During the time period in which I worked both as a realtor and in the construction field, the demand for gas was much higher than electricity. Electric heat and hot water heaters were considered a detriment, and if given the choice, pretty much all homeowners opted for gas. As with many recent economically-driven trends, electric is making a comeback and gas is getting the boot, as pointed out in “Electrical Heating to Overtake Gas by 2018.”

There are a few factors driving this trend, but the financial consideration is the underlying influence. The initial installation of gas is more expensive for builders, and now more than ever, expense makes a big difference. The biggest factor is obviously rising fuel prices, and with winter setting in, many homeowners are faced with exorbitant heating bills.

Long-term, however, electric is not the answer either. It is still expensive, and the electrical grids are often stretched to their limit, causing occasional blackouts in heavily populated areas. That is why alternative and renewable energy must gradually supplement electric and gas, eventually becoming more and more prominent. Some utility companies are already building solar and wind farms to supplement their standard systems. They are also rewarding those customers who are producing their own energy by offering net metering programs. (more…)

Now that fall has arrived with cooler temperatures and an occasional rainstorm, I can finally stop dreading opening the water bill. Even though we live in Oregon, our summer was still hot and dry, and my lush landscape began to take on a seemingly permanent wilted and yellow appearance, no matter how many hours I spent moving hoses and sprinkles. I am resolved to address my irrigation issues this year so that next summer is easier and less expensive.

Water is an invaluable resource. The WaterSense Program, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, promotes products and methods that work to conserve water. This makes it easier for consumers to conserve water by purchasing efficient, new fixtures and products.

Just recently, WaterSense announced the first recipients of the WaterSense Partners of the Year Awards. The companies are recognized and awarded for their work in encouraging water conservation amongst their consumers. Here are this year’s list of awardees: (more…)

We went shopping for a new TV a few weeks ago and if you’ve ever done the same, you know how it goes. You walk into the electronics section and are instantly drawn to the wall of flat-screen LCD and Plasma TVs. The high-definition pictures are full of eye-catching clarity, and the flat panels are amazingly thin. Flat-screen TVs are definitely popular, but one point consumers don’t pause to consider is how they affect the environment. (more…)