Energy Savers Blog

What Kind of Mobile Sites or Applications Would Help with Your Energy Savings?

2009-12-17T06:30:00-08:00

This week, you read about an application that helps you find E85 fueling stations using popular GPS navigation units. GPS units and mobile computing in general continue to grow in popularity.

EERE has a few sites available especially for mobile devices, and we are working to make as much of our content ready for use on mobile devices as possible. We want to make our mobile sites and apps useful for you, so we'd like to know:

What kind of mobile sites or applications would help with your energy savings?

Each Thursday, you have the chance to share your thoughts on a question about energy efficiency or renewable energy for consumers. Please comment with your answers, and also feel free to respond to other comments.

Looking for E85? There's an App for That

2009-12-15T09:37:00-08:00

Want to know where you can buy E85? There's an app for that now.

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has launched a new application for Garmin and TomTom GPS units that that maps out the location of E85 (85% ethanol/15% gasoline) for users with flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs).

FFV's are vehicles that are able to use either gasoline (which has up to 10% ethanol by content) or E-85 ethanol, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. There are over 7 to 8 million FFVs on the road today. This new feature will eliminate the frustration many FFV owners have of not knowing where they can fill up with higher level ethanol blends, like E85, by showing the exact location of the nearest E85 pumps.

Using the Garmin navigation system, FFV owners can download station locations and program their device to direct them to nearby E85 stations. The Garmin application is available for download on ChooseEthanol.com. There, consumers can download individual state data, a combination of states, or national data directly to their computer and then to their Garmin devices. Directions for installing this data are available on the site. TomTom users can search for E85 stations through a national database.

The data comes directly from the United States Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC), which has information on where to find all different types of transportation fuel across the country. The station location data will be updated quarterly to keep up with the expansion of E-85 pumps throughout the country.

While the program is currently only available for Garmin and TomTom GPS units, work is underway to bring this data to other navigation systems.

Consumers and fleets may also find alternative fueling locations by using mobile devices such as cell phones, iPhone's, Blackberrys, or other personal handheld devices to access AFDC's Alternative Fuel Station Locator mobile site at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/stations/m. This site will find the 5 closest alternative fueling stations to your location, will provide a map and directions to fueling stations, and will allow GIS-enabled Blackberrys to automatically find stations near you.

Scott Minos is a 22 year employee of the Department of Energy and works for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). He works on special education and outreach projects and manages both EERE's Information Center and EERE's Online Publication and Product Library.

Saving Energy Where It Matters Most: A Hopeful Look at the Big Picture

2009-12-14T06:30:00-08:00

Most of the time, I feel like I'm doing my part to save energy, and I'm getting better all the time. But sometimes I feel like what I do to try to offset the unfathomable amount of energy that's consumed around me, and around the country, is so tiny that my actions won't make a ripple of difference. I wonder how the few hundred kilowatt hours per month I shave off through my conscientious behavior and my use of energy-efficient products and appliances means something in the face of the American economic juggernaut.

Think about the incredible amount of fuel used by the cars and trucks in the American fleet or the electricity used in powering the factories, schools, hospitals and offices that make our world go round. It's hard to wrap your head around it.

But one of the most exciting things I learned about the Department of Energy when I came to work here was that I wasn't alone—that experts have been working for many years in the Industrial Technologies Program and the Building Technologies Program (to name two of my favorites) to tackle the very important project of making America's economy more energy efficient.

For example, did you know that the U.S. chemical industry is the world's largest, accounting for almost 30% of all U.S. industrial energy consumption. Well, the Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) is working hard to find ways to make that huge chunk of American energy use considerably smaller. The program's goal is to help the chemical industry reduce energy use, water use, and toxic and pollutant dispersion per unit of output by 30% by 2020. By supporting cost-shared R&D projects—often those too risky for industry to fund alone—and by encouraging the development of collaborative partnerships, ITP helps achieve national goals for wiser energy use and environmental sustainability.

Similarly, ITP promotes partnerships and raises the energy-efficiency bar across many other American industries including aluminum manufacturing, glass-making, mining, steel production and petroleum refining. Not only does ITP help industry conserve energy for later uses, but it makes companies more profitable by saving them money. How cool is that?

ITP also partners with 26 universities across the U.S. in a unique program that trains students for careers making businesses more energy efficient. You can learn more about it here or read a feature story about a guy who started his own energy consulting firm after graduating from one of these university Industrial Assessment Centers on EERE's new Energy Empowers Web site.

