Dinogy - Energy Blog » Archives for February, 2007

In a January, 2007 issue of Business Week Magazine there is an ad for Home Depot that states that they saw a 25% increase in sales of Energy Star products last year (in 2006).

Did you know that individuals can qualify for a one time federal income tax credit of up to $500, by making energy efficient home improvements?

Here's how you can qualify for the Residential Energy Credits:

• Install Energy Star Exterior Windows - deduct 10% up to the total cost, up to $200.
• Install Energy Star Exterior Doors - deduct 10% up to the total cost, up to $500.
• Install Energy Star Central Air, Heat Pump, or Water Heaters - up to $300 of the total cost including installation.
• Install a new Furnace or Boiler - deduct up to $150

Be sure to check with the product manufacturer (by phone or web site) to see if a product qualifies for the Home Energy Efficiency Improvement federal tax credit. And remember to consult with your Accountant or Tax Preparer as well.

For more info please see: here and here.

Did you know that when you unplug your cell phone from its charger, the charger is still drawing power? The same goes for your laptop computer, your iPod, and many more of our digital devices that have rechargable batteries. It may be a small amount of energy for each device, but over time this bad habit can slowly add up to a lot of wasted energy.

Let's just look at cell phones, of which there are an estimated 190 million in the United States. A quick back of the envelope calculation says that the combined stand-by usage of all those cell phone chargers, each drawing a measly watt, could add up to 190 megawatts per day. That's enough to power approximately 100,000 homes.

Via: Matter Magazine