“To make a significant change, we need to see things clearly to act wisely”

Where we are

To review, as your EcoDharma Doula, for the next 9 months, I will offer you a monthly contemplation on what is commonly called ‘Getting to Zero.’ Science tells us we have 25 years to reduce our emissions to Zero. We are looking at a carbon reduction diet, which begins by looking at the big picture. We wish to turn the right side to Zero by 2050 or:

(Lighting + Heating + Cooling + cooking + driving +refrigeration + embodied energy + heating water + utilities + gardening) – (Clean Energy we Produce or Offset) = (Everything we Use)

If we start where we are, how do we discover where ‘where we are’ is? You have your Energy Audit done or underway. Two things may have appeared in your audit: the Building Envelope and phantom loads. If neither of these appears on your audit, you may have earned a hall pass this month! If you earned a hall pass, then good for you!

Contributed by Alan Ness

Please note: This advice is for homeowners. If you rent, you would need a new type of lease where the building owner would share in the energy savings.

Insulate Tight, Ventilate Right

Every House is different. Local Insulation an HVAC Experts should be able to provide you with the best advice for your house. Here are some guidelines and areas of inquiry:

Even before working on what fuel to use for your central heating/cooling system, it is important to “Insulate tight and ventilate right.” Why? To eliminate waste and increase efficiency of any energy you are using to heat and cool your house. There is a bonus that the ventilation system will keep the interior of your house healthy.

Your energy audit should help with:

INSULATION: any thermal imaging will give you feedback on the state of your insulation and where you need to boost it.

LEAKAGE the blower door test will give you information about how leaky your house is. When the air is being sucked out of your house, a simple incense test can help: walk around with burning incense and see where the smoke is most affected – that is where your leaks are.

In general, it is important to provide properly proportioned ventilation that also saves heat from leaving the house, rather than random ventilation from leaky windows. etc.

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THE DETAILS

INSULATION

There are four insulation components to think about:

● Walls

● Ceiling/Roof of house

● Windows

● Skylights.

As always, these are long-term items to consider and be ready to make the best choices when the time comes.

The state of insulation is always changing, but in general I recommend that you stay away from foam insulation: the propellants to make the foam usually add to climate changing gasses in the atmosphere, defeating the whole purpose. On the flip side, look for eco-insulation like those made from chopped up used bluejeans (borate treated), and others made from wood, plant and mineral materials

Attic insulation Heat rises. We all know this one. Therefore, it is very important to have maximum insulation between your roof rafters, or in the “floor” of your attic. These are two different scenarios that a local insulation company should be able to advise you on.

Your attic usually has space that allows for insulation “to code or code+”. Make sure that air circulation through your attic is not blocked by the installation. You don’t want mold to build up in your attic. In mild Seattle the insulation minimum is R-49, which is well over a foot of insulation. Code+ would be R-60. This can be very cost effective, and save you energy and money.

Walls: In mild Seattle the insulation minimum is R-21. In an existing house, adding insulation to the walls is difficult. So, anytime you open up walls you should add or replace the insulation. You can get more insulating value with solid foam pieces than with batt insulation.

However, some insulation is better than none! If you want to improve an existing house, you can cut holes every 16” at the top of the walls, from the outside or inside, blow in loose insulation, and then patch the holes. It’s a big deal! But your house will be warmer, more comfortable, and you will save energy and money.

Skylights: Again, heat rises. Your skylights are like big holes cut into your well insulated roof. But to improve them is a problem. Your window company or contractor only has easy access to poorly-performing skylights (including the Velux brand). This makes me mad! The only good alternative I have found is:

“Lamilux Glass Skylight FE Passivehouse” [from Europe, available in America from 475 High Performance Supply]. It is triple glazed.

But will your contractor order this unusual item? As Buddhists we know that people crave comfort and run away from pain. Ordering an unusual skylight is a pain-in-the–butt for contractors. You would have to insist on it, which is a pain for you.

Windows: The news is much better for windows.

Great insulating windows usually have:

● Double glazing

● Argon filled

● Low-E coating

These days most windows incorporate these features 🙂

New windows have two advantages:

● Better insulation

● Eliminates the leakage around your old windows frames.

Both of these items make it more comfortable to walk around your house. In the winter because your home will be warmer and less drafty. And in the summer your home will be cooler by reducing excess heat from entering your home..

