Solar households can also benefit from improved energy efficiency. The more you use solar energy, the more you save on energy costs. Whether you install solar panels in your ceiling or not, these energy efficiency tips can help you further reduce your electricity bills.
If you use electric heating and air conditioning and your home does not have adequate insulation. You need to prove this as soon as possible, as heating and cooling are incredibly energy-intensive applications. You will be amazed at how much you can save by making sure that the doors around the windows and doors are closed and that your home is well insulated. Also consider using blackout curtains as windows are the most important point for heat loss in winter and heat build up in summer.
Ceiling fan is not only good in summer but also in winter. If you install a ceiling fan with a reversible control function. In winter, set it to rotate in the other direction in summer, reducing heat.
Entire shots can dramatically reduce the temperature in your ceiling in the summer, which in turn lowers the space under the room, especially if your ceiling is not insulated. Even in winter, they are beneficial because they reduce moisture in the roof area, which can affect the insulation.
Try your air conditioner and your thermostat. By lowering the temperature a bit in the winter and raising it the same way in the summer, your family may not even notice it. You save battery power. A well-maintained heating and cooling system ensures the best possible efficiency, so that your service receives regular service.
As with heating and cooling a home, heating water is also a very energy-intensive process. Think heating blankets if you have an electric hot water system – it is very cheap to buy. All exposed pipes must be covered with an insulation delay to minimize heat loss. Use a shower in the house – use of times can encourage shorter showers. If you are considering replacing your hot water system, consider a solar heating system or a heat pump. A great discount is offered when you switch to an electric hot water system!
Line drying is better than electric dryers. However, when you have the opportunity to use them, make sure that the lint screen is not accumulated and that there is usually a lot of air circulation around the dryer. If possible, open the window with a dryer to release moisture, as this will help your clothes dry faster.
If you are currently using hot water in the washing machine, consider switching to cold. Today’s cleaners are very effective and cold water washing is probably all you need for most laundry. Some washing machines also offer environmental options that use less water and have shorter cycle times. Also try these settings.
When using a dryer, the energy used in the washing machine for a faster or longer spin cycle should more than compensate for the energy consumed by the dryer, which otherwise wets the clothes.
Use electrical skill using the right forehead. A pot or pan that does not completely cover the element will result in greater heat loss, which means that food takes longer to cook and more electricity is consumed.
Storing the lid of the kettle helps to build up heat faster – and keep it inside.
When boiling water for cooking, it is more efficient to use a kettle or microwave than an electric stove.
If you have a microwave and stove, use the microwave for cooking whenever possible
In this article I will explain to you how to get the electricity and casino bonus codes that are offered by the leading gambling websites such as Ultimate Casino, Playtech, Playminister, Partypoker, Cardplayer, etc. by simply entering the relevant information in their forms. First of all, try to figure out if the website is a member of eInk, which is a membership based online gaming website where you can play free casino games right at your own home without having to leave your chair. Most eInk members have a special link which they can use to enter their bonus codes when they check out. If the website is not a member of eInk, you may try looking for the ‘GAIN’ button on the homepage.
When you find the ‘GAIN’ button click it and follow the simple instructions given. Some gambling websites offer codes for eInk members only; others for all players. After you complete filling up the form, the code may take some time to be activated. Once it is activated, you will definitely get an electricity and casino bonus when you play any of their bonanza slot games. However, you may also find some websites that offer different codes for different online casino games e.g. bay sand casino games, live casino games, blackjack, etc.
It is important to note that the codes cannot be used for depositing money in your real bank account or for making credit card purchases. However, they can be used for playing certain online casino games. For example, some websites offer special bonuses for members who sign up with them after joining as new members. In addition to these special bonuses, there are many other bonuses such as free spins, jackpots, and slot machines etc. that you can get whenever you play the games. So, make sure that you do not miss on the opportunity to get the electricity and casino bonus codes so that you can increase your earnings through online casinos.
Today, spring begins and ends with a long, harsh winter for large parts of the United States. With the start of the new season a new opportunity to find ways to save energy and money.
Here are some simple things you can do to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home when the warmer temperatures come:
1. Service the air conditioner. Simple maintenance, such as replacing the air filter or cleaning it regularly, can reduce the energy consumption of your cooling system by up to 15%. The first day of spring can also serve as a reminder to check the air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which must be cleaned annually to ensure that the system is operating at an optimal level.
