Energy | Go Green-Save Green

Aug17

Easy Ways to Save Energy and Go Green at Home

Whether you are concerned about the Earth or looking for ways to garner some residential energy savings, there are a lot of energy saving tips that can accomplish one or both. Here are three of the easiest, which also happen to create the biggest impact in terms of Earth friendliness and your wallet. 1) Purchase a programmable thermostat. Buying a programmable thermostat may seem like a small move, but it is one of the best things that you can do for the environment and your wallet. The idea is simple: set your thermostat for your ideal temperature and keep that number steady only for the hours that you’re home. Then, set it a few degrees lower during times in which you know you won’t be around—like the hours you are at work, running errands, etc. Of course, if you have central air conditioning on all the time (living in a tropical climate) or have to use the air in the summer and heat in the winter, you can use this method to save even more energy and money. Such a simple adjustment can save you hundreds of dollars per year on energy, which means that you also consume less energy in general—a win-win for your bank account and the environment! 2) Unplug unnecessary appliances. If you aren’t exactly technology-savvy, another way to save money and energy is to just unplug electronics that you aren’t using. Although it’s not necessary to unplug every single thing in your home each time you aren’t using it, making sure to power off and remove cords from outlets with the largest appliances can save you a few dollars each month. This can be smart when it comes to large televisions, microwaves, multiple fans, and especially older appliances that may not be as energy efficient. 3) Look into green options for residential energy. Another measure that may not save you much money, but may give you a heaping dose of good planetary karma is by looking into “green” options through your energy company. These things may be as simple as just switching to paperless billing (in order to prevent trees from being cut down and excess paper waste being created) or purchasing green energy. Many companies actually offer you power from primarily renewable resources—such as wind and water sources—that are minimally harmful to the environment and produce little to no waste. Often, switching to renewable energy costs mere pennies more per kilowatt. Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics. She especially enjoys writing about energy. You can learn more about Energy Plus Company at www.energypluscompany.com

Posted by Gummi Joels in Go Green, Save energy

0 Comments

Keep Reading →

Jun05

Zero Energy Home – How Does It Work?

A zero energy home (ZEH) is one where all of the energy needs for the household are supplied by alternative means. It does not mean a home that uses no electricity. Solar panels and solar water heating systems are generally the form of energy employed by these homes, because they are residential. Residential wind turbines are uncommon in most community’s neighborhoods. A zero energy home needs some sort of back-up. It is not actually an "off the grid" home. The sun is not always shining, and sometimes a home's energy needs drastically increase for a variety of reasons (a cold snap, a heat wave, or an increase in laundry). In fact, zero energy homes remain connected to the utility grid, and often engage in net metering.

Net metering means both the energy you use from the grid and the amount you put back into the grid are measured. Because an electric meter can spin forward or backward, the homeowner gets credit for the energy he or she puts into the grid, which is a good safeguard against those times when you need back-up.

How a ZEH Works

As noted above, a photovoltaic solar power system is employed for electricity generation. Water is heated by a passive, solar-thermal system. Passive systems do not use electrical energy to warm the water. They simply collect the sun's heat and use it to warm water. Energy needs are greatly offset or replaced for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances.

What Else Is Involved In a ZEH?

Some ZEH builders use awnings over the windows and large eaves to block hot summer sunlight but let in sunlight in the winter. Windows in a ZEH home are thick, as is the insulation. Skylights supply much of the indoor light and the solar panels are on the roof, so the angle and location of the home are carefully considered by the builders.

How Do You Obtain a Zero Energy Home?

There are professional builders that specialize in or include the construction of zero energy homes in their repertoire. You could also take a DIY approach and convert your existing home into a zero energy home. Although, in theory, a conventional home could be converted into a ZEH, the essence of a ZEH is that it is constructed from the ground up. This is because the designers incorporate a lot of "tricks" and design elements within the house's walls, roof, and so forth that would be impossible to insert into an existing home.