Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Energy Savings Tip - Energy Star Portfolio Manager

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
July 20 - 26, 2009
Energy Star Portfolio Manager
One of the services that Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" offers is entering your utility usage into the Energy Star Portfolio Manger. What does this do for you? The Energy Star Portfolio Manger is an interactive energy management tool that allows you to track and assess energy and water consumption across your entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. Energy Star Portfolio Manger helps to set investment opportunities, identify under performing buildings, verify efficiency improvements, and receive EPA recognition for good energy performance. Please see http://www.energystar.gov/ for more information and contact Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" for more information on how your building can benefit!!!!

Energy Savings Tip - Phantom Loads

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
July 13 - 19, 2009

Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCR's, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Utility Rebate Program - Released July 2009

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
July 6 - July 12, 2009

DTE and Consumers Energy Energy Efficiency Rebates

On July 6 DTE and Consumers Energy has released a program to promote Energy Savings. This program will fund certain energy related projects. Over the next three years, 21 million dollars will be released for energy projects that qualify in the Residential and Commercial fields. Crook Electric Energy Audit Team is fully trained and versed in these Utility Rebates and would enjoy sharing how these rebates may impact your utility bills. Please contact us for more information.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Energy Savings Tips for Air Conditioning

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
Week of June 29 - July 5, 2009


Energy Savings Tips for Air Conditioning
  • Keep lights off when rooms are not in use. Lights generate heat that makes your air conditioner run more.
  • Try to wash and dry clothes, iron and cook in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Use microwave ovens, which produce much less heat than stoves for cooking.
  • Use awnings, curtains, or blinds to keep out direct sunlight.
  • Eliminate activities in the afternoon that require a great deal of in and out through the doors of your home. This allows cool air to escape and hot air to ener the home.
  • Setting the temperature a little higher, around 78-80 degrees F, will save you 6 to 8 percent of your cooling costs for each degree above 78, and most people will be comfortable.
  • Use a ceiling fan or portable fan to supplement your air conditioning. A fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler so you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher and save on cooling costs.
  • Turn off the air conditioning or set the thermostat up a few degrees when you leave home.
  • Be sure your air conditioner is not blocked. A free flowing air conditioner operates most efficiently. Be sure the return air grill inside your house is not blocked by furniture or other items. Filters should be checked monthly.
  • When air conditioning is on, keep doors and windows closed, turn off kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans in the house.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Energy Savings Tips for Dishwashers

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
Week of June 22 - 28, 2009

Energy Savings Tips for Dishwashers

Energy Savings Tips

Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer recommendation on water temperature. It may have an internal heating element that allows you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature.

Run your dishwasher with a full load, but not overloaded.

In the summer, use your dishwasher during the cooler parts of the day.
Avoid using the "rinse hold" on your machine for just a few soiled dishes. It uses 3 - 7 gallons of hot water.

Consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR Dishwasher. It uses less water and 41 percent less energy.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" - Job #103

Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team"
Job #103
Customer: 1, 452 sq. ft. Residential House
City: Fraser, MI
Date Built: 1979

Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities
(Years payback is calculated by taking: Estimated Cost / Estimated Annual Savings)
(Estimated Cost includes labor, material, and installation)
  • Add duct/pipe insulation in Basement - Estimated Annual Savings = $46, 7 years payback
  • Seal air leaks in Attic and around Recessed Lights - Estimated Annual Savings = $61, 9 years payback.
  • Install wrap around Water Heater - Estimated Annual Savings = $73, 11 year payback
  • Add additional Floor Insulation in Basement - Estimated Annual Savings = $142, 13 years payback.


Saturday, June 20, 2009

Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" - Job # 102

Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team"
Job #102
Customer: 925 sq. ft. Residential House
City: St. Clair Shores, MI
Date Built: 1960

Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities
(Years payback is calculated by taking Estimated Cost / Estimated Annual Savings)
(Estimated cost includes labor, material, and installation)
  • Duct repair in Basement - Estimated Annual Savings = $53 , 3 year payback
  • Duct Sealing - Estimated Annual Savings = $53 , 3 year payback
  • Air sealup - Estimated Annual Savings = $83, 6 year payback
  • Replace Gas Furnace in Basement - Esitmated Annual Savings = $20, 10 year payback
  • Add duct/pipe insulation - Estimated Annual Savings = $27, 13 year payback
  • Insulate Floor (R30) - Estimated Annual Savings = $86, 16 year payback






Exit Sign Energy Savings Tip

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
Week of June 15 - June 21, 2009


Changing EXIT signs in Buildings





By simply changing out your EXIT signs (Incandescent to LED) , you can save up to $100/year in energy and maintenance costs.

