Scary Energy Bills? Rid yourself of vampire power in 2009

Is your energy bill scary? Slaying energy vampires during your remodel can help you and Americans save millions.

In the spirit of Halloween, the EPA today warns us all to be on the watch for lurking energy vampires - or vampire power. These are the electronics and adapters that consume electricity when they are not being used. Power adapters and phone chargers are easy vampires power suckers to spot, and also easy to slay. Every energy vampire you vanquish saves you money, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps in the fight against climate change.

“EPA encourages everyone to look for vampires in their home and get rid of this energy waste,” said Brian McLean, director of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Protection. “Using less energy means Read more

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Eureka Envirovac: Can A Vacuum Really Be Green?

In today’s marketplace  greenwashing is rampant.  Many companies are purposefully misleading consumers to believe that their products are environmentally friendly in order to catch that ever-important environmentally aware segment of the population.  In such a day, I wondered if there was really a thing as a green vacuum cleaner.

Sure, I’d heard the green benefits of installing a central vacuum system.  Longer life and no bags both equal less impact on the landfills.  With my modest pocketbook, the upfront price of $2000 plus to install a central vacuum system was out of my league.  A portable vacuum was more my speed.

In my attempt to answer this question, the friendly people at Eureka offered to send me their new, green Envirovac to try for myself.  I explained to them that I live in a busy household with two energetic kids, a frantic husband and one crazy cat.   Carpet, hardwoods, linoleum, and drapes are all included in the household.  The brave people at Eureka didn’t seem the least bit concerned.  Game on.

The Eureka Envirovac arrived in a 100% recycled and unbleached box.  The vacuum boasted such environmentally responsible features as an 8 amp motor (33% less energy to operate) and a washable HEPA filter (cleaner air and less waste).  How very green!

Now for the real test.  My eight year-old’s Read more

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DirectBuy offering eco-friendly green products for your home remodel?

Can’t say that any of us on the GetWithGreen team used a DirectBuy membership for our remodels, but I will say that some of us definitely were solicited to do so.   This week DirectBuy issued a press release saying that their members have the opportunity to purchase a variety of green products and save by paying manufacturer-direct prices.

According to the announcement, some of the green products available to DirectBuy members include:

• Faucets and plumbing fixtures tat offer low consumption
• Natural cork flooring and underlayments
• Flooring made of renewable natural bamboo
• Lighting and ceiling fans with Energy Star ratings
• Energy Star compliant kitchen appliances, washers and dryers
• Cabinets treated with low-voc, LEED-compliant stains
• Bedroom, dining room, living furniture manufactured by members of the Sustainable Furniture Council; many of these pieces are made from natural fibers, use eco-friendly foam, and contain organic, halogen-free fire retardants.

Being in an urban area doesn’t mean you can’t make ‘greener’ purchases. Living in the city is probably an even better reason why people should be buying green. Unfortunately, there’s no real Read more

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Are you taking advantage of refrigerator & freezer recycle rebates?

As you are demo’ing your house in preparation for your remodel, stop before you take that used refrigerator or freezer to the dump! There are organizations that will haul away your refrigerator or freezer, pay you a rebate, and then recycle it!

Southern California Edison (SCE) is one such organization. They will pay you to recycle your old refrigerator or freezer. You will receive a $50 check for that working refrigerator or freezer. And, by swapping your old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones or disposing of a spare unit, you can save up to $292 per year on your energy bill says SCE (savings based on 2006, assuming average use and conditions. Actual savings may vary according to SCE).

To be eligible, you must be an SCE customer. The appliance must be picked up at your SCE service address. The appliance must be in working condition at the time of pick up. The size of the appliance must be between 10-27 cubic feet.

Check your local utility for similar rebate and recycle programs for appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers!

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Pacific Coast Builders Show Announces Top 5 Green Products

PCBC, the largest home builder show, is coming to San Francisco next week and the announcements are starting to flow.

Members of the home building industry have voted and named the “coolest” homebuilding products in the annual Cool Products contest. PCBC 2008, the largest PCBC, the largest home builder show is on it’s way to San Francisco, and the announcements are starting to flow. Today members of the home building industry have voted and named the “coolest” homebuildinghomebuilders show on the West Coast, organizes the annual Cool Products contest for the more than 600 exhibitors at the conference.

Exhibitors entered more than 125 products in three categories - Consumer, Green and Industry products. Five products were chosen for each category by 679 home building professionals who voted online. All companies, products and booth information is available at www.pcbc.com/cool.

Here are the Cool Products from the Green Category, and stay tuned as GetWithGreen writes live from PCBC in San Francisco…

2008 Cool Products - Green Category:

1. Rinnai Corporation’s Rinnai LS Series Tankless Water Heater - Offers 30% to 50% energy savings over traditional tank-style units and can supply hot water when you need it, for as long as you need it, while contributing to a greener environment.

