Tag: energy efficient LEDs

Group 1

Using A Green Loan for Home Efficiency

Posted on by Yaminah Jappah
brown wooden table and chairs

“Creating a green home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint right where you live, while at the same time placing money right back into your pocket.”

Our homes are responsible for approximately 20 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US. While some may want to add energy saving upgrades, many have held back because of the costs. Adding energy and water efficiency products to your home or building just got a little bit easier. Using a green loan, you can easily get started on completing those projects that will increase the overall efficiency and savings in your space.

How does a green loan work?

This type of loan can be used to complete major renovations, such as installing tankless water heaters, solar panels and energy efficient doors and windows. Additionally, the funds can also be used to make faster green improvements, including:

  • Low-flow showerheads
  • Low-flow aerators
  • Eco toilets
  • LED lights
  • Adding or updating insulation
  • Programmable thermostats

When searching for products that meet energy and water efficiency requirements, look for the Energy Star and WaterSense labels.

How much can I save?

The products installed and projects completed with a green loan can certainly help lower your utility bills. At the highest level, LEED-certified homes can save an average of 15% on the cost of energy annually. Taking into account that the average family in the United States spends between $2,000-$3,100 on energy and water bills every year, that can equal savings of roughly $300-$465.

Creating a green home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint right where you live, while at the same time placing money right back into your pocket. Check with your local bank or credit union to find out more information on getting started with one of these loans.

Group 1

LED Lights Replace Halogens in Kitchen Update

Posted on by Conservation Mart

kitchen lightsFor the 10 years that we have lived in our house, we had functional, but not very stylish troffer lights in our kitchen. They are great for work spaces and schools, but not always the first choice in homes.

However, when they both started to come loose and need repairs and new bulbs, we figured it was time to update to track lighting.

While the fixture looked great, the five 35W halogen lights gave off no where near the brightness of the fluorescent tubes. It created a nice ambiance, but it made food preparation difficult. Also, the bulbs gave off a lot of heat and I was worried that the 175 watts were using too much energy throughout the day.

Our problems were solved when I found the TCP 7W, 4100K, 50W halogen replacement bulb.

After turning the halogen bulbs counter clockwise, they slipped out easily and then the new ones clicked right in. The 4100K color temperature brought out more of a white light which works better in kitchens. Because it was a 50W equivalent rather than 35W, it was also brighter, but used only a fraction of the energy. We went from 175W to 35W total, and improved the quality and brightness of light.

As you can see from the pictures, the new TCP bulbs brighten up the space and reach into the corners so there are no more shadows.

Switching to energy efficient lighting is not a sacrifice; it is a win-win in terms of both quality and long-term savings.