What You Need to Know About Energy-Efficient Home Appliances

Whether you’re trying to keep the heat in during the winter or the heat out during the summer, home heating and cooling uses a lot of energy. Add to that tasks such as doing laundry and leisure activities such as watching TV, and you might be shocked when you open up the bill from the electric company each month. Modifying your habits is a good start on the goal of energy conservation. But if you’re really looking for energy savings, then investing in some Energy Star-rated products might be to your advantage. Here’s what you should know about choosing more efficient appliances: The Concept of Energy Efficiency First, it helps to think a bit more about the concept of energy efficiency and the impact it can have on how we think about power generation and use. Coming up with better ways to generate power through renewable energy sources and lowering the overall costs of power through policies such as energy deregulation are important, but all too often people assume that power consumption must automatically rise as we add more and more conveniences to our lives. The flaw in this model is that we can also engineer the things we use to give the same or better performance even while using less energy. That’s what energy efficiency means: using less energy to do the same work. For example, the average fridge sold today in the U.S. uses only about three-fourths of the energy one sold in 1975 did, even though it is about a fifth bigger and costs three-fifths less. The Energy Star Certification Program  One of the ways energy efficiency can have a big impact is in home appliances. While all modern appliances tend to be much more efficient than their earlier counterparts, Energy Star appliances are held to much stricter efficiency guidelines. The Energy Star program was started by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy in 1992, and has now spread around the world. You can buy Energy Star heat pumps and water heaters (something to think about, since water heating is one of the largest expenses in a typical home, accounting for 14% to 18% of utility bills), Energy Star refrigerators and dishwashers, and even Energy Star washers and dryers. In fact, the very first Energy Star-certified dryers just recently went on sale. Most major brands make appliances that are Energy Star rated. Calculating Return on Investment To figure out whether you’ll save enough money on your utility bills to justify new appliances, you can look at the guidelines for the appliance you’re considering. Energy Star dryers, for example, must use at least 20% less energy than industry standard dryers. If all new dryers sold in the U.S. were Energy Star certified, Americans would save a collective $1.5 billion annually on utility costs. And if energy savings aren’t enough for you, those dryers would also prevent the emission of the same amount of greenhouse gasses put into the atmosphere by about 2 million vehicles. That makes replacing old appliances with new, efficient ones both a short-term and long-term investment in your pocketbook and the future of the planet. Add your thoughts on responsible energy savings in the comments.

Starion Energy, Inc. Announces Launch of Member Rewards Program

As of January, Starion Energy, Inc. began rolling out a rewards program that will offer customers discounts on various everyday services and products.

“The whole idea with the rewards program is to give people something extra for being our energy customers,” said Marketing Director Duane Gereski. “We want to offer our customers incentives and go above and beyond to see if we can save them more in their everyday life."

The program, called Starion Rewards, is a free, online member rewards program for Starion Energy Customers. The company successfully tested a pilot version in 2014, and has now announced a full launch. Starion Energy, Inc. is an alternative energy supplier in deregulated markets across 10 states. Starion Rewards will be offered to new customers, in most markets, who provide valid email addresses through the company’s telemarketing channel.

The program offers up to $1,200 in rewards per year in areas such as travel, shopping and dining; members can even receive grocery discounts. Plus, enrollees who remain an active Starion Energy customer for six months will also be eligible for an additional $100 shopping rebate from one of their favorite stores (or a choice of five other items). Active Starion customers can even continue to receive free milestone gifts as long as they are in the program. It's simple; the longer a customer stays with Starion Energy, the more they can save with Starion Rewards.

Gereski said Starion Rewards is designed to appeal to many customers across multiple states. “We wanted the rewards program to be customizable so it would be able to affect different consumer’s needs,” he explained. “If you are single, married, or have a family, it doesn't matter because Starion Rewards has benefits that we hope can appeal to your lifestyle."

More information about the program can be found at http://www.StarionRewards.com. “Qualified Starion Rewards customers choose the benefits that they want to use, when they want to use them,” Gereski commented. “It’s a totally free program and our way of saying, thank you for being a Starion Energy customer.”

About Starion Energy, Inc.