2. Eagle Roofing Products’ Eagle Solar Roof powered by SolarSave Integrated Solutions - This solar system integrates seamlessly with Eagle concrete roof tile and maintains the aesthetics of the roof, maintains the integrity of the roof system, prevents leaks and protects the home or building.

3. Cree LED Lighting Solutions LR6 Light Bulb - Has a 20-year life span (50,000 hours under Read more

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REBATES: Save 10% on Memorial Day at Lowe’s

On Memorial Day, Lowe’s Stores will be giving 10% off your entire purchase (up to $5,000) for all Active, Reserve, Honorably Discharged, and Retired Military Personnel and Their Immediate Families.  

If you qualify for this, get out and save some money on greener alternative products at Lowe’s such as:

• Energy Star Appliances
• HET-low-flush toilets
• Ceiling Fans
• Insulation and Caulking
• Dimmers and HVAC Filters

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APPLIANCES: Bosch unveils new kitchen and laundry appliances

This week at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS) in Chicago, Bosch unveiled new Energy Star laundry and dishwashing products. 

• Exclusive AQUASTOP Leak Protection System on Nexxt(R) Laundry
• New Category of Ascenta Dishwashers

Here is what Bosch has to say: 

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Premium appliance manufacturer Bosch continues to demonstrate that it delivers complete ECO solutions that any family can rely on with its new advancements debuting at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show.

As the only U.S. manufacturer with the ENERGY STAR® qualification on all its washers, refrigerators and dishwashers, Bosch is introducing its industry exclusive AQUASTOP® leak protection system to its front-loading and high-efficiency Nexxt® Washer.

Nexxt Dryers receive MISTCARE?, a quick way to refresh clothes and remove wrinkles in minutes, as well as the popular ECOACTION? option to reduce energy consumption up to an additional 10%. Furthermore, Nexxt Washers add a convenient stain removal program that tackles 14 of the toughest stains.

A new category of dishwashers called Ascenta? now allows Read more

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APPLIANCES: The Best Washing Machines of 2008

At GetWithGreen.com we appreciate good solid investigative efforts, which brings real insight to all of homeowners who are remodeling.  Justin Thomas over at MetaEfficient.com just completed some serious investgation on 2008 washing machines, and it is excellent. 

MetaEfficient’s article digs deep into the ENERGY STAR website (saving you valuable time!), and exposes the most efficient machines by manufacturer.    If you are in the market for a new washing machine this is a must read!  

Check out:  The Most Efficient Washing Machines of 2008.

Related Stories on GetWithGreen.com

• The New Kenmore Elite Oasis
• Sub-Zero Launches GrowAGreenKitchen.com
• Who took J.D. Powers top award?

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APPLIANCES: Sears Unveils Kenmore Elite Oasis(HT) Washer & Oasis(ST) Dryer

Laundry Pair Combines High Efficiency with Deep Clean Functionality and SteamCare Technology

Last week Sears unveiled the Kenmore Elite Oasis(ST) SteamCare dryer and Oasis(HT) washer, which combine a practical steam function in the dryer with powerful cleaning in a top load washer. Making its debut at Sears stores in March 2008.  Pictures and details of the new products are hard to find at this point, so the images we used below are from 2007 models.  Here are the details on these new more efficient washer and dryer products.

Steam, Clean and Green

Kenmore Elite’s SteamCare technology, first introduced in the HE(5t)(TM) Steam Dryer in 2007, harnesses the power of steam by saturating dry clothing with a fine mist of water while simultaneously heating the interior of the appliance. The water and heat work together to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and odors, so consumers can avoid washing an article of clothing that may only need refreshing, saving both water and energy.

The company claims that the new Oasis(HT) washer cleans better than any other model among leading brand top loaders, offering features like gentlewash(TM) technology to clean delicate items and Catalyst(R) Cleaning Action to help ensure bright whites. The TimedOxi(TM) option, available in a top load model for the first time through Oasis(HT), releases oxygen-based stain fighters at the precise time for powerful stain-fighting performance. Additionally, the washer is certified by Read more

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APPLIANCES: Sub-Zero Launches GrowAGreenKitchen.com

Just this week Sub-Zero announced their website coverage of design elements for making your kitchen “greener”.  Several weeks ago we stumbled upon this site before it was announced, and wrote about it in our article:  We know you want Sub-Zero, what is their eco-friendly story?  

The details of the Sub-Zero site are below - we think you should take a look!  Their product performance will surprise you in terms of energy efficiency, and make sure you check out our previous Sub-Zero article as we went one step further into Sub-Zero’s Energy Star compliance. 

Microsite Provides Practical Applications to Make Your Kitchen a Fresher, Greener Environment

MADISON, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are moving toward living greener lives. Eating habits and purchasing choices are changing and evidence now points to consumers seeking ways to create green environments in the home. Sub-Zero and Wolf’s Web sites have long provided tips and expertise in all things relating to refrigeration, cooking and kitchen design; but recently, the companies incorporated another facet to their already robust online tools, the microsite: GrowAGreenKitchen.com.

GrowAGreenKitchen.com was built to provide consumers, builders Read more

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