner is a former Presidential Management Intern (PMI) and the web content manager for EERE's corporate web pages.

Resource: Energy Savers Blog

How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance

A few weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that it was investing $8 billion into weatherization and state energy grants—$5 billion of which is going directly to the Weatherization Assistance Program.

And why is that interesting? Well, the Weatherization Assistance Program provides low-income families with free-of-charge, energy efficient upgrades to their homes. A more efficient home means that you pay less every month on your energy bills—and while that's the kind of upgrade anyone can benefit from, this program helps those who need those extra dollars the most.

You can read more about what the program does on the Weatherization Assistance Program's "What are Weatherization Services?" page.And if you're curious about how to apply, then check out their page about how you apply for weatherization.

The funds announced earlier this month allow for people who make up to 200% of the federal poverty level to apply for weatherization—which is about $44,000 for a family of four in the lower 48 states, $55,140 per year in Alaska, and $50,720 per year in Hawaii. Specific regulations vary by state, which your local agency should be able to explain.

The new funding allows for an average investment of up to $6,500 in improvements per home. The Weatherization Assistance Program estimates that, on average, the value of weatherizing your home is 2.2 times greater than the cost of the weatherization process itself. And those improvements can last a very long time—and some, like insulation, will benefit you (and your energy bill!) for the life of the home.

Elizabeth Spencer is a communicator at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which assists EERE in providing technical content for many of its Web sites.

Source: Energy Savers Blog

Ask yourself: How Does Your Community Encourage Energy Savings?

Many communities offer programs or events to encourage citizens to be energy conscious and environmentally friendly.

How does your community encourage energy savings?

Please share your thoughts!

Share this blog with the people you know. There is a lot of helpful advice and news. Another great blog: Energy Savers Blog with the Department of Energy. If you have a favorite energy saving blog please let me know!