Solar Panel Systems, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Your Home
August 21st, 2010Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Articles Comments OffReduce your energy bill with renewable energy
The use of renewable energy to generate electricity and reduce your energy bill can be a solid long-term investment. Depending on the type of technology, you can expect a full return on your investment within 3-18 years. With financial or tax breaks from your utility or state and national governments, the amortization period of your investment will be reduced in half.
However, the first step of the examinationall renewable energies, it must how to make your home or business more energy efficient. In general, the basic rule that for every $ 1 you spend your energy efficient location, you save $ 3 to $ 5 on the costs of renewable energy system. Let's some basic ways you can go your home more energy efficient.
Your Home Energy Efficient
One of the easiest things you do to reduce your power consumption is to change your regular incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). CFLs use 65-75% less energy than a standard light bulb, the light produces the same amount. By replacing a standard 100-watt bulb with 32 watt CFL, you will save 80 $ 60 to $ in electricity costs over the life of the lamp that (10,000 hours). Now imagine you how much you save if you changed all your light> Light bulbs to CFLs!
The technology for these lamps has grown fast and improved in recent years, while costs come down dramatically. You'll find CFLs that fit, now that most of lamps and lighting needs, there are dimmable CFLs!. Head out to your local department or hardware store and buy CFLs, how many of your lights as possible. The investment is worth it.
Another alternative toTraditional lights are tubular skylights. Tubular skylights look a little like shiny stovepipes that start with a transparent roof over the dome and come in a few rooms for day lighting. We often see clients with tubular skylights, natural light in hallways and closets to bring. The light is of course completely natural and in some bulb plants can be as much illumination as a 100-watt light bulb.
EnergyStar and Energy Guide
One of the largest electricity consumers in most homes is the refrigerator. In most households is the number one cold electricity consumer after each power-based heating or cooling systems. If your refrigerator is more than 10 years, chances are it is electrically very inefficient. Consider replacing your current refrigerator with one that has a high Energy Star rating. Remember that just because a refrigerator may have earned the EnergyStar label does not mean it is the most efficient model available, it just means that the efficiency of the federal government mandated efficiency standard exceeds by at least 15%. You can even have much of your investigation online on the website of Energy Star. There you can for the brand, type and size of the fridge you search and sort by energy efficiency. If you order in the stores, contact the yellow Energy Guide tags that are attached to all new refrigerators (and many other devices). Energy Guide is avarious government Energy Star program, which offers information on the annual energy consumption, and shows you where each model ends up in a comparison with similar models. For maximum savings, choose the model that is a leader in efficiency in its class.
Ghost Loads
Also known as "phantom loads" referred to are spirit charges the insidious devices that consume little electricity continuously 24 hours a day, even if it is not actually something useful. DuringEach device itself can not consume much power, a combination of them in your household can consume all the easy-to-left, the equivalent of two or three 60-watt light bulbs at night after all day and all. In the course of a single year this adds up to over 1 megawatt-hour, in other words, enough electricity for a whole energy-efficient house for 2-3 months!
What are these mysterious ghost town burdens? The best known examples are the "power supply"Adapters or power supplies that operate free or cell phones, laptops, cordless drills, answering machines, radios, inkjet printers and many other household appliances. They are actually small transformers, turning AC power from the wall outlet into direct current for use by the device. During one of these devices can only consume a small amount of energy (eg, 3-20 watts), a dozen of them run, consume simultaneously and continuously, to a considerable amountElectricity. Even worse is that even if you do not charge your mobile phone or the battery for your cordless drill, that AC adapter may continue to consume electricity, just because it plugged into the wall. Other well-camouflaged Ghost loads are those devices that the "have Instant On" feature, like most TVs, VCRs, DVD players, radios and even many many computers. While all of these devices are turned off supposedly they are actually consume around 30-20 wattscontinuously, only to be ready for you to use them.
How you can reduce the consumption of energy by this parasitic loads? One of the easiest solutions is simply plug these devices into a power strip that has an off switch on /. When you are done with the devices and close it normally, then just press the switch on the power strip. Many people make a part of their nightly routine to shut off the power strips, just before they go to bed. For AC power supplies, to useat night, how to recharge a cell phone, have it off on a separate power strip that you during the day, if you take your mobile phone. Simple solutions like this could be your Ghost reduce electrical loads of up to 80%. Expressed in real dollars, this means saving upwards of $ 120 per year in electricity costs, depending on your local electric utility rates and how to dedicate themselves to reduce the burdens your mind.
A special note for People Who Live planOff-grid
If you are planning an off-grid use of solar panels, wind turbines or hydroelectric power plant plan and a 12 or 24 volt battery bank, you are often able, equipment, apparatus and appliances directly to these voltages to be found. The advantage of using the equipment that they do not need a power adapter, which uses electricity unnecessarily, if the device is in use. After all, what is an AC adapter plug does not convert ordinary household current AC / DCType of power for the device, and it rare that the conversion effect.
Energy-efficient cooling
During the summer (and in warmer climates) Air conditioning is often the largest consumer of electricity. An inexpensive way to reduce the demand on your air conditioning system, keep your attic cooler with a solar attic fan. Driven by an integrated solar panel, switch to solar attic fans, if your attic gets hot during the day. By venting the hot air outof your attic all day long, remain below the soil cooler and as a result of your air conditioner is running significantly less.
Solar attic fans by a good do-it-yourself or carpenters to install. You do not need wiring. A hole must be cut in the roof, the fan in the attic slipped and the edges are sealed with the roof down to seal. The solar panel in the fan unit is included is designed to last at least 25 years. A solar attic fan is another wise investment that pays off veryquickly.
