New Meters Could Help Conserve Energy
From: Pat Maxwell
Series: February 2007 - Isla Earth Radio Series
Length: 01:30
Also in the February 2007 - Isla Earth Radio Series series
Texas Park Has Bad Air Day
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Big Bend National Park has some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. It's in the boonies of southwest Texas, yet it has the smoggiest air of any of the parks ...
A Tale of Two Birds
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
This is a tale of two marsh birds that live on opposite sides of the United States. They belong to the same species, and prefer the same kind of habitat. But while one is ...
Restoring a Fragile Marine Ecosystem
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
A study in the journal Nature found that up to 90 percent of the larger specimens of these species have disappeared from the world's oceans.
Understanding Fish Migration Patterns
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Tracking whale sharks is a tricky business. But conservationists have come up with a hi-tech solution, an ingenious new device that allows researchers to track fish ...
Citizen Scientists help Protect Amphibians
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Amphibians have existed for 300 million years. But in recent decades, 168 species are believed to have gone extinct, and almost 2,500 others are disappearing in a hurry.
Merced's new Sustainable Campus
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Colleges and universities are jumping on the green building bandwagon.
Reduce Home Water Use
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Americans use a lot of water. In fact, the average American uses more than 100 gallons every day.
Mobile Urban Farms
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Ken Dunn transforms unused urban land into productive gardens.
Trees Offsetting Vehicle Emissions
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Filipinos are aiming to improve the quality of the air they breathe by planting trees on the country's roadways.
Creatures in Love
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
To celebrate Valentine's Day, we're going to look at the mating habits of three very different creatures.
Related Pieces
Piece Description
As the old cliche says, knowledge is power. And when it comes to conserving electricity, what you don't know can cost you a pretty penny. The EPA says that the average home produces more greenhouse gases than the average car. And while many people are committed to reducing their use of electricity, it's hard to track which appliances are gobbling up all those kilowatts. The standard meter isn't exactly illuminating. But that may be changing. Researchers are working on new meter designs and information systems that will transform your electricity meter into a "home energy dashboard." You?ll be able to pinpoint inefficient appliances by monitoring a panel in the kitchen. And if your kids leave a light on down in the basement, a quick glance at the panel will let you know that energy is being wasted. Energy conservation is a key objective for people who are concerned about the environment. This new technology can shed a little light on how you use electricity -- and empower you to save some cash on your utility bills.
