Reducing My Energy Consumption

Reducing My Energy Consumption: My Personal Story

I live in a 20 year old house and for sure the heating system was not very energy efficient. And I knew that I had some serious problems. So rather than wait I decided to investigate what was available BEFORE I had that terrible emergency. And I am glad that I did! I learned a couple of things right away. The first was that most people wait until their system stops working altogether before they call the serviceman. Of course at that point you are at the mercy of the serviceman and whatever equipment is available. The other is that you can pay now or pay later? Well what that means is that if you have an older system that is not very energy efficient, you are paying way too much in your energy consumption per month. And as energy prices increase, it hurts you worse. An energy efficient system will pay for itself in reduced energy consumption. And you will also save as energy prices increase.

Reducing My Energy Consumption: Equipment Prices

Obviously there are many people out there willing to take advantage of you and selling you something that you do not need! As with anything, buyer beware!

My original setup was a gas boiler that was used to heat my domestic hot water, hot water for my heat pump backup, and heat my small shop. So I had a huge water tank that was used to store the domestic hot water. I had it set at 120 degrees to reduce my energy consumption. I was paying a whooping $371.99 per month! (combined propane gas and electric, a 5 year average figure)

I had about 5 different estimates for all kinds of systems. I had one company tell me that I could get a geothermal unit for just a little more that a conventional system because of all the available rebates and tax credits. So my prices ranged from about $8,000 to $30,000. Quite  a range! Well it did not take me long to figure out that the geothermal unit was not for me. It would reduce your energy consumption more than any other, but the tax advantages were not for me. I would not live long enough to write all of that off on my taxes. You have to have a lot of tax liability for that to work. And even though it would reduce energy consumption the most, I still would not live long enough to see the payback.

Reducing My Energy Consumption: I’m From the Government and I am Here to Help You

I live it the first state. Delaware. So I thought that since I was going to reduce my energy consumption, maybe I could get some help from the government. After all I am helping the planet. So we have this great program called Energize Delaware. It is made to reduce energy consumption. So you first have an auditor come to your home and do an energy audit. He makes recommendations, and you get a check from Delaware based on what you do. Sounds easy and I am about to get something for free! NOT!

The very first thing is for me to pick an auditor from the “approved” list. They range in price from free to $450. So I started making phone calls. What a bunch of losers I talked with. I finally found one that sounded smart. And they were doing the audit for FREE! OK, this is looking good. Well when the auditor got here it didn’t take me long to figure out that he had an agenda. And it did not include doing me any favors or getting me into the Energize Delaware program. He wanted to “seal” the leaks in my home at the tune of $4,000. A whole lot of baseless promises on all of this money I would save by reducing my energy consumption. Sorry, I am not buying. I am thinking that I may not live long enough to see that $4,000 save me that much in reduced energy consumption!

And if I was to get a check from the program I had to use an “approved” contractor to install my system. The problem was that the “approved” contractors were twice as much as the one that I used. So a $10,000 system would have been $20,000 and I would have received a check for $4,000 from the program. Ummmmm, not sure if I want to participate. So here I am back at square one and with no help from the government. (I will actually get some tax credits on next years taxes)

Reducing My Energy Consumption: What and Who?

I ended up going with All in the Family Heating and Air. They are a small company right here in Laurel, DE. There are 2 employees who also happen to be the owners, Jere and Hollie Marvel. Down to earth and honest people who tell it like it is. No games, just what is best for the customer! Their shop is right at their house so their overhead is very low. This is how they can afford to do it for less.

Jere recommended a Bryant Evolution series 16.5 seer heat pump. And a pair of Rinnai tankless water heaters for the domestic hot water and the heat pump backup (and to heat my small shop).

The Evolution Series control is amazing. It tells you the inside, outside, and requested temperature all at once. There are many ways to set it to reduce energy consumption. It alerts you if there is a problem, or the unit requires service. And it is very quiet. This was important to my wife as her office is right next to the outdoor unit.

