noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 31, 2008 08:26AM

Go Digital with an Eco Friendly TV

By now we are all sick of the commercials telling us that after February our TV's might not work. If you have already sent away for a digital converter, make sure that it is energy star compliant. For the rest who are thinking of buying a new television set, than think about making it and Eco friendly one.

Nearly every brand available has an energy star certified model for purchase. In fact most of the models are about the same price as the regular. If you are already in the process of searching, wait no longer. As the economy worsens the prices of electronics is primed for people looking for a bargain.

Being green is so easy these days. As older and less efficient appliances break, try and replace them with new Eco conscious items. An energy saving TV might be the most apropos place to start. But remember, get it before February 27th, otherwise you may be out of luck!

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 31, 2008 08:08AM

Cooking-Saving Time and Money

There are many reasons to take a look at the way you cook. Cooking a home cooked meal has many advantages. If done correctly it can save you a bunch of money. Everyone is worried about going green, saving money and keeping a healthy and happy family. All of these things can be accomplished in one fell swoop.

Home cooked meals get overlooked a ton. By sitting and eating a meal at home, you will be saving on gasoline for the car. At the same time you will be able to sit and enjoy a meal with your family. Keeping a regular scheduled sit down time with the family is important.

When it comes to the stove top, use the correct burner for the correct sized pot. Also, if possible keep the lids and covers on the pots and pans. This can significantly decrease cook time and save you money.

As the price of energy goes up, never before has home cooked meals been so important.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 23, 2008 06:48AM

Refrigerator- Understanding It

Using your appliances for what they were designed for is key to making the most of energy efficiency in your home. This is true with every piece of equipment, which is why energy monitors are so important. One of the most overused and least understood appliances in the home is the refrigerator.

A standard refrigerator can handle about 50 pounds of food. This means that you should NOT overload the poor thing. Overloading your fridge will also cause it to be tremendously inefficient and waste a lot of energy.

Some easy ways to keep track of fridge consumption is to load only what you need for the day. For example, instead of loading in your favorite pop and pull out a can when you want, only loads two at a time. Once you are done with one replace it, this will help with energy efficiency as well.

Some things to keep in mind as well is to fix the seals of the fridge. Use a dollar and see if it holds in the door. Make sure that the circulation of the outside of the fridge isn?t blocked as well.

A big tip to help keep energy efficiency is to turn off your ice maker; these lovely items tend to waste quite a bit of energy.

The refrigerator is one of the best appliances ever invented. Take some time and learn about how to use them to the most of their ability. If you are in the process of looking for new one, make sure that it is an Energy star certified one, this will make sure that you not only know the best way to get the most out of it, but you will be buying the best as well.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 22, 2008 11:58AM

Smaller Appliances save money over Large Ovens

Saving energy is not all about cutting down on using appliances. Many times it is about using things more wisely. One example is cutting your energy use by not using your large oven for little warm ups. Heating food with a large oven is one of the least efficient ways to heat food. Using your kitchen wisely like this may be able to save you 75% off your kitchens energy usage.

Stoves work by heating up an area. Anything within that area gets hot, including the Empty Space.

Smaller appliances are made for quick and easy heating. The reason these appliances are so great is that they are made to specifically heat food. A microwave used to heat a bowl of soup will cut down on energy costs over putting a pot on the stove top. Microwaves can be used not only to reheat, but defrost. Toaster ovens are our personal favorite because nearly everything you can do in a big oven, you can do in these handy things. Heating up that piece of pizza takes less time and less energy. Some other items to consider is and electric kettle and electric fry pan.

Less time in the oven means more money in your pocket!

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 19, 2008 08:43AM

Shower vs. Bath

It?s just about that time of year, where loved ones go and try to find the presents that will be loved. Obviously they are trying to find the best presents that are eco-friendly as well. That goes without saying. This year before considering pampering your loved one with a warm bath, you may want to reconsider.

A hot or warm bath will waste a lot of hot water. Like any water it takes energy to heat it up. Baths while nice every once in a while, generally are not the most eco friendly gift. On a more serious note, if you are a perpetual bather than you may want to reconsider the shower.

Save time and money and put baths as a specialty. Showers do not use nearly as much water. Showers are great time, money and energy conserving items that can be used. Showers allow you to feel good about being eco friendly. Remember, the next time you are thinking about it, think shower!

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 19, 2008 08:15AM

Blinds Open and Close them, Save some Money!

Saving money and energy is getting easier and easier. Sometimes you really don?t need to buy or make a real big effort to make a difference for y our pocket book. Saving energy should be a year round event. This simple action can be done year round. Simply, open or close your blinds. Let?s Explain.

