Energy Efficient Home Tips

Reducing My Energy Consumption

Bob — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:11:36 +0000

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”!

Reducing My Energy Consumption is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

Solar Power Information : Do It Yourself

Bob — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:56:43 +0000

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…

Solar Power Information : Do It Yourself is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

Have a solar powered house by the weekend

Bob — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:05:15 +0000

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.

Have a solar powered house by the weekend is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

Best Energy Efficient Windows

Bob — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:28:39 +0000

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.

Best Energy Efficient Windows is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

Solar Powered Lights on eBay

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HUMMINGBIRD COLIBRI SOLAR POWERED GARDEN JARDIN STAKE LED LIGHTS

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$12.97

'Buy now' item

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20LED Solar Powered Xmas String Light with Heart Shaped

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$13.49

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$17.99

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50LED Solar Powered Green String Light Xmas Garden Deco New Designer

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$8.99

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Solar Powered Motion Activated LED Security Flood Light (eLEDing® -Pure Digital)

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$99.00

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Hummingbird Solar Powered LED Light Yard Stake Garden

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Color Changing Turtle Solar Powered 32" Garden Yard Stake/light

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$8.99

(or buy now for $13.99)

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4 New Hummingbird Solar Powered LED Light Yard Stake

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$36.99

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Solar Power Lotus Pond Water Fountain Color LED Light

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$28.49

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$35.99

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Westinghouse Solar Powered Christmas Lighting - Light Up Snow Flakes

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Solar Powered Rock Shaped Outdoor Garden Path Light

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$6.92

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Solar Powered Fence Post Garden Landscape Path Light

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$9.17

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Solar Powered Lighted Mushroom Sleeping Gnome In Hammock Garden Sculpture Statue

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$40.00

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Seller: eBay

NOTE: to keep the site running smoothly, product data is only refreshed once every 10 minutes, approximately. Click on a product to see the most up-to-date data on the seller's page.

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

Bob — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:46:23 +0000

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 would be through the use of a wind turbine. For this article we will look at a wind turbine that you could build yourself, that would pay for itself many times over.

Some people would be surprised to find out that you could build your own residential wind turbine as a weekend project for less than $200.00. Many, many people have done it and are saving up to 80 percent on their energy bills.

Obviously the large companies selling wind generators don’t want you to think about this, because they will charge you thousands of dollars for a wind turbine that is not much better than you could build for less than $200.00. And any extra energy that you generate can actually be sold to your energy provider. But just don’t expect to get the same price that they would charge you for it.

Many experts are predicting that wind energy will be one of the leading sources of energy on the planet. Many people have already made the switch to this clean, renewable source of energy. And many of these people built their own residential wind turbines and are saving a significant amount of money.

The question is, when are you going to take advantage of this free energy source and start saving money too? Save the environment and save some money. Seems like a great solution to two problems. This is a nobrainer. Join the thousands of people who are saving money and saving the environment. Here is the link for more information: Earth4Energy.

How To Make a Residential Wind Turbine & Save 80% On Your Energy Bills is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

Wind Power Home Secrets Revealed

Bob — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:06:51 +0000

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.

Are there any regulations in your area about wind power generating devices? You may want to make a few phone calls. Some areas have height restrictions.

OK, let’s ask the last question. Is your home in a good location for wind power? You will need an average wind speed of around 10 or 11 miles per hour to make this project worth your while. You will need a place to put the wind power turbine. Now this will depend on how elaborate of a system you want to install. Will you try to make enough wind power to run your whole house, or are you just trying to power say a small shop? Or maybe you want to supplement the power that you are getting now. You may need a location for a tower or maybe you will mount it on a roof top.

Still with me? Now you are ready. Go on the internet and spend months and months reading about wind power systems. And then spend months and months trying to build your own system. No just kidding. It has already been done for you. Michael Harvey of Earth4Energy has spent a lot of time putting together an easy to follow system that he tested on some regular home owners. And they were successful. The program has instructions, videos, and support, just in case you get stuck! Michael has even included ways to get the parts that you need at the best prices (or even free).

This is one of the hottest selling programs on ClickBank, the most trusted name in online sales. And if you find that you just can’t do it, or are not satisfied for any reason, you can get a no questions asked 100% refund.

The cost? Right now it is on sale for half price. I am not sure how long that will last. So the price for now is $49.97. Less than the price of a night on the town.

So $49.97 for the system. Around $200 to build and install. And you could be saving up to 80% on your energy bill! Do the math and see how long it will take you to get that money back!

I have put some videos on the site of home made wind power systems for the home. Check them out and see how excited the people are. I am not sure if they are more excited about saving money, the satisfaction of building them, or the good that they are doing for the environment! You decide. Here is the link for that page: Home Made Wind Power Videos.

Seems like a nobrainer. Join the thousands of people who are saving money and saving the environment. Here is the link: Earth4Energy.

Wind Power Home Secrets Revealed is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

Solar Power for the Home

Bob — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:06:17 +0000

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.

Now let’s take a look at why you should consider solar power for your home.

It is clean. Does not use fossil fuels that pollute the atmosphere.

Unexhaustible. The sun is here to stay. The amount of energy that could be harnessed from the sun each minute is more than the whole planet uses in a year.

