Don’t wash the money out of your pockets

There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes—use less water and use cooler water. Unless you're dealing with oily stains, the warm or cold water setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load's energy use in half. Try to wash and dry in full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting. When drying clothing do not over dry your clothing. When purchasing a dryer look for one with a moisture sensor. This will give you the correct drying time. Also make sure that the lint filter is clean. You should clean this every load of wash you dry. When possible dry clothing on a line or on a clothing rack.

What refrigerator is best?

When looking for a refrigerator look for a refrigerator with automatic moisture control. Models that have this feature have been engineered to prevent moisture accumulation on the cabinet exterior without the addition of a heater. This is not the same thing as an "anti-sweat" heater. Models with an anti-sweat heater will consume 5% to 10% more energy than models without this feature. Next thing to check on your refrigerator is to not have it too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37° to 40°F for the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator and 5°F for the freezer section. If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, it should be kept at 0°F. Another tip is to make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment, the seal may need replacing. This might be the time to consider buying a new unit. Another tip that won’t cost you anything out of you r pocket is to cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder. When buying a new refrigerator consider buying one with the freezer on the top or bottom these are more efferent than with the freezers on the side.

Spending a little more upfront may save you more in the long run

When you buy appliances there are two price tags you have to look at, the purchase price and the operating cost. These are the two things you need to take into consideration when buying new appliances. Appliances account for about 17% of your household's electrical consumption, with refrigerators, clothes washers, and clothes dryers at the top of this list. The chart that is provided with this blog shows the typical appliance use per year. This chart uses kilowatts to measure electricity. For those of you that aren’t sure what a kilowatt is equal to think of it this way. When you cook one pot of rice for 1 hour you use 1000 watt-hours of electricity. One thousand watt-hours is equal to one kilowatt-hour

How to see make a green planet with renewable energy

Installing solar lighting around your home and garden is quick and easy way to add lighting free of electricity cost. Solar lighting isn’t the only thing that the sun can be used for. Another use of solar power is for heating water. If you have a swimming pool or hot tub, you can use solar power to cut pool heating costs. Most solar pool heating systems are cost competitive with conventional systems. And solar pool systems have very low operating costs. It's actually the most cost-effective use of solar energy. If you've made your home as energy efficient as possible, and you have very high electricity bills you might want to consider generating your own electricity using PV cells. This way you can help generate your own electricity and save money and the planet. In my next few post I will be discussing different appliances and what to buy.

Home electronics emptying your pocket

In the U.S. there are nearly 4.2 million people that worked from home in 2000. Back in 1990 there were 3.4 million. Working from home saves energy and time by cutting out the commute, but it may increase your home energy bills. The first thing to look for when buying electronics is an ENERGY STAR label. These electronics are proven to be more efficient than others. Next, unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use. The charger might still be drawing electricity. When an appliance continues to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off is known as a "phantom" load. These usually occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. These phantom loads can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.

Windows that can leak money out of your pocket

Windows can be a key feature in a home. Windows provide sight, lighting, ventilation, and solar heating in the cold months. On the down fall side, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the warmer months, your air conditioner must work harder to cool the hot air from sunny windows. The use of curtains and shade will give your air conditioner a brake. If you live in a warmer climate area, look into low-e windows, which can cut the cooling load by 10% to 15%.
If you still have single-pane windows in your home, like most U.S. homes have, consider replacing them with new double-pane windows with high-performance glass. In the colder climates, select windows that are gas filled with low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain. If you are building a new home, you can counteract some of the cost by installing more efficient windows because they allow you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.

Solar water heaters

If you heat water your water with electricity and have high electric rates solar water heating might be the way to go. You will need to have an unshaded, south-facing area on your house. Usually the roof is a key place for this. These solar units are environmentally friendly and can now be installed on your roof to blend with the architecture of your house.
There are more than 1.5 million homes and businesses in the United States have invested in solar water heating systems,surveys indicate that more than 94% of these customers say that solar water heating is a good investment. Solar water heating systems are also good for the environment. Solar water heaters help cut down the greenhouse gas emissions that comes with produceing electricity. During a 20-year period, one solar water heater can avoid more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In my next post I will be talking about different windows that cam save you a lot.

