Wattbot is a free web-based energy expert that simplifies the design, financing and purchase of clean energy solutions automatically. Wattbot is the best way to find advice on which products and services make sense for your individual needs.
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- Founded:
- 2007
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Green:Net 09Created about 8 months ago
SolarPower 08Created on October 24, 2008 at 2:54pm
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- Wattbot presenting at Green:Ne...
Golden Gate Club, San Francisco, CA
Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00am
Wattbot Wattbot has been nominated for Opportunity Green's Top 25 Innovative Start-ups
Source: www.opportunitygreen.com
Opportunity Green is looking for the rising stars; the kinds of innovative enterprises that are redefining our future and proving that business is a force for change. We will recognize the most promising startups committed to building a new green economy. Nominate your favorate green business.
Wattbot Co-working at Wattbot West with other start-ups. Fun times.
Wattbot is bringing on our marketing interns next week!
Wattbot
Where Green Meets Networks.
Wattbot won the Judge's Award at LaunchPad!
Wattbot
We won Judge's Award at Green:Net 09's Launch Pad!! http://earth2tech.com/2009/03/24/greenne
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At Green:Net, we’ll show you how the tools created in the Internet, computing and IT revolutions will be crucial for fighting climate change. Whether you’re in a corporation looking to learn about best Green IT practices or you’re an entrepreneur looking for your next venture, Green:Net in San Francisco is a must-atten...d event that will allow you to take away the best ideas, contacts and thinkers in this space.
http://events.earth2tech.com/greennet/09
http://events.earth2tech.com/greennet/09
where green and networks meet
Time:7:00AM Tuesday, March 24th
Location:Golden Gate Club, San Francisco, CA
Wattbot
For an old dishwasher, scrubbing dishes is thirsty work. Like wandering in the desert wilderness and then stumbling across a refreshing lake, your dishwasher slurps up a tremendous amount of hot water to get the job done. Afterwards, it staggers back into the parched landscape, baking your dishes dry with an electric h...eating element. The result? A never-ending cycle of wasted energy.
In contrast, new energy efficient dishwashers stay firmly rooted in the lush abundance of the rain forest and never work up a thirst. Those with the ENERGY STAR label are up to 50% more efficient than older models, largely because they use 50% less water. Plus, models with booster heaters increase the temperature of the water when needed, enabling you to dial down your water heater while still keeping your dishes spotless.
When it comes to drying, a new dishwasher won’t even break a sweat. Instead of using hyper-heated air, it blows refreshing room temperature air over your clean dishes – doing the same job at a fraction of the cost.
If you wash full loads, avoid the “rinse and hold” cycle, and select the air dry option, your new dishwasher will save both energy and money. Best of all, because these new appliances eliminate the need for pre-rinsing, you’ll have an oasis of time to sip your favorite beverage – without having to quench the thirst of your old, parched dishwasher.Read More
In contrast, new energy efficient dishwashers stay firmly rooted in the lush abundance of the rain forest and never work up a thirst. Those with the ENERGY STAR label are up to 50% more efficient than older models, largely because they use 50% less water. Plus, models with booster heaters increase the temperature of the water when needed, enabling you to dial down your water heater while still keeping your dishes spotless.
When it comes to drying, a new dishwasher won’t even break a sweat. Instead of using hyper-heated air, it blows refreshing room temperature air over your clean dishes – doing the same job at a fraction of the cost.
If you wash full loads, avoid the “rinse and hold” cycle, and select the air dry option, your new dishwasher will save both energy and money. Best of all, because these new appliances eliminate the need for pre-rinsing, you’ll have an oasis of time to sip your favorite beverage – without having to quench the thirst of your old, parched dishwasher.Read More
Wattbot
Just like outlaws of the old West, energy rustlers may be taking up residence in your house. Older windows and doors steal heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, making you hostage to sky-high gas or electricity bills year-round. If you have single pane windows (especially those with weighted pulleys or... aluminum frames), those villains are responsible for up to 30% of your heating and 50% of your cooling costs.
But you don’t need to run for the hills. New windows are like the sheriff riding into town – especially when they proudly wear the ENERGY STAR. Modern windows can be up to 40% more energy efficient, and low-emissive (or Low-E) window coatings can boost that protection even further, no matter what your climate. But the protection doesn’t stop there. New windows block more sound from outdoors, help prevent furniture from fading, and don’t fog up. Plus, they’re a breeze to operate and clean, and increase the value of your home by about 80% of their cost.
