On March 15, 2010 we had a great discussion in the Hohm community about energy conservation and efficiency. I believe this conversation really took off because it’s a topic that everyone can relate to since we all use energy every day — for transportation, cooking, heating and cooling rooms, manufacturing, lighting, and entertainment. Most importantly the choices we make about how we use energy — turning machines off when we’re not using them or choosing to buy energy efficient appliances — impact our environment and our lives in a very direct manner.

While related, the concepts of energy efficiency and energy conservation are not the same.

• Energy conservation is any behavior that results in the use of less energy. Turning the lights off when you leave the room and recycling aluminum cans are both ways of conserving energy.
• Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to perform the same function. A compact fluorescent light bulb that uses less energy than an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light is an example of energy efficiency. However, the decision to replace an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent is an act of energy conservation.

So after defining theses terms which one do you think is more important to creating a sustainable life at home that can save you money and energy? Todd Cloutier had a great response to this question -

“Yes. Efficiency, once implemented, requires no additional choices to reap the rewards, while other conservation methods (usually reduction of consumption by changing personal habits) require constant reinforcement. Example: a CFL will continue to save energy, while turning off lights only works when remembered. So – while all conservation is good, built-in efficiency saves even when people cease to care.”

I like his point that efficiency can work for you even when you’re not actively taking steps. And I also think about a teacher who always drove home a point about efficiency vs. effectiveness. My teacher’s comments usually went like this “No matter how efficient your solution is you’re not effective if you’re wasting people’s resources and that includes your own.” Efficiency only means that you’ve refined a process, but that can be the least effective in producing your end result.

What do you think is THE end result that we’re collectively trying to achieve in the American energy crisis? Saving money? Time? Energy? The earth? Health?  Because regardless if an individual tries to conserve energy or become more energy efficient, there is a motivation about what makes them want to change.  Take a moment and try to identify that reasoning  for yourself and then take a step further to map out a goal and see how both energy efficiency and conversation can come into play to make your efforts as effective as possible to achieve that goal.  Let me know what you come up with! I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Use http://www.microsoft-hohm.com to find out more ways to save money and energy at home – replacing the aerator in your faucets is an easy way to save money and water in your home. It only takes a few moments to complete and usually no tools are required.

We’ve all heard about the Cash for Clunkers campaign that took the auto industry by storm but have you heard about the Cash for Caulkers program? This new campaign announced by the White House yesterday proposes to reimburse homeowners for energy efficient appliances and insulation, part of a broader plan to stimulate the economy.

The details of the plan haven’t been released yet as the administration is still working with Congress to develop the legislation, although leaked details include rebates up to $12,000 for homeowners. So what does this all mean? More green jobs? A more energy efficient America? Hopefully all of the above, but the main driver behind this program is to persuade consumers to spend money in a way that benefits the environment as well as the economy.

We’ll keep our ear to the ground to give you updates on any developments with this proposal. In the meantime, make sure your Hohm profile is complete and find out what improvements you can make to conserve energy in your home and be ready to take advantage of the rebates as soon as they’re available. 

Check the video below to see one man’s opinion – it might bring a smile to your face.