Energy Efficiency Archives - Page 5 of 9 - Bruzzese Home Improvements

Basic Guide to Green Home Improvements and PACE Financing

September 3, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Tips to sell your homeenergy efficient, green living, home trendsLeave a comment

If you are one of those people who are concerned about the environment and the effects of humans on the state of the planet, then green home improvements are most probably something you are already seriously considering. Perhaps you even started introducing such solutions to your home.

However, even if you are still somewhat skeptical about how much of an effect humans as a species have on the environment, you should definitely consider green home improvements for a very simple reason.

This reason, of course, is that such improvements can significantly increase the value of your home should you decide or sell it in the future. Even if not, green home improvements can help you save money. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

Different Types of Green Home Improvements

Before we get into the whole increased home value thing and the ways in which you can finance these green home improvements, we should say a thing or two about the different choices that you have in front of you.

On the cheaper end of the spectrum, you have solutions such as big ceiling fans which consume only a fraction of the electricity needed to power an A/C system and which are surprisingly effective at cooling down a room. In many countries in the Mediterranean, like Malta for example, most homes do not even have A/C and they employ ceiling fans for all their cooling needs.

Another way to cut down on the amount of energy you spend on your A/C is by installing a programmable thermostat which will allow you to keep your home at the perfect temperature without the need to blast it full on once you come back to a hot or cold home.

There are also plenty of bathroom green improvements that will save you both water and electricity. Conserving water is just as important as reducing the waste of electricity, especially in certain parts of the world. California is probably the most obvious example in the U.S., as a state that is facing a serious water shortage in the very foreseeable future.

Of course, you can always go for the more elaborate and comprehensive green home improvements, such as installing a solar panel system or redoing the insulation on your entire home.

Money Concerns

Different green home improvements will require investments on a different scale. For example, getting a ceiling fan is not going to cost you more than a fine dinner for four at a fancy restaurant. On the other hand, installing solar panels can be quite costly.

One thing to remember here is that, for the most part, green home improvements will save you money on the long run, while also increasing the value of your home, should you wish to sell it. There is a great article on how green improvements increase property value on the Boston Globe website.

Finally, there are also certain ways in which you can make your investment in your green improvements more affordable. One such way is PACE financing.

PACE Financing 101

PACE stands for property assessed clean energy and this type of financing involves the homeowners who wish to install green improvements to their property, the state and local governments which implement PACE programs to help their citizens go green, as well as companies that provide the actual financial means to put these programs through.

This is best explained on a case. We will use Ygrene, one of the country’s few PACE financing companies as an example. Let’s say that you wish to put up a solar panel system on your home, but the initial investment is too pricy. You reach out to Ygrene (or some other company available in your area) and they pay for the whole system. You immediately start saving money on your energy bills and you only start paying them back after a certain amount of time has passed.

Once you start repaying, this becomes part of your property tax and you pay it that way. One thing to point out is that interest rates are tax-deductible, meaning that you are only paying for the principal. If you decide to sell the home, the repayments stay with the home, meaning that you do not keep paying for the improvements you no longer use.

All in all, it makes for a much better way to finance your green home improvements, especially since these programs are usually overseen by state or local governments which prevents shady stuff that often comes with novel financing methods.

Closing Word

The time was never better to start installing green home improvements to your home, especially with financing options like PACE. These improvements will reduce your bills, increase the value of your property and, what may turn out to be the most important factor, these improvements will also help conserve the environment.

AUTHOR: James Burbank has spent too many years in the trade show industry. He usually blogs about business, but from time to time, he likes to do an article on one of his main passions – green living. Check him out on Twitter – @JBurbank2019.

Why Do You Need a Proper Heating and Cooling System for Your Home?

September 1, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

If you want to save power and the environment, then you can go for the green heating and cooling technology. This green heating and cooling technology can provide the coolest atmosphere during summer, and it can also provide warm temperature during the winter. For this technology you do not need to install any air conditioner and furnace in your rooms, and you can also prevent greenhouse gas emission with this technology. Most of these technologies have come up with active and positive modes of application, and the positive applications suggest you to make your roof top cooler with light shades, and you can place some green elements such as plants in your room or on the window or in the balcony area. On the other part active modes of applications can suggest you to install geothermal or solar technology in your home.