Starion Energy Inc. serves both commercial and residential customers, helping consumers find their ideal contracts and rates, and their coverage area spans 10 states throughout the U.S. To learn more about their services, visit starionenergy.com

3 Claims About Renewable Energy That Don't Hold Water

Green energy solutions take criticisms on both practical and ideological fronts, and it’s important that environmental advocates be able to engage critics in discussion so that the country as a whole can hasten its development of sustainable energy practices. Here are three myths about renewable energy:

1.     Renewable Energy Is Too Expensive to Be Realistic

The prices of renewable energy production methods are falling and will soon be competitive -- some people also forget to take into account the hidden price tag of non-renewable sources. Air and water pollution, along with their environmental effects can have a cost, even if that cost isn't easily tallied.

2.    Renewable Power Sources Aren’t Reliable

The problem with green energy companies, some doubters say, is that they’ll never be able to consistently meet demand; wind doesn’t always blow, and the sun doesn’t always shine. It’s true that consistency has long been a concern for renewables. But engineers  are tackling  these problems and coming up with better ways to either transmit power across distances in cost-effective ways (to account for regional discrepancies in renewable resources) or store unused power more efficiently for later use.

3.    We Have No Choice Except to Generate More Power

Some people think that our increased use of devices that require power will lead, inevitably, to a model in which we’re constantly consuming more energy and thus needing to generate more power. But this is a model that negates the power of energy efficiency, or using less energy to accomplish the same purpose. The average refrigerator, for example, now uses 75% less energy than the average fridge sold in 1975, despite being 20% larger and costing 60% less.

Good engineering can do more than give us cleaner, green ways of generating our power; it can also help to increase our quality of life while decreasing the amount of energy we consume. You can do your part by figuring out how you use the most energy and then trying to find a more efficient option. Water heating is typically one of the largest energy users in a home, accounting for 14% to 18% of utility bills. So installing tankless water heaters or other efficient appliances could help the planet and your pocketbook simultaneously.

Do you have any thoughts regarding power generation and the future of energy in America? Join the discussion in the comments.

5 Easy Ways to Trim Down Your 2015 Electric Bills

You may have already made some New Year’s resolutions regarding your relationships with your waistline. But January is also the perfect time of year to think seriously about energy solutions and resolve to make energy conservation a priority in the coming months. After all, that’s a resolution that can benefit not only your pocketbook, but the entire planet. There are some energy-saving tips you’ve probably heard over and over; for example, you can reduce your heating and cooling costs by about 10% when you install a programmable thermostat. But there are plenty more ways to cut down on energy use without sacrificing your quality of life. Here are five ideas to get you started: 1.     Slay Power Vampires You may have invited energy-sucking vampires into your home without even knowing it. In the context of power usage, a “vampire” is an appliance that draws power even when it’s not in use. Having these various devices on in stand-by mode can increase your power usage by up to 15%. One easy way to shut these devices down completely is to hook them up to a plugstrip you can easily switch off. 2.    Upgrade Your Bulbs This one is about as easy as it gets in terms of energy solutions. Change out the incandescent light bulbs in your house for compact fluorescent ones. As long as you look for “soft white,” you won’t get that industrial feel. If you really want to go high tech, consider investing in LED bulbs. 3.    Let the Sunshine In Take advantage of helpful weather, and shut bad weather out. That means opening up blinds and curtains to let the sun warm your home when you can, and making sure wind and cold can’t get in. You may want to consider a professional energy audit, which can let you know what areas of your home are losing energy or letting the elements in; you’ll save money in the long run. 4.    Use Appliances Efficiently The energy used to heat water in your home probably makes up a significant portion of your utility bills -- 14 to 18%, on average. Wash clothes in cold water, and only run the dishwasher when it’s full. If you or your family members tend to lose track of time in the shower, putting a timer in the bathroom (or even a small hourglass that can attach to the shower wall with a suction cup) can ensure that shower lengths stay under control. 5.    Scour Your Electric Bill Take a good look at your electric bill. It’s possible that you’re living in a deregulated energy market, meaning that you can choose an alternative electric supplier.  You can even deepen your commitment to renewable energy by selecting a provider that uses green energy sources. What other energy solutions should people consider for the new year? Add your ideas in the comments.