For people who live in areas that are relatively dry, but hot, evaporative coolers (aka swamp cooler) are a cost effective and energy efficient alternative to conventional air conditioners. Evaporative coolers need to use about 25% of the energy of an air conditioner would. Unfortunately, most people live in climates where it is hot it is relatively moist. Under these conditions, evaporative coolers will not work effectively.
Another simple and green method to reduceYour home is the cost of air conditioning systems on deciduous trees, their leaves shade your home in summer and sheds its leaves for more sunlight in the winter months, plant. By shading your home, it heats up less, and therefore requires less cooling by air conditioning. Planting a tree in this scenario has the dual environment, you're reducing the greenhouse gases both with less power and because the tree itself absorbs carbon dioxide.
Energy efficiency andHousehold Appliances
Many other devices in your household, a newer and significantly more energy efficient version. Here's a short list of other devices that you look with higher-efficiency versions should be replaced: Hot water tanks, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, telephones, VCR and DVD, ceiling fans, fax machines, computers and copiers. To see which brands and models are Energy Star certified and what the figurethese are the most efficient, visit the Energy Star website: www.EnergyStar.gov. To find out how much electricity your appliances consume in fact, invest in an inexpensive power meter like the Kill-A-Watt meter.
For many households, the largest bill is the heating bill. Probably the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to reduce your heating costs is to buy a programmable thermostat. You can use these thermostats to automatically switch off the stove when you're not at home and turn it easilybefore you arrive. They are easy to recoup your small investment in the new thermostat in one winter, less by your heating system. See your local hardware store or HVAC company for pricing and availability of different models.
Another essential step to lower your heating bills home sealing air leaks and insulation is added. According to Energy Star seal air leaks and adding insulation to reduce your heating costs by up to 10%. For houses with gables, one of the easiest andmost effective places to put down insulation is in the attic. Visit your local hardware store to find out how much insulation is in several areas of the house recommended for your region.
In recent years, the use of solar air heaters are becoming increasingly popular. Mounted on an outer, southern facing wall or roof can reduce solar air heating collectors a home or business annual heating costs by up to 30%. Costing less than a new conventional heatingSystem, heating Solar Air Systems typically pay for itself in 3-6 years. They are typically for the last 18-35 years and require minimal maintenance. In connection with your existing heating system, solar air heating system simply reduces your heat if you have even partial sunlight.
There are two basic types of solar air heating systems. There are those who heat up fresh air and it hit in your home or business. The there are those who take the airfrom the interior of your building to increase the temperature by another 50-90 degrees Celsius and blows it back in (also known as solar convection). Newer houses and buildings to be sealed tightly and are usually outdated winter air will benefit doubly from the fresh air solar heaters. Older houses are usually by nature and experience draftier full air exchange with the outdoors a few times a day. These houses are more air from the solar heating systems, the return of benefitsthe indoor air and promote it in the temperature. Typically, a 4×8 foot solar air collector is recommended per 750-1000 square feet home space.
Water Heating Efficiency
More efficient models of hot water heaters have also in recent years are available. If you have an old hot water heater, chances are that it is not with efficiency in mind. Again, check out Energy Star's website to find out what most boilermore efficient.
Another good alternative to the conventional hot water tanks heaters. These systems heat water only when its use. Normal hot water used in much of North America maintain a large tank of hot water to be used only few times per day. To the water hot and ready to use on a moment's notice these traditional hot water tanks energy throughout the day, whether you need it or not. Heateronly consume energy, for now you need the hot water, saving the typical household 30-50% of the cost of heating water. You can find water heater that natural gas, propane and electricity use from a variety of manufacturers.
Solar Water Heating offers you the best return on investment
The energy (natural gas, propane, electricity, etc.) are needed for water heating, are 60-90% reduced by a solar water heaterPreheat water before it enters your existing traditional water heater. Remarkably effective and efficient, even in northern climates, solar water heating technologies have matured significantly in the last 30 years. Designed to easily last 30 years or more with minimum maintenance, solar water heating will typically pay for itself in its first 3-7 years of use. Solar water-heating heat your house with water collectors, usually placed on the roof of the house. The hotWater produced is stored in an insulated tank until your house is prepared to use it. Your traditional hot water is heated to just kick on the water when the water temperature is not quite high enough. Solar water heater can be installed by advanced do-it-yourself, but it is recommended that a qualified plumber or installer or write the complicated plumbing.
Energy Efficiency – Your first step toward clean energy and energy independence
The firstStep before the purchase of a solar or wind electric system to your needs is power to reduce intelligent these needs. Most of the houses are affordable to reduce their power consumption 20-30%, without ever making any adjustments for the life of the residents. We provide you with many tips for saving energy in this article, such as:
Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent ones.
Update your older deviceswith Energy Star star those that have very low power rating.
Minimize the number of hidden Phantom (Ghost) loads in your house.
Insulate your home for colder seasons.
Creative use vegetation to keep your house cool in summer and maximize sunlight entering the house in winter.
With solar thermal technologies (not to be confused with solar power technologies) in order to reduce cost, how much your traditional air or water heating systems have to work.
There are literally hundreds of other little tricks you smart house that a further reduction will make your electrical requirements. Consider took a copy of the book "10-Minute Energy-Saving Secrets – 250 Easy Ways to Save Big Bucks Year Round" by Jerri Farris on the many other quick and easy way to get to your home to reduce consumption of energy.
© 2009 Old Store, Inc. – "Making Renewable Do-able" (TM)
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