I received an email the other day from Melissa of www.DelmarFans.com. She wanted to share her knowledge on energy efficient ceiling fans. The following is what she has written on these great products:
Now that Summer is here finding ways to stay cool is on everyone’s mind. It’s important to keep cool but at what cost to our wallets and to our environment? Running the air conditioning can use a lot of electricity and most people today (including myself) are trying to cut back on energy use because of the damage it is doing to our beautiful planet plus the cost of energy usage. That’s where energy efficient ceiling fans come in. An energy efficient ceiling fan helps you reduce your energy usage, electricity costs, and improves your room’s comfort all at the same time. You can reduce your electric bill up to 40% in the Summer and up to 10% in the Winter by using an energy efficient fan. These fans use less energy and cost less to run than A/C units. Ceiling fans with effective air circulation can make you feel 7-9 degrees cooler because they create a wind chill effect. So you can turn up your A/C and still get the same cooling comfort by using one-third less energy. Imagine if everyone used energy efficient ceiling fans. What a BIG difference that would make! By using one of these fans you can do your part for the environment without sacrificing comfort plus you’ll save money. It can’t get better than that. J
What to Look for in Energy Efficient Ceiling Fans?
The main things that you need to look for when buying an energy efficient ceiling fan is the product airflow, electricity use, airflow efficiency, and if the fan has an energy star rating. The product airflow is the amount of air circulation produced by the ceiling fan. It is measured by cubic feet per minute, also known as CFM. You want to look for a ceiling fan with a product airflow of 4500 CFM and above to receive optimal air circulation. The electricity use of a ceiling fan is the amount of watts used by the ceiling fan when in use. When looking for an energy efficient ceiling fan you want to try to find one with a lower usage of wattage. The most important thing to look for is the airflow efficiency of the fan. Airflow efficiency is calculated by taking the product airflow CFM and divides it by the watts used. Energy efficient fans should have an airflow efficiency of 75 CFM/Watts and higher. The last thing to look for is the Energy Star logo. Most energy efficient ceiling fans have an energy star rating although keep your eye out for ceiling fans without the logo because sometimes you can find a more energy efficient ceiling fan that doesn’t have an energy star rating.
Energy Star Ceiling Fans
The best selling ceiling fans in the industry today are Energy Star rated due to the increased awareness of the environment. For a ceiling fan to earn an Energy Star rating it must meet the Energy Star product criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, also known as EPA.
Energy Star ceiling fans move 20% more air effectively and use approximately 50% less electricity than standard fans. Ceiling fans with Energy Star qualifications have improved motors and blades designs that result in lower energy usage which will save you money and help the environment all in one.
One of the most popular Energy Star fan is the Hunter 23856 Original Classic fan.
Hunter Fan 23856 52” Original Classic White Ceiling Fan
Product Airflow - 6947 CFM
Electricity Use - 87 watts
Airflow Efficiency - 80 CFM/watt
Extreme Green Ceiling Fans
Monte Carlo has developed extreme green ceiling fans. These fans combine Monte Carlo’s engineering with energy star standards. These ceiling fans are 300% more efficient than the average ceiling fan! One of the most energy efficient fans on the market today is the new 2010 Monte Carlo 5VSR60BSD Versio 60” fan.
Monte Carlo Fan 5VSR60BSD 60” Versio Brushed Steel Ceiling Fan
Product Airflow - 4646 CFM
Electricity Use - 12.1 watts
Airflow Efficiency - 383.9 CFM/watt
When shopping for Monte Carlo energy efficient ceiling fans look for the Extreme Green Logo.
Other Top Energy Efficient Ceiling Fans
Minka Aire F823-MG 52” Wing Mahogany Ceiling Fan
The unique Minka Aire F823-MG Wing ceiling fan has a sleek, modern design that will add style and comfort to your home while being energy efficient.
Product Airflow - 6000 CFM
Electricity Use - 31 watts
Airflow Efficiency - 193 CFM/watt
Emerson Fan CF252BS 52” Brushed Steel Curva Fan
The Emerson CF252BS Curva ceiling fan has a contemporary design and is UL Wet rated, which makes it suitable for covered and uncovered outdoor locations.
