| Q: Do you consider Maine Home Performance with Energy Star work done on a home a factor since it can greatly reduce utility use leading to a carbon free home? |
| A: Absolutely! |
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| Q: How do I contact the Mars Hill supplier to give them my CMP account #? |
| A: Power from Renewable Energy Credits is not sold directly to individual customers, but to aggregators who then sell it to individuals. Thus, you purchase RECs separately from your utility electric bill. |
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| Q: When I sign up for one of the clean energy suppliers on the site, am I just sending in money to support it or does it actually alter where my electricity is derived from? |
| A: If you are signing up with a supplier of electricity, you are actually purchasing power supply and will be billed for it on your utility electric bill. This means that the amount of power that you use is going to come from a renewable energy resource rather than from a non-renewable resource. If you choose to purchase RECs, the corresponding power will be delivered to the electric grid. The amount of clean power you purchase will go into the total mix of energy supply delivered, thus lowering the amount of non-renewable energy purchased. |
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| Q: Can you recommend a site with a directory to Clean Energy Providers in Maine? |
| A: As you continue along on the Carbon Free Homes site, you will come to a place where you will see a number of clean energy providers who have chosen to sign on with us. Compare the options available and choose the product that is best for you! |
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Q: DISPOSING OF CFLs
What is the proper way to dispose of a CFL?
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A: CFLs are not really "disposed" of, they are recycled. At the end of its long life (typically 5-to-7 years), a CFL can be easily recycled at more than 200 hardware stores and other retail outlets in Maine. For a clickable map of stores in Maine which provide rebates for CFL purchases and the recycling facility closest to you, go to http://www.efficiencymaine.com/residential_programs_esrl_rl.htm. You may also recycle CFLs at your local solid waste facility or recycling center.
Do CFLs contain mercury?
CFLs contain a small amount (4 to 5 thousandths of a gram - about the amount of ink on the tip of a ball point pen) of mercury. They and many other mercury-containing items such as traditional tube fluorescent lights, thermometers, and thermostats should be turned in to a recycling facility so the mercury can be reclaimed and reused.
What is the environmental impact of CFL bulbs?
Using compact fluorescent lighting instead of regular incandescent lights has a positive environmental impact. Because CFLs are more efficient than regular bulbs, they reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned at power plants that generate electricity. By doing this, they prevent the emission of air pollutants such as mercury, sulfur dioxide (which can cause acid rain), nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide (which contributes to global warming).
Should I be concerned about having CFLs in my home?
As with many household items, such as cleaning products, there are small but manageable risks associated with CFLs. Maine's Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Public Utilities Commission encourage the use of CFLs. The DEP recommends that they be used in areas where they are least prone to damage. If a CFL breaks in your home, the DEP provides a list of simple steps you can take to safely clean it up yourself. Go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/homeowner/fluorescent.htm
What is Efficiency Maine doing to encourage proper disposal of CFLs?
We have developed the country's first CFL recycling program. Your worn-out (not broken) CFL bulbs may be taken back to any one of hundreds of participating stores around the state. Those stores recycle the bulbs so that they do not end up in land fills. Look for a list of participating stores at efficiencymaine.com |
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| Q: I am building a new home and would like to pledge to make my home efficient. How do I do this when I don't have any existing energy numbers to put in? |
| A: Since you don't yet have numbers for your new house, you could extrapolate from your usage at your previous house. If your new house is larger, how much larger is it? Take that percentage and add it to your heating, cooling, lighting costs.
