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Conventional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs are on the verge of becoming extinct. More and more consumers are looking to supply their home with energy and money-saving alternatives.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) are not only extremely energy-efficient but their utilization has evolved from single-bulb use to being able to fit into virtually any household light fixture, which is achieved by grouping the small bulbs together.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) are smaller versions of full-sized fluorescents and emit the same light as incandescent bulbs. There are numerous advantages to using both CFLs and LEDs over traditional light bulbs. Below are a few reasons to flip the switch:

· Although both LEDs and CFLs cost more than incandescents, money is being saved overall due to their extended lifecycle and energy-efficiency. Research is in progress to replace the expensive sapphire-based technology of LEDs with inexpensive silicon wafers to combat the high cost of producing LEDs.

· LEDs outlast both CFLs and typical incandescents, making them the most energy-efficient. Energy savings, extension of battery life and fewer replacements make this option the most financially profitable and cost-effective.

· CFLs and LEDs convert most of their energy into light and not heat. Thus energy is conserved and unnecessary warmth is avoided.

· Air and water pollution is reduced due to energy saving by lowering CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide and high-level nuclear waste.
· The versatile employment of both CFLs and LEDs mentioned above is equal to that of incandescent bulbs.

· CFLs utilize rare phosphors which provide a warm, gentle color and lighting instead of the kind of light we’re all accustomed to seeing in typical fluorescents.

· Both CFLs and LEDs come in different, styles, shapes, and sizes to accommodate those interested in convenience, changeability, light quality and desired wattage, variety and, of course, the home décor aficionados.

· Novel models are still in development. For instance there soon may be a new kind of bulb called Electron Stimulated Luminescence (ESL), which would still outlast incandescents, while producing less heat, as well as not contain any mercury (a slight drawback of CFLs), making disposal less hazardous.
Making the decision between CFL and LED bulbs depends on what you’d ultimately like to achieve. To save the most energy go with LED but to keep the brightness level to a maximum while still conserving energy and money over time, the choice is CFL. Whatever you select, knw that you’ll be making a guiltless upgrade, while helping the environment, which is after all the ultimate aim.

Technorati Tags: Bulbs, EnergyEfficient

Unless you’re looking out energy-efficient windows, you might as well be watching your dollars escape from your home.

That’s because your windows are central to keeping energy savings in your pocket while giving your home the cozy climate you want inside and the pleasant appearance you want outside. Adding insulation in the attic or sides of your home is extremely helpful to energy savings, but you still won’t see the savings and comfort level you could be getting if you’re stuck with inefficient windows.

Older homes with drafty windows are robbing their homeowners with high monthly energy bills. In the cold months, the heat is leaving through the sweating frames or the single-glass panes themselves while the cold air is entering. And in the warm months, the same thing is happening with the cool air leaving and the warm air entering while air conditioning is in use. Whether it’s the cold or heat, the weather is zapping you and your bills with drafty windows.

By installing Energy Star-rated windows, companies such as Energy Exteriors, a vinyl window and siding business based in Tacoma, Wash., has found success against the elements. Energy Star is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

The U.S. Department of Energy maintains that windows can account for 10 percent to 25 percent of your heating bill. Energy Star-rated windows not only save on a home’s energy bill, they are twice as efficient as the average window built just 10 years ago and are thicker and block out more sound, say energy consultants.

“What a transformation from what we had with those old aluminum single pane windows… It was very evident right away. You could hold your hand up to the window and not detect any cool air. In addition, the sound deadening was remarkable,” Derrill Fields of Auburn Wash., said in a testimonial letter to Energy Exteriors.

During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. With Energy Star windows and the use of curtains and shades to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break, the cooling load can be cut by 10 percent to 15 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

On Feb. 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. This bill extended and modified the tax credit for windows, doors and skylights established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The tax credit is good throughout 2010. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all energy-related improvements combined, including windows, is 30 percent of cost up to $1,500. Also, with lower monthly energy bills, energy efficient windows pay for themselves in the long run.

Energy efficiency remains a top priority of the U.S. government, and one that has been getting increasing attention. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends if your home has single-pane windows, as many U.S. homes do, consider replacing them with new double-pane windows with high-performance glass (e.g., low-e or spectrally selective).

In colder climates, select windows that are gas filled with low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss. If you are building a new home or planning to remodel, you can offset some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because they allow you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.