If you can’t give the whole gang the boot, you can replace the worst offenders and improve the efficiency of your other windows with caulking, weather stripping, interior storm windows, window shades, and solar control window films.
While you’re at it, don’t let your doors off scot-free. ENERGY STAR exterior foam core doors insulate and seal better than older models, but replacing worn-out weather stripping and sweeps can also cut your energy costs. If you have to choose, replacing an old, aluminum-framed sliding glass door is more cost effective than a new exterior door.
With new or reinforced windows and doors, you can lower your heating and cooling costs and drive those energy rustlers out of town.Read More
But you don’t need to run for the hills. New windows are like the sheriff riding into town – especially when they proudly wear the ENERGY STAR. Modern windows can be up to 40% more energy efficient, and low-emissive (or Low-E) window coatings can boost that protection even further, no matter what your climate. But the protection doesn’t stop there. New windows block more sound from outdoors, help prevent furniture from fading, and don’t fog up. Plus, they’re a breeze to operate and clean, and increase the value of your home by about 80% of their cost.
If you can’t give the whole gang the boot, you can replace the worst offenders and improve the efficiency of your other windows with caulking, weather stripping, interior storm windows, window shades, and solar control window films.
While you’re at it, don’t let your doors off scot-free. ENERGY STAR exterior foam core doors insulate and seal better than older models, but replacing worn-out weather stripping and sweeps can also cut your energy costs. If you have to choose, replacing an old, aluminum-framed sliding glass door is more cost effective than a new exterior door.
With new or reinforced windows and doors, you can lower your heating and cooling costs and drive those energy rustlers out of town.Read More
Wattbot
If you’re looking for a bright idea to save energy, a great place to start is with the lighting in your home. Thomas Edison’s bright idea led to his patent for the incandescent bulb in 1880, but the incandescent light bulbs we use today have changed very little. Yikes!
If you’re like most people, you probably have abou...t 40 lighting sockets in your home, and they account for between 8% and 25% of your electricity bill. At 35 cents per bulb, Edison’s 19th-century bright idea may seem like the cheapest way to go, but 90% of the energy incandescents use is wasted as heat – and they last only 3 to 12 months.
Halogen lights began their star turn in the 1950s, when they were first used in movie projectors. Today, their higher cost and smaller size make them ideal for home accents, but they’re only slightly more energy efficient and long lasting than incandescent bulbs.
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are probably the wave of the future, but these commercial and industrial lighting sources are expensive and not suitable for home applications.
The brightest idea in the lighting arena came about in response to the 1973 energy crisis. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, generate 75% less heat, and last 10 times longer.
The clunky, bluish CFLs of the early days have been replaced by bulbs in a variety of shapes and sizes that glow in a range of tones, from daylight to cool white to warm white. To match the color of standard soft white incandescent bulbs, choose CFLs with a color temperature of less than 3000 Kelvins. Just check the packaging for color temperature and the ENERGY STAR label, as well as whether the bulb is dimmable or suitable for use in freezing temperatures. Because CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, remember that they need to be recycled rather than thrown away. Your local hardware store should have a CFL recycling bin.
Saving energy through lighting choices is always a bright idea, but where should you begin? Start with fixtures that are most in use or that use high-watt bulbs, such as the kitchen ceiling lights, living room table and floor lamps, and outdoor porch or post lamps. Keep in mind that, while timers and motion sensors are not as cost-effective as switching to CFLs, they do save money in the long run. Read More
If you’re like most people, you probably have abou...t 40 lighting sockets in your home, and they account for between 8% and 25% of your electricity bill. At 35 cents per bulb, Edison’s 19th-century bright idea may seem like the cheapest way to go, but 90% of the energy incandescents use is wasted as heat – and they last only 3 to 12 months.
Halogen lights began their star turn in the 1950s, when they were first used in movie projectors. Today, their higher cost and smaller size make them ideal for home accents, but they’re only slightly more energy efficient and long lasting than incandescent bulbs.
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are probably the wave of the future, but these commercial and industrial lighting sources are expensive and not suitable for home applications.
