Community Blog

about 1 day ago

shopping buying guide energy home improvement saving money saving energy energy efficiency Energy Star green home energy efficient appliances

Energy-Saving Tips

How to Buy an Energy Efficient Refrigerator

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 ...

college back-to-school saving energy lists energy efficiency LEED students green buildings green home green design

about 5 days ago

0

Weird, Wacky, Cool

The LEEDing Energy-Efficient Dorms

Green dorms are popping up on college campuses nationwide—and we aren’t talking mold. Add “LEED-certified buildings” to the ways colleges are increasingly focused on sustainability, in addition to things like green-themed degrees and organic cafeteria food. LEED certification, awarded to buildings meeting U.S. Green Building Council standards, has become the nationally accepted measurement of green design. Take a look at innovative and ecologically creative housing options cropping up on campuses across the country.

Harvard not only has LEED ...

wind power energy led, CFL, lights electronics cooking research saving energy wind turbines news energy efficiency renewable energy Energy Star energy efficient appliances

9/01/2010

0

Energy News

Energy News: Hybrid Bikes, Green Style, and More

Here’s what’s been happening in the energy realm of late:

Home Depot’s Downlights

The world’s largest home improvement retailer has begun selling LED downlights through a partnership with Cree. The bulbs will only consume 10.5 watts, compared to an equivalent incandescent bulb’s 65 watts.

I Want to Ride My [Hybrid] Bike

Old and busted: a regular bicycle. New hotness: adding the Copenhagen Wheel to your bike to convert it to a hybrid. A group of MIT students have invented a ...

shopping home improvement saving money saving energy energy efficiency Energy Star energy efficient appliances

8/30/2010

2

Energy-Saving Tips

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 ...

8/24/2010

shopping TVs buying guide energy saving money electronics saving energy lists energy efficiency Energy Star green home energy efficient appliances

How to Buy an Energy-Efficient TV

Please note that the list of TVs here is not comprehensive and is compiled by a third party. The inclusion or omission of a product does not constitute any endorsement, representation, or opinion by Microsoft regarding the companies, products, or services listed herein.

So you’re searching for a new TV—but not just any TV. You need one that’ll look great when you’re watching Law & Order reruns and still be energy efficient. But how do you choose? Is there ...

8/23/2010

shopping laptops buying guide saving money electronics back-to-school saving energy lists energy efficiency renewable energy Energy Star energy efficient appliances water

Save Energy with These Back-to-School Gadgets

back-to-school Going back to school means stocking up on the essentials. This year, consider adding some that run on renewable energy, or energy-efficient gadgets to help you save energy, water, and money! Hey, maybe you can pay back your student loans that much faster (or just have more to spend on coffee).

Wake up to a solar- or water-powered alarm clock, and start your day with joe from an energy-efficient coffeemaker.
Do your homework (or just spell HELLO ...

8/17/2010

2

energy monitors energy conservation/saving microsoft hohm saving money tips energy home improvement saving money electronics saving energy computers Energy Star green home energy efficient appliances

What Is an Energy Vampire?

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 ...

8/09/2010

shopping laptops buying guide electronics saving energy lists energy efficiency computers Energy Star energy efficient appliances

The Most Energy-Efficient Laptops

Please note that the list of laptops here is not comprehensive and is compiled by a third party. The inclusion or omission of a product does not constitute any endorsement, representation, or opinion by Microsoft regarding the companies, products, or services listed herein.

sony-laptop-vpcp113kx Although I have a desktop computer, my laptop gets quite the workout. Its portability makes it perfect for my favorite writing pose: pajamas on, feet up, pillows at back, laptop perched on my lap. How convenient ...

7/26/2010

water heating energy saving money summer saving energy energy efficiency Ask the Expert green home energy efficient appliances water

Energy-Saving Tips

Ask the Expert: How can I save money with my oil boiler in the summer?

This week Mike, a Hohmie from New Hampshire, is curious about saving money with his oil boiler. (Email us your question for our guest energy expert at WSU to answer!)

Q. We have an oil boiler for hot water and heating. During the summer, the boiler heats water during periods of non-use, typically during the day when usage is low. Would it be economical to install a timer or just shut off the boiler during the day?

Thanks, ...