Here are some consumer shopping tips for windows recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy:

? Look for the ENERGY STAR label.

? Check with local utilities to see what rebates or other financial incentives are available for window replacement.

? High-performance windows have at least two panes of glass and a low-e (low emissivity) coating.

? Remember, the lower the thermal transmission or U-factor, the better the insulation. In colder climates, focus on finding a low U-factor.

? Low solar heat gain coefficients or SHGCs reduce heat gain. In warm climates, look for a low SHGC.

? In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings.

? Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass, or COG, U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.

? Have your windows installed by trained professionals. Be sure they’re installed according to manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void.

Energy Exteriors has been servicing the State of Washington and Oregon for well over 10 years. For more information, visit www.energyexteriors.net

Technorati Tags: EnergyEfficient, Offer, Savings, View, Windows

The federal tax credits offered to homeowners who undertake energy-efficiency upgrades for their homes by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are making many homeowners think again about remodeling.  So how do you choose among the many things you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home the top five to ten things you should consider doing? How do you decide which upgrades are most cost-effective?  There are probably several ways to answer the question, “What are the five most important energy-efficient upgrades for my home?” 

The five most important energy-efficient home upgrades to make, either because they determine how effective other upgrades can be or because they will earn the biggest rebates, tax credits, or other incentives, are:

 Seal the Building Envelope:  Identify and seal all openings of any size that allow air to move from inside the house to the outside or from the outside to the inside.  This includes any cracks in the siding or masonry, seams around doors and windows, any spaces or openings where pipes, vents or power lines enter the house, hatches or stairways into the attic, roof soffits, crawl spaces, and outdoor faucets.  Then seal all duct work and major ducts opening into the living area of the home for heat, ventilation, etc. Finally upgrade all insulation to current standards.  This is the most important first step in making your home more energy efficient. Until you stop air leaks, you will not be able to achieve the energy efficiencies promised by other improvements. If you want to do this yourself, you will probably want to review the DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR. Upgrade your windows and doors.  Old and inefficient windows can account for as much as 30% of the total heat loss and up to 75% of the heat gain in your home.  Whether you add storm windows over your existing windows or you choose to invest in highly efficient windows and doors, 30% of your cost to bring your windows and doors up to current specifications of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) can be claimed in a federal tax credit, up to an annual maximum of $1,500. Virtually all window manufacturers have qualifying windows available at this time.  You new windows will need to meet a U factor of ?0.30 and SHGC of ? 0.30.  Exterior doors must also meet IECC specifications. Well insulated windows and doors, and windows with UV reflective coatings will significantly reduce the demand on your heating and cooling system.   The best roof you can afford.  A surprising amount of heat exchange occurs through the roof of your home. Some roofing materials absorb more of the sun’s heat than others.  Installing a new energy-efficient roof will qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the cost of the roof, up to a total maximum of $1,500 per year.  Regardless of the roofing material you choose, keep in mind that light colors reflect more sun than dark colors. They also tend to last longer.  Qualifying roofing materials include some tile, spray-on thermal reflective membrane (for flat roofs), some insulating asphalt roofing shingles, and many metal roofing materials, some of which contain foam insulation.  Ask your roofing contractor about materials that qualify for the tax credit, or review the product list at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=products_for_partners.showroof.  Upgrade your water heating system.  Keep in mind that water heating accounts for 16% to 28% of your total heating and cooling bill.  Installing an efficient water heater or localized instant water heaters, will save money and make your home more energy efficient.   Upgrade your heating and cooling system.  Whether you act immediately to take advantage of the tax credits or you decide to wait until you actually need to replace your system, energy efficiency and renewable energy systems are a good investment in the future.  When shopping, ask about the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of each system. And when choosing the best system for your location, keep in mind that there is no cap in the amount of the tax credit you can claim for systems that use renewable energy (wind, solar, geo-thermal).  All of these renewable energy systems will cost between $25,000 and $45,000. But be sure to calculate all of the rebates, tax credits and other incentives available from the Federal government, state and local government, and your utility company.  Special low-interest loans are also available to finance the purchase and installation of these systems.

 These five energy-efficient upgrades for your home will move you well along the path to an energy efficient home.  You will be able to enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency in level of comfort, reduced energy costs each month, and the knowledge that you are reducing the size of your carbon footprint.

