I have been trying to be more energy conscious because I don’t have a lot of money to spend on electricity. I keep my thermostat set at 60 when I’m not home and turn it up to 65-67 degrees when I’m there. I have been very careful about not turning on more lights than I need and turning them off when I leave the room. However, my bill has gone up steadily over the last three months. I cannot afford for it to increase any more if it gets any colder. Is there any advice on how I can reduce my energy costs? Any information would be very much appreciated.
Porch awnings are a great way to keep yourself cool on hot summer days and dry when it is raining on your home’s porch. Both fixed and retractable awnings share many advantages and very few disadvantages, but retractable awnings are proving to be the better investment thanks to new technology and ease of use.
Many centuries ago, people used to make their own retractable awnings that could be folded up manually when they were not needed. Nearly every home had some form of awning attached to it. However, these were crudely made and did not work nearly as well as today’s awnings. Now that today’s air conditioning costs have skyrocketed, people are beginning to invest in awnings again as a way of keeping themselves cool to save some money.
The key to cutting your air conditioning costs by nearly 50% in the summertime is by installing a porch awning and sun shades over your doors and windows. Your awning will provide one layer of heat protection, and the window shades will provide a second barrier. When the air reaches your windows, the awning will have already cooled down, meaning even cooler air will enter your home.
Retractable awnings are very easy to use today because with the flick of a switch they can fold up so that you can soak in the sun if it is not too hot outside. Plus you will not always have a double layer of protection over your windows. If it is mild outside, you may want the heat to reach your windows, which can only be done if you collapse your retractable awning.
These awnings are normally made of aluminum or cloth and can be found in a wide array of designs. This means you can find one that matches your home without a problem, making it an aesthetically-pleasuring addition to your home, which some people worry about when considering installing one.
You can’t go wrong with a porch awning, and your wallet will thank you. For the easiest possible awning to use, be sure to look into a high quality retractable awning.
A local energy company in Clearwater Florida is proposing to raise its energy costs…again. Over the last year this company has raised its rates by around thirty percent and residents are starting to worry that, with the economy tanking and layoffs happening everywhere, that they won’t be able to afford to keep their electricity on anymore. And while Florida is known for being warm all year round, who wants to go camping in the winter, especially when there is no end in site to the camping? It only takes a couple of days before the idea of a hot shower becomes so beautiful that you consider bribing your friends and family to let you live with them instead of trying to keep your own—just so that you can feel warm water on your skin again.
In a time when energy costs are increasing (ironic considering the drop in fuel costs), it becomes even more important to cut down on power usage. The following list presents Clearwater residents with some tried and true ways to cut down on their energy bills and some more…creative ideas as well.
1. Put blankets over your windows and outside access doors. Sure it makes you look like a hillbilly, but when you cover your windows, you reduce the amount of heat loss that occurs. Windows and outside access doors are like sucking vortexes for heat. The thicker their coverings, the warmer your house will stay—and you won’t have to keep kicking the heater up a notch.
2. Unplug whatever you are not using. Sure it’s a pain in the butt to have to plug your television set back in, but it has been proven that unplugging appliances and machines when they are not in use can do a lot more to cut down on your electric bill than simply turning them off.
3. Learn to love hats and shoes. Most of your body heat is lost through your head and your feet. If you keep them covered, you won’t be as tempted to kick up the heat in your home!
4. Grill—even in winter! Using your grill or barbecue cuts down on the amount of power you need to make dinner and can lower your bill. No it won’t be fun to stand outside if it is cold, but grilling or barbecuing even just a few times a week can spell the difference between being able to afford your electric bill and….not.
5. Join some clubs or other social organizations that require you to leave the house. The less time you spend at home, the less energy you will use. Join a knitting group or a book club—something that doesn’t require money to join or a lot of driving around. Plus, you’ll make friends and have fun!
These are just five ways that you can cut down on your energy costs. You already know about energy saving light bulbs and the like. Now it is time to get creative and figure out what else you can do to reduce your energy consumption!
For more information on Clearwater Florida, visit http://www.clearwatermicroblog.com and http://www.flmicroblog.com.
Use the natural heat storage capacity of the earth or ground water to provide energy efficient heating and cooling
Geothermal heating and cooling equipment is readily available in the marketplace and can be installed by any qualified contractor. The process is two-fold in that it involves installing the indoor unit and method of delivery, whether forced hot air or hydronic, and the outside pipe loop. Loop installation can be planned concurrently with other construction activities, so the overall construction schedule should not be affected by choice of system. Some loops will require an additional permit. Geothermal equipment can be installed with equal ease in both new construction and remodeling projects.
The initial cost of a geothermal heat pump system varies greatly according to local labor rates, lot geology and size, type of system installed, and equipment selected. So, geothermal heat pump systems are more costly to install than air source heat pumps. For either system, the cost of installed ducts should be identical. Equipment costs can be 50-100% more expensive for a geothermal heat pump system when the circulating pump, indoor tubing, and water source heat pump are considered. This 50-100% premium translates to $1,000 – $2,000 for the equipment that supplies a 3-ton system.
The ground loop is generally the most expensive component of a geothermal heat pump system and is highly dependent on local labor rates and drilling conditions. An installed ground loop stubbed out in a home can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per installed ton. Overall, one could expect to pay between $4,000 and $11,000 more for a 3-ton GHP system than for an air source heat pump system.
