Green means Go: Save more by consuming lesss
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Making your home energy efficient is not only a good way to help save money long-term, but also in the short term too. Rebates are available for eco-friendly appliances and fixtures. Since its induction in 2005, the Energy Policy Act has been changing the way Americans consume energy. More efficient lights, windows, appliances and much more offer energy and pocketbook savings.
“Basically all appliances and lights have been improved over the last few years to follow the regulations,” Western Building Center Merchandising and Sales Representative Josh Gallant explained.
Since the bill was passed July 29, 2005, manufacturers slowly began weeding out old technology and replacing it with more efficient, eco-friendly products.
The light bulb never looked so good since LED, (Light-emitting diode) became widely used and available in recent years. The technology has been around since the 1960s, yet recent upgrades have made them more practical. At first, the lights were only available in red, green, and yellow, and only used in radios, cars, monitors, and other electronic devices. The lights are now made very white and bright, while still consuming little energy, being used in everyday items such as the flashlight, headlamp, or outdoor light.
“LED light bulbs last up to 20 years,” Gallant said, “and they only burn about 10 percent of energy compared to a filament bulb.”
Another energy saving bulb, the Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) offers customers a more practical bulb than the LED, as it can fit into most existing light fixtures. CFLs do have a higher purchase price, yet they can save users well more than the original cost.
According to Mission Valley Power, a standard 100 watt incandescent light bulb costs $2.40, with an operating cost of $50 over its life span. A 25 watt CFL (the highest wattage available) costs $9.74, yet has an operating cost of $15 over its life span, a total savings of $27.66.
Moreover, Mission Valley Power give rebates on LED and CFL bulbs. They will give a rebate of $2.50 per bulb and $10 per light fixture as long as both are Energy Star qualified.
For an appliance to be certified by Energy Star, the product must use approximately 20-30 percent less energy than required by federal standards.
Another way to save on monthly electric bills is by using Energy Star rated appliances, Including dishwashers, refrigerators, and laundry machines to name a few.
While the initial cost may be higher, according to Mission Valley Power, an Energy Star refrigerator can save a person between $35 and $70 a year, adding up between $525 and $1,050 during the approximate 15-year life span of the unit.
Rebates for these Energy Star appliances are also available. According to Mission Valley Power a customer’s account will be credited $50 per qualified home appliance. This includes air conditioners – room and central, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, freezers, and water coolers.
Another way to improve energy efficiency in the home is to replace old windows. According to information from Mission Valley Power, windows can account for 10-25 percent of one’s heating bill, while causing air conditioners to work two to three times harder.
“Single pane windows can freeze up, and over time, wood around the window can rot, resulting in air loss,” Gallant explained. “More glass types are becoming available for customers.”
According to Mission Valley Power, Energy Star rated windows provide greater energy savings. A customer will receive $6 per square foot for qualified installed windows in existing site built and manufactured homes.
“The reason power companies want to reduce consumption is because (the United States) has a 25 percent growth demand annually for electricity,” M & M Lighting Company owner Monte Jenkins, who contracts under Mission Valley Power said. “It helps (power companies) offset growth.”
Jenkins further explained that the driving force was to flat line energy consumption as our population increases.
