Dwellsol
Design and Consulting
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Dwellsol Design and Consulting
Santa Rosa, CA
707.328-3731

As we reduce our buildings consumption of electricity, we make a huge dent in
carbon emission and its related consequences. It is estimated in the United
States that each person is responsible for over 12,000 kilowatts of electrical
consumption annually. Let's look at some quick ways to cut down on your
consumption of electricity.
Technology

When designing your new home (or remodeling your existing one), ask your
design professional or contractor about some of these features to add to your
home.
  • Switchable outlets - these allow you to really stop your electronics from
    using energy even while on standby. Traditional outlets can be wired to
    be switched on and off, but newer outlet have that option built directly into
    the outlet.
  • Pin-Type compact fluorescent fixtures - we all know that compact
    fluorescent bulbs can save us energy, using pin type fixtures ensure that
    they are the only type of bulb that can be used.
  • Energy Star Appliances - look for Energy Star rated appliances for your
    home.
  • Use occupancy sensors - these will turn off your lights for you, because
    sometimes we forget.
  • Use solar powered site lighting - self-contained lighting solution for
    outside.

Most of your
electronics continue
to draw electricity even
when they are turned
off? Most devices
have internal memory
functions (such as
time of day) that need
power to maintain
even when they are
not on.
One way to reduce
energy is to stop your
appliances from
using electricity when
they are not in use by
unplugging them.

If you are building a
new home, ask your
designer or contractor
about using
switchable electric
outlets where
common electronics
will be used, such as
the television and
other entertainment
devices.

These switches are
available as internal
to the outlet or by
remote switch.