VENTILATION / HVAC

Engineers are so smart! There are products that strip out the heat from exhaust ventilation air and keep it inside your house. There are two classes of items:

Per Room “Through the Wall”

Example:

Lunos e2 or eGo

Whole house Ventilation

Examples:

Zehnder ventilation with heat recovery

Venmar AFS with or without HEPA filter.

If you can find an HVAC contractor with experience with these (or similar) items it will make it easier to get a great and efficient remodel/upgrade. You may want to combine this work when it comes time to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling system.

My Story:

In 2020 we completed a long process of replacing the remaining single-pane windows in our old house. We ordered double-pane windows with true divided lights, to mimic the original look of the house. The new windows really help keep the heat out in the summer, the heat inside in the winter, as well as limit the noise from the street.

Contributed by David

“Waste not, want not.” Benjamin Franklin

You may be able to use 10% less energy simply by paying attention to the energy we now use, that is wasted energy. This month, we track down Energy Vampires, parasitic load, dormant power, energy vampires, ghost power, hidden energy consumption, idle load, leaking electricity, phantom load, power wastage, or standby power. The cheapest energy is the energy we don’t use, so cutting down on wasteful energy is perhaps the lowest cost energy efficiency work you can undertake.

Pacify your Energy Vampires

OK, maybe we are talking about destroying them. First, let’s try to understand them.

Vampire power, also known as standby power or phantom load, refers to the energy that electronic devices consume even when they are turned off or in standby mode. These devices continue to draw power from the electrical grid to maintain features like clocks, remote control sensors, or instant-on capabilities.

Imagine your home is a castle, and vampire power is the sneaky vampire that quietly sucks energy while you sleep. Your electronics continue to draw power even when turned off and plugged in. That’s vampire power at work. It’s the energy consumed by devices like TVs, chargers, game consoles, and even appliances that have standby modes. This constant trickle of electricity may seem insignificant for a single device. Still, adding all the electronics in your home can become a significant source of wasted energy and money.

“Even when turned off, many electronics and appliances consume energy. This phenomenon is known as a phantom load or vampire power. It can account for up to 10% of your home’s electricity use.” U.S. Department of Energy

Where do these Vampires come from?

Various devices and appliances commonly found in households can serve as phantom power sources. Here are some typical examples:

Televisions: Many modern TVs consume standby power to maintain features like instant-on functionality, remote control sensors, and clock displays.
Computers: Desktop computers, laptops, and monitors often draw power even when in sleep or standby mode to facilitate quick startup or wake-on-LAN features.
Chargers: Chargers for devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other gadgets often draw power even when fully charged or disconnected.
Kitchen Appliances: Appliances like microwave ovens, coffee makers, and toaster ovens may consume standby power to power clocks, timers, or control panels.
Entertainment Systems: Game consoles, DVD players, audio systems, and cable or satellite boxes often consume standby power to maintain network connectivity, update software, or provide instant-on features.
Small Electronics: Devices like printers, fax machines, cordless phones, and smart home hubs may draw power even when not actively used.
HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems may have components like thermostats or controllers that consume standby power.
Lighting Systems: Some lighting fixtures, particularly those with remote controls or intelligent capabilities, may consume standby power to maintain functionality.
Home Security Systems: Components of home security systems, such as cameras, motion sensors, or control panels, may draw standby power to remain operational.
Gaming Consoles: Even when not used, gaming consoles often consume power for updates, standby modes, or charging controllers.

Identifying and addressing phantom power sources in your home can save energy. Using power strips, enabling power-saving features, and unplugging devices when not in use are effective strategies to minimize phantom power consumption.

A simple example of a 100W incandescent bulb left on

Leaving a 100-watt incandescent light bulb on for 24 hours consumes 2.4 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity (an outdoor light, for instance). The waste would represent a significant portion of the daily electricity consumption of many households.

Considering the average daily electricity demand estimates provided earlier:

● For a 2000 sq ft home consuming 30 to 40 kWh daily, 2.4 kWh would represent approximately 6% to 8% of the daily electricity demand.

● For a 3000 sq ft home consuming between 40 to 50 kWh per day, 2.4 kWh would represent approximately 4.8% to 6% of the daily electricity demand.