The brightest idea in the lighting arena came about in response to the 1973 energy crisis. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, generate 75% less heat, and last 10 times longer.
The clunky, bluish CFLs of the early days have been replaced by bulbs in a variety of shapes and sizes that glow in a range of tones, from daylight to cool white to warm white. To match the color of standard soft white incandescent bulbs, choose CFLs with a color temperature of less than 3000 Kelvins. Just check the packaging for color temperature and the ENERGY STAR label, as well as whether the bulb is dimmable or suitable for use in freezing temperatures. Because CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, remember that they need to be recycled rather than thrown away. Your local hardware store should have a CFL recycling bin.
Saving energy through lighting choices is always a bright idea, but where should you begin? Start with fixtures that are most in use or that use high-watt bulbs, such as the kitchen ceiling lights, living room table and floor lamps, and outdoor porch or post lamps. Keep in mind that, while timers and motion sensors are not as cost-effective as switching to CFLs, they do save money in the long run. Read More
Wattbot
Mom always knew best. Her admonition to “Bundle up!” as you headed out the door on a frigid winter morning was rooted in her knowledge that good insulation helps your body reserve heat and keeps the cold at bay. The same holds true for your home. Up to 50% of your energy costs are for heating and cooling; when you keep... your home bundled up, you can reduce your costs by 20% to 30%.
Just as a down jacket does a better job of protecting you from the elements than a windbreaker, some insulation is better than others. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its “R-value,” or its resistance to heat flow. Like that windbreaker, thin or dense materials like metal or wood have an R-value that’s close to zero. Thicker, fluffier materials (like the down in a jacket) have the highest R-values.
When Mom told you to wear your ski cap, it was because she knew that most body heat is lost through your head. The same holds true for your home, where the biggest source of heat loss is through the roof. This is why attic insulation usually has the highest R-values (from 22 to 49), while floor, wall, and crawl space R-values range from 11 to 28.
There are three common types of insulation: batts, loose-fill cellulose, and foam. Batts are the least expensive and the simplest to install. They’re typically made from fiberglass and are placed between ceiling beams, floor joists, or wall studs. You can usually see batts in unfinished attics, crawl spaces, basements, or garages.
Loose-fill cellulose is made from 80% recycled newspaper, and is blown into attics, finished wall and ceiling cavities, and other hard-to-access areas. The disadvantage of cellulose is that it settles over time, thus reducing its R-value.
Foam insulation is as versatile as cellulose and costs a bit more. It doesn’t settle, though, and so retains its R-value over time.
If you haven’t checked your home’s insulation lately, it might be time to do so. A new winter coat for your house will help save on energy costs – and keep Mom happy at the same time. Read More
Just as a down jacket does a better job of protecting you from the elements than a windbreaker, some insulation is better than others. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its “R-value,” or its resistance to heat flow. Like that windbreaker, thin or dense materials like metal or wood have an R-value that’s close to zero. Thicker, fluffier materials (like the down in a jacket) have the highest R-values.
When Mom told you to wear your ski cap, it was because she knew that most body heat is lost through your head. The same holds true for your home, where the biggest source of heat loss is through the roof. This is why attic insulation usually has the highest R-values (from 22 to 49), while floor, wall, and crawl space R-values range from 11 to 28.
There are three common types of insulation: batts, loose-fill cellulose, and foam. Batts are the least expensive and the simplest to install. They’re typically made from fiberglass and are placed between ceiling beams, floor joists, or wall studs. You can usually see batts in unfinished attics, crawl spaces, basements, or garages.
Loose-fill cellulose is made from 80% recycled newspaper, and is blown into attics, finished wall and ceiling cavities, and other hard-to-access areas. The disadvantage of cellulose is that it settles over time, thus reducing its R-value.
Foam insulation is as versatile as cellulose and costs a bit more. It doesn’t settle, though, and so retains its R-value over time.
If you haven’t checked your home’s insulation lately, it might be time to do so. A new winter coat for your house will help save on energy costs – and keep Mom happy at the same time. Read More
Wattbot
When you were a kid, did you ever peek inside the fridge to try and catch the little guy in there who turns the light on? If you couldn’t find him, that’s probably because he and his buddies were busy pushing the heat from the inside of the refrigerator to the outside.