Technorati Tags: EnergyEfficient, Five, Home, Important, Most, Upgrades

During this time of economic concern, many of us are looking for ways to save money in any way that we can.
One of the best ways to save money now and into the future is to invest in energy efficient appliances.
There are many different types of these appliances on the market today.
They are available from many different manufacturers and in many different sizes and designs. So, you will not
need to worry about a lack of style in the design, or whether it will fit in with your kitchen design.
Efficiency in an appliance does
not mean that you will need to sacrifice style. One of the other major benefits of energy
efficient appliances is the fact that the cost of many of them will be used as a tax deduction because of the
lessened environmental impact that they have.

Refrigerators

An energy efficient refrigerator may be one of the first and best investments that one can make when it comes to
buying an energy efficient appliance. This is because unlike many other appliances that you have in your home,
your refrigerator is running constantly. It is the one appliance that is in constant use, since you have the
need to keep your food chilled in order to preserve the freshness. The price difference in these appliances is
not very drastic when compared to appliances that are not as efficient. In addition, the difference in many cases
will be recouped within a year or two because of the energy savings that will accrue from the new appliance as
opposed to the one that you used previously.

Freezers

Many people today not only have the traditional combination refrigerator and freezer, but an additional
freezer. In order to make the most of this appliance you will want to choose one that will fit in the
space available in your kitchen, as well as choosing one that is very energy efficient. Use one that will
have a higher efficiency rating, that will save you money – and recoup the extra money you spend
on your wise investment.

Ovens

Energy efficient ovens are primarily those that are electric as opposed to their gas counterparts.
This is because it is hard to be able to improve the efficiency of natural gas, whereas electrical components
and heating elements are being improved regularly. Depending on the type and style of oven you are looking into
will of course provide the price differential as well as the energy savings that you will be able to receive.
Because of the improved efficiency of heating elements as well as the improvements
that have been made in the insulation of ovens allowing them to retain heat longer, there is now both
improved efficiency and cost savings in ovens.

Dishwashers

An energy efficient dishwasher can save you money in electricity consumption. Some models will not only save
electricity but water as well. When purchasing one of these wonderful appliances
consider how often it is going to be used, in addition to when you will be using it. This will help to control how
much your hot water tank will be working and the amount of electricity that will be drawn from the house
at one time, while multiple appliances are running. When shopping, compare the prices as well as the overall
energy savings experienced by the appliance based on usage. If you will not be using the appliance on a regular
basis, or only periodically, then it may not make financial sense to spend extra money on an energy efficient
dishwasher. However, if you want to do your ‘bit’ for the environment, then buy an energy-efficient dishwasher
for the benefits to our planet!

Cooktops

Energy efficiency is not limited to what many would consider the larger appliances. Cooktops are made with energy
efficiency capacity as well. Often most of the cooking will be done on the cooktop, and energy savings can be
considered.
Look at different models and choose an electric instead of a gas cooktop. An electric cooktop with coils that
reach the required heat, and then maintain that heat while you need it, use much less energy.

Choosing energy efficient appliances, will not only benefit you economically in the long run, but will help
ecologically as well. A great bonus – and a reason to look thoroughly into the energy-efficiency rating of any
new appliance that you buy!

Technorati Tags: Appliance, Choose, EnergyEfficient, Planet, Pocket, save

“Energy efficiency isn’t just low hanging fruit, it’s fruit lying on the ground.” – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, June 26, 2009

In December 2007, then-President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act into law. Among other things, this law opened the door for energy-efficient light bulbs to gain market share in the U.S. However, several commonly used lamp types were exempted under the Act. On June 26 of this year, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced a new set of efficiency standards for General Service Fluorescent Lamps (GSFLs) and Incandescent Reflector Lamps (IRLs). The rules will go into effect in the second half of 2012.

Since these two lamp categories represent 45% of total lighting electricity consumption in the U.S., new energy-efficient light bulb rules are significant. Vast amounts of electricity, and the harmful emissions attributable to its production, will be saved over the decades ahead. This represents good news for the American wallet and the environment we all share. Green light bulbs are here to stay.

Green Light Bulbs for Downlight Fixtures

The rest of this article will focus on the opportunities to save energy with state-of-the-art incandescent reflector bulbs, even before the new efficiency standards go into effect.

The current minimum efficacy (in lumens per watt) standard for PAR20 and PAR30, 120 volt, 75 watt IRLs (established in 1975) is 12.5. The new rules that take effect in 2012 are applicable to the same lamps and increase the minimum efficacy to 16.0 and 18.9 lumens per watt, respectively. This increase in the standard represents a 28% and 51% increase in efficiency, respectively.

