HAMPTON —— The Energy Committee is on a mission to education Hampton residents about saving money heating and cooling your home.

Amanda Bacon, in charge of sales, marketing and public relations at Lamprey Brothers in North Hampton, visited Hampton Thursday, Sept. 4, with information about technology that allows people to save money and still heat their homes in a New England winter.

Lamprey said she is aware that while many consumers support the idea of sustainable energy, most do not want to pay more for it. Bacon presented four different sustainable technologies that will save consumers money on energy costs: Wind energy, solar energy, heat pumps and geothermal technology.

Hampton resident Matt Castner was pleased to see attention given to energy efficiency in Hampton.

"It's nice to see a company who sees the future and is making advances," Castner said. "You guys have a vision."

Wind energy provides electricity for homes. A 30- to 40-foot high post with propellers on it produces energy when wind spins the propellers. Bacon said in New Hampshire, the average wind speed is 5 to 10 mph. That speed produces about 250 kilowatt hours of energy per month, and an average homeowner uses 600 to 800 kilowatt hours per month.

Solar energy works better than most people expect it to in New England, Bacon said. Even on an overcast day, solar panels absorb the sun's UV rays. Solar energy works best to heat water and can save consumers 70 percent on their hot water bills over the course of a year.

Heat pumps move thermal energy from outdoors to indoors to heat in the winter, and vice versa in the summer to cool a home's interior. The Acadia air source heat pump, from Maine, functions in temperatures as low as negative 30 degrees. It can take you 100 percent off fossil fuels and reduce operating costs up to 70 percent, Bacon said.

Geothermal technology requires installing tubing underground to provide energy for your home.

Wind energy costs about $15,000, with payback in 12 years, solar panels cost about $9,500 with payback in 12 years, and the Acadia heat pump costs about $12,000 with payback in nine years, Bacon said.

She added there are many things homeowners can do now to reduce their energy costs. Tune up the heating and cooling equipment in their homes, invest in a programmable thermostat, and reverse home ceiling fans to circulate warmer air around. Weatherproofing can also help as does installing quality windows with insulation, insulating attics and unplugging appliances not in use.

Bacon suggested visiting www.energystar.gov and www.lampreybrothers.com for more information.

Media Contacts:   
Hampton Union
Annie Hamilton
ahamilton@seacoastonline.com

Amanda Bacon
Lamprey Brothers
amandab@lampreybrothers.com
800-333-6703

To View Video: Click Here and go to September 8, 2008