At Home FAQs

Please email your questions about household or commercial energy use and sustainable transportation to comments@bouldercolorado.gov.

Q: I want to reduce energy use in my home and don't know where to start. What are a few easy things I can do?

Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs which use 25% as much energy and last 10 times longer);
At your local hardware store, buy a $12 insulating wrapper for your hot water heater;
Try using fans instead of air conditioning 2 days/week;
Sign up for a subsidized home energy audit (call 303-441-3278 x 24 for more info). It's a one-hour appointment at your home that uncovers energy usage and areas for improvement.

Q: I'd like to replace my incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), but hear there's mercury in CFLs. Is that a good eco-choice to make? Also, can they be thrown into the trash or do I have to take them somewhere?

A: The amount of mercury in CFLs is very small (100 times less than typical thermometers) and it is not released unless the CFL has broken. Using just one CFL prevents 28mg of mercury from being emitted from a coal-fired power plant (the average house has 30 light bulbs). So yes, CFLs are a very smart choice. You can dispose of CFLs at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site (303-441-4800). It is safe to dispose of your old incandescent bulbs in the trash; it's important not to recycle them with glass items.

Q: I'd like to invest in renewable energy for my home but am not a good candidate for solar panels. What else can I do?

A: We recommend first maximizing efficiency in the home before investing in solar panels, so that if you one day so elect to install them, you will need the smallest system possible. For those whose homes don't "qualify" for solar panels (not enough south-facing roof space, trees that block sunlight most of the day, many multi-family residents, people who live in small spaces, etc.), a great alternative is to offset your household's energy use through the purchase of wind power. Contact us now or in October to join the "Wind Challenge". You'll invest as little as $5/month to directly support the growing wind energy sector. 303-441-1846.

Q: "I am a mother of three and need to cart my kids all over town in a minivan that does not get great gas mileage. I'd like to cut back on driving to help the environment but need some tips. Can you help?"

A: Sure! Consolidate errands and do them once a week. Map out your route mentally or on paper to avoid crossing town more than needed. Try to buy enough food for the week in just one trip to the market. Set up a carpool "co-op" with other parents. If your family has two cars, drive the smaller one when you don't need the trunk space. Buy inexpensive bicycles at Community Cycles for kids old enough to get themselves to their after school activities.

Q: If you live in a 1960’s era house that has not yet been remodeled/ updated, (i.e. original windows & insulation, or lack of insulation) and you plan to do one thing at a time to update it and make it more energy-efficient, which would you do first- replace the old windows or add insulation to the walls & attic? Which step would result in lower Xcel bills over the winter months? Which is more cost-effective?

A: You ask a great question. The first thing I would do is invest in an energy audit. Residents in the city of Boulder and across most of Boulder County can receive a reduced cost audit through the Residential Energy Audit Program (REAP), starting at $100 through the Center for Resource Conservation, www.conservationcenter.org. An energy audit will identify the most cost-effective measures to take towards energy efficiency and provide energy education to the homeowner. Since every house is different it is important to have an energy professional evaluate your home and inform your improvement decisions.

In most cases, it is a better investment to insulate and seal up air leakage before replacing windows, although both measures will result in lower energy bills in the winter. An energy audit uses a blower door test to quantify leakiness and show exactly where your home is leaking air. Air infiltration can sometimes be the largest cause of wasted energy and poor comfort. Tightening up your home and insulating so the warm air (or cool air in the summer) stays in will provide noticeable energy savings.

Windows can be a source of leaks if they are not sealed properly, but most can be sealed cost effectively.

In all events, replacing older single pane glass windows will save energy, particularly on exposed sides of the home which receive little solar gain in the winter. Windows are a big investment, so they will likely fall lower on the list as far as cost-effectiveness; they can take 15-30 years to payback. Still, many people choose to replace windows since new windows provide greater comfort and energy savings.

An alternative to replacing windows is investing in blinds or shutters that provide insulation when closed at night in the winter and during the day in the summer. In general, insulation/air sealing, lighting retrofits, programmable thermostats, tuning up your heating system and duct sealing are some of the measures that tend to provide the fastest payback. However, as noted, every house is different and the results you get from energy audit will help you prioritize.

Q: Are there any rebates or incentives for making energy efficiency improvements to my home?