It is true that, through these systems you can save your bill, and you can decorate your home also. But for the extreme temperature, you cannot stay without any air conditioner. You can apply this green technology to save the environment and get some fresh air, and it can also save your electricity bill. But to stay in a relaxed atmosphere you need to search for a perfect heating and cooling system for your home.

The central heating and cooling system for the home:

It has been noticed that during summer, the southern and western part of the house remains cool compared to the other parts of the house, because these portions remain under the shade during scorching summer. If you have a two story building then you may find the first floor has become hot because of the roof, and in this regards you need a perfect air conditioner system for your entire home. Now you can install the central heating and cooling system and save the energy bill accordingly.

Central heating and cooling systems can provide you cool and hot temperature from the same machine, and according to the seasons, you need to change the application for the same.

This heating and cooling system can save the energy bills because it cannot generate the equal cool air or heat throughout your house. It can automatically detect the different room temperature and provide the air flow accordingly.

During the hottest summer, the humidity level of the home becomes big trouble for all, because you need to decrease this level along with the temperature. When you install the central heating and cooling system in your house, it can dehumidify your house properly and you can also control this feature with a remote control system.

How to choose the heating and cooling system?

First, you need to decide that you are looking for the heating and cooling system for the home or commercial places. The room size is an important factor to decide about the power consumption and energy requirement of these systems. Then you can choose the proper heating and cooling system according to your needs and budget only.

It is suggested to choose the copper cooling and heating system for the home because it can provide much air flow at low electric consumption level.

You have to incorporate with a power stabilizer for the central heating and cooling system because recurrent power fluctuation can damage this technology.

For this system, you do not need to install any additional air conditioner or room heater and it can produce the accurate room temperature according to your needs.

So, now install proper heating and cooling system and stay in a relaxed atmosphere. For more details, you can also search from online portals and choose the designs from different websites.

Author bio:

Evan Javier an expert writer, blogger with strong passion in writing for various topics such as Business, Health/Fitness, Lifestyle, Home décor, Travel, Automotive and lot more. Follow him at Google+.

What You Should Know About Solar Panels

July 21, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

When you think about what the important features are when it comes to having a home these days, you need to consider a great many things. However, thanks to the way that technology is making certain items more affordable, if you are considering a perk on any house that can help minimize your carbon footprint, it can help to minimize your electric bill as well. When it comes to solar power it will only be more important as the world moves forward, so consider the following options when you are thinking about solar energy.

Prices Are Falling

There is a general conception out there that solar panels are too expensive to be practical. However, thanks to the technology and infrastructure that has been built up around them, solar panels are actually very affordable. According to The Simple Dollar, solar panels have dropped in general around 75% since 2009, and the costs continue to decrease each and every day.

Panels Last For Years

Thinking about the initial cost and cash outlay can be scary when it comes to solar panels. Even with decreased prices they can easily hit five figures. However, when you think about the cost of energy and how much you can save by installing solar panels, then you should be able to see that within a few years you can get your money back. That means you could have as much as a decade (or two) of pure savings for solar electricity coming into your home after you have paid off the purchase and installation of the panels and system.

Picking the Manufacturer

When it comes to picking a manufacturer then you have to think about all of the issues that anyone needs to consider. What is the product durability? What is the service behind the product? Are you getting a top quality for your intended use? You also have to consider the items specific to solar panels and think about the power, longevity, and the efficiency of the product in converting sunlight to energy. When it comes to a product that you are going to invest a considerable amount of time, energy, and cash into, then you have to be sure the product is going to work for you.