What You Need to Know About Energy Deregulation

With large winter heating bills looming ahead of homeowners in much of the country, this is the time of year when many people get serious about scouring their electric bills and trying to conserve energy in their homes. But if you’re one of those homeowners looking for savings, energy deregulation may offer you an easier way to lower your monthly bills. Since you may not be familiar with energy deregulation, here’s an overview and the answers to four of the most frequently asked questions on the topic: How Does Energy Deregulation Work? Essentially, energy deregulation breaks up the monopoly of public utility companies by dividing energy generation from energy distribution. This means that instead of your utility company deciding which electricity companies to buy power from, you can choose an alternative electric (or gas, in some places) supplier. The power from the company of your choice is still delivered along regular utility lines. The process of deregulation started back in the 1970s, when the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act created a structure for alternative power suppliers. But the movement didn’t really take off until 1992 with the Energy Policy Act. The progression of energy deregulation is gaining momentum even now. Would I Experience Service Interruptions? No, there are no interruptions when you switch providers. Because the energy is still delivered to your home through the regular local utility company, you’ll experience no change in your service whatsoever. What Are the Benefits of Deregulation and Choosing Your Own Energy Provider? The purpose of deregulation is to provide consumers with choice and the power to choose.  Instead of having regulated rates, you can choose a company based on the rates it offers. Some states have had more success than others with deregulation, which is why much of the debate surrounding the issue isn’t whether deregulation should take place, but rather how it should be structured. Deregulation gives you the chance to support energy companies who have values and business models you agree with. You can learn more about the green energy initiatives some companies have in place, or even research their charitable and community contributions Where Is Energy Deregulation in Effect?Deregulation takes place state by state; some states offer supplier choices for electricity, gas or both. There’s a cluster of deregulated states in the Northeast and around the country, but the easiest thing to do is either search online for more information about deregulation where you live or simply contact your local utility company to ask if you have a choice between producers. Do you have any more questions about alternative electricity companies or energy deregulation in general? Ask or share your perspective in the comments.

3 Ways to Save Energy Without Lifestyle Inconveniences

With energy costs and environmental concerns rising side by side, trying to use green energy sources and promoting overall energy conservation are no-brainers. In some cases, this might require some moderate sacrifice when it comes to conveniences, such as turning lights off every time you leave the room, or unplugging small devices (such as coffee makers) when they’re not in use. But often, the biggest savings require almost no lifestyle changes whatsoever. Here are three such ways to help the planet and lower your monthly bills: Get a Programmable Thermostat- Programmable thermostats can contribute to a 10% annual savings on heating and cooling costs in the average household -- without you having to sacrifice any comfort when you’re at home. These thermostats -- most of which are easy enough to install by yourself -- can hold multiple profiles, so you won’t even have to make manual changes based on whether it’s a weekday (when no one is home for quite a few hours in the middle of the day) or a weekend (when you might want it a little warmer or cooler to keep it comfortable all day long). If you really want the latest in technical improvements, you can even get a thermostat that connects to your smartphone. This will allow you to make adjustments to your preset profiles no matter where you are. Buy New Appliances- If you’ve been trying to save money by getting along with your old appliances, your efforts may actually be counterproductive: The average refrigerator sold today costs 60% less than its 1975 counterpart and uses 75% less energy. That means a moderate investment can save you big time on your electricity bill. And as a bonus, today’s refrigerators have about 20% more capacity, on average, which can allow you to get rid of that extra fridge or freezer. Green Energy Providers- You may be living in a deregulated energy market and not even know it. You may even be wondering what energy deregulation is. Essentially, deregulation has divided the production of energy from the distribution of energy, breaking up utility company monopolies. This means you can choose from alternative electricity suppliers even though your utility company stays the same. Often, these alternative companies focus on renewable energy sources, so you may be able to make better choices about where your electricity comes from and promote green energy without any noticeable difference in your service. Contact your electricity provider to find out what options may be available for you. Do you have any more easy energy solutions to share? Join the discussion in the comments.