Dear Coach: I keep reading about homes and business becoming Green and then I hear the term Energy Efficient, is Green and Energy Efficient mean the same thing or are they two different terms?Joanne V. – Modesto, CA
Dear Joanne: Green and Energy Efficient are used a lot without a clear understanding but they are two different terms and do not mean the same thing. Energy Efficient is either a project or a product. For example, if you change out a 60 watt light bulb with a 15 watt compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or you replace an old energy eater refrigerator with a new Energy Star refrigerator, this is Energy Efficient – using less energy to achieve the same level of service, light for your room or same temperature for your refrigerated food simply by using better technology.
Green has become a generic term for environmental issues. To be specific, Green is a way of looking at things from a perspective that takes into account both the current and future impact of all parts of the building from a cradle to grave perspective because every stage involves an environmental cost and consequence,. It looks not only at function, but at the materials used, the efficiencies of design and performance. The three R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) are incorporated into every facet of the building. Reduction in size and efficient use of space means fewer materials are needed. Recycling of local sourced materials in construction minimizes environmental impact through Reuse.
Dear Coach: I’m being told that a Tankless Water Heaters are the most efficient way of heating water and saving money but I’m also told they can be very expensive. Does the money and energy saving worth the cost of installing a Tankless Water Heater?
Peter A. – San Luis Obispo, CA
Dear Peter: Tankless Water Heaters are a smart way of saving energy, saving money and being water conservative. I just installed a Tankless Water Heater myself a couple of months ago, so let me share my positive experience. I have a family of 4 and hot water is always an issue when we’re all home or on clothes washing days. I paid about $1,700 for a Tankless Water Heater installed, but my local gas utility company gave me a $350 rebate, in a check not a credit on my bill and then I also qualify for a Federal Tax Incentive of 30% of the installed price of $1,700. So the total cost after rebates and incentives is about $840 out of pocket. But I will save another $250 to $300 a year on my water and gas bills. I live in an earthquake zone but with no stored water, this isn’t a concern now. And, I have hot water on demand – we never run out of hot water – great for a family of four. Of course, prices of Tankless Water Heaters vary based on needs and rebates may vary but the 30% Federal Tax Incentive (up to $1,500) is available for all qualifying Tankless Water Heater units.
Make sure you do your homework by pricing the units and checking to make sure they qualify under rebate and Tax Incentive guidelines. Energy Star label units typically qualify for rebates and tax incentives.
Dear Coach: I’m hearing the term Vampire Power a lot recently and I’m told it consumes energy and costs me money even when I’m not using any electrical appliance or product. Can you explain what Vampire Power is and why it’s costing me money?
Diane T – Belleville, IL
Dear Diane – It’s estimated that 5% of all household electricity is consumed by Vampire Power, also known as Standby Power. There are two basic types of Vampire Power, Plug in Adapters and Standby Power. Adapters convert high voltage from your electrical outlet to low voltage (AC to DC) for consumer electronics, i.e. Phone chargers. Adapters draw power even when not charging the appliance. If the adapter is warm to the touch they are drawing electricity even if the cell phone or appliance is fully charged or not in use. Standby Power is when you place your appliance (TV, Stereos, computers, etc.) in a mode waiting for you to turn it on with your remote or button press. Best way to defeat Vampire Power is to unplug devices and adapters when you're not using them or use the OFF switch on the TV or appliance instead of using the remote.
Send your energy-related questions to:
The Green Energy Coach at WCTauber@BillOnEnergy.com.
Tauber is a radio talk show host and a nationally recognized expert on energy reduction and solar power. He has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, Fox Business, Kiplinger, Investors, ABC and Forbes websites and several environmental newsletters and Web sites.