Emerson Teaches How To Earn More Money from Energy Savings Programs

Entry #711, October 19, 2011

Every year Americans are using more energy than needed, and not taking advantage of energy savings dollars that are available. October is National Energy Awareness Month, and what better way to celebrate it, then learn how to get more money back into your pocket? Today, I interview Karl Zellmer as he gives us the results of the Emerson Home Energy Survey. Get tips for where you can visit to start earning energy saving dollars, and help your home and the Earth at the same time.

Where in your home could you earn money on energy savings?

EMERSON HOME ENERGY SURVEY

1.) With home appliance manufacturers and the government having energy savings programs, what do you think is the reason why more people aren’t aware or aren’t taking advantage of current tax rebates?

We’re not sure why the majority of the survey’s respondents — 61% — said they were not aware of rebates and incentives available to them. But, October being National Energy Awareness Month does present an excellent opportunity to help raise consumers’ awareness about these benefits. It’s also a great opportunity to recommend consumers take advantage of free resources like DSIRE (www.dsireusa.org) to learn about rebates and incentives being offered by their city, county, state, federal government and local utilities when they upgrade to energy efficient products and services.

Find state energy savings per your location

2.) Is there a way for appliance manufacturers to make energy efficient appliances more affordable? It seems that only those that can afford higher-priced appliances are reaping the benefits of tax savings.

While energy-efficient appliances may cost a little more up-front, energy rebates and incentives can save homeowners hundreds, if not thousands, on energy-efficient upgrades such as appliances. The Emerson survey revealed that the majority of consumers are willing to invest $5,000 in a home-energy upgrade if it paid for itself in six months. Determining the payback period of more substantial purchases is key, and consumers may find it is well worth the initial investment, especially if they take advantage of rebates. Emerson does have a new, free smartphone application that will help consumers identify the efficiency and the return on investment for a variety of home energy upgrades. It’s called the Emerson eSaver™, and can be downloaded for iPhone or Android devices for free at: http://www.emersonclimate.com/en-US/resources/Pages/mobileapps.aspx

Smart phone access for energy savings programs

3.) What advice do you have for homeowners who are interested in energy savings, but don’t have the resources or information to implement in their homes?

There are a lot of free resources available to consumers. One great tool is DSIRE (www.dsireusa.org), a third-party website that spells out available tax rebates and incentives by state, county and city governments.

Along with looking into resources such as DSIRE to capitalize on energy-efficient upgrades, I recommend homeowners start with small investments. One inexpensive investment that typically yields big savings would be installing a programmable thermostat – something that 43% of consumers have already done.  Programmable thermostats are ideal for people while they’re away at work, school, traveling or asleep. By using pre-programmed settings, homeowners can save more than $180 a year.

Find what credits you could be taking advantage of

4.) Is there a place where consumers can go to find out the pros and cons of not keeping up with their home maintenance? For example, not changing the air filters on their heating/AC.

There are lots of websites that serve as great resources for improving your home energy efficiency, including Stagetecture. Many of your utility providers also have valuable “homeowner hints” for energy savings and maintenance on their websites. In addition, consumers can also reach out to their local contractors with questions, or for advice.  Below is a sampling of other online resources:

• L.A. Times’ Greenspace: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/ (also on Twitter @latenvironment and Facebook L.A. Times Environment)
• Sierra Club Green Home: http://www.sierraclubgreenhome.com/ (Twitter: @SCGreen_Home and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SierraClubGreenHome)
• DIY Network offers some great energy-efficiency tips and how-to’s: http://www.diynetwork.com/home-improvement/index.html
• Bob Vila’s Green Technology and Building: http://www.bobvila.com/sections/green
• The Daily Green’s Green Homes section: http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/

Karl Zellmer, Vice President of Air Conditioning Sales, has more than 27 years of experience in the HVACR industry. Since joining the Copeland Corporation in 1981, he has held positions of increasing responsibility within Copeland, including assignments in operations, marketing, purchasing, and sales.

In his current position, Zellmer is responsible for sales and technical support of air conditioning products.  He is also one of Copeland’s experts on the transition to 13 SEER energy standards and the impact that these regulations have on the HVACR industry.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.