Water heaters

Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 12% of your monthly bill. There are several ways to cut your water heating bills down use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate your water heater, and buy a new, more efficient hot water heater. If you all ready have these things done here are some other tips you can do. Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads. Repair leaky faucets as soon as possible, a leaky faucet waste water and cost you money. Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes attached to the water heater. Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to remove buildup that restricts heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. The type of water tank you have determines the steps to take. Lower the thermostat on your water heater. Usually, water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 120°F provides comfortable hot water for most uses. In my next post I will be discussing solar water heaters and there efficiency.

Landscaping

Landscaping is a natural and beautiful way to keep your home cool in summer and lower your energy bills. A well-placed tree, shrub, or vine can deliver effective shade, act as a windbreak, and reduce your energy bills. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy a typical household uses for energy. Research shows that summer daytime air temperatures can be 3° to 6° cooler in tree-shaded neighborhoods than in treeless areas. A lattice or trellis with climbing vines, or a planter box with trailing vines, shades the home's perimeter while admitting cooling breezes to the shaded area. So next time you decide to plant trees or redo your landscaping keep in mind that the placement of these plants will affect your energy cost. In my next post I will be talking about different types of water heaters and which ones are more efficient.

Programmable Thermostats

Using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning according to a preset schedule. With a programmable thermostat, your equipment doesn't operate as much when you are asleep or when the house, or a part of it, is not occupied. Programmable thermostats can store and repeat multiple daily settings (six or more temperature settings a day) that you can manually override without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program.
You can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for 8 hours. You can do this automatically by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.In my upcoming post I will be talking about different landscaping ideas to make your house look good and more energy friendly.

Air Conditioners

Purchasing a larger room air-conditioning unit won't necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer days. In fact, a room air conditioner that's too large for the area it’s supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit.

Sizing is equally important for central air-conditioning systems, which need to be sized by professionals. If you have a central air system in your home, set the fan to shut off at the same time as the cooling unit. In other words, don't use the system's central fan to provide circulation, but instead use circulating fans in individual rooms.

Natural Gas and Oil Heating Systems

If you are planning to perches a new heating system and chooses gas or oil, ask your local utility provider or state energy office for information on the newest models available to consumers. They can tell you about more efficient systems on the market today. For example, many newer models have incorporate designs for burners and heat exchangers that result in higher efficiencies during operation and reduce heat loss when the equipment is off. Consider a sealed combustion furnace; they are both safer and more efficient.
If you are in the market for a new furnace install a new energy efficient one. Be sure to check the energy star guide. Another thing you should do is install carbon monoxide detectors. This is a deadly gas that can be produced if the furnace malfunctions.

The Use Of Passive Solar Climate Control

Using the passive solar design to heat and cool the home can be both environmentally friendly and cost effective. Passive solar heating techniques include placing larger, insulated windows on south-facing walls and locating thermal mass, such as a concrete slab floor or a heat-absorbing wall, close to the windows. In many cases, your heating costs could be more than 50% lower than the cost of heating the same house that does not include passive solar design.
Passive solar design can also help reduce your cooling costs. Passive solar cooling techniques include carefully designed overhangs, windows with reflective coatings, and reflective coatings on exterior walls and the roof.
A passive solar house requires careful design and site orientation, which depend on the local climate. So, if you are considering passive solar design for new construction or a major remodeling, you should consult an architect familiar with passive solar techniques.

Heat Pumps

If you are going to use electric heat, a heat pump is the way to go. Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heat. Heat pumps produce three times more heat than electricity they consume. Keep in mind that heat pumps are only good for moderate temperatures. If you live in a cold area then you will still need a back up heat.
When going to perches a heat pump keep in mind there are three different types, air to air, water and ground source. These different systems collect heat from air water or the ground, and distribute it through the home. There can be a saving of up to 30 to 40 percent in your electric bill. These units also have an air conditioning unit built in them. They cool your home by pumping the heat out of the home and replacing it with cool air. In my up coming blogs i will be talking about different forms of heating and cooling units.

Leaking duct work

One part of the heating and cooling system that gets over looked is the duct work. As the heating and cooling system gets upgraded most of the time the duct work just gets fitted to it. Most duck work runs through the basement attic and walls which can be running through an unconditioned space. There are several things you can do to raise the efficiency of the duct work starting with doing a visual inspection. Check duct for air leaks. You may find most leaks around seams and joints. Then check for holes in the duct work. Also make sure there is a good insulation on the duct work in the unconditioned spaces. This may be a job you want to seek professional help for depending on your construction skills.

