Top 10 Energy Saving Tips

A correctly installed solar home energy system can cost as little as $ 200 for a homeowner to manufacture and install and with the potential savings nearing close to 80% of a normal household electricity bill it is not hard to see why a solar home energy system is fast becoming a popular home addition. In some situations over production can lead the homeowner into a position of being able to sell his surplus solar power back to the electric company thus making a profit on the overall situation. The sun's energy is the most abundant energy available on earth and by employing this free source a homeowner not only reduces his consumption of "manufactured" electricity but also contributes to a greener world.

A solar home energy system has many advantages apart from being cost-effective and environment-friendly. They are low on maintenance thus saving time and effort. Also, solar home energy systems give you a return on investment very soon, thus making the systems free after just a few weeks or as illustrated above a profit could be experienced if over production occurs, indeed it would be best to bear in mind this situation when designing the system to ensure an over production. If space allowed the installation of extra solar panels then this would provide an ideal income source.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-BTKkZxvJ0

What Are the Different Home Energy Savings For Seattle Residence?

As the problem on global warming and depletion of energy sources continue to haunt nations, more people are becoming aware of energy saving. Various states have initiated efforts to tap renewable sources of energy and teach the public on how to lessen their energy consumption whether at home or at work. States have come up with laws and incentives to encourage the public to save energy. One state that continuously supports energy saving is Seattle. The different home energy savings for Seattle residence are proven helpful in reducing energy consumption as well as environment pollution.

Many tips on home energy savings for Seattle residence recommend conducting your own home energy assessment or commonly known as home energy audit. This allows you to detect how much energy your home consumes and take the necessary steps to lessen energy consumption in order to make your home energy efficient.

A home energy audit can check the different areas of your home and point out where you are using more energy. Aside from assessing your energy consumption, the home energy assessment can also give you ideas on how to save on electricity and water. Check air leaks or drafts in your window frames, baseboards, electrical outlets, mail slots and attic hatches among others. Air leaks create heat loss. Experts indicate that you can save as much as five percent to thirty percent in your energy consumption every year by simply fixing these air leaks.

Aside from air leaks, proper home insulation also helps in conserving energy. Inadequate insulation also results to heat loss and a primary reason of energy waste. Various cooling and heating equipment account for the majority of any home's energy use. Clean them annually and check it for any damage. It is also advisable to change your furnace filters at least once a month. You can also clean and seal all your home heating ducts. Furthermore, check the wattage size of the light bulbs used in your homes. Energy coming from lighting takes up ten percent of the electric bill. To save money and energy as well, change your light bulbs into compact fluorescent lamps or energy efficient lamps. Nowadays, more homes opt to use solar energy by installing photovoltaic cells on their roofs.

Home energy savings for Seattle residence does not only involve saving on electricity. It also includes water conservation. Over the years, the world has witnessed the scarcity of clean source of water. By saving on water and using water wisely, the next generation is assured of a steady supply of safe and clean water. Simple steps like turning off the faucet while brushing the teeth or fixing water leaks in faucets can make a big difference. Other ways to save water include upgrading toilets into water efficient models, keep the water used for washing fruits and vegetables and used it to water the plants, tightly turn off faucets after every use and shorten the time you spend in the shower to name a few.

These home energy savings for Seattle residence are intended not only to save on energy but also help the public to save more money. It also contributes to a cleaner environment by eliminating pollution.

Source: http://www.artipot.com/articles/1406022/what-are-the-different-home-energy-savings-for-seattle-residence.htm

Energy-Saving Tips Inside Your Home

Home energy consumption is one of the main problems of people today. The fact is, we all need electricity to power our lives. We need the level of civilization that can be provided by electricity. However, most people think that the price they pay is just too much for the amount of electricity they get to consume. In the true spirit of humanity, people did what they always do whenever there's something that does not completely satisfy them about life: they innovated. 

Think about the paint you are going to use on your exterior walls and consider insulating paint as a radiant barrier coating. It can be purchased ready mixed or as an additive that is compatible with any interior or exterior paint. These paints are an efficient way of forming an effective thermal barrier and therefore doing alot to bring up your home's R-Value and cutting utility bills by as much as 50% Whether living in a new or traditional home, all these products can be included in your plans to save home energy and may make you eligible for tax credits Any family that is serious about saving energy in their home needs to investigate the options of energy saving exteriors.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGAOZllghYo

An Introduction to Home Energy Systems

The words home energy systems are usually associated with solar energy. This is because the most popular residential energy system is the conversion of solar energy for electricity or water heating. There are two main types of solar energy, light and thermal. Light energy, from the sun, is harnessed by a collecting medium then transformed into electricity. Thermal energy, which is derived from the heat of the sun, is used to directly warm household water and swimming pools.

A typical home energy system has four components:

1. Solar Cells - Photovoltaic or solar cells made of a semiconductor material in which sunlight is converted into electricity through excitation of electrons. These cells require protection from various environmental and mechanical elements; thus, they are encased in photovoltaic modules or panels. These modules come in different sizes, weights, and shapes.