Product Airflow - 5329 CFM
Electricty Use - 45 watts
Airflow Efficiency - 118 CFM/watt
Energy Efficient ceiling fans, when used properly, help you add comfort to your home year-round while cutting down on energy use and costs. The ceiling fan direction in the Summer months should run counter-clockwise to create a cooling downdraft. While in the Winter months the ceiling fan direction should run clockwise to circulate warm air from the ceiling down to the floor to evenly distribute the warm air. Also make sure you buy the right size ceiling fan for your room to ensure the maximum air movement. When you are looking for a light kit for an energy efficient ceiling fan make sure you find an energy saving light kit as well. Go green, save money and stay comfortable with energy efficient ceiling fans. J
Energy Saving Tip: Ceiling fans cool people not rooms so always remember to turn off your ceiling fan when leaving a room.
Melissa O'Connor
Marketing Department
Del Mar Designs
www.delmarfans.com
New Designs & Latest Trends www.bloglighting.com & www.ceilingfan.org
I made the below video almost two years ago, but I have recently changed up the audio. This video is a culmination of facts about our environment as well as ways we can improve the environment. I think you'll learn something. I see it as the video version of the Ways2GoGreen website. Enjoy.
We all remember the Cash 4 Clunkers program from last year. This was where you could trade in your older not-so-good on gas mileage vehicle for a vehicle with higher gas mileage while receiving a rebate. Well, this year we now have the 'Cash for Appliances' program for household appliances. The state of Kentucky will pay consumers up to $400 to purchase appliances designated as Energy Star Appliances. Those are appliances that meet government standards for energy efficiency. Energy Star appliances can be seen here.
The 'Cash for Appliances' program in Kentucky begins on Earth Day on April 22. Rebates will run from $50 up to $400 depending upon the appliance. In Kentucky 16 appliances have been designated to be part of the program. They include dishwashers, refrigerators, front-loading clothes washers, and hot water heaters. Dryers are not included because they are not energy efficient.
General Electric's new hybrid hot water heater which will soon be manufactured in Louisville is expected to be one of the more popular products. The state of Kentucky has $4 million to give to consumers. Once the money is gone the program is over. The amount of money each state gets was determined by its population.
To be eligible consumers have to purchase an E-Star appliance that will replace an older less efficient one. Some stores like Sears say they will be open extra hours to deal with what they expect will be a big increase in their business on that day.
To learn more about Kentucky's 'Cash for Appliances' program, specifically which appliances are eligible along with the rebate amount go to the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence.
I, like millions of others, saw the 60 Minutes piece on the Bloom Box. Wow. A small box less than one square foot can power a home continuous for years with little energy input, which would replace the big power plants and transmission line grids. Did I mention that it is wireless? Fed Ex, Google, eBay and Wal-Mart are already testing the Bloom Box with success. Hmmmm … could this really be what every energy consumer in the world has been waiting for, well, forever?
This is the claim anyway of K.R. Sridhar, CEO of Bloom Energy, who came up with the Bloom Box after developing a similar device for NASA. The Bloom Box is made up of ceramic squares which are made from baked sand. The ceramic squares are coated with green and black “inks.” Bloom makes the ceramic discs which it stacks together with metal plates of “a cheap metal alloy.” The more power the Bloom Box makes, the bigger the stack. Bloom Energy is making their official big announcement this Wednesday, February 24.
We shall see if the Bloom Box will deliver as advertised. Only time will tell if we will have Bloom Boxes in our yards in ten years or sooner with no major glitches. Honestly, it all seems pretty much ‘too good to be true’ for millions of consumers, but I am open to be greatly surprised.
So how did Bloom Energy get its name?
So, what do you think of the Bloom Box?
I'm happy to announce I have partnered with Lunch.com to write about Green topics. If you would like to review products or concepts related to Green issues I would urge you to sign up to Lunch.com. It is a great place to share and learn ideas and issues from around the world.
Please check out my reviews for Community Gardens and Plastic Identification Codes to get an idea of what Lunch.com is about. I would really love to know your take on issues.
Go here to create your Lunch.com account:
Create Your Account
If you do sign up at Lunch.com, I ask that you send me your member name at claymiller@Ways2GoGreen.com.
You can find me on Lunch.com at: http://www.Lunch.com/Clay_Miller
You can also email me with any questions at claymiller@Ways2GoGreen.com
Lunch.com has set out to build an online community that brings together people's favorite online activities -- sharing useful info about things we know and love + discovering interesting facts and opinions that matter to us. They are hoping to tap into people who are engaging with the world around them, so they can share what they're witnessing in a way that's rewarding and meaningful. We all have critical thoughts about the things we encounter, whether it's movies, green issues, or sneakers, or allergy medication, and people like you are particularly full of valuable information. Basically, their goal is to capture that... and do it in a way that's fun and interesting.
