Archive for June, 2010

HVAC Energy Efficiency

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning are some of the largest consumers of energy in modern households. In fact, some estimations place the average home’s use of energy for HVAC at around 50%. Fortunately, there are a variety of steps that can be taken to reduce this drastic figure, not only promoting a healthier environment, but saving a pretty penny on electric bills as well. If you’re curious about how this may be accomplished, read on for a few ideas.

The most obvious means of increasing HVAC efficiency is by using an energy-efficient system. Newer heaters and air conditioners are not only constructed of more modern materials that improve insulation and reduce electric use, but also feature computerized systems for enhanced temperature control. As such, not only do these systems use the energy they are given more efficiently, but they also allow an unprecedented level of control over the times of day when heating or cooling is used.

Upgrading an inefficient system to a newer, more energy-efficient one is a step that many will not take without incentive. While more efficient systems will save money over longer terms due to lower bills, this is often not enough cause to justify such an expensive upgrade. As such, many state and federal tax credits are available to further encourage such a move.

Information on such credits can vary widely based on where you are located. An online search is the best place to start, with lots of information being made available at the Energy Star website (http://www.energystar.gov.) Your HVAC contractor is also likely a great source of information, as knowledge of the various tax credits available in your region is a great way to encourage purchases that might otherwise not be made.

Another less obvious source of increased energy efficient heating and cooling is solar power, or more specifically, passive solar energy. With the correct architectural and other considerations, the rays of the sun can be harnessed not only to heat a structure, but to cool one as well. Such use can dramatically slash your need for traditional, electronic systems.

Solar energy’s ability to heat is its most obvious use. Proper placement of windows can admit rays which have a dramatic effect on internal temperatures. In instances where windows are not available, glass tubes can be used to channel rays into other enclosed spaces, offering the benefits of solar heating in rooms without an abundance of natural light.

Solar energy can be used to cool as well. By heating air in certain locations, the sun’s rays can cause the air to rise, displacing it with cooler air. As such, a location can be cooled by the constant replacement of the heated air by cooler, moving wind.

Many other solar techniques are available for heating and cooling. Using solar energy in this way is often more efficient than is converting it into electrical power, a process in which some energy is lost. As such, passive techniques can be used in areas where traditional solar energy use is otherwise impractical.

While heating and cooling represents a large energy expenditure, there are a variety of steps and techniques that can be used to lessen waste and boost efficiency.

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The Benefits Of Using Solar Power For Homes

It’s not only the rich and famous who use solar power now, since solar powered systems are more affordable these days. And there’s nothing wrong with all of us being environmentally friendly. In fact, the Earth needs it because of the many difficulties it is now facing, such as global temperature change. To create electricity, fossil fuels are often burned, but with the burning of these fuels, global warming will become worse. Because of this, many people are opting for solar-powered homes nowadays.

There are several advantages to using solar power for homes. How much are you charged for electricity every month? Many homeowners are hurting because of the high cost of electricity. One way to lower your bills is to opt for solar power.

You don’t need to use any wiring when you use solar power systems. For example, for your garden lights and water fountains, you can use solar power. Many of these systems already have light sensors, so you don’t need to worry about turning them off. Solar lights are readily available and you just take them out and place them wherever you want to get some good light.

Solar power is environmentally friendly. It is a great source of renewable and clean energy. You won’t contribute to pollution with solar energy, unlike fossil fuels. By using solar powered systems like a solar cooker, solar thermal systems, and solar generators, you can work without creating emissions. And, you will help in saving the environment.

During the initial phase of using solar power, you will have to spend some money. Just think of it as an investment where you will benefit in the long run. For under $300, you can use solar power in your home. Solar power is free to use, since you will use the sun’s energy to create electricity. You can make use of solar lights, solar panels, etc.

Don’t cut off your conventional electricity supply after you’ve started using solar power. It’s not always sunny, and so you may need traditional electricity during rainy days. The best thing about solar power is that it decreases your monthly electric bill. If you can convert your home into a full solar powered house, you will benefit greatly and won’t even worry if fuel prices increase.

Power outages often occur when there are problems, but as long as you have solar power, you can keep using electrical appliances without interruption. For those who are interested in using solar power, you can start with simple projects like the water features and lights in your garden. These pieces are easy to develop and you don’t need any wiring.

As with everything in life, there are advantages as well as disadvantages. It’s true that solar power has many advantages, but you also need to look at the disadvantages. You must weigh these things first before you opt for a solar powered home.

Today, it’s easy to purchase solar powered devices, such as flashlights, pool purifiers, ventilators, mosquito inhibitors, heaters, fountain pumps, radios, lighting, and many others. Be prepared to spend a little money upfront for solar powered devices, but don’t worry. After a few months, you will start enjoying savings off of your monthly electric bill. Think of it as a one-time investment, which will yield huge dividends in the future.

Visit Greg Purnell’s site to learn more about the advantages of home solar power. Go there today to get a Free Report on home solar power kits and see how easily you can get started.

Ways To Conserve Energy In Your Home

While Canada is one of the best countries to live in, the fact remains that our climate is unpredictable and residents are forced to spend large amounts of money in the winter to heat their homes, and to spend just as much money in the summer to cool them down.

It is just early June and already residents of Canada have been forced to shell out cash due to intense heat waves. Not only is the heat incapacitating, it can be dangerous for the elderly and for those who do not remember to keep their bodies hydrated. Therefore, spending money on cooling costs is not luxurious spending. It is essential to the wellbeing of the average Canadian.