That’s hard work. In fact, because your refrigerat...or is always in use, it wolfs down more energy than most of the other appliances in your home – especially if it’s a side-by-side model. According to the Department of Energy, freezer-on-top/fridge-on bottom (and vice versa) models are 7% to 15% more efficient than side-by-sides. Besides being more expensive, in-door icemakers and water dispensers ratchet up energy usage – as much as 15% to 20%.
If you want to give your energy bill a breather, you can choose a new refrigerator that’s earned the ENERGY STAR. An ENERGY STAR fridge is cooler all the way around, since it has better technology and uses less energy. The higher the energy efficiency rating, the more electricity or gas you’ll save. You might even be able to get a tax credit or a rebate from your utility company.
While you’re at it, don’t forget the second fridge in your basement or garage. That old refrigerator is gobbling up energy, too. When you replace it, you’ll save energy and money. Your city or town might even give you cash for your old fridge – and pick it up!
With a new refrigerator, you can save money and reduce your energy consumption – and give that little guy in the fridge a much-deserved rest. Read More
That’s hard work. In fact, because your refrigerat...or is always in use, it wolfs down more energy than most of the other appliances in your home – especially if it’s a side-by-side model. According to the Department of Energy, freezer-on-top/fridge-on bottom (and vice versa) models are 7% to 15% more efficient than side-by-sides. Besides being more expensive, in-door icemakers and water dispensers ratchet up energy usage – as much as 15% to 20%.
If you want to give your energy bill a breather, you can choose a new refrigerator that’s earned the ENERGY STAR. An ENERGY STAR fridge is cooler all the way around, since it has better technology and uses less energy. The higher the energy efficiency rating, the more electricity or gas you’ll save. You might even be able to get a tax credit or a rebate from your utility company.
While you’re at it, don’t forget the second fridge in your basement or garage. That old refrigerator is gobbling up energy, too. When you replace it, you’ll save energy and money. Your city or town might even give you cash for your old fridge – and pick it up!
With a new refrigerator, you can save money and reduce your energy consumption – and give that little guy in the fridge a much-deserved rest. Read More
Wattbot
Remember when Grandma used to knit scarves, caps, and mittens to keep you toasty on brisk and wintry days? If you have a pool, you can use the sun to create a blanket of warmth that will extend your swim season by at least a month in the spring and another month in the fall.
A solar pool heating system wards off the sh...ivers by pumping the water to the filter, and then sending it on its way to the solar collector, where it basks in the warm rays of the sun before being ushered back into the pool.
The cost of taking the chill out is largely determined by the size of the solar collector, which is usually between 75% and 100% of the pool’s surface area. You can minimize maintenance costs simply by keeping the pool’s chemicals balanced and regularly checking the filtering system.
Unlike gas pool heaters, which are expensive to operate, solar systems take the bite out of chilly days without additional monthly energy charges. Once you’ve installed a solar system, you can sit back, relax, and soak in the rays – and maybe even invite Grandma over for a swim.Read More
A solar pool heating system wards off the sh...ivers by pumping the water to the filter, and then sending it on its way to the solar collector, where it basks in the warm rays of the sun before being ushered back into the pool.
The cost of taking the chill out is largely determined by the size of the solar collector, which is usually between 75% and 100% of the pool’s surface area. You can minimize maintenance costs simply by keeping the pool’s chemicals balanced and regularly checking the filtering system.
Unlike gas pool heaters, which are expensive to operate, solar systems take the bite out of chilly days without additional monthly energy charges. Once you’ve installed a solar system, you can sit back, relax, and soak in the rays – and maybe even invite Grandma over for a swim.Read More
Wattbot
Unless you have a clothesline handy, you’ll be using energy to dry your clothes. Because there’s little difference in the energy efficiency between models of dryers, none are sold with the ENERGY STAR label. But your washing machine and your drying habits can make a difference in the amount of energy it takes to dry yo...ur clothes.
Dryers work by circulating hot air throughout the drum, and venting out excess water as steam. The most energy efficient dryer is one that runs the least. A front-loading washing machine with a high-speed spin cycle helps because it extracts most of the water from the clothes before they go into the dryer. Dryers with ambient moisture sensors are also a good bet, since they shut off once the clothes are dry. You can do your part by drying full loads, but not overfilling the dryer. If there’s no room for the air to circulate, it will take much longer for the clothes to dry.
