energy savings

Since I’m currently living as an expatriate in Sweden, I have been watching the stimulus package action from afar — with envy! Details are now emerging on how U.S. homeowners can take advantage of tax credits for energy-efficient improvements: a 30 percent rebate, up to a max of $1,500 for most projects. (The old federal tax credit was 10 percent up to a max of $500.)

The long dark days of winter are here, bringing us cheery snowmen, cozy nights by the fire, and… sky-high heating bills. There’s nothing to be done, you think. You’ve got to heat the house, right? Well yes, but there might be a way to reduce the amount of energy you use — without resorting to three layers of sweaters and goofy wool hats.

Apparently I have upset the appliance gods. Right before Thanksgiving, the dryer stopped drying anything. And then right after Thanksgiving, the refrigerator started freezing everything.

It’s mid-December, and you’re still not sure what to get your sweetie? Try one of these green tech goodies.

Solar Gorilla, $250