Avoiding Air Conditioner Strain - Energy Saving Tips to the Summer
The first tip to possess essentially one over the best air conditioner must become to keeping it properly. Just as just like a possible automobile , your air conditioner needs a tune up annually being sure it's in good accomodate deal effortlessly the strain effortlessly the growing season . Taking the automobile example , let's imagine you're intending a cross-country road trip . When might you probably have your car or truck or truck tuned up - before as well as within the wedding which you depart ? Likewise , abdominal muscles best time inside same time concerning tune your air conditioner is merely before season of peak usage.
If your ac approach is on the decade old, you might possibly should Consider upgrading employing a newer , more energy-efficient model . There's no telling exactly the quantity it will often be possible to reach to you at become saving in the monthly energy costs creating a brand-new AC system. Ask about units employing a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ) rating of at ab muscles least 14 or 15 , as These include one wonderful one when using most up- to-date at exactly exactly exactly precisely exactly the same time as efficient.
So ensure to demand every tune approximately create utilization of These other energy saving suggestions presenting your air conditioner an unbelievable deal needed reprieve this summer .
Energy Myths
Duct Tape - Myth: Duct tape is good for sealing heating ducts. In reality, sealing ducts with mastic or metal tape is the answer because the heat from the ducts dries out the duct tape and it eventually stops adhering to the ducts.
Lights, Computers, Appliances - Myth: Leave them on and you will use less energy than if you repeatedly turn them on and off. The small power surge created when turning on lights, computers, and appliances takes less energy less than when you run the device when it is not needed. Of course, use power management software for your computer and turn lights off when you leave the room.
Florescent Lights - Myth: Florescent Lighting is unhealthy - Claims that fluorescent lights "sapping people's energy" has no merit. Today's lights have improved color quality and flickering and hum have been eliminated.
Easy Steps Towards Energy Efficiency
In this era of global warming and imminent climate change, the high carbon emissions are directly related to increased energy consumption. However simple measures such as minimizing the use of electricity and use of energy-efficient systems can lead to collective energy savings contributing to reduced carbon footprint.
As lighting can account for 15% of total electricity use in a home or office just turning off unused lights while leaving the room or for commercial establishments installing motion sensors to turn lights off when the space remains vacant for certain time can make considerable difference. Alongside replace incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) which last longer and use one-fourth as much energy as incandescent bulbs. Plus, incandescent bulbs give off 90% of their energy in heat while CFLs give off little heat. In addition the most recent Light-emitting diode or LED lights are also becoming widely available for uses around the home. A mercury-free LED light can last about 50 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
Apart from light fixtures use of certified or energy star rated appliances can substantially reduce wasted energy. Generally, laptop computers use less energy than desktop computers and LCD monitors use less energy than CRT screens. Also consider what to do with equipment when its useful life is finished. Some manufacturers offer take-back or recycling.
Simple Ways to Save Electricity (Energy)
We all have ideas on what renewable and non-renewable energy sources are. The problem is we do not put much pressure on saving the non-renewable sources that we rapidly use everyday. With price of gasoline gone high and the impending depletion of the non-renewable resources, it is best that we review tips on how to save power in our own home.
Let us take tips one appliance at a time.
Computer
Common Sense Energy Saving Tips
By now most of us know the terms renewable and non-renewable as they refer to to energy sources. But the ongoing consumption of the non-renewable sources of energy is getting a lot of attention these days. A severe energy crisis is coming and no one can escape the effects of it. Should we leave it in the hands of the government, or take it upon ourselves to save power? Yes, there are things we, the people, can do.
Let us look at how you can conserve energy at home.
The Computer: Shut off the computer and monitor when they are not in use. Maybe you can even practice this at the office.
22 Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill
Want to save the planet and some money at the same time? Here's a list of things you can do to cut your monthly energy bill down to size.
1 Switch to Compact Fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs use 1/4 the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs and last six times longer. They also give off much less heat than incandescent bulbs, thus keeping your home cooler in the summer.
2 Avoid "phantom power" by unplugging electronics when not in use. You can plug them into a power strip with an on/off switch to make this easy. Phantom power can add up to about 10 percent of your home's energy use, or about one month of your electricity use each year. 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.
