Energy Efficiency

Do-it-yourself home window insulation ideas for cold weather

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:01:03 +0100

No one likes to be cold during the winter, and it is likely that you also are interested in saving money. By sealing up gaps in windows, you can do quite a lot to ensure your home is completely void of drafts and cold air remains on the outside of the home.

There is a very inexpensive option that could get the job done: rubber sealant. This type of cover-up is able to be pressed over the areas and cut to your liking. It will close most small gaps on the window, and you should notice a distinct dif...

More heat, less money: Home energy savings tips to keep residence warm

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:28:32 +0100

Many people want to save money and energy when it comes to their home, but you won't need to break the bank in order to do it. There are many DIY projects that can be done around the home that can be quite helpful in accomplishing these tasks, in order to save your wallet from getting emptied by heating oil costs.

One of the best ways to save on oil is to exchange the old thermostat with an option that is programmable. These tools can keep your heat at a low temperature when you are not home, ...

Ice dams can make your roof collapse

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:26:41 +0100

Ice dams may not be the first thing you think of when your home is hit with a winter storm, but preventing them from forming may be one of the most important jobs you have in order to ensure your home isn't damaged, according to DIY Life.

You may ask, what is an ice dam? Well, according to DIY Life, an ice dam forms when water drips to the edge of a roof and freezes. The dam can severely damage the home, as it has the ability to rot the roof, allow water to drip into the attic, break gutters a...

Saving energy through DIY pipe insulation

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:27:17 +0100

It is not always difficult to do projects at home - this includes when you are trying to save money, as well. One DIY home project you can do to save some cash is to insulate pipes, which can improve water temperatures, and it isn't even difficult, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Insulating pipes that send hot water through the home actually does more than you would think. It can increase the temperature anywhere in your house between 2 and 4 degrees, the Department of Energy said....

Improving energy efficiency: Fix that drafty door

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:59:27 +0100

One of the main reasons for drafts is a lack of a proper door seal due to faulty weatherstripping, The Family Handyman noted. But before going out and purchasing new pieces of the sealant, make sure the hinges are secure. It may seem small, but a loose hinge can let a significant amount of air in.

But if these hinges are still fastened securely, it is time to add some new weatherstripping, according to The Family Handyman. Grab a weatherstripping kit at the local hardware store. It has three pie...

Energy efficiency can lead to home savings

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:00:30 +0100

With a distinct possibility that heating costs could increase for many homeowners during winter, there are ways that consumers can have an energy-efficient home yet save money, according to the Alliance to Save Energy.

"With the cost of most heating fuels on the rise this winter, we encourage consumers to adopt energy-efficiency technologies and practices in their homes to keep their heating bills as low as possible without sacrificing comfort," said Kateri Callahan, president of the All...

Home energy savings with a heat pump

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:35:03 +0100

Many people do what they can to ensure they create home energy savings during the cold seasons. One of the top ways to do may be to install a heat pump in a home heating system, according to Angie's List.

The heat pump would take existing heat in the air around the exterior of the home, and subsequently pump it inside. It can function properly down to approximately 30 degrees, when the home's backup heating system turns on. This ends up being particularly energy efficient.

...

Winter home savings tips

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:37:11 +0100

Many people, especially in the northern regions of the United States, likely will attempt to keep warm for as little money as possible this winter. This may seem difficult, but with some home savings tips, both money and energy can be preserved, according to North American Technician Excellence.

The winter of 2011 is predicted to be colder than normal, and consumers may want to check beforehand that they have the proper protection. If a home is particularly drafty, it could be an issue, but this i...

EPA creates new website to promote home energy savings

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:54:14 +0100

A recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency noted the government agency created a website to give Americans access to information regarding home energy savings.

The website - epa.gov/greenerproducts - specializes in showcasing Energy Star products that can make homes more energy-efficient. In addition, it is designed to help consumers understand why the products are better than non-Energy Star-labeled items as well as what the designations mean.

...

HomeESP gives Premier Members $20 to install new energy saving light bulbs

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:07:35 +0100

The folks at HomeESP want to encourage you to change to energy efficient light bulbs.

