Posts Tagged ‘Energy’

Government statistics report that conserving energy costs in the home can save a household several hundred, even several thousand, dollars per year on their utility bills. Replacing your older appliances and elements of your home’s structure, such as older windows and doors, with more energy-efficient alternatives, such as products that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines, is an important step to maximizing the amount of money you can save.

ENERGY STAR is a government program that identifies products – including appliances, home electronics, and home improvement products – that meet energy efficiency guidelines that exceed the minimum federal standards, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can identify a product that meets the organization’s guidelines by looking for the signature blue ENERGY STAR logo.

The ENERGY STAR program began as a voluntary labeling tool to “identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” It started with the labeling of computers and monitors and more than a decade later, has expanded to identify all types of products used in homes and offices that conserve energy. The result: Consumers and businesses have saved billions of dollars since the program began – $12 billion in 2005 alone.

Energy-efficient appliances – such as refrigerators and freezers, clothing washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and window air conditioning units – can cut consumer utility bills in half when compared with standard models. And home improvement products with an ENERGY STAR rating – such as vinyl replacement windows, doors, skylights and siding – help to better maintain your home’s temperature control, cutting heating and cooling costs anywhere from $20 to $400 per year.

If you’ve been searching for a product in any one of the more than 40 categories rated by ENERGY STAR, you may have come across the organization’s blue logo. That seal of approval indicates that the item can perform as well as, or better than, comparable products, but save you more money than if you purchased a less energy-efficient option.

A refrigerator meeting ENERGY STAR’s energy conservation guidelines today: Uses 40% less energy than models sold in 2001, saves its owner 15% in energy costs when compared with other models (freezers save 10%) and compact models, with volumes less than 7.75 square feet, save 20%. A washing machine that meets ENERGY STAR guidelines: Saves its owner up to $110 per year, requires 50% less energy than standard washing machines, uses up to 50% less water and has more efficient spinning cycles to reduce drying time.

Energy-efficient appliances provide an obvious cost savings for a household’s energy expenses. And other products that meet ENERGY STAR standards, such as vinyl replacement windows, doors, skylights and siding, make a significant contribution to keeping those costs down as well. Replacing your existing windows and siding with newer, better designed vinyl replacement windows and insulated siding can quadruple the insulation value of your home and save an average of 30% on your utility bills.

In addition to saving money, vinyl replacement windows with this rating create a more comfortable living environment by eliminating drafts, blocking heat, Offering protection from sun damage and reducing interior condensation on windows. In the winter, energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows keep the interior glass warmer for better temperature control. And the warmer the window, the less interior condensation that, over time, can damage your window sill and paint job, and encourage mold growth.

In the summer, these windows also block 45 to 70% of the sun’s heat and provide “sunscreen” to your home by blocking ultraviolet light that can reduce fading up to 75% without compromising visible light.

Whether you are looking to add to the beauty of your home and lower your energy bills by installing vinyl replacement windows, or you want to make a smart decision when choosing your next dishwasher or window air conditioning unit, products that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines offer an economical alternative that leaves more money in your pocket.

Energy efficiency is a subject that’s receiving lots of attention lately. However, it can be hard to know what steps will help you save energy and which are a waste of time. Here are just a few ways to reduce your energy consumption in the kitchen. It’s not hard to lower your electricity bill and reduce your impact on the planet at the same time!

Cooking is one place you can start saving energy. Using your microwave to reheat leftovers instead of the stove or oven is not only faster, it’s more energy efficient. Most modern microwaves use 40% less electricity than a stove burner.

Small meals should be prepared using the smaller burners, unless you’re using a very large pot. They do not take any longer to get your meal hot, but they use less energy than a big burner would.

If you want to save even more, use your crock pot. Almost everyone has one, but they’re also one of the kitchen’s more neglected appliances. Start your meal before you head to work in the morning. Your crock pot runs all day, but requires only a trickle of power to make sure you’ll have dinner hot as soon as you get home.

Have you looked at the settings on your refrigerator? Most people set their refrigerators and freezers colder than they need to be. A little experimentation will tell you the ideal temperature to keep food fresh without spending extra on power.

While you’re in the fridge, check the insulating seal around the edge of the door. Does it seal firmly when the door is closed, or are there gaps? Any damage or poorly sealing areas will let cold air out and warm air in, increasing your power use.

Good lighting is important in the kitchen. New compact fluorescent bulbs provide just as much light as incandescents, but draw a lot less electricity. They’re more expensive individually than regular bulbs, but need to be replaced a lot less often, so you’ll save money over time.

If you have a dishwasher, it probably saves you a lot of time and fuss. However, it could also be costing you money and wasting electricity. Make sure your dishwasher is operating at peak efficiency by loading it properly. Don’t overload your washer, but also make sure you don’t run it with just a few plates, either.

If you’re considering replacing any appliances, check for energy efficient models. In the US, appliances marked with the Energy Star logo are certified to use less electricity than those which aren’t. Appliances can be a big contributor to your power usage. Having efficient ones can help cut your bill significantly.

Can’t afford to move right now, but still want to save energy and money? With a few home improvements you could cut your carbon footprint and your energy bills. <br>

Firstly you need to Insulate your home!

