Where Can I Get a List of Appliances Usage in Terms of Voltage?

Appliances are designed for the household voltage in each country - 110V or 220V in the US, 240V in Europe etc. It's usually printed on the label somewhere but it's not a big selling point as they are all the same - else they would not work properly. In the US with split-phase power many higher-power appliances like dryers are 220V while smaller-power ones like refrigerators are 110V.

1. How is replacing older appliances environmentally efficient?

Energy star appliances use WAY less energy. Less electricity. Put your old appliances on freecycle and someone else can use them. Or you can recycle much of it. If you have a dishwasher that is using four times the water and twice the electricity, it makes sense to get rid of it. If you have a 1950's fridge in your garage, unplug it and you will see a dramatic lowering of your power bill. If, however, your stuff is in good working condition, and is energy efficient, it does make sense to repair it. Good luck finding someone who will, though! I know I am not getting rid of my 10 year old Maytag stove until I absolutely have to. The thing is built great, way better than the new ones. We take apart our old appliances and recycle everything we can. We had a four year old dishwasher puke on us, unfixable, and the plastic tub part became a "dogloo" type animal shelter, the metal was all scrapped, and the usable repair parts to the motor were sold on Ebay. Only the door was trashed. We have also made dog houses out of old refrigerators.

2. HOT season is coming up.... any idea on how to save energy?

- Minimize cooking and the use of lights and appliances. - Shade windows exposed to sun. - Eat outside of the hot kitchen. - Plant shade trees near windows and on east, southeast, west and southwest faces of the house. This will create shade from the hot summer sun. - Keep the humidity low by reducing the amount of cooking that is done and using the bathroom exhaust fans when showering. - Use ceiling fans to increase breezes and comfort. I personally also drink lots of cold water and dip a washcloth in ice water and put it on my neck.

3. Cubicle situation where a co-worker has a heater turned up all day but she wears thin blouses and short skirts?

Your state or province has laws on workplace temperatures. Your employer also may have policies limiting use of appliances (for fire insurance purposes). In Ontario, Canada, the workplace must keep the temperature at or above 18C (except the first hour of the work day, if heat switched off overnight). That's 64.4 F. Most municipalities go further, and specify 21C as the minimum temperature a landlord can maintain a rental unit - that's 69.8 F. The province also recomends not turning air conditioning on until at or above 26C (78.8 F) as an energy saving measure. Either throw the book at her, or mount a small window air conditioner between your cubes - inside facing you, outside facing her - that will give you both what you want, until the boss enforces a 'no-appliance' rule.

4. What are some easy ways to save money? I.e. turning water off while brushing teeth...?

Buy a program able thermostat and use it so you run your heat or AC less. get a tankless water heater Install motion sensors on switches in room Put appliances on power strips and turn off the strip when not in use. Any appliance with a digital display sucks electricity all the time (like you VCR clock) Set the power down/snooze/sleep settings on you computers to shut down sooner. Same with teh screen saver - just set it to turn off the monitor instead of running screensaver.

5. What curtains go with red walls?

Off White, not too white should be okay for the curtains. I would add appliances that are grey might work with a red and black kitchen, providing it's okay with your boyfriend. Red and black are bold colors but it can be toned down with off white and grey. Good Luck.

6. Is it normal for a roommate to charge for using their appliances.. (cont)?

I do not believe it is right. Going to charge for the fridge too? Put a lock and bolt on it? That's craziness, either pay for room and board or monthly rent, or find some place else, sounds like a nit picker to live with, sorry