You will begin to save energy and money immediately. And you can add to your savings $20 that HomeESP will send in the form of a cash rebate. Just buy your bulbs and mail us a copy of your receipts. We will send you two dollars per bulb up to $20 (for complete details visit the HomeESP FAQs).

Check out for yourself how much money you can save by replacing your old bulbs with CFL bul...

Home energy savings tips for National Energy Awareness Month

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:57:58 +0100

October is National Energy Awareness Month, and in the spirit of conserving energy, there are many DIY energy saving tips that could help lower a homeowner's bills, according to Progress Energy, a Florida energy provider.

It is important to change HVAC filters, as dirty filters can put a strain on the system, the company states. By keeping filters clean, this will prevent the HVAC system from working as hard, which will save a considerable amount of energy, Progress Energy's release noted....

Home energy savings increase nationwide in 2010

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:05:28 +0100

A recent report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revealed that one-quarter of all single-family homes built during 2010 were given an Energy Star rating.

The figure is up slightly from 21 percent one year earlier. The EPA began the program in 1995 after introducing it three years earlier. The program has helped 1.2 million new constructions achieve such a rating, and has led to approximately $350 million saved in utility costs, and saving approximately 450,000 vehicles worth of greenh...

Study: Energy savings may come in loan form

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:45:27 +0100

A recent study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that energy savings may be easiest if the consumer takes out an energy efficiency loan.

An energy efficiency loan has a very low default rate and may help homeowners improve their dwelling. These programs fund building upgrades, where the money is given directly to the homeowner. Many of these items are available at local bank branches, as well as in government programs, which could be easy access for the homeowner.

...

Energy efficiency can be achieved with solar energy

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:43:39 +0100

When trying to make the house as green as possible, it can be difficult to know where to start. But for those who are truly serious about lowering their emissions, may want to look at solar energy efficiency. Despite the talk surrounding it, it doesn't have to be as expensive as a person would think, Rachel Koning Beals wrote in an article for U.S. News and World Report.

The Social Energy Industry Association explained that the cost of what is known as solar photovoltaic energy has become far ...

Home energy savings can be achieved by conducting an audit

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:36:58 +0100

Many people are trying to find ways to save on energy when it comes to their home. But sometimes, this may not be enough, and there needs to be additional action taken, according to John Morell of This Old House. He states consumers who want to make their energy bills drop don't have to use an auditor, but can utilize some of their tools to initiate a DIY home energy audit.

Due to professionals costing hundreds of dollars going this route may not be worth it, especially since a homeowner can d...

Energy savings ideas for the home office

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:35:57 +0100

Consumers who need ideas to save energy when fixing up their home office may want to follow a few simple steps that could really make the difference when it comes to the homeowner's wallet, according to The Arizona Republic.

First off, it is a good idea to clear all papers and any other office-related things from local ventilation. This can help increase circulation significantly. When not in the room, make sure that the lights are off. This may seem small, but it makes a large difference when...

Home energy savings ideas for new and old homes

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:34:37 +0100

Many people look to find new ways to go green, and it may be important to do so in order to save money. A recent release from Consumer Reports that consumers don't need to go out of their way in order to save on both energy and money.

It is important to keep an eye on all electronics used in the house. If a computer is set to hibernate when it is not in use, it will save a significant amount of money, Consumer Reports noted. With 30 cents of every dollar of energy costs blamed on electronics, it...

Green renovations may lead to home energy savings and higher appraisals

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:41:49 +0100

Homeowners may have a bevy of ideas when it comes to revamping their home, but those who want to sell in the future may want to consider green renovations. Not only can green technology add up to substantial home energy savings, it may also make for a higher selling price in the future, according to The Los Angeles Times.

A recent study conducted by the Earth Advantage Institute, a non-profit pro-green entity in Portland Oregon, showed that homes with leadership in energy and environmental desig...

Homeowners can cut the lights for home energy efficiency

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:43:04 +0100

While homeowners cannot completely eliminate the use of indoor lighting, they can take steps to lower their monthly utility bills by using more energy-efficient lighting methods.

Homeowners can take both small and large steps in order to accomplish this. For example, swapping out old light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones is a good way to begin conserving electricity, Energy Savers explains.

Individuals who still use incandescent bulbs may be wasting a great deal of money. That is because i...

