Energy Efficiency Army

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Comment by Herbert L Hudson on November 19, 2009 at 12:00pm

Todd: I just wanted to commend you on your choice to upgrade your HVAC system. I too in the spring purchased a new Heat pump that has been saving me money each month, and reducing the Carbon Foot print for my residence. These new Heat Pumps and their controls are fantastic. I can actually dial in the Humidity in percent along with the temperature I want to control at. The darn thing is so smart that it will actually automatically switch from Heat to Cooling by itself. I was wondering if you had ever considered an Infrared scan
of your home. I had one done with a local company and discovered some interesting things about the construction of my condo. These items were
causing me to use more energy as heat was leaking out of places that were
hidden. If anyone would be interested in seeing what a Scan of a home looks like I would be happy to forward a copy Via internet. Happy holidays everyone.

Comment by Todd Homsey on November 18, 2009 at 10:07am

One last thing on our upgrade. We sold the old, 84% efficient furnace to a young couple with a 50 year old monster in their basement for a modest price. Sold it much easier than I thought with inquiries coming in from 200 miles away. That added to our savings and benefited another family. It was win-win.

Comment by Geoff Bailey on November 18, 2009 at 9:57am

Todd,

It just demonstrates how tax credits are fantastic for jumpstarting individual industry.

Thanks for sharing!

Geoff

Comment by V. H. Hammontree, D. Min. on November 18, 2009 at 8:51am

One more reason to take energy efficiency seriously.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/18/news/economy/oil.prices.fortune/index.htm

Comment by Todd Homsey on November 17, 2009 at 10:18am

We installed a 98% energy efficient furnace in the spring using a $1500 Federal tax credit, as well as $600 in incentives from the local electric company. Now reaping the benefits. While gas usage is not down substantialy during the fall months, the heat coming from the radiators is more consistent and comfortable. We don't hear the furance kicking on and off, like we did the old one. The tax credits still availbale for a number of energy efficient products through 2010, so take advantage.

Also, ditto on the poltical sales ads garbage posted here. We don't need them.

Comment by V. H. Hammontree, D. Min. on November 17, 2009 at 6:54am

Another reason to act...NOW !!!

http://industry.bnet.com/energy/10002494/pickens-300-oil-is-still-coming/

Comment by Mark Hedtke on November 9, 2009 at 1:48pm

Speaking of energy efficiency, there is some interesting information available at http://push.pickensplan.com/group/DistrictGroupFL24/forum/topics/laws-pertaining-to-alternative. In fact, although it has been a long time coming, energy efficiency is one of the major keys to making a difference in our lives. We all can help make a difference in the future and by helping free us from remaining "energy prisoners" is a great goal for all of us to have for our decendents to enjoy. There is plenty of information on what may be a better solution, CEE, the Carbonless Electric Economy at http://geopoliticsofenergy.blogspot.com/2008/08/dave-spicer-carbonless-electric-economy.html. Do your part for the future and give back the "power to the people".

Comment by Robert Schultz on November 9, 2009 at 1:34pm

Here's an article from 2008 with a good idea for electric and flex-fuel vehicles...

Driving Our Way to Energy Independence
Published June 2008
Author:
David Morris

The technology is now available to replace our petroleum-based transportation system with high efficiency, electric biofueled vehicles. The key technology, the hybrid electric vehicle, was introduced in 2002 in the United States. Current hybrids do not travel far, if at all, on electricity and their batteries can be recharged only by the engine. Plug-in hybrids, however, have larger battery packs, allowing them to travel on electricity for the majority of vehicle miles traveled, and their batteries can be recharged from the electricity grid. In 2008, kits to convert a Prius into a plug-in vehicle will be widely available. By 2010, several car companies, including Toyota and General Motors, anticipate selling plug-in vehicles.

Another important, but more modest technological development is the flexible fueled vehicle that can use high or low blends of ethanol. The cost to the car manufacturers of adding a flexible fueled capability is very low, perhaps under $100.

These two technical developments allow us to build a transportation system primarily powered by electric motors, with backup engines fueled primarily by biofuels.

The 2007 energy bill will hasten the transition to a dual fueled transportation system. The bill mandates higher vehicle efficiencies that may well be achievable only by hybridizing most new vehicles. The bill also mandates a six fold increase in biofuels. Meanwhile, state mandates will boost six fold the production of renewable electricity, a key element in a sustainable electric transportation system.

A transformed transportation system can restructure electric power networks and agriculture. Hundreds of thousands of locally owned wind turbines and solar electric arrays, supplying a family plug-in hybrid vehicle capable not only of storing electricity from intermittent generators, but also of supplying electricity on demand, could form the basis for a new electricity system. Thousands of farmer owned bio-refineries can form the basis for a new agricultural system.

In 2008, Congress and state legislatures will be debating new policies for agriculture, energy and transportation. In designing those rules, policy makers should strive to marry energy security, environmental, economic development and social objectives.
Download
Driving Our Way to Energy Independence

Comment by Robert Schultz on November 7, 2009 at 9:18am

I second that motion Ray!

Comment by Arthur Raymond Lyon (Ray) on November 6, 2009 at 5:49pm

If this is going to turn into a junk ad for peoples garbage, count me out. I joined this discussion to participate in the Picken's Plan, please don't try to sell me on your political beliefs or advertising garbage

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