LAMPREY BROTHERS BECOMES AN ENERGY STAR RETAIL PARTNER
ENERGY STAR was created to help consumers easily identify products, homes and buildings that save energy and money, and help protect the environment. As the government-backed, trusted symbol for energy efficiency, the ENERGY STAR label identifies highly efficient products and designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings. With ENERGY STAR, money isn't all you're saving--you are also making a difference in protecting the environment.
For more information about ENERGY STAR visit the ENERGY STAR website.
STATE INCENTIVES FOR RENEWABLES & EFFICIENCY
To learn more about state incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency please click here: http://www.dsireusa.org/
HEAT & COOL EFFICIENTLY
As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home’s
heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills-and your comfort. Take these
steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
MAINTAIN EFFICIENCY BY:
- Changing your air filter regularly
Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If it looks dirty, change it.
- Having your HVAC equipment checked annually
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly preventive maintenance of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.
INCREASE EFFICIENCY OPTIONS:
- Programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week.
- Sealing heating and cooling ducts
Sealing and insulating ducts can improve efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20% percent—-and sometimes more.
- Outdoor temperature reset control
New technology will modulate the heating system temperature depending on the outdoor air temperature.The higher the outdoor air temperature, the lower the water temperature, equating to lower energy consumption and increased comfort.
- Radiant heating
Radiant heating warms the objects in the room, not the air. Thermostats can be lowered as much as 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort levels. These lower operating temperatures can reduce fuel consumption between 20 to 30 percent or more.
- Hybrid Heat (heat pump and heating system)
Hybrid heat provides more control over your monthly energy bills by allowing you to choose the most economical method of heating. As temperatures change, the system automatically switches between the heat pump and heating system to maintain greater efficiency than a single-source heating system.
- Humidification
A humidifier connected to your heating system can create 50% more moisture, meaning you’ll feel warmer with lower, energy-saving indoor temperatures.
- Solar
The sun can heat your hot water for your faucets, even in cold New England. Harvesting the sun’s energy is basically Free after the initial investment.
- When replacing equipment install ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment
If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your home comfortable, you should have it looked at by a professional. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating and cooling units can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Just click here to request a FREE no obligation quote on any of the above options.
Climate Science Links:
Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment
See how global warming is changing the Northeast-and how choices we make today will determine our children's and grandchildren's quality of life.
Report on Climate Change in the Northeast US
Clean Air - Cool Planet
Finding and promoting solutions to global warming
Report on Northeast Indicators of Climate Change
Carbon Coalition
New Hampshire Citizens for a responsible energy policy
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Extensive reports on the science, impacts, and mitigation of climate change
RealClimate.org
Climate science from climate scientists. The go to source for clear explanations of the latest in climate science research.
Climate and Energy links
Related to UNH's Climate Education Initiative
New Hampshire Carbon Challenge
Addressing Climate Change... Local Solutions to a Global Problem
UNH Office of Sustainability
Integrating sustainability into UNH's identity
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Transportation
The second largest source of residential CO2 emissions come from the vehicles we use to use to move about our communities.
- Right-size your vehicle: if you only carry several people or lots of cargo once in a while, rent a truck when you need it and drive a smaller car day-to-day
- Combine trips when possible; Carpool
- Have children ride the school bus, instead of making an extra trip to drive them
- Bike, walk, ride public transit
- Have your car serviced frequently and check you tire pressure often
- Don't idle your vehicle for more than 2–3 minutes
Appliances & Lighting
Electricity generation accounts for about 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and most residential electricity is consumed by appliances and lighting.
- Buy ENERGY STAR appliances; give priority to high energy use appliances like dehumidifiers and refrigerators
- Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)
- Power-down: Unplug TVs, stereos, cell phone chargers, computers, etc. when not in use, or use a power strip to shut them off
- Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when it is full
- Dry clothes outside or on a drying rack
Richard Trethewey's Recommended Reading List:
The Party's Over
by Richard Heinberg
ISBN: 0-86571-482-7
High Tide
by Mark Lynas
ISBN: 0-312-30365-3
The End of Oil
by Paul Roberts
ISBN: 0-618-23977-4
Out of Gas
by David Goodstein
ISBN: 0-393-32647-0
The Oil Factor
by Stephen & Donna Leeb
ISBN: 0-446-53317-3
An Inconvenient Truth
by Al Gore
ISBN: 1-59486-567-1
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