Some investments on energy efficiency device or practices may immediately pay while others take some time and financial investment before its benefits can be reaped. In the longer-term, consumers who can invest on these healthy energy practice should consider getting ENERGY STAR appliances, low-flow showerheads, low-flow toilets, compact fluorescent light, home weatherization and insulation services, and renewable energy alternatives.
- The ENERGY STAR sign on devices indicates that the devices meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Energy (EPA) and DoE. According to DoE (2010), refrigerators with the sign uses 20% less energy than the ones without the logo, which translates to $165 savings in energy bill over its expected lifetime. Your utility may provide rebates to help you purchase new appliances and recycle old ones.
- Low-flow showerheads and toilets help you save money and conserve not only water but also heating bill. Low-flow showerheads help reduce water use and heating bill by using less water without compensating the showerhead pressure. Since a typical low-flow shower head costs about $10 to $20, consumers should expect an almost immediate payback. Whereas regular toilets use 3.5 gallons of water per flush, the low-flow ones only take 1.6 gallons. Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Usage Authority offers a $150 rebate to replace your home’s current toilet with a low-flow one. Even with its cost ranging anywhere from $150 to $400, expect a long-term return from the low-flow toilets because they have a 15 to 20-year life span and significant savings on water bills.
- Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use over 70% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, given the same amount of light, and they also run much cooler and last up to 10 times longer. Despite being more expensive, a CFL bulb is expected to save up to $30 in energy costs over its lifetime.
- Green initiatives include solar, wind, water, plants, and the earth’s internal heat (geothermal). Some utility companies may even buy the excess electricity generated by your energy device. New Mexicans should really consider this option because we get a good amount of heat and wind throughout the year although the amount may vary depending on our locations in the state. New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department provide information on residential energy efficiency, clean energy, and rebate programs. Those who are building their house should put extra consideration on including this type of energy resources due to possible tax incentives. As of August 2010, for instance, consumers may obtain federal solar tax credit to pay up to 30% of your solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system.
- Even with the best energy efficient devices, inadequate home weatherization and insulation lessen the impact of these devices. Consumers may hire a professional to conduct an energy audit to detect cool and heat leak sources which are common at ducts, door frames, and window frames. The Weatherization Assistance Program offers free energy audit and other tests to income-qualified customers and may help install weatherization and insulation products.
References & Resources
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority. Showerhead, Toilet, and Urinal Rebates. Available August 10, 2010 from http://www.abcwua.org/content/view/133/230/
Energy Solutions For New Mexico. Top 10 Energy Solutions. Available August 10, 2010 from http://energysolutionsfornm.org/Top10-energy-savings.php
New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department. Your Source for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Information. Available August 10, 2010 from http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/ecmd/
New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Energy Efficiency in New Mexico. Available August 8, 2010 from http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/energy/low_income.htm
U.S. Department of Energy (2010) Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home. Available June 18, 2010 from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/pdfs/energy_savers.pdf