2. Inverter - An inverter transforms direct current into alternative current electricity.

3. Mounting System - A sturdy mounting system is imperative to secure your home energy systems atop a variety of surfaces from tiled roofs to the shiny exterior of a yacht.

4. Energy Storage - Batteries are optional as they served as storage for electricity produced.

The commonly used semiconductor materials in the manufacture of solar cells are:

1. Silicon - Mono-crystalline silicon is made by the use of a crystal microtome that thinly slices the material into 150 - 350 microns thickness.

2. Multi-Crystalline - Multi-crystalline silicon is made by sawing into a block of silicon.

3. An Amorphous Silicon - Amorphous silicon is produced when a thin layer of the material is placed on a substrate to make a photovoltaic module.

4. The flimsiest material used in solar cells, this film has a width of 1/10 micron.

The advantages of home energy systems are definitely extensive. Among such perks are the following:

1. There is relatively fast turnabout of capital investment now considering that solar power companies offer a minimum of a 20-year warranty and solar units can last a lifetime with proper use and care.

2. Since you are making your own electricity, you are no longer influenced by price hikes of electrical providers. You now have full reigns on the amount of electricity you can generate with your home energy system.

3. You don't have to pay for taxes. There are no taxes yet levied by the government when you harness solar radiation. You are entitled to as much sunlight as your system can get.

4. Home energy systems have low maintenance costs compared to electrical connections with their many wirings and cables.

5. It is encouraged by the government. Many governments actually offer incentives for people to switch to home energy systems as part of their environmentalist movement.

6. It is environment-friendly. Unlike renewable energy, solar power does not emit polluting emissions and harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon and methane. Accidental dredging and spillage seen in fossil fuel production is also not possible with solar power.

7. There are no dangerous ecological by-products made during solar power production.

8. Using home energy helps the environment. You set a good example for your neighbors to hopefully emulate. When you use solar power energy, you actually help conserve other depleting natural energy sources like petroleum and coal for future generation use. 

 

Source: http://www.artipot.com/articles/279967/an-introduction-to-home-energy-systems.htm

The Basics Of A Home Energy Audit

Environmental concerns and skyrocketing oil prices have caused Americans to reevaluate their next steps forward. While the home seems like an impenetrable fortress, there are many spaces which create drafts, waste energy and allow expensive heat to escape. Homeowners have all different goals and budgets, but increasing home energy efficiency is a possibility for everyone. According to CNN Money Magazine, "A typical home energy audit and retrofit costs $5,000 to $8,000, which generally shaves 20%-40% off the monthly energy bills." The Department of Energy says that there are also smaller, more affordable upgrades that can help improve the home's energy profile. "Even the most basic upgrade puts money in our pockets, puts Americans back to work and puts energy waste on the run," Lane Burt, manager of Building Energy Policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement. "It's a triple play on a more efficient future."

One type of energy audit for homeowners is conducted by professionals. An auditor will do a room-by-room inspection to assess your potential home energy savings. Most audits cost around $200 and utility companies may pay part of the tab. Within the first six months of renovating your home, you will gain this money back anyway.

Professionals do what is called a "calibrated blower test," which attaches a fan to the outside door to lower indoor air pressure and reveal where leaks might be occurring. Another test called a "thermographic inspection" uses infrared cameras to identify where heat is escaping. Auditors will look at heating and cooling systems, insulation, appliances, electronics and other areas where you may need to energy monitor a bit more closely. Before hiring a contractor, you should assemble your last 12 months of energy bills, make a list of suspected problems, ensure the contractor is licensed and insured, and check the Better Business Bureau for the company's client satisfaction rating.

The do-it-yourself method is another type of home energy audit. Before you begin to assess your home, take a look at your energy bills from the last few years and compare them month-by-month to look for trends. For instance, you may notice your energy consumption spikes during the winter months, which may indicate the need for better sealing or heating. Or you may see that your swimming pool's filtration system is sucking up way too much electricity. Perhaps the months when your college students are home for the summer result in drastic electricity spikes because they're leaving their lights, their computers and their TVs on all the time. One tool you can use for an energy comparison can be found at www.hesw1.lbl.gov, where you'll enter your zipcode to see how much the average energy bills are in your area and you'll also see what the most energy efficient homes are getting as well. Then, by answering less than 20 questions, you'll get recommendations based on your money-saving goals.

If you decide to complete major home improvements following your home energy audit, be sure you consider all avenues of financing. You can visit www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm to learn about government programs to encourage energy conservation. The Weatherization Assistance Program has helped more than 64 million Americans protect their homes against the elements. In some cases, your energy company may cover the cost of the audit. Private companies like Clean Power Finance have also assisted consumers in paying for improvements.

Source: http://www.artipot.com/articles/641462/the-basics-of-a-home-energy-audit.htm