Finding the Right Installer

When you are looking for the right installer, you have to be more careful than anything else. On the one hand you want someone who has enough experience with solar panels to be able to help you now and get the system installed correctly. However, the other thing to remember is that if you are going to have these solar panels installed for the next twenty or thirty years you still need to have someone who will be in business at that time and will continue to provide quality service. What you want to focus on is customer service, the length of the warranty, the installer’s references and location, along with certificates and licenses. Checking consumer reviews is also a smart choice to ensure you are making the right choice.

Regardless of what you do choose to do or who you choose to go with, there are more than enough opportunities out there to get ahead with solar power. The one thing that is most important, however, is to have a solid plan and find the best combination of product and installers that will work for you and your needs.

4 Reasons to Install Roller Shutters for Your Home

July 9, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tips, Home Securityenergy efficient, home improvement, home trends, roller shuttersLeave a comment

Roller shutters were earlier restricted only to the offices and shops. However, with the increase in variety and awareness, they are being installed at the doors and windows of the houses too. Roller shutters consist of various horizontal bars or web systems that are built of sturdy material. There are different materials that are used to make the roller shutters, and you can also customize the designs and layouts according to the décor of your home. Moreover, if you install a shutter in front of your window, it can be protected from the attempts of vandalism and burglary. Roller shutters are products that are utilized for a plethora of applications. Due to this factor, roller shutters are considered the best safety measure for houses. Below discussed are some of the essential reasons to install roller shutters at your place.

4 Reasons to install roller shutters:

Security against burglars- The foremost reason to install roller shutters to remain protected from the burglars. It is true that houses that install roller shutters are less prone to robbery and theft. Since these shutters are sturdy, thieves and robbers remain away from them. They know that it is only a waste of time to plan a robbery in a house with roller shutters. It is very easy to install security cameras and recorders along with these shutters, to enjoy an added amount of security.
Protection from UV rays- Whether it is a kid or a grown up, the harmful UV rays of the sun are considered to everyone. With the increasing effect of global warming, each day is getting warmer and people try to keep their houses cool. Thus, installing roller shutters can block the harsh heat of the sun from entering your home. On the other hand, these shutters can keep the inside heat intact by not letting it to escape out in the months of winters.
Shutters also control noise- Homeowners are often pissed off with the levels of noise outside their home. The honking of the cars, loud music at the neighbor’s place and kids yelling outside can be really irritating at times. It can become the worst nightmare for you to live in such a noisy environment. Thus, installing roller shutters is the best option for all those homes who have aged parents or infants who need extensive hours of sleep and rest.

4. Privacy- When all these roller shutters are shut, you get complete privacy to spend time with your partner and with your kids. With these roller shutters, you will not have to worry about those nosey neighbors who are always trying to peep inside your home. On a Sunday afternoon, you can simply sit back and relax with your family.Buy roller shutters from a reputed store only: When buying roller shutters, it is important that you buy from a reputed dealer or store.

Check for the reputation of the store.
You could take the help of the internet to find out what people are saying about different roller shutter stores in your area.
Asking questions from the shopkeeper can also help you decide whether the store is worth it or not. For instance, ask the shop owner about different materials of roller shutters and their pros and cons.

At the same time, when you buy the roller shutters, it is important to ask the shutter experts about how to install and maintain the roller shutters. If they take a half-yearly maintenance fees then you can hire them to install the shutters, as only professional maintenance can keep them durable.

Saving the Planet from Home: 4 Eco-Friendly Renovations

June 15, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home trendsLeave a comment

Going “green” can protect the environment and save you money—the less energy you use, the less energy you have to pay for. Eco-friendly renovations can save the planet and increase your home’s resale value should you decide to put it on the market. Here are four things you can do to save the planet from home.

Updating Sections Using Recycled Glass

Whether it’s for a clerestory section of windows or walls of glass looking out to a large pied-à-terre area, using recycled glass is a growing trend in house renovation projects. You can even use recycled glass for your next kitchen counter. Recycled glass kitchen counter-tops are so popular in kitchen areas today that a new name has emerged in the industry: bio-glass. Not only is the material made of 100 percent recyclable glass, it’s also itself 100 percent recyclable!