Please see the website below for more information:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=exit_signs.pr_exit_signs

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Energy Saving Clothes Washer Tip

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
Week of June 8- June 14, 2009


Energy Saving Clothes Washers Tip

Clothes washers that meet ENERGY STAR criteria use next generation technology to cut energy and water consumption by over 40% compared to conventional washers.

http://www.energystar.gov/

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" - Job #101

Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team"
Job #101
Customer: 2,129 sq. ft. Residential House
City: Clinton Township, MI
Date Built: 1989

Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities
(Years payback is calculated by taking Estimated Cost / Estimated Annual Savings)
(Estimated cost includes labor, material, and installation)
  • Duct repair in Basement - Estimated Annual Savings = $45 , 4 year payback
  • Air sealup - Estimated Annual Savings = $144, 6 year payback
  • Replace water heater - Estimated Annual Savings = $89, 9 year paybackReplace freezer in Basement - Estimated Annual Savings = $32, 10 year payback




Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" - Job #100

Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team"
Job #100

Customer: 1,000 sq. ft. Residential House
City: Royal Oak, MI
Date Built: 1950

Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities

(Years payback is calculated by taking Estimated Cost / Estimated Annual Savings)
(Estimated cost includes labor, material, and installation)
  • Duct sealing - Estimated Annual Savings = $157, 2 year payback
  • Duct repair - Estimated Annual Savings = $78, 2 year payback
  • Gas Furnace tune up - Estimated Annual Savings = $67, 3 year payback
  • Replace basement refrigerator - Estimated Annual Savings = $176, 6 year payback
  • Replace water heater - Estimated Annual Savings = $ 89, 9 year payback
  • Replace clothes washer - Estimated Annual Savings = $33, 23 year paybackReplace Kitchen refrigerator - Estimated Annual Savings = $36, 28 year payback




Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
Week of May 31 - June 7, 2009

Energy Saving Refrigerator Tips
  • Position your refrigerator away from a heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
  • To allow air to circulate around the condenser coils, leave a space between the wall or cabinets and the refrigerator or freezer and keep the coils clean.
  • Make sure the door seals are airtight.
  • Keep your refrigerator between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open.
  • Recycle older or second generation refrigerators.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Welcome!!!

Welcome to the Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team"!!!!!

This is our first post of many talking about energy efficiency and our energy auditing experiences.

Introduction

Concerned about the high prices of utilities, the earth, and energy conservation; the Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" was formed in 2009. With a great knowledge of energy conservation tips and suggestions we could really benefit the public as well as save the average consumer a fair amount of money while benefiting the earth around us.

About Us

Kevin Dunbar, C.E.M.
Graduated from Notre Dame High School in '99 and Kettering University in '04 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Kevin has over 10 years of energy auditing experience in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In 2009, Kevin became a Certified Energy Manager through American Energy Engineers and a Certified Home Energy Inspector through CMC Energy Services.

Brandon Morrison
Graduated from Notre Dame High School in '99 and Oakland University in '07 with B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Brandon has over 10 years of electrical contracting experience in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In 2007, Brandon obtained his Journeyman's License through the State of Michigan. In 2009, Brandon became a Certified Home Energy Inspector through CMC Energy Services.

With a variety of knowledge and experience we can assist you with your energy needs!!!

Services Offered

Residential Energy Audits (Homes, Condos, Apartments, etc.)
  • Using CMC Energy Services software, we can provide a detailed inspection and analysis of probable energy-efficiency upgrades on existing homes.

Commercial Energy Audits (Schools, Stores, Restaurants, Churches, etc.)

  • Evaluate mechanical, electrical, and building envelope factors and provide energy saving measures in a detailed report.

Utility Rebate Specialists

  • Work with local utility companies and identify available rebates.

Assistance with Federal Energy Tax Credits/Deductions

  • Provide assistance with Federal Tax Credits/Deductions for energy improvement upgrades.

Contact Information:

Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team"

Brandon Morrison and Kevin Dunbar

20279 Sunnydale Street

Farmington Hills, MI, 48336

Phone: (248) 888-9881

Email: crookelectricaudit@sbcglobal.net