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| Energy Calculator Itemizes Savings |
Submitted by:
Urban Sherp 09/22/2009 5:02 PM
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I just discovered Low Impact Living's Impact Calculator and am completely obsessed. Such a great tool for anyone looking to save on their energy costs, minimize their carbon footprint and to prioritize major to minor home improvement projects.
To get a basic report all you need to do is enter your zip code and then the calculator works off of neighborhood averages to get a 'picture' of your house to base its recommendations. If you want a more detailed report, you'll be asked a series of questions about your home. That's what I did and it didn't take long at all, maybe 5 minutes to answer questions ranging from how your home is heated to the number of cars you own to how many loads of laundry you do.
Based on the information provided, they calculate your LILI (or Low Impact Living Index) score - this number is the enemy, lower your LILI and you'll save money and curb your carbon footprint.
Along with your LILI, comes a list of things you can do from minor projects to major projects to help lower you LILI. With each suggestion the estimated cost of the project and the average yearly return is included. For example, the first item on my list was to install a low flow shower with a cost to install of $60 for a savings of $144 per year! Some "projects," like reducing your water heater temperature cost nothing at all and can result in a savings of $150 a year.
An painless way to get a quick picture of your energy costs and easy ways to save money by curbing your carbon footprint. Sure, some of the recommendations involve buying carbon offsets for things like flying, which is to one extreme, but the little things like changing light bulbs and investing in newer appliances can translate into serious money savings with little money or effort.
There are some oversights, like no mention of public transportation, biking etc. But it is a good place to start, almost like an online energy audit.
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