How to Lower Your Energy Bill Starting This Month
So here we are in the midst of an energy crisis in the United States, and your utility bill is on the rise. If you are like many Americans you are looking for ways to lower your energy bill. There are several things we can do to help reduce energy usage in our homes, thus making our monthly utility bill lower than the last month.
First way to lower your energy bill is to think about things that run when you are away. Your computer monitor, TV, air conditioner, lights and appliances. So before you get up and leave the room turn if you are going to be gone for me than 5 minutes turn your monitor off, turn the TV off and turn the light off. Doing this simple task will help reduce your monthly utility bills.
Computer Room Air Conditioner
Next way to lower your energy bill is to look for appliances with energy saving settings. For example most newer model air conditioners have energy saving settings, laptops and computer monitors too have these energy saving settings.
Another excellent way to lower your energy bill is to purchase energy saving appliances. When you shop for new appliances, windows or doors, look for the energy star saving sticker. These products have been proven to help reduce energy costs and are better for the environment. As we know helping our environment is important for the future of our planet and the future of our children and grand children, ensuring future generations will enjoy the planet for decades to come.
How to Lower Your Energy Bill Starting This MonthReduce Energy Usage - 5 Tips to Save Energy Around the House
In today's economy, many people are looking to reduce their energy usage and save money. You can reduce your electricity bill by following these five simple tips:
1. Use CFL Bulbs - Replace all incandescent bulbs in your house to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL bulbs require less electricity and will reduce your energy usage in your home.
Computer Room Air Conditioner
2. Wash Only Full Loads of Clothes - Reduce the number of loads of laundry you do in your home a week by only washing clothes when you have a full load. Even though many newer washers require less water they still require the same amount of electricity per load whether it is a small or large load of cloths.
3. Turn off Household Items - You will be amazed at how you can reduce your energy usage each month by remembering to turn off the lights when you leave a room, turn off the TV when no one is watching it, and especially turning off your computer monitor when it is not in use. These small changes will make a big difference in your energy bill each month.
4. Set Your Thermostat Right - In the summer set your air conditioner a few degrees warmer and in the winter set your furnace a few degrees cooler to reduce energy usage.
5. Unplug What You Don't Use - If you have gadgets in your home that you do not use but they have lights or a clock, unplug these items to reduce the amount of electricity you use. These small gadgets can add up to using a lot of energy over the course of a year.
So, as you can see, using these five simple tips can really help reduce your energy usage month in and month out.
Reduce Energy Usage - 5 Tips to Save Energy Around the HouseWindow Shades Help Consumers Control Energy Bills
Roller shades help manage electric bills, and are a very versatile decorator accessory. There are several different styles of roller shades that can help reduce electric bills by aiding in temperature control in rooms. These are the main types sold today that can help with energy costs:
1. Blackout Roller Shades - These opaque window shades will totally block incoming light from outside. By keeping the sunlight out, room temperatures are reduced, so you do not need to run your air conditioner as often or as long. In winter, the dark window shades can provide some insulating effect, keeping warm air inside the room instead of diffusing out through the window glass. The heavier the material, the better the insulating effect, for cooling or heating.
Computer Room Air Conditioner
2. Solar Roller Shades - These work by allowing diffuse lighting into a room, while keeping the harsh glare outside, and they provide privacy without eliminating light as blackout roller shades do. These protect furniture against ultra violet sunrays that can damage or fade materials and wood. Solar roller shades are ideal for any sun facing room where you want to have some sun control and heat reduction capability. Like all roller shades, they are adjustable, so you can have full window views whenever you desire.
Roller shades help manage electric bills by giving you options for both room lighting and heat management. Thick material on these window shades helps insulate rooms from drafts and leaks around windows. By mounting the window shades fully outside the window frame you have maximum coverage. You can even encase them in side runner boxes for additional control. Keeping sunlight out of a room during hot summer weather helps keep rooms cooler, so you do not have to run fans or air conditioners as much. This will affect your electric bill significantly. Since you can adjust the window shades up or down, you can allow as much light into a room as you want during the day.
Using the translucent solar shades will provide the air insulation factor plus allow greater levels of light into rooms. The glare free light is best for media rooms, where glare can interfere with television or computer monitor viewing. Because the material in solar shades is thicker, they also provide some protection against airflow and draftiness even though they allow diffuse light into the room. They are very useful for allowing light to enter a room where the outdoor view is less than desirable.
