Today I have to float our boat a little bit because the Hohm team has been working very hard and that hard work is paying off. In the past couple of weeks the team added about a dozen new recommendations (including zero cost options), zip code analysis of energy consumption across the U.S. and a detailed breakdown of energy consumption room by room.

It’s exciting when that effort is being called out in coverage. Fast Company just did a piece ...

In my previous post, I asked the question: Do recent weather events and news reports have you reconsidering global warming? Rather than answering the question directly, I asked the broader question: How do we know what we think we know? So, continuing the thread of skeptical inquiry, let’s turn a critical mind toward climate science.

The Carbon Cycle [Image Source: http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/cycles6.htm]

The basic science behind the greenhouse effect is both long-established and non-controversial. First, we know that carbon dioxide...

Ever wonder how San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago compare when it comes down to energy consumption? Or how your neighborhood compares to that of your brother-in-law’s? Now you can! Today we’re launching the Hohm zip code pages for every zip code in the country -- all 42,000+ of them. You can also see common energy savings tips for your area, or check out different scenarios for energy consumption based on zip code, home age and size. We’re ...

We know that you, the Hohm community, are passionate and truly dedicated to energy conservation. And all that hard work and commitment should be rewarded. To that end, we're announcing the Microsoft Photo Sweepstakes to liven up February with some fun and prizes.

Starting on February 22, you'll have a chance to submit a photo that represents our daily theme. We'll be selecting one winner each day (winners will be chosen by random … no one's judging your photography skills ...

LED lighting promises great energy savings and other advantages over CFLs. But as a new technology, the early products still have some drawbacks. Does that mean you should wait? Not necessarily. In the right places, LED lights can still make sense. Here is a gallery of products that you might consider buying to save energy now.

 

• This Sylvania nightlight bulb costs only $3, and uses only 1 watt of electricity.

• Got a dark closet or cabinet? This battery-operated light ...

 

Global warming is one of the greatest challenges of our generation. It's going to require new ways of thinking to incorporate cleaner sources of energy in our energy generation, to improve our energy efficiency, and to reduce our carbon footprint. We are already seeing innovations in this space in energy generation, distribution, efficiency, and storage. From more efficient solar panels and wind turbines, to a smart grid transforming how we manage energy distribution, to home energy management solutions helping ...

One of the most-cited reasons for using tools like Microsoft Hohm – along with saving money – is to help reduce carbon emissions and thus reduce the threat of global warming. Obviously saving energy and money is a worthwhile goal. But do recent weather events and news reports have you reconsidering global warming?

Scientific research is supposed to promote skeptical empiricism – “Show me the numbers!” Or, to quote W. Edwards Deming, physicist and quality improvement pioneer, “In God we ...

The Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine posted articles on how Boulder, CO, a relatively progressive environmental city, is trying to stop their citizens from being armchair activists.

“Since 2006, Boulder has subsidized about 750 home energy audits. Even after the subsidy, the audits cost each homeowner up to $200, so only the most committed signed up. Still, follow-up surveys found half didn't implement even the simplest recommendations, despite incentives such as discounts on energy-efficient bulbs and rebates for attic ...

Today I posed the question: “True or False It's "greener" to keep my existing appliances?” One of our community members (Ed Hurtley) contributed some great input for this discussion and gave a solid foundation for this topic.

Keeping old appliances is a form of conservation and can be considered ‘green’ because you’re not filling up landfills or having your garbage shipped to another country. But, if you still have that mustard or avocado green fridge from the 1970s, ...

Today the Hohm Community had a great conversation on our Facebook page concerning solar water heating. The initial question “Consider solar water heating. Solar energy is a reliable and efficient source of hot water and heat. Agree or Disagree?” started with the normal responses of “agree… I agree too” then the conversation dove into the effectiveness and differences of solar water heating and photovoltaic, making sure backup systems are integrated, to considering good alternatives if solar water heating isn’t ...