2. Open the windows. When you open the windows, a tailwind is created so you can cool your home naturally without turning on the air conditioners. This is an ideal tactic in the spring when the temperature is mild.
3. Use ceiling fans. By cooling your home with ceiling fans, you can raise your thermostat four degrees. It can help reduce your electricity bill without sacrificing overall comfort.
4. Who. On hot spring days, stay warm at home by using an outdoor grill instead of indoor ovens.
5. Install window treatments. Energy-efficient window treatments or coatings, such as shades, shades and films, can reduce heat transfer as temperatures rise. These devices not only enhance the look of your home, but also reduce energy costs.
6. Seal air outlet. Using affordable greases to seal cracks and openings keeps your home warm air and money in your wallet.
7. Bring sunlight. Turn off artificial lights during the day and illuminate your home with windows and skylights.
8. Adjust the thermostat. If you place the thermostatic thermostat higher when you are away from home, you can reduce your energy costs by approx. 10 percent.
9. Sealing lines. Air loss through ducts can lead to high electricity costs and account for almost 30 percent of the cooling system’s energy consumption. Sealing and insulating ducts can significantly reduce your electricity bill.
10. Turn on the fans in the bathroom. Bathroom fans absorb heat and moisture from your home, which improves comfort.
See our home cooling and landscape infographics for more ways to reduce energy costs during the spring. Visit the Energy Saver website for more tips on improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Set the water heater to 120 Fahrenheit for normal use. (Note: Some dishwashers may require a higher minimum temperature setting. See operating instructions.) If you plan to be out of town for a long time, turn off the electric heater. After switching, most models heat the water to the set temperature of about an hour. If you have a gas heater, turn it off in “low” or “holiday mode”. Upgrade your water heater to a very efficient model. If your current water heater is 8 to 12 years old, it is nearing the end of its life. Replace it now instead of emergencies when you do not have hot water. Most newer water heaters are well insulated. However, if the side of your water heater feels hot near the top, you can reduce the heat loss by installing a water heater. (First check your operating instructions to ensure that this step does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. If the warranty period has expired, no problem.) Make sure you use the correct type of water heater, whether electric or not. . , gas or oil. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. Fold the hot water pipes that come isolated from your heater. To fold the largest savings, first fold the pipes closest to the water heater.
Use a low flow airflow and shower head to waste less hot water. The low-flow shower head uses up to two liters of water per minute. Shower instead of bath. A ten minute shower can use less water than a full bath. To avoid moisture problems, check the humidity in your bathroom by running the fan for 15 minutes after showering and bathing. Fix leaky faucets that even small leaks quickly add and drain money. Avoid using running water while washing, brushing, brushing teeth or shaving.
Wash clothes in cold water if possible. Washing clothes in cold water usually does not affect the cleaning results and can reduce shrinkage. Follow the detergent instructions carefully. Too much soap makes the washing machine engine harder. Wash only at full load. If you want to wash the base, lower the water level properly and shorten the drying time as needed. Many newer models do this automatically. Put washers and dryers in full capacity, but do not overload. Overloading can reduce efficiency. Do not dry clothes. If the dryer has a humidity sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when the clothes are ready, use it to prevent it from drying out. If you do not have this feature, try adjusting the wheel length to the size and weight of the load.Try to dry the number of matching fabrics so that the entire load dries at the end of the cycle. Clean the lin t remover before each charge to keep the machine running efficiently.
Use your computer’s power management settings and monitor them in sleep mode when not in use. Shut down the computer when you are done. Disconnect battery chargers or AC adapters when not in use. Use with connected devices even if they are not actively charging. Turn off the electronics for the home using the Advanced Power Strip (APS) when not in use. For example, when the TV is not in use, the advanced power supply can automatically turn off accessories such as DVD players, game consoles and sound systems, or the computer can turn off the computer. Printers, scanners and sound systems. Turn off the game console when not in use and avoid long breaks.
Lower the brightness of your TV or computer to a comfortable level. Use a DVD player instead of a game console to watch movies. Recycle your old electronics so they do not end up in landfills and reduce the energy needed to produce new products.
