Green seems to be everywhere these days. Actors, businessman and Professors all proclaim to have the answers. While there are reputable magazines like the National Geographic’s The Green Guide and E the environmental magazine there are also books like “Go Green Grow Rich.” I’ve heard so many statistics It makes my head spin. Even though most of the information on the environment is a little confusing, I still have a passion for the environment.
When my wife and I moved to Maui for a healthier lifestyle, I had no idea that would lead to eight years of a healthy and environmentally friendly life. In January, 2001, we bought a little fixer-upper in Kihei. Economic, not environmental motivations drove my renovation projects at first, but I soon realized that green made good financial sense.. like using fans instead of an AC and a solar water heater. That sparked my awakening to the environment. I can’t seem to learn enough. I can’t seem to do enough.
Sometimes I imagine a television show that’s of the extreme makeover genre but the topic is green. Extreme green makeover where a team takes over a middle class Kihei family, and turn them into an ultra green bunch.
The green team has just swooped in on the Kihei family. They live in a 15 year old house they bought in 2002. It’s about 2000sqft on a 9000ft lot. It’s not a fixer upper but it needs a lot of work. The Kihei’s have two kids. Their electric bill is $425/mo ($5100/yr), water bill is $150/mo. Their house has appreciated quite a bit in 4 years. and they have some savings. Our goal is to make their lives greener, healthier , save money and the planet… not a small task!
Extreme Green Home
The Kihei’s can’t afford a more energy efficient new house so we’re going to retrofit their existing house. Besides they’ve grown attached to it after 6 years there. We’re going to make their home more energy efficient than a new one. The way to think about saving energy in your home is that it is an ecosystem and your trying to balance all the elements. Making these changes will make their home more energy efficient, help the environment and save money.
Do a home energy audit
We recommend taking the online My Home Energy Check energy survey at ENERGY STAR for a free analysis of where their home energy dollars are going and some tips for possible savings.
Replace regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs
CFLs use one-fourth the energy of an old-fashioned incandescent bulb, last longer and are cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning. Changing just one 100-watt bulb to an equivalent 26-watt CFL, based on three hours use per day, can save 81 kWh and up to $20 per year per bulb. We’re replacing 15 bulbs for a savings of $300.
Use fans instead of air conditioner
Two fans, rather than an 8,000 BTU room air conditioner running six hours a day, can save over 1,650 kWh and $432 a year. We’re replacing a 50,000 BTU unit saving $2200 per year!
Air dry dishes
Letting dishes air dry instead of using heated drying on the average dishwasher saves 110 kWh and $28 per year.
Air dry Clothing
Letting clothes air dry instead of using heated dryer on the average saves 500 kWh and $125 per year.
Install motion detectors indoors and out
Cutting use of a 150-watt, outdoor flood light from six hours to one hour per night with a motion sensor saves up to 270 kWh and $68 per year. Switching off a 100-watt light for just one, 8-hour day per week, can save 41 kWh and over $10 per year.
Use ENERGY STAR® appliances
When it is time to replace or add appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol on refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers, as well as DVD and VCR players, televisions and home office equipment. Visit ENERGY STAR to learn more. Could save a bundle especially on refrigerators. We replaced all appliances for a savings of $800 per year.
Attic and Wall Insulation:
Have a contractor put in cellulose insulation made from recycled material. It cost about $1500 but worth it.
Solar Water Heater: Get a payback in 2 years! We saved $480 per year
Average Cost of solar water heating system $5,250.00+
- Less Instant Hawaiian Electric Rebate -$1,000.00
- Customer Payment to the Contractor $4,250.00
- Federal Tax Credit (30%* ($4,250 X 30%) -$1,275.00
(Currently set to expire on December 31, 2008)
- State Tax Credit (35%* ($4,250 X 35%) -$1,488.00
NET SYSTEM COST TO CUSTOMER $1,487.00
*Solar PV System: Get a payback in 9 years. We saved remainder of energy bill and 300,000 auto miles worth of pollution:
Average Cost of solar PV system $30,000.00
- Federal Tax Credit (30%* ($4,250 X 30%) -$2,000.00
(Currently set to expire on December 31, 2008)
- State Tax Credit (35%* ($4,250 X 35%) -$5,000.00
NET SYSTEM COST TO CUSTOMER $23,000.00
* Assumed 7% cost of money, 3% inflation, no home appreciation, no net-metering and 6Hrs/day useable light
The Kihei’s are now energy independent and have traded fossil fuel burning electricity for clean made solar power. We saved $3200/year even before the solar PV system. The remaining $1900/year was handled by the solar system.