A: There are currently federal tax credits for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, windows, and metal roofs. Visit www.energystar.gov and follow the link that mentions "Tax Credits under the Energy Bill". ClimateSmart is exploring an insulation and air sealing rebate program for 2008, stay tuned at www.beclimatesmart.com for more details.

Q: I enjoy reading your column and learning about all the ways we can reduce our individual carbon footprints, but like with exercise I feel I'd be better motivated to do more with group support. Can the city support me in getting a neighborhood climate action group started?

A: Yes! There are two neighborhoods that have started local climate action planning. Shanahan Ridge Neighbors for Climate Action (visit Neighborsforclimateaction.org) is an impressive group comprised of neighbors who organize speaker events and set group goals. Also, the Newlands neighborhood (visit NewlandsNeighbors.com) is kicking off their first "Greenlands" event on January 27 for residents to hear Hunter Lovins, a well-known environmental expert, speak and to organize as a group. The Old North Boulder neighborhood is also starting to organize. If you'd like to organize your neighborhood, contact Yael Gichon at 303-441-3878. We can come speak to your group, or provide materials and suggestions on how to start. The city of Boulder plans to profile individuals and neighborhoods in a formal recognition program in 2008.

Q: I've heard the concept of "block leaders" and wonder if Boulder has a network of block leaders to promote climate action.

A: An example of block leaders in Boulder would be the city's excellent network of block leaders for the Neighborhood Eco Pass program to purchase annual RTD bus passes. Our hope is that is each neighborhood climate action group will designate block leaders willing to take on defined projects within their block. For example, a block leader could go to 20 homes and ask who might be interested in a "bulk" purchase of wall and/or attic insulation. A certain number of homes committing to that would constitute buying power with local contractors for a group discount. Another example: a block leader could offer to review an Xcel energy bill with 20 homeowners. Block goals to reduce monthly electricity usage could be set, and five blocks within a neighborhood could start a fun contest to see which block wins.

Q: Getting out of our cars is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Boulder (not to mention traffic congestion). I ride the bus as much as I can and wonder how I can encourage my neighbors or friends to take public transit more often, or get on their bikes.

A: Find out if your neighborhood has an "NECO Pass" coordinator by calling GO Boulder at 303-441-3266. 24 Boulder neighborhoods have Eco Pass programs to provide annual bus passes, subsidized by the city. People with Eco Passes are nine times more likely to ride the bus than those without a pass. A great resource for low-cost bicycles in Boulder is Community Cycles. They sell used bikes for people of all ages and have annual bike swaps for kids who grow out of their bikes. GO Boulder, a city of Boulder program, has free bike maps that fit in your pocket and can help you get around by bike. ClimateSmart events always have these maps and the new Century 16 theater at the 29th street mall has a GO Boulder table. Finally, check out SkiCarpool.org to arrange trips to the mountain... make friends, not traffic!

Q: I rent an energy inefficient house in Boulder. I can't afford expensive energy retrofits but want to reduce my carbon footprint at home. Can you suggest a few ways I can alter my footprint without putting a dent in my wallet?

Install a programmable thermostat to control heat settings. When you leave for a weekend or longer, set it to 60F; your pipes won't freeze and you'll save lots of money.
Use the energy saving settings on dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, and your fridge. Make sure the fridge temperature is set at 35 to 38 degrees and the freezer set to zero.
Keep refrigerator coils and vents clean. Vacuuming dust from coils behind the fridge and from the vent under the door every two months increases efficiency.
Unplug small appliances that aren't being used, such as cell phone and iPod chargers. Plug computer equipment and entertainment systems into a power strip with an on/off switch. Cutting off power from the strip when not in use eliminates the draw from these energy "vampires."
Turn off lights when you exit a room, and replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs). These light bulbs have a higher cost upfront, but they use a quarter of the energy of incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 years (average 15,000 hours)! You can take them with you when you move or leave them for the next renter in a random act of kindness!
Put your computer on 'sleep' mode if you leave your desk for more than ten minutes, and turn it off if you'll be away more than two hours. Always shut down your computer each night.
Weatherize your windows by installing clear plastic sheeting on the inside of your window frame. This costs about $3 per window and is an easy solution for drafty windows or if frost or water condensation appears on the inside.
Open window blinds during the day in winter to take advantage of the sun's heat, especially on the south and east sides of the home. " Don't block heat vents with furniture or drapes.
Talk to your landlord about improving the energy efficiency of the property. This would make the property more appealing to potential tenants, increase its value, decrease your energy bills and footprint, and make it more environmentally friendly.
Drive less! Emissions from transportation are a large part of most carbon footprints; the average transportation footprint among Boulder residents is 7.2 tons of CO2 per year. You can reduce your carbon footprint by altering the way you travel. Start carpooling or taking the bus to work. Visit Carshare.org for information on renting a car only when you need one. Create a bike route from your house to your office or school at GOBikeBoulder.net and start biking to work. Take the AB bus to the airport (check RTD-Denver for details). This winter, carpool to the ski slopes using skicarpool.org.