In the summer, heat comes into your home. However, many times we don?t use our blinds correctly. When it gets too hot out keep them closed. It will reduce the amount of work your air conditioner has to do. This means you save money and energy.

In the winter, open them to let the sun in. Even on days with a foot of snow the sun will generally still shine. The natural sunlight will save on your heating bill.

Saving energy and money is easy; you simply have to stay aware. You don?t always need to go and buy some gadgets to save money. Blinds were made to help you save money, use them.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 15, 2008 09:16AM

Adding Area Rugs - Save Money on Heating

Have you ever gone to visit a friend?s house, taken off your shoes when you come in, only to feel you feet freeze on the cold floor or even cold carpet? If you have or this is your house, there is an easy solution and it may end up saving you some money the next time you energy bill comes in. It can be fixed by putting in an area rug.

What can an area rug do for you? You don?t need to go out and get one of those expensive Persian rugs(unless you want to). A simple plush type run can keep your feet and serve as basic insulation from the cold floor. This insulation will keep your house a little warmer in the winter than it used to be.

Another great aspect of having warm feet is that it may allow you to keep your furnace a little lower. If you turn down the furnace by two degrees, it may save you 3-5% on your energy bill.

Of course the great things about rugs are that they can add some great accent to your room. As the weather gets warmer, you can always just simply pull the carpet and go back to the summer look.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 15, 2008 08:56AM

Replace your Furnace Filter-Save Energy-Breathe Better

As the weather is constantly changing it may be time to make sure that your furnace is working correctly and efficiently. Furnaces to many of us are scary things that live in the basement. Unless something goes wrong, we really don?t want to think about it. But in an effort to save some energy, money and ensure the wellness of all who live in the house it may be time to replace you air filter.

Furnace filters have many functions. They keep your furnace working efficiently, meaning you save energy and keep you costs down month to month. They also have a second and very important role. They capture dust, pollen, allergens, dander and a whole assortment of things that you really would rather not breathe in.

Filters should generally be replaced every three months. Depending on your health and you pet situation, you may want to at least clean it out every month. A filter may run you around $10. While you may not make up for the cost in energy, it may keep your whole family breathing a whole lot easier than they used to.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 05, 2008 08:55AM

Vacuum vents and Save Energy

Sometimes as we are cleaning up, we will forget about some places in the house. One place not to forget is your vents. By keeping the air vents clean you are saving energy. Your heater and air conditioner work keeping your house or apartment warmed or cooled. The harder it has to work, the more money your spend.

Don't make your air system work harder than it needs to.

Every month or so, locate all the vents and stick your vacuum in them and start sucking up the junk that accumulates. You may be surprised. This cleaning will save energy and cut down on nasty allergens. Every couple of years look into getting a professional to come in and get a whole air duct cleaning.

While you are cleaning those vents out, make sure they are not blocked. The more vents you have blocked, the more energy you are wasting. Make sure while you incorporating the Feng Shui don't block the heating vents.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Dec 05, 2008 08:18AM

Water Saving Ideas can Equal Energy Saving

There are hundreds of simple and easy ways to save water in your house. Wouldn't it be great if those water saving ideas also ended up being energy saving ideas as well? It is time to get real about water saving. We have become accustomed to letting our sinks, showers, toilets, and anything else that spits out water run.

The less heated water we waste, the less energy we waste.

There are two places in our house that the most hot water gets thrown away. Our hard earned money is literally going down the drain. There are some easy devices that nearly anyone can install.

For less than $10 you can install an aerator on your sinks. These aerators restrict the amount of water that comes out of your sink. You will not notice they are there. You will save nearly 50% on your water bill because you will be using half the water that you used to.

Another great purchase this holiday season is a low flow shower head. These not only aerate your shower head, they don't sacrifice water pressure. These may set you back about $40, but it is well worth it.

Energy saving are easy and simple. Protecting your wallet is becoming easier than ever. Water conscious is energy conscious. Go get yourself an aerator and start making a difference!

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Nov 26, 2008 10:10AM

Electric Dryer Versus Gas Dryer - It's a Tie

Are electric dryer better than gas dryers. After all the research it may be a tie. Let's get to the analyzing in a minute. Regardless of whatever kind of dryer you do eventually choose, please try to get an energy star rated one. These will always save some energy. This comparison of course does not into account air drying. Air drying saves the most energy, but may also take up more of your own time.

Electric dryers generally cost about $50 less than their counterparts. You will need a 240V to plug the machine into. If you already have this hookup, than it may be better and cheaper than to have a gas line put in. This gas hookup, can end up making the initial cost of electric less expensive than gas. However, electric uses electricity. This seems fairly obvious, but most electricity is dirty and comes from non renewable energy sources.

