19 Oct
2022

Optimizing Setting a Programmable Thermostat for Winter

Posted by Norman F, October 19th, 2022

Easy Eco Blog Electric Programmable Thermostat

The average household will spend over $1100 staying warm during the winter.  This cost just keeps going straight up.  You can lower your heating costs by 2-5% for every 1 degree lower you set your thermostat. Easily save $200 a year.

Housing accounts for 20% of total US energy use with heating and cooling consuming a whopping 44% of residential energy use.

We realized that we were not setting our programmable thermostat optimally, when we saw some tips that result in lower energy use. We would set the thermostat to heat to my desired temperature of 65 degrees from 6pm to 7am. Many people will prefer 68 degrees, but we like wearing sweaters at home. (Or are so cheap we have to)

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25 May
2022

How Long do Solar Panels Last? – Repair Solar Panels System

Posted by Norman F, May 25th, 2022

Solar Panels do not need much maintenance and are pretty reliable. As with anything exposed to the elements, they do eventually breakdown. We will detail our experience with long term solar panel ownership.

Typical Solar Panel Warranty

A reputable solar panel’s performance warranty will typically guarantee 90% power production at 10 years and 80% at 25 years. A solar panel warranty will typically guarantee 10-12 years without failing.

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27 Apr
2022

Why an EV? Living with an Electric Car

Posted by Norman F, April 27th, 2022

Last Update: 4/27/2022

Tesla-Factory Super Charger Model S

Tesla Factory

We recently purchased a Tesla Model S. Much has been written about this excellent electric car—instead of providing a more technical review, we will provide insight gleaned from day to day use of this car in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Are high gas prices getting to you? Do something about it!

Toyota prius hybrid Car

It costs a lot to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. A recent study released in  2012 showed that the average household in San Francisco spends 39.5% of their income on housing and transportation. Those that lived in the suburbs spent even more, probably because they had to drive longer distances. People that lived in Marin County spent 56.3% on housing and transportation, while those lived in San Mateo County spent 53.3%. Finding ways to reduce our transportation costs is very important.

How to Save Money on Your Car

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14 Jan
2022

Installing Your First Home Electric Car Charger

Posted by Norman F, January 14th, 2022

Nissan-Leaf-Electric-Car-Charger

Introduction

Anyone interested in taking the plunge with an electric car or Plug-in Electric Vehicles (EV’s) needs to investigate their charging options. Adding a charger to your garage can become a several hundred dollar project or several thousand dollar home improvement project. Each vehicle needs a different type of charger system and each house has a different electrical system.

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1 Jan
2022

TXU Energy Efficiency Rebates – Oncor Energy Efficiency Rebates

Posted by Norman F, January 1st, 2022

TXU Energy Rebates
New TXU Energy rebates have been added.

Utility Company TXU Energy has a bunch of programs and incentives to help save energy, go green, and save money. They serve the Texas area and are the Number 1 Electricity Provider in the State.

  • Save $50 on select smart Thermostats
  • Sign up for renewable energy in Texas

Questions, call TXU Energy at 1-800-883-6060.

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1 Jan
2022

FPL Energy Efficiency Rebates to Save Money

Posted by Norman F, January 1st, 2022

FPL energy efficiency rebate form
New rebates have been added.

Utility Company Florida Power and Light has a bunch of cash rebates and ways to go green.

Questions, call 1-800-226-3545.

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Solar-panel

New rebates have been added for 2021.

San Diego’s power utility San Diego Gas and Electric rebates are here.  SDGE or SDG&E has a bunch of money saving SDGE rebates and ways to go green and save money.

  • $500 instant rebate Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters
  • $100 instant rebate Gas Water heaters
  • $200 instant rebate variable speed pool pump
  • These are Instant rebates at specific stores.

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26 Nov
2021

Chinese Chalk or Chinese Insecticide Chalk

Posted by Norman F, November 26th, 2021

Chinese Insecticide Chalk

Recently I found a friend who was using Chinese Miraculous Insecticide Chalk otherwise known as Pretty Baby Chalk, Ant Chalk, Roach Chalk and Chinese Chalk.  Tres Pasitos is a Spanish name for this product.

The product is illegal and dangerous. The EPA has a warning on it too. We tried it in the past and found that it didn’t really work. I found this stuff being sold all over San Francisco’s Chinatown and it is for sale on eBay.

A check on amazon in 2022 found no insecticide chalk.

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18 Oct
2021

How to have a Green Halloween

Posted by Norman F, October 18th, 2021

Halloween witch flying into a tree

Having an Eco Friendly Green Halloween is more and more desirable these days. How can you green your  Halloween?

  • Buy your pumpkins, squash, and other vegetables from a local farmers market or from local sources
  • Rent or buy your costume from used clothing stores like Goodwill. Reusing items that you already have is even better. Consider donating or giving away your costumes after Halloween. Trade with other families.
  • Utilize reusable bags to hold treats
  • Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood or carpool to your destination
  • Compost the pumpkin, squash, leftovers, etc.
  • Give out green oriented treats like organic fruit, repurposed trinkets not sugar
  • Donate extra candy, food to local shelters

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