SanJoseGreenHome.com

Whether you live in San Jose or any other part of the world, energy is an essential part of our lives. Our bodies need it to function and stay focused, and our homes need it for lighting, powering appliances, electronics, heating, cooling and even charging our cell phones. Most of us don’t even think about energy until a power outage occurs and we find ourselves reading our favorite novel under the candle light.  Yet another punch of reality may settle in when we are faced with that ever bigger utility bill. 

Did you know that residential buildings account for nearly a quarter of the worlds carbon emissions (21%)?  Nationally, energy prices in the residential building sector have maintained the highest in relation to other well known sectors such as transportation, industrial, and commercial buildings. The state of California is ranked among the top states in the nation for highest energy costs – only coming in lower than some east coast states and Hawaii.  

So what can we do to lower the pain on those energy bills and go easy on the environment?  Well, one way is to start being mindful of it and applying some “controlled conservation.”  It is easily one of the best methods of reducing high energy costs.  It includes shutting off lights, taking shorter showers and using energy at off peak hours.  This just the tip of the iceberg for energy conservation but most of us don’t do it.  Why?  Well, controlled conservation can (more…)

In the heat of San Jose summer, most people don’t want to turn on their ovens unless it’s absolutely necessary. I know I don’t.  A lot of cooking is done with a microwave, but the air inside a microwave also heats up pretty good, and let’s face it, the food just does not taste as good.

One awesome way to avoid this extra heat and unnecessary use of resources is to use a solar oven.  I first discovered it when watching a show called “Living with Ed” on Planet Green.  The guy is green out of his mind and has all these fun ways of saving energy.  He has one of these solar ovens in his backyard which of course causes regular tension with his lovely wife who is a style freak.

So what is a solar oven, you’re asking yourself.  A solar oven or solar cooker is a device which uses sunlight as its energy source. It uses no fuel and they cost nothing to run.  It’s simply a box, lined with tin foil or other material, insulated on the outside to keep the heat inside, which sits out in a strategic position in your backyard, where it will get the most sun. Ever gotten into a car – especially a black one – after it’s been sitting in the sun for a few hours? It’s extremely (more…)

When most people hear about “Greening” their San Jose home they automatically think solar panels. While it is true that getting off the grid is fun and rewarding there are many more simple steps we can take towards a more greener home.  In fact, installing expensive solar panels may not make sense if we have a drafty, energy leaking house.

Since homes produce twice as more greenhouse gas emissions than all passenger cars, giving your San Jose house a green energy tune-up may be the best place to start.  It is incredible how much money you can save by simply implementing a few tips: 

1.      If your heating bill is higher than your mortgage and your Persian cat is wearing a sweater it’s time to change those windows.  By replacing old single pane windows you will not only be more comfortable in your house but also put a plug into one of your main enegry leaking sources.       

2.         Switch all of your light bulbs to fluorescent type. They are four times as efficient as traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last 10 times as long.  You can find them (more…)