Think about what you should get from the refrigerator before opening the door.
Set your refrigerator to 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. All of the above is a waste of energy. Keep the fridge and freezer full so they do not have to work so hard to stay cold.
Place the refrigerator from a heat source, such as an oven, dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
Leave a few inches between the wall and the back of the refrigerator for air circulation.
Make sure the seals around the door are airtight. Otherwise, replace them.
Make sure that the capacitor coils are cleaned and that air can circulate freely. Read the operating instructions to learn how to clean the wheels safely. Rinse brushes can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Consider replacing and reusing older refrigerators manufactured before 2000. Older refrigerators often use more than four times more energy than newer models.
If you are buying a new refrigerator, a refrigerator with a top-mounted freezer is usually the most efficient. And choose the least that meets your needs. In general, the larger the refrigerator, the more energy it consumes.
Scrape the dishes instead of rinsing them before putting them in the dishwasher.
Many dishwashers offer a variety of washing cycles to accommodate high-level dishes such as pots and pans. Use less water for regular meals to save money.
Use the dishwasher at full load and use the option of air dryer or “no heat” to save power.
If you wash by hand, fill wash and rinse water tanks instead of running out of water.
Keep the burners clean in your gas area for maximum efficiency. Blue flames mean good combustion, while yellow flames mean that maintenance may be needed to ensure efficient combustion of the gas. Check that the oven door seal is worn. A clean seal ensures better heat retention. Keep mirror reflectors clean to better concentrate heat.
Shorten the cooking time with lids that fit well in the pots. Use the smallest kettle and burner needed for the task and the adjustment. A 6-inch boiler in an 8-inch burner wastes more than 40 percent of the burner heat. Using a microwave or toaster to heat or prepare small portions saves energy. In particular, it saves cooling costs in the summer because less heat is generated than a stove or oven. If possible, cook several dishes together while using the oven. Avoid looking into the oven while cooking. Heat is released when the door is opened. Defrost food in the refrigerator instead of going directly from the freezer to the oven or thawing in the microwave.
If you have
If your home has storm windows, make sure they are closed properly during the heating season.
Install weather exhaust on doors and seals around windows and door frames. Attach sturdy, clear plastic or film glass to the inside of the window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is attached to the frame. Install waterproof, insulating curtains or screens on windows that feel cluttered. If you have a sliding door, be sure to keep the strip clean. A dirty runway can damage a door seal and create space for hot or cold air to escape. Seal around the door or wind door with glue for weather strips. Place a rigid foam insulation on the back of the door. Prefabricated insulated attic stairs are also available from household centers. Pipeline, electricity and wiring in exterior walls.
chasing open spaces is a breeze spaces between interior and exterior walls and the roof panel around a metal plate, including between interior and exterior walls, and where the damper is sealed to the subfloor floors, including cantilevered floors and strips in flooring systems knee walls in a coat bag mconnections to existing buildings and extensions or modular building f you have an unfinished basement or crawl space, check the foundation walls for air leakage by looking for a screen. If there is a network, there is a draft. Keep the chimney closed unless the fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping the window open in the winter – it allows warm air to get out of the chimney. If you never use your fireplace, plug it in and close it. Remove air conditioners from windows during the cold months to reduce drafts. If this is not possible, cover the inside and outside of the unit with plastic.
Replace them with qualified lamps (LEDs). LED bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. Set the desired luminous flux (brightness), then select the lamp with the lowest wattage consumption (energy consumption). An old 60-watt lamp produces about 800 lumens, while a 100-watt lamp produces about 1,600 lumens. Use brighter lights in places where you take close-ups, such as reading, cooking, and home projects. Use less bright light elsewhere. The color of the light is measured on a temperature scale called Kelvin (K). The 2700-3000 K bulb produces the same warm, soft whites as a traditional bulb. The 3500 – 4100 K bulb is perfect for kitchens or workplaces. The 5000-6500 K bulb produces “natural” or “daylight” and is good for reading. Turn off the lights in any room you do not use. Use natural light when you can. Make the most of natural light by moving desks, reading chairs and desks closer to windows. Remember that lighter colors on walls, ceilings and floors reflect more sunlight. Keep bulbs and furniture away from dust and other particles. Clean bulbs provide more light than dirty bulbs. Using dimmers or three-way lamps can reduce energy consumption to the lowest possible effect and change the mood of the room. Choose ENERGY STAR-qualified decorative LED floodlights for your vacation. Many people will leave a light upstairs to make it look like someone is home when they are away. Instead, use a lighter only for a short period of time each night. This saves energy and gives a more realistic idea that someone is home. Install a motion sensor on the porch so you do not hold it indefinitely. Use it at home or outdoors.
