If you haven’t signed up for DTE’s Green Currents program yet the state of Michigan has proposed to make it cost effective for you to do so.

Michigan Senate has voted to require that state government use more green energy. SB 1000 approved unanimously would require that 3% of electricity in state buildings come from renewable sources by 2009 , 10% by 2010, 20% by 2020, and 25% by 2025. Republican senators favor their approach over proposed renewable requirements in the House that would affect all utilities and power providers in Michigan. The Senate bill would let the state off the hook if renewable energy costs 5% more than traditional power.

Michigan Senate has also voted to require electric suppliers to offer green power programs (SB 1041).  SB 1040 passed and will provide up to a $200 tax credit for a homeowner to cover any extra costs of participating in a green power program.

If you really are concerned with the issues of home energy use check out Home Energy Magazine online. They have a lot of information. It’s a magazine designed for the the professional building managers and builders so the articles are technical and involved but they may help you out.

Check it out the contents page for a list of articles.

Visit the Energy Star site and get information on making your home more energy efficient.

Take the quiz at Six Degrees of Energy Efficiency and find out about your energy savings knowledge. The site then asks you to send 6 friends to the site to take the quiz.

If you are a DTE customer you may want to check out MY DTE Energy its their online bill payment center plus a lot more. DTE has a home analyzer which will help you compare your home energy uses to others homes like yours. They also have pages on home energy tips,  below are some examples.

Remember that Michigan IR can help you analyze your water heater insulation and can help check your ductwork for leaks. Visit Michigan IR.com for more details.

Water Heating Tips

Heating water can account for 15 – 20 % of your gas or electric bill. Here are several easy ways to save energy while using your water heater:

* Lower the setting on your water heater to about 115 to 120 degrees.
* Carefully insulate older hot-water storage tank and pipes with an insulated wrap.
* The only part of an electric water heater that is not insulated is the bottom of the heater. When the water heater is set directly on a cold basement floor, even more heat can be lost. Placing an insulated pad between the heater and the floor could help you save $10 to $20 annually.
* Replace your old water heater with a new energy-efficient one. Although this will cost more than a standard water heater, the energy savings will continue during the lifetime of the appliance.
* Repair leaking faucets quickly. A faucet that drips at a rate of one drip per second can cost $1 or more per month.
* Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce water usage.
* Take showers instead of baths. You’ll save 5 to 10 gallons of hot water every time you do.

Check your ductwork.
Air leaks, especially at joints, can cause your heating system to lose heat, thereby reducing its efficiency. Seal leaks with foil-faced tape.

Welcome to the IR Energy Savings Blog. This blog is here to help you discover ways to improve your homes energy efficiency with tips and suggestions from the pros.

This Blog is sponsored by Michigan IR, a company that uses the latest technology to analyze structures for air, moisture, and other problems. Among the equipment Michigan IR uses is a thermal imagining camera which detects heat differences and presents those differences in visual form. Reviewing a structure with a thermal imagining camera is a valuable step when you are trying to determine the integrity of a structure.