You will save money on gas when you have an efficient car, but do you know that starting January 1, 2009, there is a new tax credit for Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, starting at $2,500 and capped at $7,500 for cars and trucks (the credit is based on the capacity of the battery system). The first 250,000 vehicles sold get the full tax credit (then it phases out like the hybrid vehicle tax credits).
Tax credits are available to buyers of hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles. The tax credit amount is based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models. These credits are available for vehicles placed in service starting January 1, 2006. For hybrid and diesel vehicles made by each manufacturer, the credit will be phased out over 15 months starting after that manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. For vehicles made by manufacturers that have not reached the end of the phase-out, the credits will end for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2010. See the IRS Website for updated information
2009 Most and Least Fuel Efficient Vehicles
(ranked by city mpg)
2009 Most and Least Fuel Efficient Vehicles
(ranked by city mpg) at fueleconomy.gov
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How to use solar products in your house.
The Solarvent Stainless Steel provides 24 hours a day of silent and reliable ventilation for hot or humid areas. Reduces condensation and heat build-up in your boat, RV, Cabin, shed and green house. This new stylish and aerodynamic Solarvent provides more than double the airflow of any similar sized solar vent. It runs on free solar energy.
- Run 48 hours without sunlight
- Two high capacity AA NiMh batteries offer 24-hour operation capability
- No wiring required - Never drains boat/RV batteries
- Can be installed on wood, glass, metal, plastic or canvas
- Easy one-click intake/exhaust/off airflow selection
Sunsei 70440 Solar Vent Stainless Steel Day/Night Solar Powered Vent
Solar Power Your Home For Dummies
- Choose and install your best solar system
- Handle small to large solar projects
- Heat and cool your house with solar energy
- Install exterior solar lighting
- Handle swimming pool, water heater, or ventilation solar projects
- Create greenhouses or solar rooms
- Build, buy, or sell a solar home
- Finance your solar investments
- Take advantage of tax rebates and incentives associated with solar power
- Avoid the worst solar mistakes
Solar Power Your Home For Dummies  |
Xantrex Technologies 802-1500 XPower Powerpack 1,500-Watt Portable Backup Power System that produces household electricity for products rated at 1500 watts or less. A clean and quiet alternative to a generator, the XPower Powerpack integrates a 60 Amp/hour AGM battery with a 1500-watt inverter and produces a 3000-watt surge. This system is built to run a range of appliances such as a standard size refrigerator and microwave oven, and office equipment such as a computer, monitor, and fax machine.
The XPower Powerpack 1500 consists of a battery pack that stores electrical energy, state-of-the-art electronics that convert 12 volts from the battery pack to household power, an AC power panel that contains two standard outlets, and a DC power panel that is used to run 12 volt products. These components are packaged into a rugged "cart" with a removable waist handle that allows XPower Powerpack 1500 to be wheeled from room-to-room or outdoors over rough terrain.
An excellent alternative to a generator, the XPower Powerpack produces no noise or fumes and has no moving parts. With the accessories provided, you can easily recharge the XPower Powerpack using standard utility power from your wall outlet, your vehicle, or from a solar panel.
The XPower Powerpack can be used to produce power for numerous applications. For power emergencies it can run essential appliances like refrigerators, cordless/mobile phones, radios, fireplace fans, table lamps, or microwaves. For work sites, you can power your drills, belt sanders, circular saws, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, vacuums, computers, large monitors, fax machines, and inkjet printers. For plain old fun, you can use the power source to run blenders, video games, TV and VCRs, satellite equipment, coffee makers, portable coolers and more.
The XPower Powerpack features a built-in 1500 watt inverter and sealed, non-spillable 60 Amp-hour AGM battery. Dual AC outlets allow operation of multiple products, and a built-in battery level indicator confirms the charge level. A high surge protection and automatic over-temperature and overload shutdown keeps the Powerpack running safely and efficiently, while a low voltage alarm and shutdown prevents deep battery discharge. You can recharge the Powerpack from home (up to 15 hours), or your vehicle (6 to 8 hours). A padded grip towing handle removes easily for storage in tight places, and built-in handles on sides allow for easy lifting. |
Frigidaire FAA055P7A Compact Small-Room Air Conditioner with Remote Control
Although your first thought for cooling may be air conditioning, there are many alternatives that provide cooling with less energy use. A combination of proper insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, daylighting, shading, and ventilation will usually keep homes cool with a low amount of energy use in all but the hottest climates.
Air conditioners range from a small room air conditioner to a large central air conditioning unit. Most air conditioners operate at less than their maximum efficiency, presenting energy-saving opportunities. New air conditioning units are far more efficient than earlier models.