Geothermal heat pumps offer high efficiency and low operating cost. According to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can save homeowners 30 to 70 percent on heating and 20 to 50 percent on cooling costs over conventional systems. This information, as well as, reports that have been made by builders who monitor their in-place systems indicate that heating and cooling savings can range between $358 and $1,475, annually.
Geothermal heat pumps provide a high level of occupant comfort. There is a potential for utility bill savings, and many local utility companies provide incentives for investing in geothermal heat pumps.
Paying huge electric bills every month is a problem for many homeowners. That’s why a large number of people are looking into home solar power to reduce their energy costs. And why solar power kits are becoming so popular.
Here are five ways harnessing solar power can help you to save money and also do your part to save the planet.
Save Thousands of Dollars – When considering the cost of buying or building solar panels, it is a good idea to remember that within a few months they may well have paid for themselves.
If your home is partly, or solely, powered by your own energy system, you could be saving hundreds of dollars every month and thousands over the course of a year.
Obviously, if you want to receive all of your power needs from your solar panels, you will have to spend a substantial amount of money to buy, build and install enough panels. However, within a year or two, you may have regained your initial investment.
Earn Money on Your Excess Power - Not only can you save money on your utility bills, but you can also earn money. Some home solar systems will produce more energy than the household requires, especially in the summer months.
You may choose to store this excess power, or you can sell it to the grid and earn yourself a substantial amount of money. Again, this is another reason that solar systems should be thought of as a long-term investment.
You Will Not be Dependant – on the Grid Having your own source of power can be very comforting. If all of your power is being provided by utility companies, you are completely at their mercy should something go wrong.
However, with your own solar power kit, in the event of industrial disputes, weather damage or faults, you will still have a reliable and constant source of power.
Help Save the Planet – Although many have tried to bury their heads in the sand, we cannot ignore the fact that our climate is altering dramatically.
The industrialized world is producing more pollution than the atmosphere can handle and it is gradually causing catastrophic damage. However, it is small changes by the ordinary man and woman on the street that can really make a difference.
If each and every one of us used solar power, the drop in CO2 emissions would be profound. However, even if you are the only one on your street to use solar power, you will be making a difference. You will be helping to preserve the planet for your children and grandchildren.
Embark on a Fun Family Project – In many cases, people choose to construct and install their own solar panels, as it is a cost-efficient alternative to buying. Fortunately, with the right instructions, building a solar panel is surprisingly easy. It can also turn into a fun project that the entire family can be involved in.
Of course, there are many other advantages to solar power kits and some will vary depending on your circumstances. However, if you are currently sitting on the proverbial fence, the above may help you reach a decision.
Recent conversations from our Presidential Candidates have continually shown interest in conserving energy. What are some things, at home, you can do to conserve energy?
It can be anything from unplugging all but one clock, turning off the computer, or using night lights.
This is fun and it might even save you money.
I don’t know what it is but in the attic, there is a carboard-looking type of insulation. From what I’ve ‘researched’, I think this must be cellulose?!
We’re looking to upgrade and I would like some, hopefully, professional or experienced advice on what to use.
It’s a concrete block and wood frame home with cathedral ceilings. I don’t believe the cathedral ceiling have insulation, and as I mentioned, the attic is pretty much covered with this carboard-like material.
What would you suggest?
Thanks in advance!
The windows are single pain, old and leaky; the appliances are from the 1960’s and 1970’s ie refrigerator, hot water heater, dryer and washer and the Air conditioners are from the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Our family liked to fix things so everything needs to be replaced with better energy star technology.
So… where should we start? Which improvement would give us the biggest Bang for the Buck? Thanks for your suggestions.
Residential solar systems are crucial if you are planning on reducing the energy costs in your home. In a time when the prices of petroleum and coal are increasing, it is only but wise to start using renewable power sources such as solar energy to help power up our homes. Besides, it is the responsibility of every citizen of the world to help in the preservation of the environment for future generations. It is a known fact that climate change brought about by the drastic increase in greenhouse gas emissions from coal-run power plants is already affecting the world. Although installing solar power systems in your home is effective in bringing down energy costs and helping the environment, there are several ways in which you can further reduce home energy expenses in your home, particularly if you are not living 100% off grid.
But even if you can rely on residential solar systems to power your lights, heaters and other electronics at home, you probably still need to use traditional electricity resources. One way for you to minimize your electricity bills every month is by changing some of your wasteful habits. You should encourage your whole family to follow your lead. Some of the things that you should remember include turning off all appliances, lights and anything that is powered by electricity when not in use. If you are just leaving your computer or television for short periods, you can just leave it on sleep mode. It is also very important that you keep your cooling and heating units clean at all times so that they will function efficiently.
Even if you are using residential solar systems to provide electricity for your home, it is still wise to carefully choose the electrical equipment or appliance that you are using. Some appliances are not energy efficient and can rack up your energy costs or waste the energy generated from your solar power system. When you are buying refrigerators, televisions, air conditioning units, and other appliances, you should make sure that you look for energy efficient ones. Although they may be a little bit more expensive, at least in the long run, you will be saving a lot more on electrical costs. Aside from appliances, you should also start changing your light bulbs from incandescent light to energy-saving light bulbs. Not only are these more efficient in providing you with adequate lighting, they also consume less electricity.
Sometimes, the reason why you are spending a lot on electricity is due to structural problems in your home. For example, substandard insulation in attics can contribute to higher cooling costs during the summer. If you have solar attic fans, your utility expenses as a result of using cooling appliances will be reduced significantly. Air leakage is also a problem. So, start looking for holes and gaps in windows and doors before the summer and winter months arrive.