Everyone loves to find new ways to save money and keep their home in the best possible condition. These energy saving tips will help you save money in every corner of your home. From heating and cooling to the clothes we have covered you. And if you are willing to replace old equipment or inefficient units, check out our discounts and incentives to help you save even more.
Properly installed and inspected insulation on the floor, walls and ceiling ensures even temperatures throughout the home, reduces energy consumption and increases comfort.
Check the oven air filter monthly, especially during heavy months of operation (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty, replace it. Replace the filter at least every three months. Dirty filters slow down the airflow and complicate the system and waste energy. A clean filter also prevents dust and dirt from entering the system, leading to costly maintenance or early system failures. Installing a heating and cooling system improves efficiency and comfort as well as overall performance. Repair your heating system every two years and never try to repair it yourself.
Adjusting the thermostat a few degrees can save a lot of money. When at home, set it to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for cooling and 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for heating. Change the thermostat to 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit every time you leave the house for at least two hours, then again when you go to bed at night. If you have a condensing boiler or an air source heat pump, keep the thermostat constant in the indoor air. Its technology adjusts the system temperature according to the outdoor temperature. The programmable thermostat is perfect for people who are at home for a certain period of time.
Only program the temperature adjustment when the house is empty or when people are sleeping.
The wireless thermostat allows you to control the temperature remotely from a computer, tablet or smartphone, and some even have sensors that know when you are home to automatically adjust the temperature. Receive text messages or email alerts if your heating or cooling system is not working. Use the air conditioner setting at night when the outside air is cool, or open a window and leave the air conditioner off. Keep the windows closed when the air conditioner is in place. Change the central air conditioner thermostat fan setting to “continuous fan operation” so that the fan only works when it cools down. Check and check the condensate drain from the central air conditioner. A clogged drain causes water damage in the home and affects indoor humidity.
Clean the evaporator and condenser air conditioner. Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to cool your home and use the system longer – increasing energy costs and shortening equipment life. Ducts that carry air to a compression air oven, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often large devices for removing energy. Sealing and insulation ducts can improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling system by up to 20 percent. 100, sometimes much more. Ask a professional to inspect your pipe for leaks. If the leak is severe, first focus on the sealing ducts that pass through the conditioned space, such as the attic, laundry room, unheated basement, or garage. The contractor must use tape (kit), tape with a metal jaw (aluminum foil) or aerosol sealer to seal the joints and joints. Once the ducts are closed, the contractor must wrap them in insulation to prevent freezing in summer or cold in winter. If the oven or central unit is more than 12 years old, or the boiler is more than 30 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a more efficient unit.
The best way to save on electricity costs is to be smart in your use of electricity. Make these 21 changes to your home for free, and you can save $ 500 or more a year depending on several factors, including the size of your home.
Now it’s time to intelligently join the power of the team and begin the subtraction challenge. If you make the most of the 21 changes below, you can reduce your electricity consumption by 10% during the year and earn a $ 50 prize.
Two 100-watt bulbs that go out for an additional two hours a day can save you $ 15 a year. Better, switch to LED lights.
Save $ 15
2. Use natural light
A southern location can be up to 20-100 times larger than its surface area. Turning off a 60-watt lamp for four days a day saves $ 9 a year.
Save $ 9
3.Use task lighting
Turn off the ceiling lights and use table lighting, pedestrian lighting and lighting in work and recreation areas and in the kitchen.
Save $ 6
4. Take shorter showers
Hot water is expensive. If two people in your home reduce your bath time by one minute, you can save $ 30 a year.
Save $ 30
Turn off the water while shaving, wash your hands, brush your teeth
5. Turn off the water while shaving, wash your hands, brush your teeth
Reduce hot water consumption by 5% to save around $ 19.