Homeowners can get home energy savings ideas from energy audits

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:20:37 +0100

Homeowners looking for ideas to save energy have access to many options that can help them reduce the amount of money spent on utilities each year. Those who want to improve their home energy savings may want to have a home energy audit, which can help get them started on their quest to make their residence more efficient.

To cash in on home savings, individuals can make home energy audits a do-it-yourself endeavor. Homeowners should gather their last 12 utility bills - for water, electricity, h...

Add outdoor interest with a do-it-yourself water feature

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:30:22 +0100

Water features can be an easy do-it-yourself project for homeowners looking to spruce up their outdoor areas, according to Home and Garden Television.

Homeowners can buy pre-fabricated basins or find an already existing piece and repurpose it as a fountain or pond, according to Better Homes and Gardens. Rehabbed pieces can add a bit of character to outdoor elements to make them more eye catching.

...

Solar panels may be a good way to save on home energy

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:01:15 +0100

When most homeowners think of remodeling their property to add to its value, they may picture kitchen and bathroom renovations. However, upgrading a house with solar panels can add up to home energy savings while increasing a home's value, according to Forbes.

While the home project can be pricey, it may offer nearly a 97 percent return when families resell, the source reports. Furthermore, tax incentives and specifically-created subsidies can aid individuals looking to update their lifestyle wi...

Energy-efficient home renovations make for home savings

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:19:26 +0100

Green renovations seem to be the home improvement equivalent of a pipe dream in that many people strive to make energy-efficient changes to their homes, but are unable to come up with the upfront costs. What many do not realize is that Energy Efficient Mortgage programs can incorporate the costs of making green improvements into a home loan, according to The Contra Costa Times.

For those getting ready to purchase a home, EEMs make it easy to incorporate building costs into a mortgage. EEMs...

Green home energy savings ideas are for every homeowner

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:15:09 +0100

With summer in full swing and the thermometer slowly making its way up, many homeowners may be looking to improve their cooling systems while also aiming to save on home energy. Although some naysayers may balk at the idea of installing green energy systems, using green technology may prove both eco-friendly and cost effective for those looking for energy efficiency in the home.

Energy rebates are offered by the government, utility companies and even appliance manufacturers, according to AirCond...

Solar installations may be one of the best home energy savings ideas

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:45:59 +0100

While going green has become a trendy way for many homeowners to update their properties, it can also be one of the best home energy efficiency ideas a consumer can employ. The installations are growing in popularity across the nation, and in places like California – where solar installations rose 47 percent last year – solar panels are becoming a way of life, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The increase may be due in part to a state initiative launched in January 2007 that is designed t...

Homeowners nationwide getting home energy savings from wind turbines

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:36:49 +0100

During the last decade, interest in small wind turbines for residential use has appeared to increase substantially, as sales of the energy-efficient devices have increased amid that span, according to USA Today.

Citing statistics from the American Wind Energy Association, the paper states 2,100 small wind turbines were sold for residential use. That number jumped markedly eight years later, as roughly 10,000 units sold in 2009.

...

Solar panels becoming more affordable

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:44:12 +0100

Applied Materials, a company that creates solar technology products, released its third annual survey regarding solar energy use, which reveals solar panels are dropping in price at a considerable rate.

"We've reached a critical inflection point in the cost of solar energy," said Dr. Charlie Gay, president of Applied Materials' solar division. "In 2010, 32 megawatts of solar [photovoltaic panels] were installed worldwide, which is equal to the total amount of solar capacity ...

Best new green home technologies

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:06:40 +0100

Want to get more energy savings this year? There are few better ways to do so than to install some new, eco-friendly technologies in your home. Popular Mechanics awards certain products with the Smart Home Green Design Award each year. These are some of the latest winners that may just help you collect some home savings through energy efficiency.

Niagara Tightwad Toilet

...

LED light bulbs expected to replace incandescent bulbs soon

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:04:04 +0100

After being a staple in buildings worldwide for the past century, reports say the reign of the incandescent light bulb will soon come to an end and be replaced by a line of LED, energy-efficient bulbs.