Reducing My Energy Consumption: What Do I Think So Far?

Well, Jere and Hollie have basically the same system that I have. They have 2 teens living at home. I have just my wife and myself. So I suspect that I my energy consumption will be less than theirs. I was getting 4 deliveries of gas a year. They are getting less than one. That should save me around $80 – $90 per month. The bad thing is that with reduced energy consumption, comes higher prices per gallon. Seems like no one wants a customer who doesn’t use much gas!

I have been checking my electric meter for the last 4 days. We have had a couple of nice days and a couple of VERY cold days. So it should be a good indicator.So last March I averaged 90 KWH per day. And for this first check I averaged 56 KWH. WOW! I really think that I am going to like this.

Reducing My Energy Consumption: The Bottom Line

I had saved a little bit of money because I knew that this project needed to happen. I also got a couple of checks from my credit card company offering me interest free money for a year. That came at a good time and I took advantage of it. Thank you Discover! I think that the money I save in reduced energy consumption will cover the payments. So I will definitely see a payback on this project in just a few years.

But there are also other advantages besides reduced energy consumption. I have and endless supply of hotter water that is only made if I “call” for it. The air from this new system feels warmer at the same setting. The new system is quieter than the old. I have a lot of additional storage space in the “boiler room”. Both Rinnais are mounted on the wall so the floor is empty. Used to be a big old boiler and a huge water tank.

My advice to you? If you have an old inefficient system start checking out the new systems that can reduce your energy consumption. And remember what Jere said. “You can pay now, or you can pay later”!

Solar Power Information : Do It Yourself

Looking for solar power information? Solar panels came and died down and are now making a return! Many people are enjoying huge savings in their energy bills because of this renewable energy source.

However, the large companies and power companies would have you believe that this solar power information is of no use to you. They would have you believe that it only applies to big companies and rich people.

And, this very well might have been the case, 15 or more years ago. But man has out done himself again in this do it yourself society and shown that you can make your own solar power and save yourself up to 80% in energy bills. And there is information that shows that it can be done for less than $200.00 in most cases.

Solar Power Information : Required Supplies

• A cheap solar panel (which you can find online on eBay)
• A battery and battery holder
• A DC input and/or an AC inverter

That’s basically it! The problem is not really the parts, but the information on how to put it all together and how to connect numerous solar panels together. For most homes, more than one panel is required to provide solar power.

Each cell produces a small amount of electricity but put together they can generate enough electricity for household needs.

There is a best selling plan that gives you all of the information needed to make your own solar power and even information on how to find the needed supplies cheap. You should be able to build a system for less than $200.00

I recommend using this inexpensive guide:  Earth4Energy, to get started as you’ll get cheaper parts, get the job done quicker and you’ll also be able to build wind turbines for additional energy sources around the home too. Either way, this guide shows you everything you need to know to be able to generate enough power for your entire home and can have your own solar energy generators installed within a couple of days maximum…

Have a solar powered house by the weekend

With the price of everything on the rise, more and more people would like to have a solar powered house. Energy prices have sky rocketed along with everything else. People are starting to see how nice it would be to save up to 80% on their energy bills!

And it is not just about the money. A solar powered house would be good for the environment as well. And if WE don’t take care of the environment, who will? It may be too late if WE don’t do it.

Of all of our expenses, the energy for our house is probably one of the biggest expenses. This is one reason that a lot of people are looking to have a solar powered house. But is it possible to have a solar powered house, without braking the bank? Will a solar powered house pay for itself?

Let’s look at a couple of options.

The easiest would be to get a commercial system, installed by professionals, at the cost of thousands of dollars. The second option, for the do it yourselfer, would be to make it and install it yourself. You can buy plans that show you how and even where to get the needed parts at a huge discount. This could even be less than $200.00!

But,will it actually work?

