Articles tagged with "energy-savings"
Significant Savings from 120-Volt Heat Pump Water Heaters - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights significant cost savings and practical benefits from the adoption of 120-volt plug-in heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) in California. Traditionally, heat pump water heaters required 240-volt hardwiring, which often necessitated costly electrical panel upgrades and new wiring, especially when replacing gas water heaters that lacked existing electrical connections. In 2023, manufacturers Rheem and A.O. Smith introduced 120-volt plug-in HPWHs that can operate efficiently by plugging into standard outlets, avoiding the need for electrical resistance backup heating common in 240-volt models. Data from the TECH Clean California program shows that these 120-volt HPWHs cost about 22% less to install—approximately $1,700 on average—and only 2% required electrical service upgrades, compared to over 25% for 240-volt units. This development is significant because it reduces installation complexity and cost, making heat pump water heaters more accessible to homeowners
energyheat-pump-water-heaterenergy-efficiencyresidential-energyelectric-water-heaterscarbon-emissions-reductionenergy-savingsTop Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates Available Nationally - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the significant financial incentives available across the United States to encourage the adoption of Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs), which offer substantial energy savings despite higher upfront costs compared to traditional water heaters. HPWHs can save approximately $500 annually on energy bills compared to electric resistance water heaters, making rebates and incentives crucial for offsetting initial expenses. With the federal tax credit for HPWHs expiring at the end of the year, the article emphasizes the urgency for consumers to take advantage of these rebates to reduce installation costs. Regionally, the Northeast offers some of the most generous HPWH rebates, with Efficiency Maine providing a leading $1,100 instant rebate, often reducing HPWH costs to under $500. Other notable incentives in the Northeast include $1,000 from National Grid (covering NY, MA, RI), $600–$800 in Vermont, and $700–$900 in Massachusetts and New York, with higher rebates for emerging split system
energyheat-pump-water-heaterrebatesenergy-savingsENERGY-STARutility-incentiveswater-heating-technologyRooftop Solar Owners Want You To Know What They've Learned - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica summarizes insights gathered from a year-long survey of rooftop solar owners, highlighting their motivations and experiences with solar energy. The primary reasons homeowners and businesses choose to install rooftop solar are financial savings and energy independence. Many respondents emphasized the significant reduction in monthly electricity bills, with average annual savings around $1,500 in the U.S., though actual savings vary based on factors like location, system size, and local incentives. Additionally, rooftop solar offers stable energy costs, protecting consumers from rising utility prices. Beyond cost savings, energy self-sufficiency is a key driver for solar adoption. Respondents value the ability to generate their own power without reliance on external sources, which enhances energy security. The article also notes that programs like Connecticut’s Residential Solar Investment Program have successfully expanded solar access to low- and moderate-income communities, doubling adoption rates in the state. Overall, rooftop solar is seen as a viable, reliable, and economically attractive technology that supports both environmental goals and financial returns,
energysolar-energyrooftop-solarrenewable-energyenergy-savingssolar-powerenergy-independenceA New Chevy Bolt EV For $17,000? (With Incentives) - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the affordability and practicality of the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV, emphasizing that with available incentives, the vehicle can effectively cost around $17,000 new. This challenges the common misconception that electric vehicles (EVs) are prohibitively expensive. The piece compares the Bolt’s price favorably to other EVs like the Nissan Ariya, Chevy Equinox EV, and Nissan Leaf, all of which have higher base prices before incentives. The author stresses that beyond the sticker price, EV owners can realize additional savings through lower fuel, maintenance, and repair costs. For example, a senior citizen featured in a related video replaced his gas-powered Honda Accord with a Bolt, benefiting from home charging savings and reduced brake wear due to regenerative braking. The article also notes the senior driver’s positive experience, including no range anxiety and achieving up to 300 miles on a single charge with an impressive energy efficiency of 4.9 miles per kWh. This underscores the Bolt’s capability for longer trips and
energyelectric-vehiclesChevy-Bolt-EVEV-incentivesbattery-efficiencyregenerative-brakingenergy-savingsCommercial Building Owners Want To Save Energy Star - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the controversy surrounding the future of the Energy Star program, a government-run initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Lee Zeldin, the current EPA administrator aligned with MAGA ideology, has proposed eliminating the program or outsourcing it to private contractors, arguing that it requires excessive taxpayer funding and government staffing. Critics of this view highlight the program’s significant public benefits, including preventing over 4 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the past 30 years and enabling businesses to avoid $14 billion in energy costs through tools like Portfolio Manager, which tracks and benchmarks energy use across properties. Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager tool is especially valued by the real estate industry and sustainability advocates for providing a trusted, government-backed, and objective source of data on building energy performance. It helps owners identify inefficient buildings, comply with local energy disclosure mandates, and make informed decisions on energy-saving investments. Given that buildings contribute a substantial portion of emissions—over two-thirds in cities like New York—Energy Star plays
energyEnergy-Starenergy-efficiencycarbon-emissionsbuilding-managementenergy-savingssustainabilityHow ‘Ice Battery’ powers 4,000+ US buildings, cuts cooling energy use by 40%
energycoolingIce-Batteryenergy-savingspower-demandrefrigerationenergy-storageEnergy Star Program Gets The Kiss Of Death
energy-efficiencyEnergy-Starclimate-changeenergy-savingshome-appliancesenergy-certificationrenewable-energyWhy Losing ENERGY STAR Would Be A Tragedy For The US
energyenergy-efficiencyENERGY-STARenergy-savingsconsumer-appliancesenvironmental-policyutility-incentivesTrump administration plans to shutter money-saving Energy Star program
energyEnergy-Starenergy-efficiencyhousehold-energy-costsEPAclimate-technologyenergy-savings