Then there's the Building Technologies Program (BTP). These guys and gals are taking on another epic challenge. In 2006, American residences accounted for 21% of primary energy consumption in the U.S. and 20% of carbon dioxide emissions. Commercial buildings represented 18% of primary energy consumption in the U.S. and used 36% of the nation's electricity in 2006. Combining residential and commercial buildings' energy use, that's almost 40% of the nationwide energy pie. The BTP works to make buildings across the spectrum more energy efficient through its sponsorship of technology development and promotion of whole-building design.

Additionally, BTP strives to bring the lofty concept of net-zero building to an affordable, everyday reality. A net-zero energy building is a residential or commercial building with greatly reduced needs for energy—roughly 60%–70% less than conventional practice. Onsite renewable energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic panels or wind turbines, supply the rest and can actually make a net-zero building an energy producer.

BTP's goal is to create technologies and design approaches that lead to marketable zero-energy homes by 2020 and zero-energy commercial buildings by 2025. Many green builders these days are building extremely energy-efficient homes, often with renewable energy installations as optional upgrades, such as this company based in New Mexico, also featured on Energy Empowers.

Knowing that so much effort and brain power gets exerted everyday—sometimes to find ingenious solutions, sometimes to spread simple, common-sense ideas—to help ensure a better future for our country and our kids, makes me feel better about the small part that I play. It keeps me coming back to work each day inspired.

Eric Barendsen is a communications specialist and Presidential Management Fellow with EERE's Technology Advancement & Outreach office.

Have You Used an Electric Meter to Measure Your Energy Use?

2009-12-10T06:30:00-08:00

This week, you read about using an electric meter to measure and manage your energy use. Using a meter could make you more conscious of exactly what items are costing you the most money. Plus, it can be kind of fun to put actual numbers to the various items in your home.

Have you used an electric meter to measure your energy use? Tell us about your experience.

"I'd Like to Check Out Two Books, One DVD, and One Electrical Meter, Please."

2009-12-08T09:01:00-08:00

Yesterday I wrote about my experience using a digital electrical meter at home. Today I'll discuss what I'm doing with promoting their use in my home town.

According to one popular environmental Web site, there are a number of libraries providing free loan of these or similar devices, including: The Ottawa Public Library in Ottawa, Canada; the Brown County Library in Green Bay, Wisconsin; the Westport, Connecticut Public Library; hundreds of public libraries in Maine; and libraries in Gothenburg, Sweden.

That sounded like a great idea, so I visited my local library to explore the possibility of having meters available for loan to the local residents.

I was willing to donate a few, so I wasn't asking for the library to put up funds to buy them. I talked to the head librarian, and explained how other libraries were doing this. She didn't see the value of such a proposition, however, saying that the library only loaned out books.

But that's not true, I protested, the library also loans out music CDs and movie DVDs! Since my town library belongs to the county library system, I was instructed to send a request to the head person in the county library. I sent off a letter, with documented proof of what other libraries were doing in this vein, but never heard back from them. So I pursued a different route.

I'm chairperson of the City of Greenbelt's Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (Green ACES), and our city liaison works for the Department of Public Works. I'm arranging for Public Works to loan them out to city residents. Greenbelt also has a large co-operative housing community. Two Green ACES members are also active in the co-operative and they explained that the co-op already has a loan system set up to lend tools to co-op members. They agreed to work with the co-op to add digital meters to the co-op loan program.

At energy events that Green ACES participates in I've demonstrated the energy consumption of various holiday lights using the electrical meter. I bring half a dozen strings of lights, some LEDs of various colors, and others standard incandescent lights. I ask passersby to guess which string uses the least amount of energy and which uses the most. Think it's easy? Not so fast.

Some of the incandescent bulbs are tiny, and some of the LED bulbs are quite large, so it's not easy to know which are which. It's revealing to discover that some strings use a mere 1 watt (LED, of course), while the energy hog string uses 75 watts of power (incandescent, of course). There's even a difference between the LED lights. The red LEDs use the least amount of power. A nine-foot red string measures either zero watts or 1 watt.

The meter is supposed to be accurate to within half a watt, and according to the LED manufacturer, the red LED light string draws slightly less than one watt of power. The meter shows that the nine-foot LED string of white lights, made by the same manufacturer, consumes 3-4 watts (slightly less than 4 watts according to the manufacturer).

In addition to using them outdoors during the holidays, I have a white string strung along the banister by the inside stairs. I don't always have to turn on the stair's compact fluorescent light when ascending and descending the stairs when these lights are lit.

Now, if only I could get my wife to like a string of red LEDs I placed in the family room—they draw less than a watt! ("No, honey, I'm not trying to make our house look like a red-light district!")

John Lippert is an employee of Energy Enterprise Solutions, a contractor for EERE. He assists with technical reviews of content on the Consumer Guide Web site.

