Do energy efficient products really save money?

These days, everyone is looking for the best return on investment, whether from the bank, stock market or items they buy for the home. More and more consumers are discovering that ENERGY STAR qualified products have a very good return on investment.

Take your washing machine as an example. According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), an ENERGY STAR qualified washing machine uses 20-50 % less energy and 35-50 % less water than a conventional model. How does that translate to cost savings? Read on! 

NRCan breaks the the savings down for us: 

A regular washing machine uses an average of 374 kWh a year. This translates into an annual energy cost of $37.40.

An ENERGY STAR qualified washing machine uses an average of 202 kWh a year: an annual energy cost of $20.20.

That is a big energy savings and a cost savings of $17.20 a year on the electricity powering the washer alone! 

(Tip: If you use a gas-fired water heater or always use the cold water cycle, the costs will be even lower.)

ENERGY STAR qualified washing machines also remove more water from the clothes and shorten drying time for each load so you would also save money by reducing the amount of electricity used by your clothes dryer. 

Buying energy-efficient appliances helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The end result is more money in your pocket and a better environment for everyone, including future generations. Contact us at National Home Services to learn more about installing energy efficient products in your home! 

Water Heater FAQS

Should I use an insulation blanket on my gas powered water heater? 

National Home Services installs brand new GSW water heaters made here in Ontario. Here is what GSW has to say about insulation blankets for gas water heaters: 

Insulation blankets available to the general public for external use on gas water heaters are not necessary with GSW products. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters. Your GSW  water heater meets or exceeds the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket unnecessary. 

 WARNING- If you choose to apply an insulation blanket to your water heater, you should follow the instructions (see your water heater's instruction manual for identification of components mentioned below). Failure to follow these instructions can restrict the air flow required for proper combustion, resulting in fire, asphyxiation, serious personal injury or death. 

1. Do not apply insulation to the top of the water heater, as this will interfere with safe operation of the draft hood.
2. Do not cover the outer door, thermostat or temperature & pressure relief valve.
3. Do not allow insulation to come within 2" of the floor to prevent blockage of combustion air flow to the burner.
4. Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the water heater or nearby for future reference.
5. Do obtain new labels from GSW Water Heating for placement on the blanket directly over the existing labels.
6. Do inspect the insulation blanket to make certain it does not sag, thereby obstructing combustion air flow. 

Have a Green Valentine's Day

Today we examine the top 5 most popular Valentine’s Day gifts and how to make your gifts more environmentally friendly!

Chocolates

• The giant heart-shaped box is out of style. Look for items that have as little wasteful packaging as possible instead.
• Fair Trade certified, organic and shade grown are the 3 keys to eco-friendly and delicious gourmet chocolate. Check out local company Soma for chocolate made in Ontario directly from cacao bean.

Cards

• Consider paperless options such as e-cards, online video or phone messages.
• If an online message will not satisfy your Valentine, look for cards with recycled content. Botanical Paperworks is a Canadian company who makes cards on 100% recycled card stock and include a seed paper that you can plant to grow flowers. It’s a great gift idea that combines cards and flowers in one eco friendly package.

Jewelry

• Eco friendly jewelry options include ethically sourced or recycled products. Visit greenkarat.com for more information on rings handmade in the US and Canada.
• Vintage jewelry is a great way to recycle existing pieces into a one of kind gift. Visit local vintage and antique shops to find a unique piece for your Valentine. 

Flowers

• A locally grown potted plant in the best choice for a green Valentine present.
• If it must be flowers, organic and locally grown is the way to go for minimal environmental impact. Pick them up at your local farmer’s market – also a great Valentine’s Day date idea!

Wine

• Imported wines travel long distances to reach us, wasting fuel and creating pollution. To reduce the impact, choose a local wine. Canada produces some great wines.
• After enjoying your local wine, make sure you recycle the bottle or better yet, turn it into a fun craft. Here are 5 craft ideas from HGTV to get you started.

All of us at the National Home Services Green Home Blog wish you a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Mythbusters - Energy Edition part 2

Continuing on the theme from our last post, let’s keep on busting some common myths about saving energy.

The Myth
Switching lights on and off uses more energy than leaving them on.

The Truth 

The switching process itself does not use extra energy. You save energy by switching lights off even if you are leaving the room for a short period.

The Myth
Baths use more energy than showers.

The Truth
It depends on the length of time spent in the shower and whether you have an energy efficient shower head. If your showers are longer than 10 minutes, you are not necessarily saving water or energy.
Here is a simple test- next time you shower, plug the drain and keep the water in the tub. When you are done, is there more or less water in the bathtub than when you take a bath? If you want to reduce your usage, take shorter showers or install a water-saving shower head.

We look forward to uncovering more myths and truths to help everyone save energy!