● For a 4000 sq ft home consuming between 50 to 60 kWh per day, 2.4 kWh would represent approximately 4% to 4.8% of the daily electricity demand.

● For a 5000 sq ft home consuming between 60 to 70 kWh per day, 2.4 kWh would represent approximately 3.4% to 4% of the daily electricity demand.

So, leaving a single 100-watt incandescent bulb on all day can account for a significant portion of a home’s daily electricity consumption, highlighting the importance of using energy-efficient lighting and being mindful of energy usage habits.

Tracking down Energy Vampires

Here is a YouTube example of minimizing your energy waste:

To view the YouTube Video

Doing the math

Heat-producing appliances, especially those with high wattage, can significantly contribute to electricity consumption and impact indoor temperature, increasing cooling costs in warmer months.

Appliances like space heaters, hair dryers, clothes irons, and toaster ovens can consume considerable energy, mainly if used for extended periods or left on unintentionally. Many of these appliances also have automatic shut-off features for safety reasons or to prevent overheating.

Here’s how their energy consumption can add up:

Space Heaters: These appliances can consume a lot of electricity, primarily if used to heat large spaces. It’s essential to use them sparingly and only when necessary. Many modern space heaters have thermostat controls and timers to help manage energy consumption.
Hair Dryers: Hair dryers typically have high wattage ratings, ranging from 800 to 1800 watts or more. Using a hair dryer for extended periods can contribute to significant energy consumption. Using lower heat settings and shorter drying times can help reduce energy usage.
Clothes Irons: Irons can also have high wattage ratings, mainly when heating up to reach the desired temperature. It’s essential to turn off the iron when not in use and avoid leaving it plugged in unnecessarily.
Toaster Ovens: While toaster ovens are generally more energy-efficient than conventional ovens for small cooking tasks, they can still consume a significant amount of energy, mainly if used frequently. Using a toaster oven instead of a traditional oven for small meals can help save energy.
Automatic Shut-off Features: Many modern appliances, including some heat-producing ones, are equipped with automatic shut-off features to help prevent energy waste and reduce the risk of accidents. Try to familiarize yourself with these features and ensure they are enabled and functioning correctly.

By being mindful of the energy consumption of heat-producing appliances and using them efficiently, households can reduce their electricity bills and minimize their environmental impact.

To minimize Vampire Power

To tackle vampire power and save energy, you can:

Unplug Devices: When not in use, unplug devices or use power strips that you can easily switch off to cut off power completely.
Use Energy-Efficient Devices: Look for energy-efficient appliances and electronics that consume less standby power.
Smart Power Strips: Invest in smart power strips that automatically cut power to devices when not in use or fully charged.
Enable Power Management Features: Many electronics have power-saving or sleep modes. Enable these features to reduce energy consumption when the device is inactive.

By slaying the vampire power in your home, you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint and money on your energy bills.

Several affordable methods for measuring plug loads range from simple tools to more sophisticated devices. Here are some options:

Plug Load Meters: These devices plug directly into electrical outlets and measure the power consumption of connected devices. They typically display energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and may provide additional data such as voltage, current, and power factor. Plug load meters come in various forms, from basic models with manual readings to more advanced versions with digital displays and data logging capabilities.
Smart Power Strips: Energy monitoring features on some intelligent power strips track the energy usage of connected devices. These strips often connect to Wi-Fi networks and can be controlled and monitored remotely via smartphone apps or web interfaces. While they may be slightly more expensive than traditional power strips, they offer the added convenience of remote monitoring and control.
Energy Monitoring Devices: Standalone energy monitoring devices that track plug load usage are available on the market. These devices connect to electrical outlets or panels, providing real-time energy usage data. Some models may offer historical data tracking, energy usage alerts, and integration with smart home systems.
Smart Home Energy Monitors: Smart home energy monitoring systems, such as those offered by companies like Sense or Neurio, can provide detailed insights into plug load usage as part of a broader home energy monitoring solution. These systems use sensors and machine learning algorithms to track energy usage throughout the home, including plug loads, lighting, HVAC systems, and major appliances. While they may be more expensive than other options, they offer comprehensive energy monitoring capabilities.
Utility Energy Monitoring Programs: Some utility companies offer their customers energy monitoring programs or devices for free or at a subsidized cost. These programs may include plug-load monitors as part of a broader energy efficiency initiative aimed at helping customers better understand and manage their energy usage.