Stone Wall Sidings

Another growing trend among many homeowners is the use of stone wall sidings. According to Lifetime Exteriors, stone and brick are widely recognized as a green building material and are among the most durable and low-maintenance options for exterior siding. Stone is a practically inexhaustible building resource that can last centuries longer than wood. It is also fire and termite resistant, and only needs minimal maintenance to withstand natural weathering. Unlike wood, stone siding doesn’t need unnatural or toxic coatings to repel insects or prevent rotting.

With the use of stone wall sidings, any home’s looks can be enhanced. Varieties of color combinations, textures, and shapes create an impressive illusion of natural beauty that can fit perfectly into almost any architectural style, from the modern ranch to old-fashioned Tudor designs.

Replacing Carpets with Eco-friendly Flooring Materials

If you’re looking for sustainability, then look into using cork flooring. A natural green choice, the bark of cork oak trees make for splendid harvesting material, as it grows back in only a few years.

Another option is going with bamboo woods. Perhaps even more durable and moisture resistant than regular hardwood flooring material, bamboo also grows back quickly and is harvested without any lasting damage to the bamboo’s natural root system.

Paint A Room Using Environmentally-friendly Low-VOC Or VOC-free Paints

Yes, the industry succeeded in developing lead-free paints, but that’s not all that was needed. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that release dangerous molecules into the air still remain a real health issue. Today, newer low-VOC or completely VOC-free paints are the growing trend. For your next major painting project, look for VOC-free paints to keep toxic and dangerous chemicals away from your home.

All of the above eco-friendly remodeling ideas can easily not only enhance your home’s appearance, but they can also dramatically increase the resale value of your home. More often than not, the environmentally conscious choice is the right choice financially too. Before you tear off your siding and tear up your floor, consider that replacing something just to replace it usually isn’t the most environmentally friendly choice. But if you’re already planning a renovation, consider one of these green alternatives.

Marlena Stoddard is a freelance writer who received her BA from the University of Georgia. She currently lives in a beautiful home in Atlanta with her husband, two kids, and puppy Molly Belle.

The Benefits of Gas over Electric Heating

June 1, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

When it comes to heating your home, you will have two basic options. Do you want to heat your home with gas or with electricity? Both options have their own benefits and downsides. With gas heat, unless you are supplied by a city gas line to your property, you will want to be sure you have a reserve of gas in your tank so you don’t run out before the gas man comes. An electric heating system, if not monitored closely, can have a serious effect on your light bill. This article will provide you with a few reasons as to why gas heat is the better choice.

Reliability

Think about the last winter storm you were involved in and whether there was a power outage. How long did you have to go without power? If you have an electric heating system and no power, you have no heat. A gasoline heating system has the ability to heat your home regardless of whether the power is out or not. Gas heat is also less harmful to the environment since its byproducts are mostly made up of water vapor and a small amount of carbon dioxide.

Affordability

If you have ever lived in a home with electric heat, you know that during the winter months your bill will skyrocket. Since it is not needed during the summer, you probably don’t realize how much an electric heating system is really costing you. It is much cheaper to run a gas system. In fact, gas heaters typically have the highest efficiency rating, which means that they do not use much energy at all. You will have to pay a city gas bill or the gas company when they fill your tank, but it is usually much more affordable than the electric option.

Convenience

The only concern with gas heating is that gas is flammable. You will want to have your gas lines tested regularly for gas leaks that can ignite and cause extensive damage. Gas heat is great for people that like to travel or go on lots of business trips. If you will not be home for a period of time, you simply turn the heat off and you won’t use any gas.

Gas heating is obviously the smarter choice because it is not only better for the environment, but better for your wallet as well. Contact a heating professional at a business like Bishop Plumbing, Heating and Cooling if you have questions about costs or the installation process.

Retrofitting Your Home for Increased Energy Efficiency

May 27, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

As buildings account for 39% of energy use in the US, a new trend called green building is on the rise. Building green includes opting not only for energy-efficient models of construction and renovation, but for water efficient components, eco-friendly building materials, waste and toxics reduction components and improved air-quality, as well. In order to financially help you retrofit your home, the Government offers energy incentives for the upgrades in residential buildings.

