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Energy News: Smaller Homes, Bigger Solar, and More

tiny-home Is bigger really better?

Out with the huge and in with the tiny and efficient! According to a recent survey, luxury McMansions in the suburbs are no longer in style. While an 89-square-foot home may delight this guy, survey respondents opted for something slightly larger, saying their ideal home size is between 1,400 and 2,600 square feet.

Rays the roof!

The New York Times reports that plans are moving ahead for the building of the largest solar power ...

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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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The LEEDing Energy-Efficient Dorms

harvard-dorm 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 ...

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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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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.

panasonic-tc-42px24 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 ...

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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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Win a Free Home Energy Monitor from Treehugger and Hohm!

blue-line-powercost-monitor-wifi Hohmies, want to check your energy use in almost real time with a free energy monitor? Then enter to win Blue Line’s PowerCost Monitor and WiFi today!

Hohm and Treehugger are partnering to give away the system on August 4, 11, and 18, and you can submit your name every day to win. (The units retail for approximately $249; Treehugger has the official rules here.) The PowerCost Monitor is a handheld unit displaying how much electricity you’re using—and how ...

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Wind and solar electricity not feasible? Other renewable energy options

solar-heating-swimming-pool In previous weeks, I’ve talked about how to figure out if home wind or solar electric systems are right for you. But what if neither of those renewable energy options work for you? How can you work within space, financial, or renewable resource limits and still use renewable energy?

Even if your area isn’t particularly blustery or sunny, you have a couple of residential renewable energy options. And (bonus!) these options tend to be considerably less expensive than costs for ...

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

 

writing-an-energy-expertThis 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, ...

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Are Home Solar Panels Right for You?

home-solar-panels If you’re interested in home solar panels, you’ve come to the right place! This post covers the decision-making process. (It’s a follow-up to my last post on home wind turbines.) The decision-making process for solar panels and wind turbines is pretty similar; what makes each unique is the resources you’ll consult—and your capacity for bad “solar system” puns.

When considering home solar panels, first assess your solar resource—a shmancy way of saying how much sunlight your ...

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