Q: How much energy do compact fluorescent light bulbs really save?

A: Compact fluorescent light bulbs save between 60%-75% more electricity than incandescent light bulbs. Energy Star-approved CFLs can save 75% and last up to ten years. (The Best Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb: PM Lab Test, Popular Mechanics, May 2007)

Q: Can CFLs be used in 3-way, track lighting or recessed (canned) lighting?

A: Yes, a variety of companies produce CFLs made for these types of light fixtures. Hardware stores carry these bulbs, and even more decorative bulbs called globes. Be sure to check the packaging to determine the usage of a particular bulb. The overall quality of dimmable bulbs is continually being improved, though some companies already have top-quality products. (energystar.gov). Most CFL manufacturing companies have a small selection of globe and other decorative bulbs that can be purchased at local hardware stores. (energystar.gov)

Q: For rooms where we turn the light on and off quickly (e.g., in a pantry), does it make sense to use a CFL?

A: Turning on and off CFLs quickly can shorten the lifespan of the bulb depending on the frequency of use. CFLs work the best and are most energy efficient when left on for periods over 15 minutes. That said, visits to rooms lasting only a couple minutes will still be at least 70% more energy efficient, so CFLs are a smart choice for all your bulbs.

Q: I've heard conflicting info on recycling of incandescents and CFLs. Also, should I replace the incandescents one by one as they burn out or replace them with CFLs all at once?

A: Incandescent light bulbs should be thrown in the garbage as they cannot be recycled. Although it may seem wasteful to throw them out if they still work, your old bulbs are requiring the use of 75% more coal and are therefore more wasteful from that perspective. CFLs should be recycled at the Boulder Country Household Hazardous Waste Facility (call 303-441-4800 for hours). (source: Boulder County - Resource Conservation Division) because of the small amount of mercury they contain. To dispel another myth, the amount of mercury in CFLs is very small (100 times less than typical thermometers) and it is not released unless the CFL has broken. Using just one CFL prevents 28mg of mercury from being emitted from a coal-fired power plant, and since average house has 30 light bulbs, using CFLs is clearly the best choice.

Q: What are some locations that sell the energy saving light bulbs?

A: All hardware stores (i.e. Ace, McGuckin, Liberty, Sutherlands, and Home Depot) carry CFLs, and many grocery stores carry them. King Soopers has a special deal now until supplies run out (started 2/13/08).

Q: What is the best type of bulb to read by?

A: CFLs are graded on brightness just like incandescents, and "daylight" bulbs will produce the brightest and best light for reading.

Q: I know it is best to use reusable bags for shopping. When I don't have those with me, is it better to request paper or plastic?

A: There are environmental ills associated with each type of bag, so that's why it's always best to bring your own bag or buy only what you can carry. Paper bags can be recycled in the mixed paper category in your curbside bin, but often paper bags are made from virgin, old growth forest fiber. If the paper bag is made from post-consumer recycled content, a paper bag would be preferable, but it is far more likely the paper bag is made with virgin content.

Q: How can we get more grocery stores to emphasize getting reusable bags (King Soopers just came out with 99-cent ones that are sturdy and able to hold a lot) rather than automatically using plastic? What happens to the plastic ones and how long does it take for them to decompose or be recycled? Will Boulder eventually ban the plastic grocery store type bags like San Francisco did?