Thank you and I'll see you at Lunch.com.
Below, the founder of Lunch.com, J.R. Johnson, explains more:
Message to the Community
What's your passion? Whatever your interests are, we have some new features that will make sharing and discovering more about what you love even easier. We also like to think that the side effect to the fun is finding some common ground with people you may never have encountered otherwise. Surely the world could use a little more understanding, right? So keep rating and find out who you're most similar on everything under the sun-- from food and politics to sports and the environment.
We've added a brand new way to participate on Lunch called Micro Reviews. An easy, quick-take opinion (in 140 characters or less) will help us get to know you and connect you to great people and content. It's a nice way to work your way up to writing full reviews. Plus, you can share your Micro Reviews on Twitter and Facebook.
You can also share your top faves with Lists! You can rank data points on any theme or category. Post your , , or in order, and then share your list on Lunch, Facebook, Twitter or any of your social networks. Also, include blurbs on why you ranked the list the way you did. Once you share your list, other people can create their own version based on yours. It's a great way to compare tastes and show off the cool stuff you know.
We're proud to announce Communities on Lunch, where you can find the latest reviews, top contributors, ExhilaRate games, and Lists on a particular topic! Find popular communities above or click on "Interests" (in the green bar at the top of the site) and "." See how you stack up against other contributors in , , , , or ! You can also follow a community to get updates on new posts and content. Since we've just starting building Communities, please help us out by tagging your reviews and data points. Thanks for helping us out!
Remember to follow us on Twitter for news, for the cream of the crop reviews, or follow me . And become a fan of ! We'd love to hear what you think via email or Twitter.
Thanks again for being a part of our growing community.
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with SEES (Solar Energy & Efficiency Solutions, Inc.). One of their many services is a Free Online Energy Audit delivered to your email. You will also receive a Free Energy Guide and Free Green Energy Talk Magazine, all designed to help homeowners lower their energy bills and help the planet go green.
Simply click on the image below or here to signup for your Free Online Energy Audit. You will be presented with a 10-20 page detailed analysis of ways you can make your home more energy efficient. You will also receive a list of all of the incentives, rebates and grants available for your ZIP Code.
There is no cost or obligation and you can opt out of future emailings at any time. Your own Free online energy audit and comprehensive report will show you FACTS for simple improvements to your home or business — save money, save energy, and improve the environment. We hope you take advantage of this service from SEES. Have a great green day.
A pesticide may be a chemical substance, biological agent (such as a virus or bacterium), antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest. Pests include insects, plant pathogens, weeds, mollusks, birds, mammals, fish, roundworms, microbes and people that destroy property, spread or are a vector for disease or cause a nuisance. Although there are benefits to the use of pesticides, there are also drawbacks, such as potential toxicity to humans and other animals.
Pesticide use raises a number of environmental concerns. Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, including non-target species, air, water and soil. Pesticide drift occurs when pesticides suspended in the air as particles are carried by wind to other areas, potentially contaminating them. Pesticides are one of the causes of water pollution, and some pesticides are persistent organic pollutants and contribute to soil contamination.
Below are two lists from the Environmental Working Group on the fruit and vegetables with potentially the most and least pesticides.
The Dirty Dozen: Fruits & Vegetables that contain highest pesticides load
- peaches
- apples
- bell peppers
- celery
- nectarines
- strawberries
- cherries
- kale
- lettuce
- imported grapes
- carrots
- pears
Clean Fifteen: Fruits & Vegetables that contain the least pesticide residue
- onions
- avocados
- sweet corn
- pineapples
- mangoes
- asparagus
- sweet peas
- kiwis
- cabbages
- eggplants
- papayas
- watermelons
- broccoli
- tomatoes
- sweet potatoes
You can peel your fruits and vegetables and trim outer leaves of leafy vegetables in addition to washing them thoroughly. Keep in mind that peeling your fruits and vegetables may also reduce the amount of nutrients and fiber. Some pesticide residue also collects in fat, so remove fat from meat and the skin from poultry and fish.
So how do you possibly avoid pesticides totally? The answer is either grow your own food or going Organic. Or both. Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation to maintain soil productivity and control pests, excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides, plant growth regulators, livestock feed additives, and genetically modified organisms. Since 1990, the market for organic products has grown at a rapid pace, to reach $46 billion in 2007.
Think before you buy. I'm starting to do that and buy organic foods. There are more and more options because demand is increasing. Be healthy and eco-friendly.