No matter which route you decide to take, it will work for you, just as it has worked for many others. That is assumming that it is set up propery. These solar panels will generate electricity, which can be used or stored in your house.

Can I really do it myself?

Actually it is much easier than you think. Even though the commercial installers and your energy company would like for you to believe otherwise! But you really can and you could be saving up to 80% on your energy bills. Many people are doing it right now! Just by following a simple plan which shows you how to do it and even where to get parts at a discount.

Should I have a DIY solar powered house?

Actually, it is a nobrainer. Save money and help the environment. If you are not sure, get the plans and make a small test panel. Power a shop, or a small portion of your home. Then you will find out just how easy it is!

The best place to get the plans and other information that you need for a solar powered house is Earth4Energy. Here is a link to their web site: Earth4Energy.

Best Energy Efficient Windows

There are a couple of reasons that you may want the best energy efficient windows in your home, both old and new. The first and most obvious is to save you money. Seems like a nobrainer, but some people do not think of it. The other reason would be to help save the planets energy sources. Unless you are powering your home entirely by a renewable power source, you will be helping save the planet!

The type of window and the fit of the window are very important. You can have the best energy efficient windows in the world, but if the fit is bad they will leak and waste energy.

The windows serve several purposes. Decorate the room, let light in, offer a view of the outside, and of course let in fresh air. But if they are not the best energy efficient windows they can also increase your energy bill.

If you have old windows and want to make them more energy efficient, check around the outside edges to see if they are leaking air. This is best done with a feather or a candle on a windy day. Just move the candle or feather around the window to see if air is getting in. If it is you should seal around the window. Depending upon the gap you could use weather stripping or a caulk sealant.

If you are getting new windows you can save a lot of money. Make sure that the rating is as high as you can afford. Windows energy efficiency is measure with a “U” value. The lower the number, the better energy efficient the window is.

Make sure that the installer seals tightly around the window. Some of the best energy efficient windows qualify for a tax rebate. Check locally to see if you qualify.

There are many types of windows available today. And of course most are enrgy efficient, some more than others. Make sure that you explore all options before selecting to insure that you get the best energy efficint windows that you can afford. It could mean a large difference in your savings later in your energy bill.

Solar Powered Lights on eBay

Solar Powered Lights, good for you, good for the environment! You can get some great deals on solar powered lights on eBay. Check them out!

Solar Powered Lights on eBay is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

How To Make a Residential Wind Turbine & Save 80% On Your Energy Bills

Now, more than ever, everyone is thinking about “doing their part” to help the environment. They are also thinking about how to save money.

The problem that is keeping people from using wind power is the cost. People think that it is just too costly to have a residential wind turbine.

There are a couple of methods with residential applications to beat the high cost of energy using renewable resources. One would be through the use of solar power panels and the other Read more

Wind Power Home Secrets Revealed

Wind Power Home Secrets Revealed

Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of wind power for your home? Have you ever wondered if you could actually do it yourself?

First you need to ask yourself a few questions. Are you handy? Can you follow directions? If you answered yes, you are ready for the next step.

Read more

Solar Power for the Home

Solar Power for the Home: Is it possible?

Well the easy answer is : Yes it is possible! Can you do it? Yes, if you are the least bit handy.

But first, let’s take a look at what is happening right now. Like the average homeowner you are probably paying a lot of money for your power. Power that comes from fossil fuels. Using resources that are NOT renewable. And are the prices going down? I don’t hardly think so.

Read more

5 Reasons to Use Home Solar Power Systems

Certainly there are more than 5 reasons to use home solar power systems, but I will give 5 good ones!

Read more

10 Easy Steps To Save Money On your Energy Bill

Here are 10 easy steps that you can take right now to save money on your energy bills each month:

1.  Move furniture away from heating vents and hot and cold air returns. This ends up blocking the return and causes the room to stay cool or hot.  You furniture should be kept away from these returns to get the most use of the energy and save on  energy costs.

Read more

Next Page »