A: Customers are the best change drivers, so as more people bring reusable bags to stores, there will be less demand for plastic bags. Plastic takes so long to actually decompose that it is hard to find reliable data on whether it actually does break down at all. The ocean has become a collecting ground for plastic products of many kinds that never seem to fully decompose. The best option for recycling plastic bags is to turn them into composite lumber, but only a small percentage of plastic bags are getting recycled. (Plastic bags are NOT accepted at the curb or at the Drop-off center, but only at the CHaRM.) San Francisco is still developing their program, but Boulder is watching how that program and many others like it around the world unfold and evaluating the best solution for this community. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to drive the market by using reusable shopping bags instead of plastic OR paper bags.

Q: Why is it so hard to recycle so many of the plastics we buy our groceries in? So many of the tubs that food comes in are the #5 and up type plastics - we hate throwing them away, but no one seems to accept them for recycling.

A: The issue is that even if a plastic is labeled as "recyclable," there has to be a market for that type of plastic to be made into a new product before it can be accepted in a recycling collection program. Markets generally come from the manufacturer of the product itself, and the plastic industry provides very few markets for their materials, unlike the aluminum, glass or steel industries. At this time, the #2 and #5 tubs are accepted at the Boulder County Recycling Center's drop-off and the Longmont drop-off center, but they are not collected curbside in Boulder because the market is not strong enough to accept large quantities of this type of plastic. The market is unstable and Boulder County actually pays to recycle this material, but they are continuing to test the market by accepting a small quantity through the drop-off. To help reduce waste, buy yogurt in large containers and use Tupperware for small, portable servings.

Q: Sometimes it seems to me that if I were to just reuse plastic containers (ie large yogurt tubs), even just a few times, it might use less energy than it takes to recycle them into new yogurt container. True?

A: Reuse, especially when it means you've avoided buying a new product (in this case a plastic food storage container), is more energy-efficient than recycling. Reusing your tubs and then recycling them when and if they're no longer recyclable would be the best option of all.

Q: How can I stay cool this summer without air-conditioning?

A: Taking advantage of Colorado's cool evenings can help keep your home cool during the hot summer days without having to use air conditioning. The general rule is to close your windows when the air temperature outside is warmer than the air temperature inside your house. Open all your windows at night and let your house cool off throughout the night, then close the windows first thing in the morning. Leave your windows closed until the outside air temperature is cooler than inside. Additionally, closing blinds during the day helps keep the cool air inside your house during the day. Well insulated and air sealed homes will hold the cool air longer. See the next question for information on insulation rebates. Another way to keep your home cool is to use compact fluorescents light (CFLs) bulbs, since they give off 70% less heat than standard incandescent bulbs.

Q: What resources are available to make my house more energy efficient this summer?

A: One of the best places to start is by signing up for an energy audit. Audits help identify the most cost-effective measures you can implement in your home. The city provides low-cost audits through the Center for ReSource Conservation's Residential Energy Audit Program (REAP). After you complete a REAP audit you are eligible for a rebate for installing insulation and air sealing measures in your home through the Insulate and Seal program. Rebates are available for 20% of the cost of insulation/air sealing, up to a maximum of $300. For more information on audits or the Insulate and Seal program, call 303-441-3278 x24. Believe it or not, insulation and air sealing can help out just as much in the summer as the winter so don't wait for the heating season to install insulation and tighten up your home. If you do use an air conditioner, a well insulated home guarantees you'll need it less.

Q: What about evaporative coolers?

A: One energy advantage of Colorado's climate is dry air. Since humidity is low, adding cool water to the air through a fan creates an amazing cooling effect without using a lot of energy. That is exactly what an evaporative cooler does. Evaporative coolers use 75 percent less energy than central air conditioners and can lower the temperature in your home by up to 30 degrees. Xcel Energy offers a rebate of up to $500 on the purchase of an evaporative cooler. Visit www.xceleenergy.com for details.

Q: If I do use an air conditioner, what are some ways to make it more efficient?

A: If you do use an air conditioner, make sure to use a programmable thermostat to automatically turn the temperature up and down to coincide with your daily routine. Replace or clean your filter monthly during the cooling season to maximize efficiency. Keep the coils of your air conditioning unit clean and free of dust. Provide shade around your air conditioner to reduce your cooling costs by nearly three percent. Ceiling fans will keep the air moving and allow you to keep the thermostat setting higher because moving air feels cooler.