In addition to the extra spending, Canadians must remain conscious that the energy being used to cool their homes not only leaves a hole in their wallets, it also increasingly damages our environment by using up precious resources. The question remains as to how we can reduce our energy costs and conserve at the same time, while still maintaining a basic need.

There are some easy ways to reduce your cooling costs, and remain environmentally friendly at the same time. Canadians are now starting to follow these easy tips. If you live in a sunny home, close the blinds. While sunshine is lovely, it can greatly increase the heat generated in your home. If you want the sunlight, close the blinds during 12pm and 2pm, which are the hottest hours of the day.

Buy an air-conditioning system sized appropriately for your home. If you only have a small space you wish to keep cool, purchase a small system. Consult with the person selling the system and ask for their best opinions with regards to space and size.

Ensure that your air-conditioning condenser is not crowded or blocked by other pieces of furniture and that it is located in a shady spot of the room.

Awnings can be installed over sunny spots of your house. Turn off the air conditioner when you are not home. Maintain repairs to your unit, and change the filter monthly.

Make sure the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is 13 or better. If a machine is less efficient than this, it will cost more to run. If you don’t use particular rooms of your house, close the ducts and shut the doors.

Make sure your ducts are not covered by furniture. Turn off your televisions and computers when they are not in use because they generate heat. When you are not using lights, turn them off, as they also generate heat. Most of your home’s heat is absorbed through the roof; make sure your attic is properly ventilated.

If Canadians follow these simple tips they can drastically reduce their energy bills in the summer.

There are also ways that you can calculate your cooling by going to Natural Resources Canada: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/cooling-ventilation/rooms-ac/cost-calculation.cfm

This will help you figure out how much you are spending, and how you can reduce you costs.

Adriana Noton is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of financial topics including personal budgeting and debt counselling. For more information about personal finance, ConsolidatedCredit.ca is a tremendous resource on the topic for Canadians.

The Reason Why Solar Energy Systems Should Be In Every Home

When talking over solar energy systems, it has to do with how much money they can help a family to save each month by cutting costs on their electricity bill. It is important to be aware of all the benefits that solar energy systems have to offer and really see why it is time to make this change and to have solar energy systems in every home across the world. One of the most important of all involves how the solar energy systems are good for the environment. This is because instead of relying on electricity you will be using solar energy to power your home and devices.

A solar energy system is a system that is set up in order to attract the energy of the sun. Electricity is not environmentally friendly but the solar energy systems are. When you have a solar energy system you are able to power pretty much anything that you otherwise would have used electricity for, everything from your television and VCR to your poor and lights to line the garden. It is really impressive what these solar energy systems can do and again, the best part of all is that you are not harming the environment because the sun is a natural resource.

If you would like to get started with solar energy systems in your own home and take advantage of all they have to offer, the first step is to buy the supplies that you are going to need. When you are relying on solar energy systems, you are not worried about using industrial or electric emissions which pose as a hazard for the environment and as well all living beings.

Solar energy systems are very quick and easy to set up and there are even professional installation companies who will do all the work if you would rather skip it. There are different sizes of solar energy systems available and it really depends on how much of your home you want powered by solar energy.

There are more and more people who are becoming aware of all the benefits that solar energy systems have to offer and who are making the change for the better here. People are really amazed at how dramatically costs are cut on their electricity bill and any money that was spent on the solar energy systems will more than pay itself off. Any costs that may be incurred to get the solar energy systems up and running will be more than paid off, even within just a few months. You are going to be so glad that you finally took that step and started taking advantage of what solar energy systems have to offer.

More information on the heat pumbs and modern family use like solar power panel and hot water cylinders.

Solar Yard Lights: Alternative Energy Ambiance

Alternative energy sources are popular, can save their users money, are better for the environment, and present less difficult technical problems than conventional energy sources. Solar powered outdoor lighting is one of these alternative energy systems that many people may never have considered using, but which have many benefits to offer the users of such lights.

Landscaping lights can add beauty to your yard as well as using them for safety and visibility at night. The illumination from these lights can make walkways and driveways more visible and safer, as well as discouraging intruders if attached to the building exterior. Statues, fountains and special plantings can be illuminated and highlighted by landscape lights also.

There are many advantages that come from lighting your yard with solar powered lights. The most obvious is that every bit of electricity required to light your yard will add to your electric bill, and solar-powered lights consume no electricity. Many years ago, expensive solar lights redeemed themselves over several years by saving homeowners money. Now, however, solar-powered lights are no more expensive than conventional electric lights. Once your solar light is installed, you will never pay another cent to use it until it is time for the light to be replaced.

Solar power has another advantage in that installing devices that use solar power is quick and easy. Find a site that gets a lot of sunlight, attach the light or sink a pole on that site, and then all you need to do is flick a switch. During the day, solar energy is collected in batteries, requiring no additional wiring. This compares to the hassle of hiring an electrician and concealing and protecting the wires required for conventional lighting fixtures.

A drawback is a site that is in complete shade all day may not get enough sun to properly charge batteries and for those few locations solar yard lights may not work. Check with a landscape expert, or even just places selling solar lighting to know how to assess a location for suitability. There’s also good news because advances in batteries and other storage devices as well as the solar cells themselves are making the requirements easier to meet and will likely continue to improve.

Another issue is how long a light will function when fully charged, and how long you need lights to be on each evening. Lights will be rated for these parameters and you need to decide what you need and check what each device offers. Online resources can help with such decisions. And also be sure to comparison shop for solar yard lights. Check out mark down discount stores for these lights, since I have seen them in one nationally popular chain store for ridiculously low prices. Go solar for a safer, more attractive yard and save money doing it!

Read more about Residential Solar Energy and Solar Yard Lighting.