A redoubling of 'green' efforts after energy audit

We've spent a great deal of energy and money over the past few years trying to reduce our overall carbon footprint. We've accomplished this with thoughtful planning and design, environmentally conscious purchases and energy-saving features, from walls made of structural insulated panels (SIPs) to in-floor radiant heat.

After just over a year of living in our new "green-friendly" home, we have some data to determine our energy savings. When our initial Home Energy Audit was completed last February, it was estimated that we would spend an average of $120 a month on our electric, heating and cooling needs.

The actual results from one year of use showed that we spent an average of $180 a month. Our natural gas consumption was right around the estimated amount, even with the slightly elevated costs of fuel this winter. Much of this could be attributed to the passive solar design of our house, and our active role as homeowners to make sure our shades were open and closed at the appropriate times so that we could harness this free energy source.

On several sunny days last winter when the outside temperature was around minus-12, our home stayed a toasty 72 degrees inside without the furnace running during the day.

In fall we had a solar audit and discovered that our home's electricity consumption was high. Some of this was a result of phantom loads from appliances, several computers being used regularly during the day and careless habits, such as leaving on lights in rooms that weren't being used or leaving unused electronic items plugged in.

What is most disturbing about our high electricity use is that we've done many simple things, such as replacing most of our lights with fluorescent bulbs. Yet our household of four people was using more energy than was necessary. Since our fall solar audit we've installed power strips in certain areas to mitigate energy consumption from phantom appliances, as well as adding dimming fluorescent light bulbs in some rooms.

But we need to be more aware of our consumption practices. The boys often still leave every light, TV, radio and computer on.

Although our electricity consumption was high, our water consumption was low. According to various studies, the average family of four in the United States uses 120,000 to 160,000 gallons a year. Last year we used almost 60,000 gallons of water. Our water usage was low considering we had to water newly laid sod and plants.

We reduced our water consumption with dual-flush toilets, low-flow faucets and rain barrels to capture water for plants. Our sump pump, which is active all year long, also provided water for our lawn throughout the summer.

We also practiced good water management by taking short showers and turning off faucets when brushing our teeth.

An audit of our family's energy and consumption practices was enlightening. It was a reminder that green products, good planning and intentions are only maximized when you take the time to practice responsible behavior. My hope is that by next year we will be able to significantly reduce our consumption of electricity and water. We'll not only lighten our impact on the environment but reduce our monthly energy costs.