For example:
Designed for rooms up to 165 square feet, this energy-efficient compact air conditioner helps keep indoor air cool in the summer. Easy to operate, the unit provides a variable speed fan, eight-way air-direction control, and electronic controls with a full-function remote control for convenient programming. Choose from Cool, Energy Saver, and Fan modes. The air conditioner will automatically maintain the selected temperature ranging from 60 and 90 degrees F. In Energy Saver mode, the compressor shuts off as needed and the fan continues to run intermittently; when the room heats up past the set temperature, the compressor turns back on and begins cooling again. Choose the "fan only" option for air circulation without cooling. The air conditioner also offers auto-cool and sleep settings, a 24-hour on/off timer, and ionizer/electrostatic air filtration for cleaner air that allergy suffers will be sure to appreciate.
Evaluation Tools
Home Energy Saver 
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Financing & Incentives
Rebate Locator
ENERGY STAR®
Find Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR®
Professional Services
Find a NATE Certified HVAC Technician
North American Technician Excellence
Contractor Locator
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Find a Contractor
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
Department of Energy Resources
Building America
Building Technologies Program
Federal Government Resources
Heating & Cooling
ENERGY STAR® |
Energy Savings Web Sites around the world
California
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Kentucky
Maryland
Minnesota
New
Mexico
Texas
United
States
Australia
Canada
New
Zealand
United Kingdom
IEA/OECD
MultiCountry
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Do you know that your computer can consume as much as 10 percent of a home's energy bill? A typical PC consumes 535kWh of electricity a year. And two-thirds of that energy is wasted when the computer isn't in active use. Edison free software puts you in control of your PC energy usage. You can set your schedule and select how much energy you would like to save - Edison will calculate your estimated savings based on the setting you choose.
Download Edison Free Software
Helpful energy saving book
The Home Energy Diet: How to Save Money by Making Your House Energy-Smart (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series) |
Solar-powered pond pumps turn everyday products into water features. Requires no electricity for completely sun-powered operation. Great as a statuary pump or for powering other small water features.
Solar Pump Kit - 26 in head height
Fountain heads included
Powered by nature
Use in any water feature |
Air Vent #53560 800CFM Solar Gable Fan
800 CFM, Solar Powered Gable Fan, Ventilates Attics Up To 1200 SQFT, Runs Based On Solar Power, Pulls Air From The Soffit To The Fan & Pushes Air Through A Vent That Sits In Front Of The Fan, 15" Diameter, Panel Comes With 10' Cord. |
Do you know that Heating and cooling account for 53 Percent of household energy costs? Keep your hard-earned dollars from going out the window, baseboard or outlet plate by finding costly drafts and leaks with the new TLD100 thermal leak detector from the Black and Decker energy saver series.Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can add up to as much lost energy as an open window. Finding leaks and drafts, however, can be costly and requires a professional to conduct expensive tests and audits. The new thermal leak detector helps homeowners track down these power-draining drafts themselves, saving money.
Black & Decker TLD100 Energy Series Thermal Leak Detector
The unique hand-held TLD100 thermal leak detector uses infrared sensors that measure the surface temperature along flooring, molding, window frames, walls, etc. The TLD100 also helps you uncover hidden leaks that you might never expect, such as around recessed lighting (where installers often forget to replace insulation) or electric outlets and light switches (that can easily transmit small drafts). Simply set a reference temperature by pointing the device on an inside wall and hitting the set button and then point the thermal leak detector to scan areas in the house. When it hits a cold or hot spot, the LED spotlight changes from green to red or blue, identifying a hot or cold (respectively) leak. . With rising energy prices, many people are looking for ways to manage home energy consumption and lower monthly bills. The energy saver series helps consumers know more, use less and save money, by making it easier than ever to track and control energy expenditures in a home. Rather than requiring major lifestyle changes, the energy saver products provide consumers with the right tools to cut down on power consumption with little effort, making spending less on energy an achievable, measureable reality.
Black & Decker TLD100 Energy Series Thermal Leak Detector
- Uses infrared sensors to measure surface temperatures
- Helps homeowners track down power-draining drafts
- Sold with a 5 step guide to fixing basic energy leaks comes with the thermal leak detector, offering guidance on everything from caulking to weatherproofing windows and doors
- Plugging leaks can save up to 20-Percent on heating and cooling costs!
- 2 Year warranty
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The Lux TX9000TS is an easy-to-use touch screen thermostat that gives homeowners complete and accurate temperature control at the touch of a finger. The TX9000TS incorporates a user-friendly interface that is simple to understand and a large digital display that is easy to read. It is also Energy Star approved for reducing energy use, is 7-day programmable and compatible with a variety of heating and cooling systems.
Lux Products TX9000TS Touch Screen 7 Day Programmable Thermostat
7 Day Programmable Touch Screen Thermostat, Vacation Hold, Smart Recovery, Default Energy Star Approved Program, Lighted Display, 2 Or 5 Minute Delay, Temporary Temperature Override, 12/24 Hour Clock, Filter Monitor & Energy Usage Monitor, Most 24V Heating & A/C Systems, 1 Stage Heat, 1 Stage Cool, Gas, Oil, Electric, Or Single Stage Heat Pump Systems, 2 Wire Heat Only Hydronic Systems, Hot Water Baseboard & Radiator, Millivolt Subsets, Wall Heaters, Furnaces & Gas Fireplaces. |
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