Save $ 19
6. Attach the leaky faucet
Repairing hot water leaks in your faucet can save you up to $ 9 a year in energy costs. Learn how to fix this leak.
Save $ 9
7. Remove unused electronics
Emergency electricity can account for 10% of an average household’s annual electricity consumption. Disconnect unused electronics and save $ 50 a year.
Save $ 50
8. Dig a desktop computer
If you are still using your old desktop, reuse it and replace it with your laptop. Using a laptop for two hours a day saves $ 4 a year.
Save $ 4
9. Are you not at home? Turn off the air conditioner
Turn off the old window air conditioner for five hours a day when you are away. Do this for 60 days in the summer and you will save $ 16.
Save $ 16
10. Recycle or donate your old TV
Recycle or donate your old TV. Even if you only use it for one hour a day, this 42-inch LCD screen will cost you six dollars a year.
Save $ 6
11. Control the thermostat
If you have electric heating, lower the thermostat two degrees to save 5% on your heating bill. Calculating it to five degrees can save 10%.
Save $ 120
12. Be strategic when it comes to window coverings
Promote airflow through the home and block the afternoon sun. You can save up to $ 10 (2 fans) or $ 45 (1 air conditioner) in the summer.
Save $ 45
13. Lower the kitchen heating
Avoid using the oven in the summer – try salads, smoothies or barbecue. You reduce the heat in your home and save on household refrigeration costs.
Save $ 5
14. Perform a full download
Cut your laundry per week, even if you only use cold water, and you can save $ 18 a year on your laundry costs.
Save $ 18
15. Wash clothes in cold
By switching from hot to cold water for an average of three charges a week, you can save up to $ 22 a year on your energy bill.
Save $ 22
16. Dry the laundry
If you wash eight different types of laundry a week and use your clothesline for 50% of these clothes, you can save $ 65 a year.
Save $ 65
I have a dryer
17. I put the towel in the dryer
A dry towel added to the dryer can dramatically reduce drying times. If you download seven times a week, you can save $ 27 a year.
Save $ 27
18. Be efficient in cooling
Store the refrigerator and freezer at full temperature. The temperature of the refrigerator is between 2 ° C and 3 ° C, and the temperature of the freezer must be -18 ° C.
Save $ 25
19. Remove the second refrigerator
Confused Eat the second refrigerator and save up to $ 55 a year. Freeze plastic water jugs and use them in a cooler if necessary.
Save $ 55 $
20. Skip the dryer temperature.
This hot dry environment is expensive. Uncheck and save up to $ 27 per year based on the amount of dishes per serving. Day.
Save $ 27
21. Use a microwave, slow cooker or toaster
A microwave oven takes 15 minutes to perform the same job as an hour in an oven. Use a microwave instead of the oven four times a week and save $ 13 a year.
Save $ 13
You can do many things in your daily life, at home and at work to save as much wasted energy as possible. Below are some tips to help you save money while increasing your energy efficiency.
General
In winter, lower the thermostat to 68 degrees or below. In summer, set it to at least 78 degrees.
Replace the incandescent compact fluorescent lamp with energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps.
Use a dimmer on existing lamps.
Turn off the TV and lights when leaving the room or not in use.
Make sure your home is well insulated to meet standards based on your area, weather and building.
cocktails
Dry the dishes in the dishwasher by opening the door and not using the “high temperature” setting.
Boil water in a saucepan instead of a kettle.
Use smaller appliances such as a microwave or toaster instead of an oven.
bathroom
Use a low flow shower head.
Take short showers instead of a bath.
Install toilets with double flow to reduce the amount of water per. Rinsing.
cellar
Insulate the water heater and all water pipes.
Clean and replace the oven filter, and clean the ducts every few years.
Move items from your freezers / refrigerators to your cold room / canteen (if possible).
Make sure that all windows and doors are closed during opening hours and that they are only opened during opening hours if necessary.
Consider using a heat recovery system that can save up to 60-70% of the waste heat from the ventilation system with the ventilation system.
If necessary, use sunlight instead of turning on the heat.
Reduce the use of air conditioners in the summer.
lighting
Open blinds and shadows instead of turning on the lights where you can.
Replace the incandescent compact fluorescent lamp with energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps.