Eco-friendly light bulbs, which meet the newly announced 2012 standards, are already on the market (though they’re not easy to find). The savvy reader will suspect that a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) can easily surpass the new efficacy rules for IRLs. And they’d be correct…CFLs typically produce 40 or more lumens per watt, making them much more energy efficient than the more popular halogen variety. But there’s a catch: the light cast by CFLs and some other green light bulbs, while satisfactory in the home or office, is inferior to halogen light in terms of its ability to crisply render colors and fine details.

A Small Business Case Study: The Merits of Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

A small, green, retail business owner wants to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions without sacrificing the light quality needed to properly showcase merchandise. In terms of switching to the right energy-efficient light bulbs, what can the owner do now?

Facts:

Single location, green home-goods retailer in central New Hampshire occupying 300 square feet of space 36 recessed cans, mounted on 4 tracks, are used to light the store Fixtures accommodate 3.75″ wide reflector-type bulbs (PAR30, R30 etc.) 28 cans contain green light bulbs (R30 CFLs) using 15 watts each for general lighting 8 cans, mounted in a track which lights an alcove occupied by a paint-chip display for eco-friendly paints, contain PAR30 long neck halogen lamps of 75 watts each (note that these 8 lamps consume 59% of lighting electricity in the store).

Challenge: The owner wants to improve the energy efficiency of the alcove lamps without sacrificing the crisp, flattering light of the halogen lamps currently in use.

Recommendation: Replace 75 watt PAR30 long neck bulbs with 48 watt GE Long Life HIR(TM) PLUS PAR30 long neck lamps. These energy-efficient light bulbs yield output of 850 lumens, 90 lumens less than the existing lamp. The owner found this reduction to be acceptable after testing the new lamps for several days.

The new bulb produces 17.7 lumens per watt, making it 42% more energy-efficient than the old lamp. Furthermore, it is 5% more energy-efficient than Secretary Chu’s just-announced standards for a 48 watt, 120 volt, PAR30 (16.8 lumens per watt).

Finally, these lamps have a 40% longer life expectancy than the old, a redeeming merit due to the typical higher price tags of energy-efficient light bulbs. This advantage will reduce replacement costs and boost overall savings.

Savings Forecast Using Green Light Bulbs

New Hampshire is a high cost electricity state with a commercial rate of 15.6 cents per kilowatt hour as of March 2009 (citation: US Energy Information Administration). The store owner estimates 2,000 hours of annual use for these new energy-efficient light bulbs. At a retail price of $15.38 per lamp, she expects to virtually break even after one year. And over two years, during which time she would have had to replace the original 75 watt bulbs, she expects to save $155, or 30%, using green light bulbs to light her alcove with the eight fixture track.

The newly announced efficiency standards for GSFLs and IRLs are welcome news for those concerned with reducing harmful gas emissions stemming from electricity generation. And according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these green light bulbs will save U.S. consumers $1 to $4 billion per year starting in 2012.

Manufacturers of energy-efficient light bulbs and their forward-looking distributors are ahead of the curve however. It is therefore possible for home and business owners with downlight fixtures to immediately start phasing in green light bulbs, without sacrificing the great light quality they enjoy from IRLs.

Technorati Tags: Bulbs, EnergyEfficient, Front, good, Greenlighting, Here, light, News, Stay

The pros and cons of energy-efficient light bulbs have been much debated over the last decade. The main focus of the discussion has been CFL light bulbs. Introduced in the ’80s, these electricity sippers have been greatly improved over the years. CFL light bulbs are enthusiastically endorsed by the Energy Star program and are the most popular green light bulbs among consumers, businesses and even public institutions looking to reduce lighting costs and shrink their carbon footprint.

Among the various energy-efficient light bulbs, CFL light bulbs have notable drawbacks when compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, their higher purchase price, slower start-up time and inferior dimmability among them. CFLs also contain a small amount of mercury and must be recycled at the end of their life. On the plus side, these energy-efficient light bulbs pay for themselves in energy savings quickly when used for three or more hours per day. The best CFL light bulbs also cast a flattering light, much better than when they were first offered. CFLs are a solid choice for consumers seeking more eco-friendly lighting, but there’s a new option to consider.