There’s no hard and fast rule about gas vs. electric dryers. The most cost-efficient method depends upon the price of each type of energy in your area, as well as potential installation costs for a new gas line to your dryer. Your appliance dealer or installer can give you advice based on your locale and your home’s specifications.Read More
Dryers work by circulating hot air throughout the drum, and venting out excess water as steam. The most energy efficient dryer is one that runs the least. A front-loading washing machine with a high-speed spin cycle helps because it extracts most of the water from the clothes before they go into the dryer. Dryers with ambient moisture sensors are also a good bet, since they shut off once the clothes are dry. You can do your part by drying full loads, but not overfilling the dryer. If there’s no room for the air to circulate, it will take much longer for the clothes to dry.
There’s no hard and fast rule about gas vs. electric dryers. The most cost-efficient method depends upon the price of each type of energy in your area, as well as potential installation costs for a new gas line to your dryer. Your appliance dealer or installer can give you advice based on your locale and your home’s specifications.Read More
Wattbot
Like so many spies skulking through the darkness, air leaks infiltrate your home through cracks and openings. These incursions can waste between 10% and 30% of the energy used to heat or cool your home.
To turn the tables, you need to track down the leaks and intercept them at their source. While doing your reconnaissa...nce, first check for holes hiding in attics, basements, and crawlspaces. Common problem areas include openings for plumbing, electrical outlets, vents, chimneys, and basement windows. Use your arsenal of caulk or spray foam to jam the leaks, since these fixes will have the greatest impact on your energy bill.
Next, turn your surveillance on the fireplace, since an open damper can increase your heating bill by 30%. Consider purchasing an “air stopper,” an inexpensive inflatable plastic pillow that you place just below the damper, to seal your fireplace.
Self-adhesive foam and vinyl tape are proven tactics for sealing doors and windows. Need another maneuver? Plastic interior storm windows are perfect to protect more challenging aluminum frame, louvered, or weight-and-pulley windows. Compared to exterior storm windows, they install more easily, seal more tightly, require less maintenance, and are much less expensive. While you’re at it, don’t forget the rubber door sweeps – they’ll keep a major source of air leaks from sneaking in when you’re not looking.
When it comes to sealing ductwork, you’ll probably have to rendezvous with a professional. Although ductwork leaks can account for up to 60% of the air lost in your home, walls and ceilings make most ducts inaccessible. A professional will most likely use a sticky aerosol sealant blown in under pressure to sweep those leaks out of the house. Although it’s counterintuitive, avoid using duct tape for ducts that are accessible from the attic or basement, and instead seal them with foil tape.
Air leaks can sabotage your other energy-saving efforts, so it’s important to intercept and immobilize them at their source.Read More
To turn the tables, you need to track down the leaks and intercept them at their source. While doing your reconnaissa...nce, first check for holes hiding in attics, basements, and crawlspaces. Common problem areas include openings for plumbing, electrical outlets, vents, chimneys, and basement windows. Use your arsenal of caulk or spray foam to jam the leaks, since these fixes will have the greatest impact on your energy bill.
Next, turn your surveillance on the fireplace, since an open damper can increase your heating bill by 30%. Consider purchasing an “air stopper,” an inexpensive inflatable plastic pillow that you place just below the damper, to seal your fireplace.
Self-adhesive foam and vinyl tape are proven tactics for sealing doors and windows. Need another maneuver? Plastic interior storm windows are perfect to protect more challenging aluminum frame, louvered, or weight-and-pulley windows. Compared to exterior storm windows, they install more easily, seal more tightly, require less maintenance, and are much less expensive. While you’re at it, don’t forget the rubber door sweeps – they’ll keep a major source of air leaks from sneaking in when you’re not looking.
When it comes to sealing ductwork, you’ll probably have to rendezvous with a professional. Although ductwork leaks can account for up to 60% of the air lost in your home, walls and ceilings make most ducts inaccessible. A professional will most likely use a sticky aerosol sealant blown in under pressure to sweep those leaks out of the house. Although it’s counterintuitive, avoid using duct tape for ducts that are accessible from the attic or basement, and instead seal them with foil tape.
Air leaks can sabotage your other energy-saving efforts, so it’s important to intercept and immobilize them at their source.Read More