Use LED panels, screens and holiday lighting.
Use presence and motion sensors in your office areas to automate when the light goes out.
Equipment
Close all computers and network devices at the end of the day.
Use energy efficient devices and replace all CRT monitors with LCD / LED monitors.
Use a humidity control system to control freezers or cold rooms to a few degrees.
Check that the compressed air systems are not leaking.
Participate in a recycling program and make sure that all lighting, appliances and electronics are recycled where possible.
Consider investing in a solar panel system as it provides long term energy efficiency.
Using energy-efficient toilets and drainage systems can reduce water waste in a building.
Sustainable energy sources are just one part of saving energy and reducing costs while saving the planet. Renewable or sustainable energy sources are very important in the future of the world’s energy generation. However, until such time that all the renewable sources can be successfully harnessed for each household, you can do a few other things to save energy.
Plan your energy use. Use the heating system only when necessary. Use the water heater in a way that it does not run the whole day. Plan ahead so you can shower and do the dishes while it is one and the switch it off to save power. Cook meals ahead of time on one day and saves energy by only using the stove and oven once or twice a week. Use timers to manage when your lights are needed. Automated home systems are making the management and planning of energy use very easy.
Unplug unused appliances. This really does make a difference in energy use and costs. When you are not using the microwave or your hair dryer or your laptop or your printer, unplug it. There are some appliances that have to stay on like the refrigerator, but non-essential appliances that are not used should be unplugged. This has been proven to save energy.
Make your own energy-saving devices. There are so many ideas from solar panels made from CDs to green roofs and mini wind turbines. Make use of some of these gadgets or activities to help reduce your energy use and impact on the planet. It can be a family activity and it will stimulate your creative side. Once you see these small and affordable devices make a change to your daily life you will wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Avoid using electrical appliances if you can. Some appliances like the oven and refrigerator are necessary. However, a clothes dryer uses a lot of energy and the sun can dry your clothes just as well and actually help avoid mould development. So, instead of shoving your washing into the dryer, rather let them dry in the sun. The same can work for dishwashers. If you don’t have a lot of dishes dirty at the same time, wait to use the dishwasher. Alternatively, you can wash small amounts of dirty dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher. If you have a look at your daily electricity use, you will find other devices you can use less and swop for non-electrical options.
Dress warmer before you turn the heat on. Instead of just automatically going for the heat switch, try and put on another jersey or jacket and get a blanket. Saving energy is a good reason to cuddle with loved ones and keep each other warm. The same goes for cooling systems. Before you switch on the fan or air conditioning system, try other methods of cooling down. You can insulate your home and plant trees strategically to block the sun.
Incorporate renewable energy sources. If you can afford it and your property allows for it, install solar panels or wind turbines. These alternative energy sources will save you a lot of money and it will also reduce your use of fossil fuel energy. These sources can be expensive to install, but if you are able to do it, it is an investment. You will be very grateful in the coming years. For those who cannot yet afford it, don’t worry. The technology is improving constantly and soon everyone will be able to afford alternative energy sources and benefit from them. You can have a look at the options offered by 3D printing to start with small things.
Use eco-friendly products. Buy eco-friendly light bulbs for your home and office. They use much less energy than normal bulbs. Also, look at buying energy-efficient appliances when you need to buy new ones or upgrade. Most kitchen appliances and things like washing machines have eco-friendly counterparts.
Have your house inspected. You can do this yourself if you don’t want to hire someone. Inspect things like door and window frames. If you can see light or feel air coming through the cracks, you may be losing heat that is causing an increase in energy use to heat up the home. Also, have a look at your home’s insulation and roofing and see if it may need upgrading or repairs. Heaters and other appliances can also be inspected for condition. If any appliances become hot while in use, it may be a sign of bad wiring or a potential energy problem. You can check out any devices and appliances and ensure that they are functioning correctly and not using more energy than they should.
Automate your house. This is not an option for everyone, but if you can afford it, you will save a lot of money. Automation systems use monitors that sense the levels of heat and cold and adjust heating and cooling accordingly. You can also control these systems through your cell phone or mobile device. For example, if you forgot to switch off a light or the oven, you can send a message to the system and will switch the appliance off. These systems are also easy to connect to alternative energy sources like solar systems or wind turbines. Automated home systems also warn you when it picks up problems with appliances and energy use.