Citing the U.S. Department of Energy, the San Jose Mercury News states there are 971 million 60-watt incandescent light bulbs in use nationwide. This considerable figure should shrink in the coming years, though, as the government is mandating the phase out of these bulbs in favor of ones that can...

HUD pilot program helps homeowners with energy-efficient upgrades

Tue, 10 May 2011 12:53:29 +0100

A two-year pilot program backed by the Federal Housing Administration is providing homeowners with low-cost financing to conduct energy-efficient home remodeling projects.

The loans, called PowerSaver loans, offer homeowners up to $25,000 to make their homes more energy-efficient through projects such as installing insulation, replacement doors and windows, HVAC systems, solar panels and geothermal systems.

...

Hand tools can provide you with energy savings

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:28:54 +0100

Though some electric-powered tools can make home remodeling and repair projects go a lot smoother than with hand tools, This Old House states you can create some substantial energy savings by just using hand tools.

While it may be prudent to use a power sprayer to paint a considerable-sized wall space, THO suggests using a paint brush for smaller projects. You can find handmade, ox-hair brushes at home improvement stores for $20, which may be the perfect tool to get a paint job done right.

...

Making a Home Energy Efficient To Save Costs on Your Utility Bill

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:58:24 +0100

Small changes can help you conserve energy and fight the rising costs of the energy needed to power your home. These suggestions are easy to implement and will help benefit the environment but most importantly, they will help you reduce your fuel and electricity usage and lower your utility bills. Here are just a few ideas that will help you become more energy efficient and save money running your home.

Lighting

By doing something as simple as replacing your light bulbs, you will be a...

A Few Home Preparation Points to Consider When The Cold is Coming

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:32:41 +0100

We know cold weather can be a drag. But if you get all discouraged now, you're in for a long couple of months. (Hopefully just a few months.) Plus, with the holidays coming up, we're sure you want to make your hearth and home as warm and welcoming as possible.

A few suggestions:

Don't forget about your hot water heater. We asked around and found that getting into a cold shower on a cold morning is definitely the worst. Make sure your hot water heater is running at its best level for efficiency.�...

Both Short Term And Long Term Low-Cost Home Energy Saving Tips To Ponder

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:49:48 +0100

Some among us want to be scientific about energy savings, performing a full-scale home energy audit and measuring results. Others want to know where the low-hanging fruit might be, where one can invest little or nothing and get a good payback.

Here, courtesy of Washington State University Cooperative Extension Energy Program and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and updated by HomeESP, is a classic list of things you can do to save energy, categorized by

...

Ceiling Fans Save Money in the Hot of Summer and the Cold of Winter

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:48:29 +0100

Most people think of fans only in the summer time when they need air circulation and a cooling effect. But fans can also help you save money by keeping your heating bills down in the winter.

But hot or cold depends on which way the wind blows. And after all, how do you really know whether your fan is rotating the right way just because you hit the Reverse button?

Forward vs Reverse

The slope direction of the fans’ blades determines what direction the fan needs to turn to result in air being pu...

When to Turn Off Your Lights to Get The Most Energy Savings Benefit

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:40:43 +0100

The cost effectiveness of when to turn off lights depends on the type of lights and the price of electricity. The type of light is important for several reasons. All types of lights have a nominal or rated operating life, which is the total number of hours that they will provide a specified level or amount of light.

However, the operating life of all types of light bulbs is affected by how many times they are turned on and off. The more often they are switched on and off, the lower their operatin...

Making Your Own Clean Electricity Using Renewable Energy Technologies

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:30:15 +0100

Generating electricity using your own small renewable energy system fits the circumstances and values of some home and small-business owners. Although it takes time and money to research, buy, and maintain a system, many people enjoy the independence they gain and the knowledge that their actions are helping the environment.

A renewable energy system can be used to supply some or all of your electricity needs. Some people, especially those in remote areas, use the electricity from their systems ...

Using Wind Turbines to Generate Power Without Polluting Our Planet

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:29:14 +0100

To meet the electricity needs of a power company, a number of large wind turbines (50 kilowatts up to 2 megawatts) can be built close together to form a wind plant. Several power providers today use wind plants to supply power to their customers.

Wind turbines operate on a simple principle. The energy in the wind turns two or three propeller-like blades around a rotor. The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator. The blades act much like ......