When choosing a method for measuring plug loads, consider cost, ease of use, data accuracy, and desired features such as remote monitoring and data logging.

If we were to curb this unnecessary waste?

Curbing phantom power waste can yield significant energy and cost savings for the average household. While the amount of savings will vary depending on factors such as the number and types of devices in the home and local electricity rates, studies and estimates suggest that the potential savings can be substantial.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Magnitude of Phantom Load: The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that standby power can account for up to 10% of residential electricity consumption in some countries. This percentage may vary depending on the age and efficiency of appliances, electronics, and household behavior.
Average Household Consumption: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average annual residential electricity consumption in the United States is around 10,972 kWh per household.
Potential Savings: If we conservatively estimate that phantom power accounts for around 5% of residential electricity consumption, reducing or eliminating phantom loads could save around 5% of the average household’s electricity usage.
Monetary Savings: To put this into perspective, if the average household’s annual electricity bill is, for example, $1,200, then reducing phantom power waste could potentially save around $60 per year ($1,200 * 5%).
Environmental Impact: In addition to cost savings, reducing phantom power waste helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation, contributing to ecological sustainability.

While these figures provide a rough estimate, actual savings depend on individual circumstances. However, even modest reductions in phantom power waste can lead to noticeable cost savings and environmental impact. As mentioned, households can effectively minimize phantom power waste and enjoy the associated savings by adopting simple strategies such as unplugging devices when not in use, using smart power strips, and investing in energy-efficient appliances.

“Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein

Summary

OK, it turns out we need to alter our energy efficiency formula to account for Vampire Power:

(Lighting + Heating + Cooling + cooking + driving +refrigeration + embodied energy + heating water + utilities + gardening + vampire power) – (Clean Energy we Produce or Offset) = (Everything we Use)

Reducing waste, especially energy waste from phantom loads, is one of the most accessible and impactful steps to improve energy efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint. Phantom loads, or vampire power, refer to the electricity consumed by devices and appliances even when turned off or in standby mode. This hidden energy usage can significantly affect electricity bills and overall energy consumption.

By addressing phantom loads, we target the lowest-hanging fruit in our quest for energy efficiency. Curbing needless waste doesn’t cost you anything. Simple actions such as unplugging devices, using smart power strips, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and monitoring energy usage can make a substantial difference.

Call to Action

If you are serious about minimizing unnecessary power consumption, this 10-minute video goes into great detail on steps you can take:

To view the YouTube video

Take Action to Reduce Waste and Conserve Energy!

1. Identify Phantom Loads: As you walk through your home, identify devices and appliances that stay plugged but are active. Common culprits include chargers, inverters, and entertainment systems.

2. Unplug Unused Devices: Make a habit of unplugging chargers, inverters, and other electronic devices when they are not in use to prevent unnecessary energy draw.

3. Invest in Smart Power Strips: Purchase and install intelligent power strips that automatically cut power to devices not in use, effectively reducing standby power consumption.

4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: Look for Energy Star-rated appliances and electronics with low standby power consumption to minimize energy waste.

5. Monitor and Measure: Use energy-measuring outlet plugs to track the power consumption of your devices and identify which ones contribute most to phantom loads.

6. Educate and Encourage: Share your knowledge about phantom loads and energy waste with family, friends, and neighbors. Please encourage them to take similar actions to reduce their energy consumption.

These simple steps can significantly reduce your household’s energy waste, lower your electricity bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember, reducing waste is the lowest-hanging fruit—let’s pick it together and make a positive impact today!

“It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.” Aesop

And, remember:

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” ~ Teddy Roosevelt

See you next time around!

—

David Takahashi
326 29th Street
Boulder CO 80305
Hic Svnt Dracones Location/Time Zone: Boulder, CO/ Mountain–
“When human beings lose their connection to nature, to heaven and earth, then they do not know how to nurture their environment or how to rule their world–which is saying the same thing. Human beings destroy their ecology at the same time that they destroy one another. From that perspective, healing our society goes hand in hand with healing our personal, elemental connection with the phenomenal world.” (CTR, Sacred Path of the Warrior)
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