Insulation

Insulation reduces heating and cooling costs significantly. The measure of the insulating effectiveness is the R-value. The higher the R-value, the better insulation. The R-value depends on a large number of factors, including the type of insulation materials (its thickness and density), the location of insulation, the climate and the type of heating and cooling systems you have.

Before choosing the type of insulation and the insulation material, you should be familiar with following information – where you want to install insulation, the R-value of materials, the ease of insulation, the indoor air-quality impact of insulation, etc. The most common places of insulation are duct systems, exterior walls, cathedral ceilings, floors above an unheated garage, foundation, a basement, concrete slabs and a crawlspace.

Windows

A great variety of advantages of double glazed residential windows makes them an ideal energy-efficient option. Consisting of two glass panes between which inert gas/dehydrated air is sealed, double glazed windows provide excellent thermal insulation. Dehydrated air molecules are less mobile than regular air molecules, meaning they transfer less heat. As far as inert gases, such as krypton, xenon, or argon are concerned, they provide even better thermal insulation than dehydrated air. In addition to this, these windows will also help you achieve optimal noise reduction.

Doors

The best investment is installing an energy-efficient door with a steel skin, a polyurethane foam insulation core and a magnetic strip for weather-stripping. Glass doors are considered a poor insulator, but if you want this kind of door in your house, choose a double-glazed door. Before installing a pre-hung door, apply expanding foam caulking between a new doorframe and the rough opening and the threshold. Storm doors are usually a good option if you have a non-insulated door.

Renewable energy systems

A geothermal heat pump is usually installed when building a new house. Its main disadvantage is that it cannot be moved. When it comes to solar energy, you can consider a solar electric, or photovoltaic system for the production of electricity and/or a solar water heating system. If you live in a rural area, you can benefit from a small wind electric system, while a microhydropower system is a good choice for houses with an access to flowing water.

Appliances and electronics

Energy Star products are labeled this way if they are more energy-efficient that the minimum government standard tested for each product. Before purchasing, calculate electronic energy use of your current appliances and electronics, consider the price of an Energy Star product and its estimated energy use in order to know which model and brand to buy at what price.

Eventually, you should include passive solar design of the home in order to maximize energy-efficiency. The orientation of the home so that you can optimally benefit from sun exposure is extremely important. Plant trees providing a shade in the summer and enabling sun penetration in the winter. Consider window treatments, external shading and LED lights, too.

Smart Solutions for Garden Rainwater Storage

May 11, 2016adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, lawn and gardenDIY projects, energy efficient, garden, green livingLeave a comment

There’s no denying the fact that owning a garden is a true blessing, but one that comes with certain responsibilities. Along with all the hard work needed for keeping it functional and presentable, it can require substantial funds and any savings that can be made without jeopardizing any important features should be taken into serious considerations, particularly if they provide long term effects. One of the biggest savings that can be made surely is maximizing the use of rainwater on the expense of tap one. Storage is the biggest concerns here and these smart solutions will make it both possible and convenient.

Initial concerns

Before you choose the most convenient storage solution, think about where you will be using the collected rainwater. If you plan to use a central container which will hold all the collected rainwater in one place, you will need to make sure that all your downpipes are connected and that the all rainwater ends up in one place. On the other hand, if you want to have rainwater on several locations, then a centralized collection system would be inadequate and several individual outlets would be a more convenient solution. Also, check online or at your local authorities whether you are entitled to a rebate for using rainwater.

Garbage bin

Let us start with the simplest and the cheapest possible solution that uses what everyone probably already has in their gardens, a garbage bin. Even if you do not own one, buying it at the local store will not cost much. Naturally, it needs to be watertight so check it thoroughly for any cracks or holes and fix them if needed. All you need more are rubber washers, a faucet, a suitable hose and a hose clamp. Attach the faucet close to the bottom of the bin using the washers and the hose clamp. Drill the hole on the top of the bin, cover it with fabric that will keep the residue and dirt out and place it under the matching downpipe.