With grants and offers available through all energy suppliers, Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation cost around £250 each. Together they could save you around £365 every year.

Install an efficient heating system!

Replace an old inefficient boiler with a condensing boiler and a full set of heating controls could save up to £300 per year on your heating and hot water bills.

Switch to Energy Saving Recommended appliances!

If you’re shopping for a new dishwasher, boiler or even just light bulbs, always look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo.

If you’re planning on plumbing in a new dishwasher or washing machine, choosing an energy saving model could save you up to £23 per year.

Remember, the longer you delay to make your home energy efficient the more you’ll miss out on lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.

Start Using Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Fitting just one energy saving light bulb can save you on average £3 a year – and by swapping all the light bulbs in your home for energy saving ones you could save around £45 per year.

Energy saving light bulbs are compact, bright and available in a wide range of shapes – so the only difference you’ll notice is a drop in your electricity bills.

Install a solar hot water heating system

Hot water heating makes up about 30% of average household energy use. A solar hot water heating system provides plenty of hot water and saves up to 75% off your hot water bill see the Solar Smart website for details on solar water heating.

People have always been shocked to hear about single or even double digit increases in their electricity rates. Even though residents in the state have enjoyed tremendous flexibility from the energy deregulated Texas electricity industry which gave them the power to choose their retail Texas electric company, it always is a wise move for home and business to start slashing down on their electricity bills today.

Until the time when really cheap electricity is made possible and available to the public, people should start devising ways how they can save on Texas electricity and the following simple suggestions can them started in this area.

 

Insulate to Regulate

 

One of the highest consumers of Texas electricity in residential homes and business establishments is air conditioning. However, the efficiency of cooling systems tend to degrade with poor insulation in the building or infrastructure – as cool air seeps out, the air conditioning would work overtime to compensate and thus consume more energy. To remediate this, ensure that all windows are properly sealed and caulked. Check for wear and tear on weather stripping on doors and check for any fissures and cracks on walls where cool air can leak out.

 

Turn Off When Not in Use

This simple instruction has been taught to people since they were children and the wisdom behind this is simply a practical way of saving Texas electricity – as lighting accounts for about 11% to 15% of your total electricity bills. Simply turning off lights when there’s no need for it can go a long way in reducing your electricity consumption. The same thing is true with turning off your computer monitor when not in use (contrary to what people think, screensavers will not reduce your computer’s energy consumption) as well as turning your computer off during the night. And if given a choice between using a desktop and a laptop, always go for the smaller guy as laptops consume only a fraction of what desktop computers with bulky monitors draw.

 

Let the Light Shine Down on You

 

As mentioned earlier, artificial light can consume up to 15% of your total Texas electricity usage, so it would be a wise move to use the most energy-efficient sources of lighting available. Make use of compact fluorescent lamps to change those old energy-hogging incandescent bulbs. Make use of dimmers, sensors, motion detectors and timers to switch on the light only when needed. Go green and make full use of daylight by opening curtains or using translucent panels to let natural light pass through.

 

Use Your Appliances Wisely

 

Proper use and maintenance of your home appliances can get a long way in saving Texas electricity. You can start by not keeping the doors to your freezers or refrigerators wide open for a long time as you try to sift through the contents. It would be wise to know what you would like to pull out before opening the doors. Use the dishwasher at full load to minimize energy usage. You can reduce usage further by turning off the heaters of your dishwasher and washing machine during its cleaning cycle. Clean the filters of your dryers and air conditioning units at least once a month to increase its efficiency. Lastly, set your thermostat to comfortable levels and avoid using it to extreme settings.

 

Use Energy Efficient Products

 

It may come as a surprise but your old refrigerators, air conditioning units and washing machines can consume a great deal of Texas electricity that would eventually translate to higher electricity bills. It would be wiser and more economical in the long run to change these appliances to more energy efficient products that pass Energy Star requirements. Not only can you save on your Texas electricity usage but your appliances may even qualify for special rebates from the government.

Energy Savings “Top 10″

Simple no-cost/low-cost energy saving tips

 1) Turn off lights and equipment when not in use.

 2) Replace washers at leaky faucets. Install low flow aerators and shower  heads.

 3) Control direct sunlight through windows with blinds, shades or film. Utilize natural light  in your workspace whenever possible.

 4) Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL)

 5) Replace T12 fluorescent lamps with T8 or T5 type. Replace magnetic ballasts w/electronic type.

 6) Seal air spaces around windows and doors. Check for leaks at ductwork.

 7) Tune-up your HVAC units and boilers. Perform diagnostic test for efficiency.

  Install programmable thermostats.

 9) Purchase Energy Star equipment.

 10) Add insulation around building core where appropriate. Insulate hot water heaters & ductwork.

 The above list is only a sample of many energy saving tips available. Most people are not aware of the many tax credits that are offered by your state and Federal Government. In some cases you can save 70% on new installations for Solar and Geothermal Heating Systems. There are tax incentives for replacing old appliances with Energy Star products. The list goes on and on. Here is a tip for anyone that has a refrigerator. A refrigerator that is half full uses more energy then one that is packed with food. The reason is, there is more space to cool. Clean out those dryer vents, use cold water for your washing machine. Using a dishwasher is more efficient than washing by hand. Do not use the drying cycle for the dishwasher. Let them air dry.