You Can't Manage Energy Use That You Don't Measure

2009-12-07T06:30:00-08:00

"You can't manage what you don't measure" is a common management adage. It applies well to energy as well. I think I do a decent job at restricting my energy usage at home. After all, I'm supposed to be an energy expert.

But who would have thought that my plugged-in combination fax machine/photocopier/printer was consuming seven watts of power day in and day out WHEN IT WAS TURNED OFF! This multi-functional machine comes in handy when I need to fax something or make a photocopy, but to be honest, I don't use it all that much.

Normally it just sits there, turned off—GOBBLING SEVEN WATTS of power 24/7!?! Here I am trying to save a few watts here and a few watts there, and all along the fax machine/printer is undoing my energy conservation efforts. How did I discover this phantom load?

Last year my wife and I went downtown to the Green Festival. This is a huge annual event with green vendors covering a myriad of sustainability topics, including energy conservation, renewable energy, water conservation, organic and fair trade foods, green materials and literature, and a whole lot more.

One vendor was selling digital electric meters, so I bought one. This device performs a number of electrical functions, including measuring the power and energy consumption of plug-in electrical appliances and devices. Plug the meter into the wall outlet, and then plug in an electrical device into the meter. Push one button to display power in watts, or another button to display energy in watt-hours over a certain time period.

So I tried it on my multi-function machine and discovered the seven-watt phantom load. I'm familiar with phantom loads (also referred to as vampire loads and leaking electricity). But as they say, out of sight, out of mind. How true! So I immediately plugged the machine into a power strip, as well as the nearby computer and monitor, and I turn off the power strip when not using these electronic devices. Well, that phantom load is history!

Some of my grandkids enjoyed helping me measure power consumption (no harm in getting them to start thinking of power consumption early on). Plugging in the LCD TV confirmed the wisdom of buying an ENERGY STAR-certified model.

Consumer Reports Magazine reviewed some of these meters in their March 2009 issue and confirmed that they are accurate. They're great at identifying phantom loads. They also get you into the mindset of thinking about energy consumption. I wish the sales persons at electronics and appliance stores used them to demonstrate the energy efficiency (or inefficiency, if that proves to be the case) of the products they sell. It would be a big help to consumers.

Have any of you used these meters? Let us hear of your experience.

In tomorrow's blog I'll discuss some of the efforts I've undertaken to promote the use of these electrical meters in my community.

Photo credit: Jane Young

John Lippert is an employee of Energy Enterprise Solutions, a contractor for EERE. He assists with technical reviews of content on the Consumer Guide Web site.

Have You Used LED Light Strings?

2009-12-03T06:30:00-08:00

This week, you read about LED holiday light strings, which can use 90% less energy than regular incandescent light strings. You may even be able to save on the initial costs with rebates from stores or your utility; check to find out what's being offered in your area.

Have you used LED light strings? Tell us what you think of them.

Save Money with LED Holiday Light Strings

2009-12-01T10:19:00-08:00

It's hard to believe, but the holidays are in full swing and many of you are starting to decorate your homes. Those of you who started around Halloween are probably feeling pretty smart because you got your decorating done while the weather was nice.

I see you there, snacking on your Thanksgiving leftovers, laughing at me shivering in the cold and struggling to undo the knot in my lights. Don't look so smug.

Those of us who haven't started decorating yet may actually be the smart ones this year, because we still have a chance to buy LED light strings. LED (or light emitting diode) light strings can use 90% less energy than regular incandescent light strings. They also last about ten times longer, are cooler than incandescents (reducing fire hazards), and are more durable.

LED light strings tend to be more expensive than incandescent ones, but their long life and low energy costs generally make up the cost fairly quickly. This year, however, you may be able to find some help with the initial cost of purchasing LED light strings.

My coworker found that one major home improvement store offered a rebate for his purchase of LED holiday lights. With the rebate, his lights cost him about the same as an incandescent light string would have. Ask your local retailer if they offer any rebates for LED light strings. You can also use the ENERGY STAR® rebate finder to see if any ENERGY STAR partners in your area are offering rebates.

Also don't forget to check with your utility. Many of them also offer rebates for the purchase of LED holiday lights. My utility offers a $2–$4 rebate for every light string, and a quick search of some other utilities showed similar rebates.

If you started decorating early AND used LED light strings, well, I guess you do deserve that extra piece of pumpkin pie. I'll try to follow your example next year.

Allison Casey is a senior communicator at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which assists EERE in providing technical content for many of its Web sites.