A Legislative and Regulatory Foundation for Energy Efficiency: More than Just CFL Light Bulbs

Legislation passed by the U.S. government in 2007 mandates efficiency gains for commonly-used light bulbs by January 2014. Starting in 2012 with higher wattages, light bulbs must be about 30% more energy efficient than current standards require. While CFL light bulbs meet this challenge, the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) doesn’t favor any specific technology. The broad standards have created opportunities for leading lighting manufacturers, such as Philips and General Electric, that are committed to developing innovative energy-efficient light bulbs which address a wider range of lighting applications than CFL light bulbs alone.

While the 2007 EISA covered general use bulbs, new rules for the improved energy efficiency of so-called PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) lamps (commonly used in residential and commercial downlighting applications) were issued in June by the U.S. Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu. These regulations are expected to go into effect in the second half of 2012. Consumers will see some exciting changes as manufacturers strive to increase the efficiency of these green light bulbs to meet the new standards. For lower wattage lamps, i.e. those of less than 100 watts, the 2012 standards will drive efficiency up by 24% to 87% depending on bulb diameter, wattage and voltage. This mandate is also technologically neutral, leaving manufacturers free to unleash their ingenuity in designing the energy-efficient light bulbs they wish to produce and make available to the U.S. market.

High-Efficiency Halogen Lamps – A Clear Choice in Green Light Bulbs

Lamp manufacturers have been aware of consumer dissatisfaction with CFL light bulbs and have actively participated in recent legislative and regulatory processes aimed at arresting the pace of climate change due to lighting-related greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, proactive lighting companies have been investing resources in R&D to ensure compliance with forthcoming laws and regulations while giving individual and business consumers a wider choice of energy-efficient light bulbs.

As a result, right now, almost three years ahead of schedule, screw-in high efficiency halogen lamps are on the market. These energy-efficient light bulbs have several advantages over CFL light bulbs:

Instant-on technology Sparkling white light: not blue, not butterscotch, just crisp and clear Superior dimmability (and because they’re in the incandescent family, extended lifespan when dimmed) Compatible with motion control sensors Stable light output: will fire regardless of ambient temperature Suitable for use in fully-enclosed fixtures 100% Mercury-free

What makes these energy-efficient light bulbs greener than the traditional bulbs being phased out?

High-efficiency halogens use less electricity to produce the same amount of light.

Example 1: Philips offers a 70 watt general-purpose bulb, which is equivalent to a 100 watt standard incandescent. That’s 30% more energy efficient and nearly 10% more efficient than required by EISA by January 1, 2012.

High efficiency halogens last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Example 2: GE’s 48 watt PAR30 bulb (itself 20% more energy efficient than the applicable DOE 2012 rules for incandescent reflectors) has a 4,200 hour average rated life, 40% longer than the 75 watt halogen lamp it is designed to replace.

Extra life translates into more time to realize financial and carbon emissions savings.

In Conclusion

For consumers, business owners and public institutions committed to reducing energy consumption through simple changes in lighting choices, there are energy-efficient light bulbs for every need. Innovative new products are already here with more being introduced all the time.

Technorati Tags: Bulbs, EnergyEfficient, Flavor, Introducing, light

Green building is no longer just a fad; in fact, energy-efficient remodeling and renovating is one of the few aspects of the U.S. construction business that still holds a positive outlook in the midst of the economic turmoil in 2009.

The U.S. residential construction market was $363 billion in 2008, down 41% from its high of $620 billion in 2006. The home renovations market was $188 billion in 2008, down 18% percent from 2007. But SBI estimates that the home energy efficiency renovations market in the U.S. was $21 billion in 2008; down only 13% percent from 2007’s $24 billion.

Remodeling to improve a home’s energy efficiency instead of buying a new home has become a preferred option in today’s market. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders found that 32% of home builders also provided remodeling services in 2008. Homeowners are still seeing the benefits of improving their home’s energy efficiency even in the economic instability of 2009. With energy consciousness shooting to the forefront of the media during the 2008 oil price peak, the Propane Education & Research Council has found 80% of homeowners are now concerned about the energy efficiency of their homes.

Home builders and remodelers have been quick to provide remodeling services that are focused on energy conservation and green building practices; as an example, 85% of remodelers surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders in 2008 used energy-efficient windows on the majority of their projects. Retailers and manufacturers of building projects, residential builders and remodelers, and even state and federal organizations now have to be able to provide knowledgeable energy conservation expertise to succeed in their business.