Plastic containers

Using a second-hand plastic container is another affordable and efficient rainwater storage solution. They come in so many different shapes and sizes that everyone should be able to find a suitable one for their terrain specifics and needs. However, there is one important consideration. When you are in the process of choosing a suitable plastic container, make sure you opt for a food grade one. This guarantees that the rainwater collected will not change if stored for a long time and you will be able to use it whenever and wherever. The preparation and connection principle is similar to the garbage bin one explained in the previous paragraph.

Go pro

On the other hand, if you prefer professional approach and want to have the highest quality solution that will probably outlive you, modular baffled cartage tanks deserve the top spot on the list of smart solutions. Made of lightweight shock and corrosion resistant polyethylene, they come in various sizes and capacities and are equipped with a scale that enables you to know level of liquid contained at all times. They are easy install and maintain and can even be linked together if a higher capacity is eventually needed. The same goes for one of those larger sprayers, which you can use both for storage and different spraying application.

Rain barrels

This is probably the first solution that comes to mind of the majority of people. And, this is not surprising, given the easiness of setup and use. Metal and plastic ones are equally used, the former being sturdier and more convenient for static use and the latter ones more practical for relocation. The biggest limitation is their capacity which is fairly easy to fill, but if you do not require too much rainwater on a regular basis everything else works to their advantage.

As you can see, there is rainwater storage solution for any requirement. Dedicate enough time to initial consideration and you will surely end up with the most convenient and long term affordable solution for you garden.

Healthy Ways to Use Air Conditioning at Home

April 25, 2016adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home improvement, home maintenance, hvac1 Comment

Modern homes are more often than not equipped with air-conditioners. As manufacturers of these devices keep coming up with cutting-edge tech solutions, today an average air-conditioner can replace several other devices. For instance, if you get an air conditioner inverter, you do not need a special heater or radiators, but the AC is a two-in-one device. However, no matter what air conditioning device you have and use, it is essential to follow some health-related guidelines to keep your home and your air conditioner in a proper condition.

Indoor air quality and air conditioners

The largest number of air-conditioners uses the indoor air for recirculation. By doing so, they increase energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. However, this procedure can make the air inside the conditioned room stale, which harms your respiratory system.

Moreover, if your windows and window frames leak the air inside your home, the efficiency of the AC device will be reduced. Because of that, if you want to keep the air inside the AC-equipped room fresh, let some air from the outside into the room a few times a day. Also, do the necessary weatherstripping works, to increase the productivity of the air-conditioner and reduce your electricity bills.

Prevent dust and debris

With more and more people suffering from all kinds of allergies, today people have to pay special attention to germs, pollen and dust in their homes. What these three allergens have in common in an average home are dirty air ducts. If you have not cleaned them for a while, there is a high probability that several layers of gunk have piled up on those vessels of your home ventilation. This can be especially serious and dangerous if you have kids. Therefore, it is important to clean the air ducts on a regular basis, especially if your house or building has been redecorated recently. It is highly likely that some of that debris and dust ended up in the air ducts and got right into your home. To avoid any hygiene and health problems, deal with that area as soon as possible.

Remove the filter dirt

Although specifications of different manufacturers can differ, the rule of thumb is to have the air filters cleaned at least once per cooling/heating season. The crucial thing when it comes to residential air conditioning devices is to maintain them in accordance with their manufacturer’s manuals.

Also, most manufacturers contact their customers during the warranty period to remind them that they should have the AC filters cleaned or replaced. However, this cleaning has to be performed regularly even after the warranty period expires. It is not a complex procedure and every home owner can learn how to do it. In addition, if you live in an extremely humid or hot area and you keep the air conditioner on all day long, the filter should be replaced every 45 days.