There is another type of roller shade you can purchase, that is a screen type for sun control. These allow you to still see the view outdoors, but provide minimal privacy and insulation, still better than bare windows.
Roller shades are available in decorator fabrics, at higher cost. Materials can be fabric coated with vinyl, PVC coated polyester, and woven fabrics. The fabric coated vinyl sleep (blackout) shades are the least expensive, and do not pin hole, crack or break like the old styles used to do. All roller shades come with either a standard hem bar or a decorative bottom bar to lend durability to the shade in use. Woven fabric window shades are light filtering, and can add to the decorative theme of your room.
Although it is possible to find lower price roller shades in discount stores, the true and better value comes from higher priced and custom roller shades. Materials are better quality, and have better durability and protective qualities than inexpensive roller shades. Roller shades can be used alone or combined with decorative window treatments. They are attractive and energy efficient. It is easy to see why roller shades help manage electric bills, reduce air conditioner wear and tear, and add flair to a room.
Window Shades Help Consumers Control Energy BillsConserving Energy And Saving Money
These days conserving energy is of global proportions. Not only are you helping the environment but can also save money with these every day little changes. Changes that may not even be noticed except on your utility bills, going down.
An energy efficient home can reduce your energy bills up to 40%. Yes 40%!
Computer Room Air Conditioner
Appliances
If you live in a typical U.S. home, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of your energy bills. If you are looking to replace an appliance, check for the energy star rating. These appliances and electronics include the following:
Shake, Rattle & Roll
You can increase the efficiency of your washer & dryer.
Regularly clean the lint from your dryer. Use the moisture setting to reduce run time. If you are looking for a new washer choose one with a front-loader. Front-loader models use 25% less energy than a standard model and use less water. Use warm/cold or cold/cold cycle and you can save 10 cents a load.
Load IT Up
A dishwasher that is 50% full uses almost as much as a full dishwaser. Load it Up and only run your diswasher when you have a full load. Air dry your dishes in the dishwasher
Is it OFF?
Turn off your computer and audio equipment at night....Hmmm is it really off? No, it's not. Do you see all those little lights, the blue, the red, the light on your computer monitor? All these use energy. Use a power strip and really turn off the lights.
Drip, Drip, Drip
Does that dripping keep you up at night?
Repair leaking faucets Install low flow shower heads Install toilet tummy bags Set your hot waterheater to 120 degrees Keep your water heater warm and insulate it Make sure all outside water sources are turned off This will save you approximately a year.
Keeping It Cold
A Refrigerator should maintain a temperature of 37 - 40 degrees Choose a refrigerator/freezer with automatic moisture control Placement of a refrigerator is important, is it in the sun? Is the refrigerator pushed up against the wall, allow space so the compressor doesn't have to work as hard.
Those Funny Looking Squiggly Light Bulbs
Replacing a single incandescent bulb with an energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulb (one of those "squiggly bulbs") can save up to over the bulb's lifetime. Don't forget to turn the lights off when you are not in the room.
Turning UP The Heat
Heating your home uses about 38% of your energy, use these tips below and save money by doing it yourself.
Set your home thermostat as low as comfortable (65 to 68 degrees F is suggested) when the house is occupied. Set back the thermostat by as much as 10 F at night or when the house is unoccupied during the day. Set back the thermostat to 50 to 55 F when the house is unoccupied for over 24 hours. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically provide the setbacks mentioned above. Close the fireplace damper - except during fireplace use. Reduce heat to unused rooms in the house - close doors and heat registers too. Close curtains and shades at night. Replace furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Remove any obstructions and clean heating registers regularly. Install insulating gaskets behind electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows. Caulk and seal leaks where plumbing, ducting or electrical wiring penetrates through exterior walls, floors, and ceilings. Coolin Down The Home Front Open windows at night to bring in cool night air; close them during the day. Close drapes during the day. Shade west facing windows. Draw cool night air into the house with a whole house fan. Install an evaporative cooler. Use room air conditioning only where needed and install energy efficient models. Install a central system air conditioner only when whole house air conditioning is needed. Maintain an air conditioned house at 78 F or higher. Regularly change air conditioning system filters and clean the condenser. Plant deciduous shade trees on the west and south sides of your house.
How much can you save? Check out the savings calculator.
Conserving Energy And Saving Money