Home energy efficiency analysis now uses a ‘whole building’ approach, affecting all categories of building materials, from windows and doors to insulation to completely eliminating air leaks. To fully embrace this view, this report looks at the impact energy-efficient building products are having on the renovations market in a number of categories:
•    The market for energy-efficient doors and windows, caulking and weather stripping, and insulation used in home renovation projects.
•    The energy-efficient appliance and lighting markets for home remodeling.
•    Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and the growing trend of energy-efficient roof renovations.

Report Methodology

Report data were obtained from government sources, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and ENERGY STAR; trade associations such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI); research organizations such as the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS); websites of home improvement contractors, manufacturers and dealers, industry analysts and print and online business and trade journals.

Consumer demographics and spending trends derive from data compiled by Simmons Market Research Bureau, New York, NY. Trends and recent developments in the industry come directly from personal interviews with key players in manufacturing and sales of energy-efficient building products and discussions with knowledgeable insiders of associations such as the National Association of Home Builders.

What You’ll Get in This Report

Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Market, Full Report provides a concise, focused look on the world of whole home energy-efficient renovations as it exists today, and shows where the market is moving towards in the next five years. The report highlights key players in the industry and pinpoints ways current and prospective competitors can capitalize on recent trends and spearhead new ones. No other market research report provides both the comprehensive analysis and extensive data that Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Market, Full Report offers. Plus, you’ll benefit from extensive data, presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and graphs.

How You’ll Benefit from this Report

If your company is already doing business in green home renovations or remodeling specializing in energy efficiency, or is considering making the leap, you will find this report invaluable as it provides a comprehensive package of information and insight not offered in any other single source. You will gain a thorough understanding of the current market for all aspects of energy-efficient renovations, as well as projected markets and trends through 2013.

This report will help:
•    Marketing managers identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans for homeowners looking to renovate to reduce their utility costs.
•    Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand for current energy efficiency remodeling trends and new emerging energy-efficient construction products.
•    Advertising agencies working with clients in the banking, retail and construction industries develop messages and images that compel homeowners to migrate towards energy-efficient products when considering home renovations.
•    Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships.

Information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do their jobs more effectively.

Technorati Tags: EnergyEfficient, Home, Renovations

For many homeowners, especially those with children, the kitchen is the most lived-in room in the house. It’s a gathering place, a workspace, a study area, an entertainment venue and of course, a room in which to enjoy meals together. Thus, it’s not uncommon for kitchen lights to be switched on for four or more hours per day. This presents a legitimate opportunity to save money and reduce air pollution and landfill waste by switching to energy-efficient lighting solutions.

As a source of both ambient and task light, recessed downlights (“cans”) are widely used in American kitchens. These fixtures push light down and away to light an area and a work surface at the same time. To enable the homeowner to add ambience, they’re often controlled by a dimmer switch.

For homeowners motivated to make a small investment to reduce their electricity use and/or carbon footprint, a simple light bulb retrofit in their existing kitchen fixtures is a smart and easy strategy. Simply remove the existing high wattage (commonly 65-90 watts) bulbs, and insert lower wattage eco-friendly lamps which yield equivalent light output (lumens). But since there are two types of lower cost energy-efficient lighting options from which to choose, which is preferable in this application?

High-Efficiency Halogen Lamps Beat Compact Fluorescent Lamps

We’ve looked at this question from many angles and have concluded that screw-in (self-ballasted) CFL reflector lamps, for many the obvious choice, are an inferior, energy-efficient lighting solution. Very few consumers are familiar with the new high-efficiency halogen lamps (“HEH”) which have hit the market in the last few years. The best of these models already exceed the energy efficiency requirements for incandescent reflector lamps scheduled to take effect in July 2012.

Here, we cite nine reasons why we believe high-efficiency halogen lamps, controlled by a pre-set dimmer switch, offer overall superior, energy-efficient lighting value to CFLs starting with the most important factor for electric light sources, whether energy efficient or not: light characteristics.

Reason 1 – Great Light:

Halogen light is legendary for being white, bright, crisp, and punchy and making colors appear vivid.
The light cast by CFL reflectors, while typically warm white, is average at best.

Reason 2 – Superior Illuminance:

“Illuminance” describes the amount of light on a horizontal surface, measured in “foot candles.”
High-efficiency halogen lamps, especially those with a PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) configuration, throw concentrated light downwards measurably better than CFL reflectors.
The result? Much more artificial light where it’s needed.