The Science Behind How Solar Cells, or Photovoltaics, Economically Generate Power

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:27:38 +0100

Solar cells, also called photovoltaics (PV) by solar cell scientists, have been used economically to power everything from watches and calculators to individual homes where it is expensive or impossible to send electricity through power lines. As consumers become more interested in this technology, an increasing number of power companies are now experimenting with using PV to meet some of their power needs.

Photovoltaic technologies, like these flat-plate crystalline silicon arrays, can produce el...

How Large and Small-Scale Hydropower Projects Generate Electricity

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:26:32 +0100

Hydropower is currently the largest and least expensive source of renewable electricity produced in the United States. Large and small-scale hydropower projects are most commonly used by clean-power generators to produce electricity.

Hydropower produces 10% of the nation's electricity.

Most hydropower projects use a dam and a reservoir to retain water from a river. When the stored water is released, it passes through and rotates turbines, which spin generators to produce electricity. Water stored ...

How Three Types of Geothermal Power Plants Tap Heat From the Earth

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:25:18 +0100

In the United States, geothermal energy has been used to generate electricity on a large-scale since 1960. Through research and development, geothermal power is becoming more cost effective and competitive with fossil fuels.

Heat from the Earth—geothermal energy—heats water that has seeped into underground reservoirs. These reservoirs can be tapped for a variety of uses, depending on the temperature of the water. The energy from high temperature reservoirs (225º–600ºF) can be used to produ...

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Technologies Are Now In Use In the Southwestern US

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:22:26 +0100

Concentrating Solar Power's (CSP) relatively low cost and ability to deliver power during periods of peak demand—when and where we need it—means it can be a major contributor to the nation's future needs for distributed sources of energy. Large-scale concentrating solar power technologies include parabolic troughs and power towers.

There are more than 350 megawatts of parabolic trough systems connected to the electricity grid in southern California. Photo credit: Warren Gretz. Illustration: op...

Biomass Electrical Generation Produces Cleaner Power From Waste Wood Prodcuts

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:21:17 +0100

Biomass electrical generation or biopower is second only to hydropower as a renewable energy source.

Most electricity generated using biomass today is by direct combustion using conventional boilers. These boilers burn primarily waste wood products generated by the agriculture and wood-processing industries. When burned, the wood waste produces steam, which is used to spin a turbine. The spinning turbine activates a generator that produces electricity.

Many coal-fired power plants also add biomass...

Available Programs For Buying Clean Electricity From the US Power Grid

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:19:20 +0100

Clean power is transmitted by the electricity grid, just like electricity from other power plants. 

The electricity industry is changing. At least 50% of customers have the option to purchase renewable electricity directly from their power supplier, and all customers have the option of purchasing renewable energy certificates. Such power is sometimes referred to as "green power" or "clean power."

In most states, you can buy clean power through one or more of the following programs:...

Electronic Power-Controlling Devices That Allow Appliance Motors to Operate at Peak Efficiency

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:06:27 +0100

If you have an older appliance, you can use a power-controlling device to reduce the energy consumption of the appliance's electric motor.

How They Work
These power-controlling devices basically regulate the power delivered to an appliance's motor by continuously adjusting the 60 cycle sine wave from the utility to match changes in the load on the motor.
Because the controller continuously applies the correct power to the motor, the motor operates consistently cooler and at its peak efficiency. As a...

Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:03:41 +0100

If you're trying to decide whether to invest in a more energy-efficient appliance or you'd like to determine your electricity loads, you may want to estimate appliance energy consumption.

Formula for Estimating Energy Consumption
You can use this formula to estimate an appliance's energy use:
(Wattage × Hours Used Per Day ÷ 1000 = Daily Kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption
(1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 Watts)

Multiply this by the number of days you use the appliance during the year for the annual consumption....

Understanding What the EnergyStar Label Means Helps When Selecting Energy Efficient Appliances ...

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:00:41 +0100

When it comes to shopping for and comparing energy-efficient appliances and home electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels.

ENERGY STAR Label
ENERGY STAR labels appear on appliances and home electronics that meet strict energy efficiency criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The ENERGY STAR labeling program includes most home electronics and appliances except for stove ranges and ovens.

...

