Oct 19, 2020 | Energy Saving Tips
The economics of energy have changed drastically over the past dozen years. We have new affordable energy generation technologies (wind and solar), new energy efficiency products (LED lighting and heat pumps), a revolution in transportation (EVs) and affordable...
Jan 24, 2020 | Battery Storage Systems, Energy Saving Tips, Energy Technology
Will batteries keep your AC cranking and electric vehicle charged up during an extended blackout? Probably not. We like to believe the myth of whole house battery backup or the notion that our 21st century lifestyle will continue unabated despite fire hell or high...
Jun 5, 2019 | Energy Saving Tips
We’re talking about VAMPIRES on this week’s show — energy vampires. I know, it’s not Halloween yet, but these little energy suckers are insidious. I guarantee that you have dozens of little devices plugged into your home that are using a small amount of standby power,...
May 29, 2019 | Energy Saving Tips
After your heating and cooling system, the next biggest energy hog in most homes is your swimming pool. I won’t feel bad if you skip this podcast if you don’t have a swimming pool — unless you’re an energy geek like me. My recent experiences addressing the energy...
May 15, 2019 | Cheap Energy, Climate, Energy Saving Tips, Energy Technology, Whole House Electrification
To slow the global warming trend, a number of states have committed to the aspirational goal of 100% carbon-free energy. As a species that literally evolved from burning wood and hydrocarbons, how can we possibly run our modern lives and economy without fossil fuels?...
Apr 11, 2019 | Climate, Energy Saving Tips, Solar Power System
This past winter season has been the rainiest I have ever experienced in California. The good news is that the state is no longer in a drought condition. The bad news is that severe weather is occurring around the country. We are likely to continue on this trend: a...