Reason 3 – Effortless Dimming:

No artificial light source dims better than an incandescent lamp. High-efficiency halogen lamps use improved incandescent technology and don’t require special dimmer switches.
Dimmable CFLs cost more than non-dimmable versions. But dimmable doesn’t translate into impressive dimming performance.

Reason 4 – Dimming = Longer Lamp Life:

Dimming any lamp is an energy-efficient lighting strategy because it reduces electricity consumption and harmful gas emissions. There’s an added green benefit when dimming high-efficiency halogen lamps: it extends the lifetime of the lamp.
For example, constant dimming by just 15% (a pre-set dimmer enables this) will triple the life of the bulb, thereby reducing landfill waste and replacement costs.
For premium high-efficiency halogen lamps, this translates into 9,000 to 12,000 hours, roughly the same as the average rated life of an Energy Star rated CFL reflector (whose projected life is static even if dimmed).

Reason 5 – Instant On:

Just like non-halogen incandescent bulbs, halogen lamps reach full brightness with the flick of a switch.
State-of-the-art CFL reflectors will start instantly but take 30 seconds to a minute’s time to reach full brightness (depending on the ambient room temperature).

Reason 6 – Mercury-Free:

High-efficiency halogen lamps operate without the use of mercury.
All CFLs contain mercury which must be vaporized to create ultraviolet energy and subsequently, visible light.
Since mercury is a toxic substance, this necessitates proper recycling at the end of a CFL’s life.
Further, while breakage in a recessed can is a low probability risk, an accident would cause mercury to contaminate the area below.

Reason 7 – Reliability:

High-efficiency halogen lamps don’t contain any electronic components.
Unlike a screw-in CFL, which contains a precise electronic component called a ballast, neither frequent on/off switching, nor trapped heat will affect the performance or lifespan of these energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Reason 8 – Lumen Maintenance:

Lumens are the measure of the amount of light emitted by a light source. High-efficiency halogen lamps maintain their initial lumens for as long as they operate.
CFLs, using different technology, will gradually dim by about 25% over their lifetime.
Why does this matter? Studies have shown that at age 65, the eyes need three times more light to see as well as at age 20.
With CFLs in a kitchen, vision needs and light output are moving in opposite directions as time passes.

The Rest of the Story – High-Efficiency Halogen Lamps Are Greener

Reason 9 – Better, REAL Energy-Efficient Lighting:

The commonly used metric for comparing energy-efficient lighting is lumens of output per watt of electrical input. This method is appropriate for omni-directional bulbs such as traditional A-shape lamps and spiral CFLs.
Directional lamps (floodlights, spotlights) are different. Their job is not to glow, but to throw light into a defined area or onto a specific surface.
Compare the measured light (illuminance) on a horizontal surface from two floodlights, a 16 watt CFL BR30 (630 lumens) and a 34 watt HEH PAR30 (1) (612 lumens).
The CFL has 39 lumens per watt vs. 18 for the HEH. Thus, by conventional measures the CFL is more than twice as energy efficient.
Measured illuminance tells a very different story: the CFL floodlight casts just 15 foot candles of light onto the work surface in this demonstration. The HEH? 51 foot candles.(2)
Therefore, at 1.5 foot candles per watt, the HEH bulb is 60% more efficient in real terms than the CFL (0.9 foot candles per watt).
Or viewed another way, using typical recessed downlight fixtures, to produce an equivalent amount of light on a kitchen countertop or table, where important tasks such as food preparation and schoolwork are performed, a 54 watt CFL floodlight would be needed.
Not only would such a lamp be more expensive to purchase, it would cost 36% more to operate and generate 36% more air pollution than the high-efficiency halogen lamp.

Notes for Previous Example

1. A 40 watt model was dimmed by 15% to reduce lumen output from 720 to 612.

2. Measured distance of each light source to the surface of the light meter instrument was 50 inches.

Illuminating the Perks of Energy-Efficient Lighting

Impressive consumer value is sometimes found where it’s least expected. We’re all for selectively installing energy-efficient lighting around the home and place of business because it leverages the fact that the cheapest and cleanest kilowatt of electricity is the one that’s never produced in the first place. But if light bulb buyers only paid attention to the popular media or followed Energy Star prescriptions, they would only know to consider CFL reflectors as an affordable, energy-efficient lighting solution for their oft-used recessed downlights.