Gas Dryers require a gas line hookup to run these machines. If you have both the line and electric installed, than choosing a gas dryer will save you more money long term. Gas dryers use very little electricity. Gas is infinitely better for the environment. They have a quicker drying time than electric dryers.

Whichever dryer you end up with, make sure to make it an energy star. Also, some great tips on clothes washing is to do them at night or in the morning. This will save you some money, as electricity is cheaper at those times. The end result is a tie with slight push towards gas if the line is already installed. Surely this debate will continue.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Nov 26, 2008 09:34AM

Tankless Water Heater Better than Storage Tank Water Heater

Are you in the process of buying a new heater for your house, look into a tankless water heater. Electric tankless heaters can save you up to 30% over their conventional heater counterparts. As always, make sure that any appliance you buy has the energy star logo. This will help you stay on top of energy saving. What are these heaters and why are they better.

The conventional water heaters that we are used to are big tanks filled with water. Many times they will have a pilot that is used to heat the water. The water is kept at a certain temperature. This means that the amount of energy used is constant because it needs to keep the water at this temperature.

Tankless heater work completely differently. They heat water as you need it. Most of the time there is no big bulky tank of water either. The new technology allows you to only heat the water you will be using. This in turn saves up to 30% on you bill, or about $15 a month. (Some older houses may not be compatible with a tankless heater.)

As you are looking around for a new heater, keep in mind an electric heater. Many times energy saving devices are more expensive that regular energy devices. Both heater cost around the same price. To save around 100 a year is a huge benefit. The next time you need a good water heater, go Tankless!

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Nov 21, 2008 07:50AM

Front Load Washer Saves Money Over Top Load Washer

Did you know that front load washers can save you 50% over there sisters top loading washers. A front loading washer uses about 20 to 25 gallons. While a top load washer will us around 40 gallons. Also, since the front load uses much less water, your water bill will be cut as well. On top of all that you will use half the amount of soap as before.

If you are in the process of buying a washing machine, make sure to make it an energy star certified washer. This label could save you even more energy on top of the energy and money you are going to be saving by such a wise choice.

For some extra money and energy savings, try to wash your clothes in cold water. Depending on the load, it may not need warm water. Thinking green and saving energy never used to be as easy as it has become.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Nov 21, 2008 07:23AM

Thermostat Lower or Higher Saves Significant Energy and Money

Our thermostat plays an important role in all of our lives. If it has ever failed on a hot day or cold day, you know the importance temperature control. However, once that energy bill comes in for that month you realize that you can be paying quite a bit for that luxury. It may be time to learn a very easy tip that can save you some money on your energy bill. It will also help conserve energy as well.

During the winter turn down the temperature by 2 degrees. In the summer turn up the temperature by 2 degrees. If you really want to save some energy, for every degree past 68 in the winter, it will use 3 to 5 percent less heating energy.

How to Save Energy & Money 3 - The top video clips of the week are here
What if you are a person who like to have the temperature where they like it. Take the time to invest in a programmable thermostat. Use it! This will allow you to save some energy while no one is in the house, or you are snug comfy in bed.

As fuel costs, energy costs and everything else gets more expensive, it is important to learn easy money and energy saving tips that you can do right away.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Nov 14, 2008 09:21AM

Double Pane Windows are Better than Single Pane

As the climates around us are quickly changing, our windows can make a huge difference on how much we will pay for our heating and cooling bills. The proper windows can save around 10% on your yearly bill. Having double pane windows installed can save you money. Single pane windows can be very drafty and let the heat escape out of them.

If you are in the market, make sure to ask the window installers for energy star windows. These windows may be able to save an extra 5% over other double pane windows. A typical replacement window will set you out some good money. They range from 300 to 900 dollars each. Multiply that by however many you are replacing and that may not be such a good investment.

If you have the money to replace those old windows, go for it. If you really don?t have the money, then look into storm windows. Generally speaking storm windows cost between $60 and $100. Most of the time you can put the window covers in yourself. Next time you feel a draft blowing in your house, go and save some money and get yourself some replacements.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Nov 14, 2008 08:34AM

Gas Oven is more Efficient that Electric Oven

The landscape of how we cook food is ever changing. The choices of what oven is best for energy efficiency can be a big debate. To begin with whatever choice of oven that you purchase, make sure it is energy star certified. Electric oven can be very energy efficient. For our purposes we will look at a gas oven with an electric ignition.

According to National Geographic a gas oven could be as much as 50% more energy efficient that an electric oven. With today?s new ovens all the ovens are tending towards being more efficient.