Energy Efficiency Can Be at the Top of Your Shopping List

2009-11-30T14:30:00-08:00

I don't know about you, but about the last thing I want this year for the holidays is another mustard-yellow sweater. Sure, it's nice to have some extra-warm clothes stashed in the top drawer of the dresser this time of year, but I'm clearly maxed-out in the yellow department.

Right around this time of year I start putting together my master list of gifts that I could actually use—you know, things my parents would never buy me unless I told them I needed them. Now, honestly, not all of what I want this year has to do with saving energy and money. I can't think of any noble, altruistic way, or any money-saving benefits, to justify my desire for a flat-screen T.V., for example.

But what I've decided to do is put together a short list of some of the things—you'll see I'm pretty optimistic—that I'll be asking my lucky stars for this year. Maybe some of you out there will be inspired to put one or two of these ideas on your list, too.

Plug-in hybrid — Electric cars with some serious potential, the lithium ion battery-powered go-getters should be available next year or in 2011, including ones from Chrysler and GM. This year, I'm hoping to find a Tesla Motors' Tesla Roadster, which is already on the road, in my parking space.
Big fat photovoltaic array — Now that the price of installing solar photovoltaic cells on your roof has fallen far enough to make it a realistic investment for the energy-conscious consumer, this could be the year for PV. EERE has great resources to help you make this dream gift a reality.
Energy efficiency makeover — Depending on where you live, weatherizing your home can save you up to 40% on your energy costs. Also, by using Energy Savers' tips to improve the efficiency of your appliances, water systems, and landscaping of your home, this could truly be a gift that pays for itself.
Cushy down-filled comforter and blankets — For the gift giver obsessed with practicality, warmer bedding could help someone you love lower the thermostat at night, saving a little cash.
ENERGY STAR® certified products — From heating and cooling systems to home appliances and electronics, ENERGY STAR products and online tools provide a proven approach to lowering your carbon footprint.
Automated, programmable thermostat — These nifty gadgets are cheap, easy to install, and can instantly begin saving you money. By automatically turning the heat down when you're not home or when you're asleep, and keeping your home toasty just when you want it to be, a thermostat is a no-brainer that can save you around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.
New bicycle or bike tune-up — My bike could use a tune up, even though I use it to commute to work every day. The extra exercise helps me stay in shape and gives me an extra shot of energy in the morning. Obviously, the energy and money savings are considerable when you curb your car for the day. Also, consider a neighborhood electric vehicle for quick trips in your community.
Replacement filters for the furnace and air conditioner — just replacing your furnace filter regularly can save you up to 40% on your heating costs.
Ceiling fan and other ventilation upgrades — A slight breeze on a hot night can make the difference between a sleepless night and good night's sleep. And your pocket book with thank you for every hour you avoid kicking on the air conditioner next summer.
Water-conserving showerheads — For around the price of a DVD each, replacing your old showerheads with low-flow versions will cut your hot water use up to 60%. That's another small, common-sense way to help make a big difference.

Now that we're at December's doorstep, it's time to get out of your house and start checking off your shopping lists. Personally, I hope your holidays are filled with cool ways to fine-tune your life that will get you closer to the cutting edge of energy efficiency.

Eric Barendsen is a communications specialist and Presidential Management Fellow with EERE's Technology Advancement & Outreach office.

Green Living, Green Technologies: Things to Be Thankful For

2009-11-24T06:00:00-08:00

It's nearly Thanksgiving, the second of the "big" holidays that break up the last three months of the year. One of the most common family traditions is listing the things for which we are thankful. These are mostly items such as "family," "friends" or "good health." (I'm particularly thankful for the birth of my daughter back in February.)

But let's think about something else for which we can be thankful.

We live in a time where improvements in technology make it possible to live a happy, healthy, and productive life while using less and less energy. Isn't that something for which we should give thanks? I know I'm glad my electricity bill isn't sky-high.

We also see great things in terms of renewable energy. Installed wind power is way up, as is solar. We're making strides in offering "green" power throughout the nation, giving consumers the choice of buying green energy and supporting our mission. Our stakeholders represent a new frontier in job creation, from weatherization to renewable manufacturing and installation to energy efficient retrofitting. And, after 30-plus years, "green" is finally cool.

What's not to be thankful for, in this list?

Thanksgiving is a time to share with our families and friends, as well as a time to reflect on all that we have. Let's take a moment over the next few days and think about how lucky we are—we live in a time that would have seemed like science fiction to our grandparents, when many of our biggest challenges are being faced and overcome. There are big challenges remaining but the Pilgrims faced even bigger challenges…and look where we are today, four hundred-some years later.

Just imagine what our children and grandchildren will list, when asked "for what things are you thankful?"

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Drew Bittner is a former Presidential Management Intern (PMI) and the Web content manager for EERE's corporate Web pages.