As we’ve argued here, the exciting new high-efficiency halogen lamps (spot and floodlights), which are generally priced on par with premium quality dimmable CFL reflectors, are superior energy-efficient lighting solutions for consumers who value great light characteristics, thrift, dimming performance and environmental sustainability for their lighting dollar.

Technorati Tags: Better, Downlights, EnergyEfficient, Existing, Halogen, HighEfficiency, Lamps, Lighting, Mousetrap, Recessed, Solution, Superior

If you’re planning a window or door replacement project, then now’s the time. That’s because you can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost of qualified energy-efficient windows and doors, up to $1,500. This is a huge opportunity for you.

The tax credit was originally a measly $200 for windows and up to $500 for doors. Now Congress and the President have passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, aka “The Stimulus.” Inside is a provision that triples the old tax credit.

This isn’t just a handout. To qualify for the new Tax Credit, you have to be a smart shopper and buy the most energy-efficient windows. Energy Star certification, the old standard, doesn’t cut it anymore. The new standard will help our country become energy independent. Plus, better windows save you money on energy bills and keep you comfortable all year round.

What Are The Requirements For The Tax Credit?

Only windows and doors with a U-Factor of .30 or less qualify. U-Factor is a measure of the window’s overall energy-efficiency. Many windows have U-Factors of .31 or .32. Those don’t qualify.

Windows and doors also need a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of .30 or less. A low SHGC blocks the blistering heat that comes through windows in the summer, reducing the load on your air conditioning. Once again, .31 or .32 aren’t good enough. It has to be exactly .30 or less.

U-Factor and SHGC are independently tested and verified for windows by the National Fenestration Rating Council. Any reputable window will have a NFRC sticker.

How To Tell Which Windows And Doors Qualify

To get your $1,500 tax credit, you need to shop smart. Many windows and doors out there don’t meet the new requirements—even some high-end brands you’ve heard of. A lot of companies haven’t processed or don’t even know about the new tax credit. There’s a lot of confusion about this right now—you don’t want to be left empty-handed.

Here’s what you need to do: Make sure that any replacement window or door you buy has a U-Factor and SHGC of .30 or less. If the window company won’t show you the NFRC sticker certifying the ratings, walk away. If you’re unsure or suspicious, visit the NFRC at www.nfrc.org. You can verify ratings in the product directory or contact them directly.

How To Claim Your 2009 Energy Tax Credit For Windows And Doors

1. Purchase and install any replacement window, patio door, or entry door with a U-Factor and SHGC of .30 or below between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.

2. Save your receipt and each window and door performance label (NFRC label) with your tax documents.

3. Claim your tax credit on your Federal filing for the 2009 or 2010 tax year.

Terms and Limitations

• The tax credit is for the cost of the product only and does not include installation costs. Be sure to ask for a sales receipt that shows the cost of the product only.

• The tax credit is 30% of the amount paid up to a $1,500 maximum.

• If a combination of windows and doors are purchased, the total maximum credit is $1,500.

• This is a new tax credit for 2009/2010

Technorati Tags: $1500, 2009Up, back, Credit, Door, EnergyEfficient, Window

IBM has unveiled a novel membrane technology that stands to alleviate the growing shortage of drinkable water worldwide. Scientists at IBM Research, together with collaborators from Central Glass, the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology, and the University of Texas, Austin have created a new membrane that filters out salts as well as potentially harmful toxins in water such as arsenic while using less energy than other forms of water purification. Today, one in five people lacks access to drinking water. According to the World Health Organization, arsenic-contaminated water has been a major health concern worldwide since the 1990s. Arsenic toxicity is cumulative; studies in countries where the population has had long-term exposure to arsenic-contaminated water show that one in 10 people who drink the water may ultimately die from cancers known to be caused by arsenic, including lung, bladder and skin cancer. Membrane filtration is currently one of the most energy efficient techniques for removing salt and improving water quality. But, conventional membranes used today are easily damaged by chlorine, which is commonly added to water to prevent bacterial growth that can cause health problems. Now, the collaborative research team has designed a new concept in membrane materials that combines resistance to chlorine damage and high performance separation behavior in mildly basic conditions, making it suitable for arsenic removal in addition to water desalination …

Technorati Tags: clean, EnergyEfficient, makes, Purification, Smarter, Water