Easy to install. Many people have been studying and perfecting systems that can give you solar power in the home, that is affordable, and that can be made and installed by you.

Inexpensive. Long ago solar power for the home was not considered a good option. It was expensive and bulky. It could not be installed by the average home owner. Now a regular home owner can build and install solar panels for less than $200.

Save money on your energy bills. There are a lot of cases where people report saving up to 80% on their energy bills. You can even sell your extra, unused power back to the power company. But you are not going to get rich. They will not pay you what they charge. So don’t count on making a lot of money.

Save money on your tax bill. There are many tax incentives for people who use environmentally friendly energy.

Helping to save the planet. We can not go on destroying the planet like we have been and expect it to always be the same! It is not going to happen.

Solar Power for the Home: Can you do it?

Yes you can. Many people have already done it and are saving thousands of dollars on their energy bills. Not sure where to start? Don’t feel bad, you aren’t the only one!

You could spend months and months doing research, and through some trial and error you would probably eventually get it. But why wait? The work has been already done for you. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. You can have instant access to a proven system. The research has already been done. Up to and including where to find bargain priced parts, to how to build and install.

Go to Earth4Energy right now for more information on how fast and easy it can be. You can have solar power in your home or you get your money back, no questions asked! Click on this link now to get started: Earth4Energy.

Solar Power for the Home is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

5 Reasons to Use Home Solar Power Systems

Bob — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:02:47 +0000

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

1. Save the Planet: It is no secret that we are destroying the planet with the byproducts of fossil fuel. We are also using fuel that we DO NOT have an abundance of. Using alternative means of energy is something that we are going to have to do. And I do not think that we want to be know as the generation that ruined the planet!

2. Saves Money: Help the environment and put some extra money in your pocket. Well you will have to agree that is a nobrainer! Who doesn’t want to have more money at the end of the day.

3. Pays for Itself: A lot of variables here, but a home solar power system WILL eventually pay for itself. Depending on the system, you could be getting rebates, tax breaks, an increase in the value of your home, and a big savings on your energy bill.

4. Many Different Applications: There are many things that you can do with home solar power systems. They can be used for a simple task such as cooking. A lot of people use it for heating. And obviously you can make and store your own electricity. You can use it totally or just for small applications, such as powering a workshop.

5. Can Build it Yourself: You can build home solar power systems for under $200.00. Michael Harvey has put together a program to show you step by step how to do it and even where to find the parts you need at very reasonable costs. His web site is: Earth4Energy. You will probably not make enough power to eliminate your electric bill, but you could save up to 80%. Or you could choose to have a professional system installed. The installer can provide you information on your savings, payback time, selling power back to the power company, and the value that it will add to your home.

Home solar power systems have been around for a long time. They are a lot more sophisticated than they were years ago. Some systems blend in to your roof and are hardly noticeable. It may be time for you to take another look at solar powered solutions!

5 Reasons to Use Home Solar Power Systems is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips

10 Easy Steps To Save Money On your Energy Bill

Bob — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:34:09 +0000

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.

2. Change your furnace filter. When was the last time you did this? If you change it every month, you will have a more efficient furnace that not only acts as a heater but also generates the air through the ducts for the air conditioner as well.

3. Switch to energy saving light bulbs. As each bulb runs out, change it with an energy saver. You will soon find you are saving energy and buying less light bulbs.

4. Fix leaky faucets. They waste gallons of water. Remove the handle, tighten it with a wrench and chances are you will have fixed the faucet. If not, you can easily install a new faucet which costs under $30 at most home improvement stores.

5. Install a hand held shower head or a water saving head. This will make taking a shower a breeze and cleaning the shower even easier and will save water.

6. Fix all windows with cracks. If you have storm windows with cracks, have them replaced. They are energy wasters. Do this before the cold air sets in and you will save money on your heating bill. Storm windows are easy to replace and can be taken to a glass shop and re-glazed.

7. Install weather stripping on doors and windows. If you are ready to winterize your house for the cold weather, or even if you just want to save on the air conditioning costs as your cool air is escaping all of the time, then use weather stripping, which is easy to get at a home improvement store, to better insulate your windows and doors.

8. Clean the lint trap in your dryer every day. Each time you use the dryer, clean the lint trap. This will not only make the clothes dryer run more efficiently and save you money on energy costs, but will eliminate a potential fire hazard. The dryer has a vent that goes outside as well that should be vacuumed out periodically .

9. Never run your dishwasher or clothes washer half full. It costs just as much to run a full washer as it does one that is partially loaded. And while you are at it, rinse those dishes before putting them in he dishwasher as it will make them cleaner and save on your energy costs.

10. Partially cook your foods in the microwave and use it for defrosting foods before adding them to the oven or stove. The microwave not only works quicker, but will end up using less energy. You can save energy when cooking by defrosting your foods that can be defrosted before cooking by using the microwave.

Saving money on your energy bill is as easy as changing a few habits. Some things are absolutely free! Save energy, save money, and save the planet. It really is a no brainer!

For even more ways to save on your energy bill sign up for our free eBook ” How to Make Your House Energy and Cost Efficient”.

10 Easy Steps To Save Money On your Energy Bill is a post from: Energy Efficient Home Tips