Energy Efficient Homes: Sexy? Maybe Not. But They Feel Better.

Over the past year, I've taken a few steps to increase the energy efficiency of my house. There's more to do, but I recently took stock of how a little efficiency here and there has actually made my life sweeter. I frankly hadn't expected that.

5. Friendlier showers.  I used to stand buck naked and cranky waiting for the shower to heat up in the morning, waving my hand under the stream of cold water until I'd get frustrated and march off to pick out clothes for the day in a huff. When I got back to the bathroom, it was full of steam, and hot water was trundling down the drain, which made me feel guilty and awful. That's just not a civilized start to the day. The Evolve shower start shower head changed all that. I flick on the shower then trundle off to do whatever I want. Once it's warm, the water flow stops until I step in and pull a little string. Voila. Perfect shower, waiting just for me. I save water, which is good kharma, and I save electricity. Most of all, I save my morning, which is awfully nice for the others in my orbit.

4. Cozier rooms. Last spring we sealed up a couple of the major drafts in the downstairs of our house. The temperature has just started to plummet, and I can already tell the difference. I used to feel like a bit player in a York Peppermint Patty ad when I walked past the front door. ("I feel a cool breeze blowing through my hair.") Now I feel like a regular genius.

3. Less anxiety. I don't want to talk about it. I just want to say that I've got a Freeplay Flashlight Emergency Center, and I'm not afraid of big storms or massive power outages. Sometimes. Because I know that when the power goes out I can find a flashlight and it will work, and when it stops working, I can crank it up and it will work again. No, I don't have 40 gallons of drinking water in my basement. But my neighbor does, and I'm jealous, and I'm going to make her cookies, just in case I need some of that water some day...

2. Less noise. We used to fall asleep to the sound of a computer buzzing upstairs, and the distant tick of a printer shifting mysteriously on its table. No more. The electricity-driven nighttime antics of our electronics are done. Smart strips deny electricity to power vampires, and the house has a softer, gentler feel to it.  Even the ice maker takes the night off. Ah, the sound of money not being spent.

1. Better parties. I don't wash dishes by hand any more, because dishwashers use less water. Instead of yelling, "All hands on deck," after dessert,  I say, "Don't worry about it - I'm throwing everything in the dishwasher." and I mean it. I sit on my youknowhat and have another glass of wine. It's very peaceful, really, and once word gets around about not having to do my dishes, I'm thinking more people will show up!   Extra bonus - less wrinkly hands at the end of the night. I understand that you don't care about my wrinkly hands, but someone does.