Heating and cooling tips

In residential homes, heating and air conditioning account for about 43 percent of your monthly utility bill. There are many different types of heating and air conditioning units you can buy. Before you make any major changes to your unit you should try some of these tips first. In the winter time try setting your thermostat as low as possible with still being comfortable and summer time as high as possible while staying comfortable. Keep you filters clean. Replace then once a month or as needed. Run exhaust fans as little as possible. In the winter keep shades blinds and drapes open to allow the sun to help heat your home. During summer keep closed to prevent excess heat from entering. This is all the heating and cooling tips I have for now. Next week I will continue on other parts of heating and air conditioning.

Sealing air leaks

Air leaks in a home are just as important to have fixed as having the house insulated. Before any air leaks can be fixed you have to know what is leaking. One good way for checking for leaks is to have a smoke pen or a lit incense stick and hold it by the homes outlets, windows, or any place you might suspect a leak. If the smoke moves horizontal then a leak is present. Some indications of leaks are around windows and doors. These should be caulked or sealed. Also look for dirty spots on your insulation. This will show where air is leaking by. By up grading single Paine windows to double Paine windows is a good investment when stopping leaks. When the fire place is not in use keep the flue dampener tightly closed. In my upcoming post we will be talking about different types of heating and cooling units.

Insulating the savings

Before you make any major changes to your heating or cooling system, you should take a look at your houses level of insulation. A poor insulated house will cost a whole lot more to heat and cool. The picture I have with this post demonstrates what a house looks like through a thermal imaging screen.
Some key areas to insulate are around doors, windows, exterior walls and attic spaces. Older windows can cause a lot of heat and cooling loss. Improperly sealed doors can make a big void letting your inside air to escape. One area that is over looked the most is the attic. This should be the number one place to have insulated for cold conditions because heat rises, which allows it to escape with ease. In my upcoming post I will be discussing what we can do to correct these problems.

the next step in lighting

There is one other form of light bulb that is better than florescent light bulbs. It is called LED lighting. LED light bulbs have been becoming popular in flashlights and automotive lighting. LED lighting can save half of what florescent light bulbs cost to run.

There is also no warm up time with LED light bulbs. They are as bright as they will be right away. Another plus about them is that they don’t contain any mercury like florescent lighting. There life expectancy is more than 30,000 hours. This is 6 times longer than florescent bulbs. LED are a lot more durable than florescent bulbs which make them more applicable in areas that exhibit a lot of shock and vibration. Turning LED lights on and off doesn’t hinder the life expectancy of the bulb. LED do not produce any UV (Ultra Violet) rays.

Down fall of LED lighting is that they are only good for spot lighting. They only offer 120 degree of lighting compared to 360 or florescent bulbs. Other down fall it the cost. For a 13 watt bulb which is equivalent to a 100 watt standard bulb it’s about 50 dollars.

Screw in the start of your savings

On average home lighting is accountable for around ten percent of a home’s electrical bill. Lighting in some homes can reach up to 20 percent of its monthly electrical bill. With light bulbs being one of the easiest thing to change and cheapest, this should be the first change to start saving on electrical bills. Most people still light their homes with traditional light bulbs called incandescent light bulbs. Reason for people using traditional light bulbs is that they have been around the longest and their the cheapest to perches.
Florescent bulbs have just started flooding the market making them a little more expensive for this reason. Also florescent light bulbs have more intricate parts to them which brings the cost of them up. On average florescent light bulbs last up to ten times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. The money saved on the life of these bulbs is just one of the benefits of using them, on average homes that switch to florescent lighting save up to 75 percent on the lighting portion of their bill.
Now I’m not recommending that everyone goes out and throws their light bulbs out and puts all florescent one in their place. As your light bulbs start to fail and need replacement this would be the proper time to switch to florescent bulbs. Most likely over a year you will have all your lights converted. So with a little upfront cost you can save money in the long run. Keep fallowing this post for more upcoming energy saving tips.

household energy usage chart

This pie chart shows the electrical consumption for an average house in the United States. This chart is going to give an idea on what areas my fallowers should focus on and take action on making more efficient. Just switching to fluorescent lighting will save seven percent on your bill. Better insulation will cut down on the heating portion of your bill. Changing to an on demand hot water heater will cut the water heater portion down also. In upcoming post I will be discussing insulating tips, different hot water heaters, different lights and much more energy saving tips to help save money.