SolveClimate.com wrote a very interesting article about energy conservation in residential homes. In Massachusetts over 50,000 residents will get an energy report card. The reports are called New Home Energy Reports (HERs) Comparing them to their neighbors and having their energy use judged. On this report customers who are doing well with their energy use get a nice smiley face on their report, those who need to make improvements are given suggestions on how they can do so.  “Officials hope the peer pressure encourages users to take a few simple steps to stop wasting electricity — and money.” Utilities that have tested out HERs have seen a reduction of almost 3.5% over the summer season. These utilities noticed the percentage of energy being saved went up over a few months. They believe this to be because of the monthly suggestions on the reports to home owners.

“If the system spreads nationwide, OPOWER co-founder and President Alex Laskey says, it could help cut back on the 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions that come from residential electricity use and produce savings equivalent to taking 6 million cars off the road.”

These reports reflect the overall goal of Microsoft Hohm. To help people save energy and money. You are able to monitor your energy use throughout the month, so there are no surprises with your monthly bills.

Some good questions to ask yourself are:  

1.   How much money do you spend on energy per a month?
2.   How long do you plan to own your current home?
3. What is your budget and do you have time to maintain and repair certain things.
4.   How long will your investment in energy efficiency pay off?

 Actions such as:

1. Unplugging electronics/appliances that are not being used all the time
2. Turning off the lights to a room that’s not being used
3. Dry your clothes outside instead of in the dryer
4. Fix the drafts in -an average house, up to 20 percent of heat is lost through drafts
5. Turn down the thermostat
6. Turn off your computer
7. Insulate your home

These are just some of the things you can do to save energy around your home. There are many things you can do to help save energy. What do you do to save energy around your home? We would love to know!

 Best,

Nadia