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How to Buy an Energy Efficient Refrigerator

ice-cubes Refrigerators represent the perfect storm of energy efficiency: It’s easy to notice the energy savings when you get a more efficient model, since they’re one of the top household energy-guzzlers. And unlike, say, insulation, a fridge is a tangible part of your everyday life—one you can even show off to the neighbors. So how do you know when it’s time to buy a more efficient refrigerator?

A good rule of thumb is the 1993 test: If your fridge was ...

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A Peach of an Energy Code

gas-furnace-water-heater The state of Georgia is breaking new ground when it comes to building codes. A new set of regulations may not sound too exciting on the surface, but consider the potential impacts: Lower energy bills, less energy used, and less pollution emitted into the environment. Read on, no matter what state you’re in.

The new Georgia energy codes, due to take effect on Jan. 1, 2011, are the result of work done by a group called the Georgia ...

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Dual Refrigerators of Doom

1802R-1793 Recently my neighbor remodeled her kitchen, and I (as a bit of an energy geek) was secretly happy to see that included a new, energy-efficient refrigerator. Sadly that secret happiness only lasted about 20 minutes. While we were chatting, she stepped into the garage to grab something. To my horror, I noticed her old refrigerator hadn’t been sent off the recycler. Oh no. There it sat in her garage, half full of sodas and cheerfully humming away.

Why ...

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What Is an Energy Vampire?

energy-vampire-garlic Several recent Hohm blog posts have mentioned energy vampires, including Holly’s post on energy saving ideas for Father’s Day and a recent Ask the Expert piece on efficiency tips for apartment dwellers. But just what is an energy vampire?

First, some good news: no need to stock up on garlic and wooden stakes. An energy vampire is simply an appliance or electronic device—think your TV or microwave—that uses small amounts of energy 24 hours a day, even ...

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7 Ways to Save Energy with Interior Design

save-energy-interior-design After the movie poster years, how can you maximize your home’s Classy Grown-Up factor and minimize your energy bills? Here are some interior design tips for a stylish place that'll help you save energy and money:

  1. Throw rugs. The U.S. Green Building Council says hardwood, tile, or concrete floors are the greenest because carpet doesn't last as long, isn't usually recyclable, and can be a nest of dirt and chemicals. But how to keep your feet warm so ...

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New Weekly Column: Ask the Expert

Hey Hohmies, we're excited to introduce a new blog series! Shoot us your questions about home energy efficiency, and one of the energy experts from Washington State University's Extension Energy Program will answer it here on the Hohm blog every week. We're kicking things off with a question from the community forums.

Q. Does hot water recirculation work? I've read mixed reviews about energy savings, efficiency, and water comfort. Ideally, it's supposed to deliver hot water to the ...

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The Debate About Energy-Efficient Windows

energy-efficient-windows The debate about replacement windows and their role in home energy efficiency has been on my mind, thanks to a recent post over at Treehugger. A homeowner might consider replacement windows for any number of reasons: noise reduction, aesthetic concerns, and possible increased resale value are just a few. But recently many window companies have been touting energy efficiency and potential energy savings as the most compelling reasons to consider replacement windows. Available federal energy efficiency tax credits...

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Flushing Energy Down the Drain

We've made a lot of energy-efficient upgrades to our home, built in 1990, since we moved in a few years ago. We added new light fixtures with the obligatory CFL bulbs throughout and installed a more efficient water heater. We bought a Fisher & Paykel washing machine that spin-dries my clothes so well that they only need a half hour in the (admittedly ancient) dryer to finish the job. My sweet husband, infinitely patient with my schemes to ...

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Spring Cleaning: What to Do with Electronics?

recycle-broken-computer Cleaning up your clutter is so satisfying...until you think about where it goes. Maybe you've invested in energy-efficient appliances or tried to use your existing ones efficiently, but what do you do when they die?

With the growing popularity of "The Story of Stuff," a short film about product lifecycle, more people are becoming aware of their possessions' afterlife. (A new version of the film that's focused specifically on the repercussions of our shiny gadgetry is coming ...

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Design Thinking

 

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 ...

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