AC interior inspection

Replacing or cleaning the filter is only one aspect of air conditioner maintenance. Home owners should also pay attention to the inside of their air conditioner(s). As this device works and cools a particular area, there are also some by-products of this process, the most important being condensation. The more condensation there is, the more mildew and mold is formed on the fan and other parts of the air-conditioner. If the inside area of the AC-unit is left unmaintained before winter, the pileups of mold and mildew grow significantly, providing a fertile ground for all sorts of germs. Therefore, clean the inside of the air conditioner at the end of the summer season or any other period in which you use this device and ensure a high level of hygiene.

If you use your air conditioner in accordance with the described health standards, you will ensure that every member of your household stays safe from any AC-induced diseases. Finally, a regularly maintained AC-device will last longer and waste less electricity. Therefore, take good care of your air conditioner to remain healthy and save some money along the way.

Common Reasons behind Unreasonably High Electric Bills

March 30, 2016adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, energy efficient, green livingLeave a comment

A good deal of instances when bills are sky-high are connected with the distribution of electricity and its use, and you may not even be aware it’s happening to you. To help you begin saving your money, we have compiled a set of possible problems and energy slurpers with tips for improvements. Stay tuned.

Silent energy suckers

An abundance of devices that remain plugged in all the time even when they’re not being used are one of the biggest hidden expenses that amass the electricity bill. A decade ago this was not the pressing issue, but modern apertures and gimmicks drain the electricity even when you turn it off. You could say that contemporary technology never sleeps. The standby mode of computers, DVRs and TVs is designed for faster resuming of the previous actions.

Consequently, these appliances and machines are slurping on electricity in our house as they’re on hold for next scheduled action or a new task. The array of these devices definitely includes the clock equipped items such as coffee machines of microwave ovens, and even old VCRs that maintain this feature.

What to do: Connect the appliances to an extension block with a switch and make sure to turn it off when you don’t need it. This off finally means off.

Feeding the power monsters

Larger machines such as washing machines, dishwashers and dryers have the incredible appetite for consumption of electricity and frequent use can make your bill go through the roof. The average household in developed countries utilises approximately 40 gallons of water and loads the machine 400 times a year. Ouch!

What to do: Dishwasher wise, avoid running the cycle when there’s not enough dishes to fill it completely. Also, choose the best suited mode and leave them to dry on its own, minus the heating programme. For dryers and washing machines, strive to do your laundry only once a week, exploit its capacity and dry on low.

Overusing the fans and light fixtures

I admit, I am the first one to turn up the lights wherever possible to brighten the atmosphere of the interior, and this augments the bill more than we expect. In fact, intelligently employed lights that tend to the target spots in the room such as working station, dining table and sofas are more efficient.

Similarly, ceiling fan instalments only influence the temperature in the place they’re in, and it’s not sound to leave it on when nobody’s inside. Thankfully, fans have a toggle button that activates the change of blade direction for custom seasonal use.

What to do: Exploit illumination solely in the specific, occupied areas and turn it out in vacant rooms. On top of that, consider replacing the standard bulbs with their more energy-savvy counterparts that last longer and save extra money. For ceiling fans, make sure to utilise the toggle control (clockwise for winter and counter clock wise for summer months).

Let go of the veterans

Are you still using a bunch of old devices that were bought decades ago by grandparents and then passed on to you? Well, the thing is these are the big players in the consumption game too. Basically, older machines have no energy efficient mode at all. Invest in upgrades of your old-century appliances which involves stoves, ovens, fridges, washing machines and wiring installations among others.

What to do: Don’t burden your outdated house apertures with demanding tasks they’re not up to. Energy star models of the vacuum cleaners, for example, are more energy-preserving than the past millennium models. Since wires are linked throughout the house, call a professional to assess whether you need a switchboard wiring upgrade that will accommodate the demanding newcomers.

Chargers everywhere

The chain of mobile chargers, audio players, tablets and laptops, electric toothbrushes and games consoles are all charging for our next use. The tech generation has transformed us into power hungry users looking for the nearest socket.

What to do: Disconnect all the adapters and chargers when not in function, and avoid all-time charging. It’ll cost you the bill and a new battery.

Shamefully high electricity bills are not the necessity of the modern age. Go ahead and test our advice to save yourself from the hidden energy expenses.

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