In other words, make a reasonable guess. That will be a good start, and you can always update your pledge later if you get different information, once you have moved into your house and start getting energy bills. |
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| Q: I already have CFLs and energy efficient appliances and buy clean electricity/RECs. How do I show what I already do? |
| A: Thank you for already taking steps towards becoming energy efficient and for using clean electricity. We still encourage you to take the pledge and be counted as one of the Carbon Free Homes. Just make note of what steps you have already taken when you save your pledge information in the comment box "how did you hear about this site?" (after letting us know how you heard of us!) We will let you know of any new opportunities for home efficiency and clean energy as they arise. You may also be interested in some of the additional tips we offer for energy efficiency located in the last section of the carbon calculator. |
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| Q: Can I just sign up online with my CMP account number and have CMP add the amount each month to my electrical bill to buy enough offsets so that my electricity consumption is "clean"? |
| A: Yes. Follow the Carbon Free Homes website to the "clean energy" options, choose the supply that is best for you, and sign up. It is helpful to have your utility account number handy. Your energy will now come from the provider that you selected. You will be billed for clean power supply on your regular utility bill. |
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| Q: What is the cost per kWh of electricity? |
| A: The cost of electricity depends on where you are and which utility provides your electricity. Also, the cost of the energy you purchase consists of the cost of production and the cost of delivery, which are billed separately on your account. If you look at a recent electric bill, you will see how much you are paying per kWh for power. |
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| Q: How much more per month will it cost me to buy Clean Energy? |
| A: The cost varies, depending on how much energy you currently use, and on the clean energy product you purchase. If you follow the instructions on the Carbon Free Homes' site, you will be able to go to the websites of various power providers and see what their cost is. Typically, you may be paying about 3 cents more per kWh for your power. That's anywhere from $5-20 per month, depending on how many kWh you use per month. |
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| Q: I installed new CFLs around my bathroom vanity last fall and three have just died...aren't these supposed to last for 5-7 years? |
| A: CFLs should last much longer than your regular light bulbs, typically 5-7 years. You might want to check to see if your bulbs are the right kind for your socket - for instance that you don't have a regular bulb in a socket meant for dimmable bulbs. You might also want to check to make sure that your socket isn't where water can get into it. If you are having problems with your bulbs, and can't find any reasons that make sense, you should call the manufacturer, or take your bulbs back to the store where you purchased them. |
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| Q: Are the long tubular old fluorescent lights as efficient as the new CFLs? |
| A: We are assuming you are asking about the older CFL bulbs that fit in lamps, but are longer than the current "swirly" version.
The older bulbs are not as efficient as the newer versions. However, the older CFLs are more efficient than the standard incandescent light bulb. |
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| Q: Where can I find CFLs for dimmer, recessed, or other non-standard lights? |
| A: Thank you for your question. Please go to efficiencymaine.com You will find a list of program allies, who supply energy efficiency products, including compact fluorescent light bulbs. If your bulbs are a special size, you may need to ask your local provider to order them for you. Many of the larger stores such as Lowes and Home Depot are carrying a pretty comprehensive selection of CFLs at this point.
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| Q: I've noticed that my CFLs are a little bit longer than a regular light bulb. They sometimes touch the glass of my light Is this ok? |
| A: Yes, it is safe, but aesthetically, the light will show through the glass and may not be as pleasing to look at. |
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| Q: Do I increase my carbon footprint more by washing dishes by hand or by using a dishwasher? My water is heated from an oil-fired boiler, and I use the standard offer electrical supplier. |
| A: There are some variables - like how many times a day you wash dishes, but unless you let your hot water run all during the time you wash dishes, you are likely to save energy by hand-washing your dishes. |
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| Q: How can I buy the right size CFL when all I ever buy is 60-watt light bulbs? |
| A: All CFLs sold have the equivalent size regular bulb listed on them (60-watt = 15 watt). One of the best rules of thumb is, if replacing general lighting divide your regular bulb by 4 (60/4 = 15) and look for a CFL close to that number. For lighting needed in areas where you do close work, read, or just desire additional light divide by 3 (60/3= 20). You will have more light than before and still save a lot of energy.
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| Q: What size solar thermal system do I need for my home? |
| A: The size of solar systems appropriate for a home vary according to your needs. An 1800 square foot home with a single occupant might need a different size system than a 3,000 square foot home with four occupants.
You should call several product providers to discuss your needs, the correct size, cost of various systems, and warranties offered. You can find a list of qualified solar installers (many of whom sell the product) on our website at www.maine.gov/MSEP |
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