These are simple ways in which you can save energy and save yourself some money. Many of the options to go completely green are still costly, but soon they will be more affordable. Technology is improving daily and if you can make small changes, you will soon be able to integrate all your efforts. Try and work in some creativity to make the transition fun. You won’t regret making the change to go green.a
Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources that scientists are working to harness more effectively. Renewable energy sources will become more and more important as our fossil fuel resources start to run out. Solar power has both advantages and disadvantages. At the moment, most scientists and environmentalists agree that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and solar power will help reduce climate change and its negative impact on the planet.
Solar power has many advantages and as the technology around it keeps improving, it becomes more affordable and more practical.
Solar energy is:
…eco-friendly and clean. It does not require the use of dangerous or harmful elements to generate electricity. It also does not produce harmful chemicals or gases that pollute our air and harm our atmosphere.
…free energy. Once you have solar panels or another solar power device, your energy is free. You don’t need to pay anyone to generate or use your solar energy. Different countries work differently, but here you have free energy and you can even make money by selling your surplus energy to the grid. By using solar energy you will be saving money by reducing your energy bill drastically.
…renewable. This means that we cannot run out of sunlight. It is a resource that we have everyday and that will not become exhausted. Free energy that will never go away – that is basically what solar energy is.
…low maintenance. Once your solar equipment is installed, the biggest job is done. Solar panels are good for about 20 to 25 years and require little to no maintenance. The only thing you will need to do is keep it clean. Cleaning it a few times a year is sufficient and that is the extent of maintenance.
…of value to your home. Installing solar panels increases the value of your house. If you are looking to sell in the near future, it may be a good plan to install a solar power system. A house with solar panels will be in demand and can sell for a good price.
…versatile. Solar panels are not only used to generate electricity. It is also used to warm water through solar water heaters. You can see these on roofs as well and they have a little tank attached to them. These solar water heaters further reduce your electricity usage. These heaters are very effective in replacing traditional electric heaters.
These advantages show that solar energy is the way to go. It is the best way to do your part in reducing your carbon footprint and it will save you a lot of money. You may even be able to go completely off the grid if your solar energy system generates enough electricity to serve your home. If you are looking to get yourself a solar energy system, now is the time. However, we know that most things also have disadvantages, so let’s have a look at the drawbacks.
Not everyone in the world is on the solar power support train yet. There are still some issues that need to be addressed and solved before solar energy will be seen assustainable. Now we look at why some people are still sceptical about the future of solar energy.
Installing solar panels or a solar system is expensive. The initial costs involved with getting a system installed and running is very high. The installation requires panels, batteries, wiring, and more. A unit can cost anything between £3000 and £7000. You will make this cost back triple-fold in the energy savings, but it will take years. A solar system is an investment and if you plan to stay in your house for many years to come, you will reap the benefits.
You have to use it or lose it. Technology is still advancing, but at the moment you cannot store solar energy for later use through just a normal system. If you want to save solar energy for use when there isn’t light, you will need a solar battery. These batteries are big and expensive and may not be worth it. Alternatively, you can use the solar energy during the day and use grid energy at night. This will still reduce your power costs immensely.
Solar energy generation is dependent on weather conditions. People often think that the sun must shine for solar panels to work, but this is not completely correct. It only has to be light. However, when it is raining and snowing and things like that, the solar panels may be less effective. Strong, direct sunlight is the best way to get your solar energy. The effectiveness of a solar system will depend on where you live and how the weather conditions are. For some areas, it may really not be worth it.
A solar system can be quite extensive and take up space. Depending how much energy you want to generate, you may need more than one panel and a battery and everything else that goes with it. This system can take up a lot of space and may cause you some inconvenience.
Solar energy is great, but you should carefully consider the pros and cons of installing a solar system for your home. Technology is constantly improving and soon these panels and batteries will be smaller and less expensive. We never know what the future holds, but these issues may well be addressed in the near future to make solar energy much more efficient.
Based on these advantages and disadvantages, you should be able to make an informed decision on whether you can and want to make use of solar power in your home and business. The bottom line is that it will benefit you more than you may think. If you would like to know more about solar energy and its latest developments, have a look at our previous article here.
