Energy Mythbuster #8

Mythbusting Fact #8:
The best way to save energy for your computer is to turn it off when you’re not using it. The second best way is to set it to automatically go into “sleep” or “hibernate” mode to save energy. Also, make sure the next computer you purchase has an Energy Star label. Contrary to popular belief, using a screensaver saves no energy.

-Source http://www.aceee.org

Don’t forget to help others conserve energy and save money by sharing this page.

Go Green this Halloween!

Here are three great ideas for getting Energy Conservation in on the fun for Halloween:

1. Create a fun energy-related costume, such as dressing up as a CFL or an "Energy Vampire." What a creative idea this youngster came up with, he dressed up as a wind turbine!
   
   
2. Keep the spookiness in Halloween by using Orange and Black CFL bulbs.
   
   
3. Use re-usable trick or treat bags. You can craft fun themes to use for years to come! Check out this neat bag that promotes conservation.

Don’t forget to help others conserve energy and save money by sharing this page.

Energy Mythbuster #7

Mythbusting Fact #7:
Refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers on the market today are much more efficient than those available ten or twenty years ago, but there are still significant differences in energy use among models. For example, side-by-side refrigerator/freezers generally use more energy than freezer-on-top models. Features such as icemakers also use extra energy. Most front-loading clothes washers save significant amounts of energy and water compared to conventional top-loading designs. On the other hand, products like stoves vary relatively little in their inherent efficiency.

-Source http://www.aceee.org

Don’t forget to help others conserve energy and save money by sharing this page.

Energy Efficiency Starts at Home

Our new administration building at Cove Point liquefied natural gas facility that earned "silver" certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program for meeting stringent standards for its energy usage and environmental impact.

Here at Dominion, we believe energy efficiency starts at home. Literally. We're always looking for more ways to conserve energy - not only to help our customers, but to put those same ideas to use in our homes and workplace.

In recent years, great strides have been made in energy efficient home and building designs which can be incorporated into new structures, additions or used to improve existing designs. We applied some of these green techniques at our Cove Point facility on the Chesapeake Bay, where we import liquefied natural gas. We recently dedicated a new administration building that uses 32% less energy than a traditionally designed structure. The building features high levels of insulation, extensive use of natural lighting and bathrooms designed to reduce water use. It was also constructed with many locally produced materials such as bricks, windows and cement to reduce the amount of energy required for transportation.

New homes can easily incorporate such design elements - benefiting both the owners and the environment. For more information about energy efficient designs, check out:

http://www.greenhomeguide.org/
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/construction/gogreen.html http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings

Energy Mythbuster #6

Mythbusting Fact #6:
While heating and air-conditioning equipment is much more efficient than it used to be, there are still significant variations in energy use. The most important decision is which contractor to choose, so the equipment will be the right size and installed properly, and the ductwork will be fixed so that it doesn’t leak a quarter of the energy you buy (the US average)!

Qualified contractors will ask about comfort issues, run a real load calculation program so they won't need to sell oversized equipment, and discuss options with you. Premium equipment offers even better efficiency, and features such as quieter operation and better humidity control.

-Source http://www.aceee.org

Don’t forget to help others conserve energy and save money by sharing this page.

Last Day for the Energy Star Tax Free Holiday

Today’s the last day to purchase Energy Star products without having to pay state or local tax. This could be a great time to get a new:

• Air Conditioner
  
• Ceiling Fan
  
• CFL bulb
  
• Dehumidifier
  
• Dishwasher
  
• Programmable Thermostat
  
• Refrigerator
  
• Washing Machine/Clothes Washer

Get all the details at Virginia’s Tax website.

Don’t forget to help others conserve energy and save money by sharing this page.

Energy Mythbuster #5

Mythbusting Fact #5:
Don’t forget the simple maintenance needed to keep your heating and air-conditioning systems running efficiently. Change the air filter once a month and get a “tune-up” by a contractor every 2 to 3 years.

-Source http://www.aceee.org

Don’t forget to help others conserve energy and save money by sharing this page.

Energy Conservation Awareness Week is here!

Sanctioned by Governor Tim Kaine in 2007, the first full week in October is Virginia’s Energy Conservation Awareness Week! This week is a great reminder to citizens to help cut back on energy consumption. Here’s a daily list of things you can do to help conserve around your home:

Monday – Purchase a hot water heater insulation jacket preparing for the winter months.

Tuesday – Purchase “foam outlet gaskets” to insulate electrical outlets.

Wednesday – Unplug unused appliances (like freezers in the garage or TV’s in the guest room) – a free way to save energy.

Thursday – Dust lamp (and ceiling lamp) fixtures to brighten up the room.

Friday – Purchase an Energy Star appliance while the Energy Star Tax Free Weekend is here!

Don’t forget to help others conserve energy and save money by sharing this page.

Energy Mythbuster #4

Mythbusting Fact #4:
Turn down the thermostat while you’re away from the house. If you are out for a good stretch of time (say 8 hours or so), this temperature "set-back" will save more energy than it will take to bring your home back to the desired temperature. (Note: If you have a heat pump, make sure you have a heat pump thermostat that has been properly programmed.)

-Source http://www.aceee.org

Don’t forget to help others conserve energy and save money by sharing this page.