Electric ovens like most appliances are always drawing energy from an outlet, even while it?s off. A gas oven oven only needs energy when you switch on the electric ignition. Almost by the fact on how it works, gas is better. (on a side note, if you are camping bring a solar oven with you.)

Like most comparisons there are drawbacks to a gas oven as well. Depending on the model, it may not have a self cleaning option. For anyone who has ever cleaned an oven without this knows that it is not pretty. Electric oven tend to cook things more evenly as well. However, being able to control the actual fire under a pot can be quite nice. Make sure to do some real number crunching to the ovens before deciding. Whatever the case, make it an energy star and at least you will know that you are reducing energy consumption.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Nov 07, 2008 08:51AM

Save Energy with a Top Freezer, No Side by Side!

It is time to have a frank discussion about your refrigerator. Surely most of us never ever think about what kind to buy or which one of more energy efficient. Who ever know that there was a significant difference between a top and bottom loading freezer and a side by side one. Well, there is. If you have a choice, go for top or bottom freezer.

Why? It seems that having the freezer on the top or bottom of your fridge is actually 15% more energy efficient than having the freezer on the side. Let's go beyond this and save us even more energy. The next time you need to buy a fridge/freezer unit, make it an energy star. It is a little yellow label on the fridge, look for it and save yourself some money. Also if you don't mind not have a water and ice dispenser on your fridge than you may be able to add a 20% energy efficiency onto it as well.

There are so many easy things that we can do now a days to save energy and money. Helping the environment is extremely easy. The next time you are out at the local appliance shop, look for a top freezer. And, don't forget to make it an energystar.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Nov 07, 2008 08:25AM

Hand Washing Dishes vs. Dishwashing Dishes

There is a long standing discussion about what is best for the environment, hand washing or dishwashing. The simple answer is using the dishwasher wins out. There are many reasons why and we will discuss each one. There is no more need to feel guilty about filling up the wash with a load of dirty dishes.

There are some important things to consider in this controversy. The main reason to choose hand washing dishes over the washer is energy usage. Truth be told, in newer washers main energy usage is heating the water to wash the dishes. However, hand washing probably uses less energy.

In order to get the full environmental savings, you have to consider doing a couple thing that will help. For starters, DO NOT pre-wash your dished. This kind of defeats the purpose of the dishwasher. In order to get the full energy savings of a dishwasher, make sure not to have the dishwasher dry them.

Dishwashers will generally use 35% less water than hand washing. If you run your dishwasher with a full load, this will use far less water than hand washing. Beyond everything, using a dishwasher is far easier than doing them by hands.

When you go home at the end of the day, there is no more need to feel guilty as you put your dirty dishes to be washed. In fact, be proud run that dishwasher full, air dry and know that you are helping with one easy way to go green.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Oct 31, 2008 08:06AM

Adding Storm Door - A Must?

With winter coming quickly, are you ready to stop the draft that cools down your home and wastes your energy? It may be time to install a storm door. If you have an older entry door, than you could be spending an extra 2% a year on your energy bill unnecessarily.

Storm doors range from 100 to 300 dollars. Some things you should keep in mind. Glass doors may not be good for your situation if it will catch a lot of direct sunlight. This can cause major damage to the entry door. Also make sure to measure everything about where you are installing the door. If you are installing yourself you don't want to make any mistakes

No one like to be unprepared for the seasons. Beyond the normal energy savings of about $10 a year, the heating of your house should be a lot better. Drafty doors and windows are frigid and cause heat loss.

noreply@blogger.com (Eco20/20) on Oct 31, 2008 07:39AM

Power Strip Saves Money Over Power Outlet

Do you try to turn off the appliances when they are not in use? If so, you are doing the right thing. Want to save even more when turning off items? Try plugging them into a power strip. According to National Geographic, appliances plugged into a pwoer strip leak only 1 to 3 Watts. Appliances can leak up to about 15 Watts of energy when plugged into an outlet. By switching over to a power strip you can save about 2% on your annual electric bill.

Power Strips cost anywhere from 10 to 35 dollars each. This cost will be offset by how much you are saving over the course of a couple of years. Assuming that you spend $40 a month for electricity, you will save about $10 a year by installing the strip. Even more convenient about a power strip is that you can easily switch off many appliances all at once.

Most important is a strip for you computer. Try looking into the Eco Strip by Beamingsun. It is a smart strip. That means it detects when your computer is shut off and will turn off all the peripheral units(monitor, printer). It is a little more expensive but definitely worth it.

Stop plugging your appliances into the wall, save some time and money and plug them into a power strip.