Microsoft Hohm Blog – Green Energy Community

about 14 hours ago

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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about 1 day ago

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Energy-Saving Tips

shopping solar power energy led, CFL, lights saving money electronics college turn lights off back-to-school saving energy lists energy efficiency home decor computers Energy Star energy efficient appliances lighting

Green Dorm Tips: How to Save Energy at College

Even if you don’t live in a LEED-certified dorm, here are a few ideas to get you (or the college kid you know) off to a green start this school year!

Computers

Buying a new computer? Consider a laptop over a typical desktop computer. Laptops use much less energy—up to 80 percent less, according to Energy Star! Check out our recent list of the most energy-efficient laptops on the market.

And keep an eye out for monitors and ...

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about 2 days ago

1

Energy-Saving Tips

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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 ...

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9/01/2010

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Energy News

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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 ...

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8/24/2010

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Technology

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 ...

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8/17/2010

2

Technology

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 ...

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8/02/2010

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Technology

energy monitors energy conservation/saving energy saving money electronics turn lights off energy efficiency giveaway free feedback green home microsoft hohm treehugger

Win a Free Home Energy Monitor from Treehugger and Hohm!

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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7/26/2010

1

Energy-Saving Tips

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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, ...

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7/13/2010

1

Energy-Saving Tips

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Ask the Expert: How can I save energy in an apartment?

Over on the Hohm forums, user Matthew Martin mentioned challenges for renters to save energy. (Adding insulation, for instance, is probably a no-go.) Thankfully, the Gandalf-like energy experts at WSU weighed in with tips to save energy in your apartment. (Want your home energy question answered? Email us!)

Q. What can people in apartments do to save energy and lower their energy bills?

A. Here are some easy ways to save energy, organized by cost. Apartment dwellers ...

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7/08/2010

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Renewable Energy

wind power energy saving money wind turbines renewable energy DIY, How To green home

Are Home Wind Turbines Right for You?

Maybe you took my previous post on conspicuous consumption to heart, and you’re trying to use every last kilowatt-hour efficiently...but you’ve been beset with efficiency-related ennui. The programmable thermostat aisle at the hardware store just doesn’t excite you like it used to. You’re ready for something new—not just using energy efficiently, but producing that energy yourself from renewable sources. In short, you’re thinking about home wind turbines or solar panels. But where to start?

Considering wind turbines? First, explore ...

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Community Blog

Bringing people together to save energy and money.

All Posts

Energy News: Smaller Homes, Bigger Solar, and More

Green Dorm Tips: How to Save Energy at College

How to Buy an Energy Efficient Refrigerator

Energy News: Hybrid Bikes, Green Style, and More

How to Buy an Energy-Efficient TV

What Is an Energy Vampire?

Win a Free Home Energy Monitor from Treehugger and Hohm!

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

Ask the Expert: How can I save energy in an apartment?

Are Home Wind Turbines Right for You?

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