Tips to Save Energy & Money Through Careful Usage and Maintenance of Every Aspect of Your Home

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:48:04 +0100

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars.

And as for the road, transportation accounts for 67% of all U.S. oil consumption. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home and in your car. Start making small changes today. To cut...

The Key Areas Of A Home You Need To Manage To Prevent Wasting Energy

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:23:33 +0100

There are a few basics that every homeowner should pay attention to when it comes to energy conservation in the home: heating and cooling, windows, insulation, electrical systems, roofing, and doors. If you keep these systems in optimal condition, and update with newer, energy saving materials whenever possible, then you should be in good shape.

If you haven't evaluated the state of these areas of your home, then you should perform an energy audit to figure out where you can improve the energy ef...

Some Less Than Obvious Factors You Should Consider When Selecting Major Appliances

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:17:25 +0100

When updating a kitchen or laundry room, you'll need to make important decisions about household appliances. In a typical kitchen, the appliances represent a total investment of $3000 to $5000.

Today, consumers face a wide selection of appliance sizes, technologies, configurations and styles. Below are some factors that you should use to evaluate and compare different household appliances....

A Green Way to Dump Low-Tech Electronics Without Creating an Environmental Hazard

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:45:32 +0100

How many of us have televisions and computers that sit around in the basement or garage because we don't what else to do with them. After all they would cause an environmental hazard if we discarded them inappropriately setting off chemical pollution.

But as Leslie Kaufman in the New York Times (June 30, 2009) tells us, there are new state laws that require television and computer manufacturers to recycle their products free of charge. This year 13 states have submitted statutes to join the 1...

Using Energy Performance Ratings To Track Heat Gain and Loss at Windows, Doors, and Skylights

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:39:51 +0100

You can use the energy performance ratings of windows, doors, and skylights to tell you their potential for gaining and losing heat, as well as transmitting sunlight into your home.

Heat Gain and Loss

Windows, doors, skylights can gain and lose heat in the following ways:
- Direct conduction through the glass or glazing, frame, and/or door
- The radiation of heat into a house (typically from the sun) and out of a house from room-temperature objects, such as people, furniture, and interior walls
-...

PC's Draw Power Even When Sitting Idle So Power Down For Savings

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:16:55 +0100

If you're wondering whether or when you should turn off your personal computer for energy savings, here are some general guidelines.

The small surge in energy when a computer starts up is still less than the energy used when a computer runs an extended period. For energy savings and convenience, consider turning off the monitor if you aren't going to use your PC for more than 20 minutes, and both the CPU and monitor if you aren't going to use your PC for more than 2 hours.

Put monitors, printer...

No-Cost & Low-Cost Tips To Save Energy in the Spring and Summer

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:12:33 +0100

Here you'll find strategies to help you save energy during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and you are trying to keep your home cool. Some of the tips below can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the spring and summer.

Use Your Windows to Gain Cool Air and Keep Out Heat
If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while...

Insulation and Air Sealing Methods for Plugging the Holes and Reducing Heating and Cooling Costs

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:38:08 +0100

You can reduce your home's heating and cooling costs through proper insulation and air sealing techniques. These techniques will also make your home more comfortable.

Any air sealing efforts will complement your insulation efforts, and vice versa. Proper moisture control and ventilation strategies will improve the effectiveness of air sealing and insulation, and vice versa.

Therefore, a home's energy efficiency depends on a balance between all of these elements:
- Air sealing
- Insulation
- Moist...

Take A Minimum of 10% off Heating & Cooling Bills by Adding Quality Insulation

Mon, 04 May 2009 13:42:44 +0100

Unless your home was specially constructed for energy efficiency, you can usually reduce your energy bills 10 percent or more by adding more insulation.

To determine whether you should add insulation, you first need to find out how much insulation you already have in your home and where.

A qualified home energy auditor will include an insulation check as a routine part of a...
...

Perform A Home Energy Audit to Help Assess How Much Energy Your Home Consumes

Mon, 04 May 2009 13:42:44 +0100

A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient.

A professional auditor uses a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of a structure. Thorough audits often use equipment such as blower doors, which measure the extent of leaks in the building envelope, and infrared cameras, which reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration and missing insulatio...