Tony from Hawaiian Electric came out today to install the Energy Scout switch that would turn off our water heater for an hour or so if necessary during emergency energy shortages. As a bonus for being part of the program we get $3.00 off a month on our electric bill. Not much but we decided to try and help the state anyway.
Another thing we've bought are these LED lights which are supposed to last 25 years and provide a continuous glow for pennies a year. There are no bulbs and are cool to the touch. We've put them around the house so KC can see where she's at even without the lights turned on.
OK... Let's be honest here, it's for me so I can find my way to the bathroom at night without turning on any bright lights.
Those are COOL upgrades (pun intended).
ReplyDeleteyou are too honest but be safe. saving energy is important and helps the budget moneywise. just don't climb up any more ladders.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great energy idea about the hot water heater, never heard of it before. Anything that will help. I love the little lights, they are just right for bathrooms! Great for KC as well.
ReplyDeleteGood deal! How's that foot coming along?
ReplyDeleteSolar water heating is a must in Hawaii. Do check it out, Kay.
ReplyDeleteI don't like turning on lights in the night either. LEDs seem like a good idea. Have you noticed how many small lights there are at night: computer, phone, DVR, clocks, ice maker in fridge door, and more?
ReplyDeleteWhatever the reasons, they're good to have. Great ideas! You guys do good!!
ReplyDeleteOh now those lights are very cool indeed, never seen them before. The hot water heater button was news to me too!
ReplyDeleteWe've had something in the UK for years now called Economy Seven, which gives you cheaper electricity between midnight and 7 am. We heat our water then and do our washing overnight too. We've also bought a plug in device for our top landing, which reacts to lack of light, so only switches itself on when it gets dark. Starting from scratch as you are you're in such a great position to introduce energy and money saving devices.
ReplyDeleteLEDs? Never saw such a thing. Always learning about new stuff on your blog.
ReplyDeleteSurprised y'all don't use sun to heat your water.
Yes, we do intend to do solar water heating once we figure out the best way to go about it. You need a huge water heater to do solar water heating and we don't have the space right now to house that large a tank. Also, the roof is not quite situated to accomodate the solar panels easily. We're going to have to get some experts in to figure this all out.
ReplyDeleteMy foot still aches but seems to be doing better. Art thinks I'm pushing it too much.
I admire you your attitude for savings. Patty and I did this back when the government gave us big chunks of money to do it. Anyway, we still got a blanket around our water heater. Nowadays they have water heaters that have no tanks. That would be my choice if I live long enough to need another one.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of things you can do and it seems like you are working on them.
I've been looking for a green switch that I heard about awhile ago and then forgot about.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me!
That night light looks so cool, besides being energy wise! I get up in the middle of the night sometimes and I think they would do the trick!
Thank you , thank you!
Our water tanks are on the roof, attached to a glass plate thing that collects the heat of the sun and heats the water. I'll have to post on it.
ReplyDeleteNever seen them outside of Israel. Don't know why.
I love that you're getting an incentive to do it! In Ireland our hot water is only on a few hours a day, and the tank is super-insulated to keep it hot (or at least warm) betweentimes.
ReplyDeleteThe LCD lights sound like a wonderful idea: I'm going to look for those.
You have energy shortages? We had to have an electrician out for a problem here and it isn't cheap...
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