A Natural Way To Cool Our Homes

Space heating is one of the top energy consumers in our homes. In hot summer days, air conditioners consume up to 43% of the country's peak load. Furthermore, home cooling accounts to 24%, along with heating, of the country's total sulfur dioxide production. This is the chief material needed in the creation of acid rains.

These are alarming figures but it can be really hard to keep our homes cool when the whole world outside is getting hot. This is the main reason why it is very easy to just turn the air conditioning unit on and in a couple of minutes experience cooler room. I am sure very few people would volunteer to sacrifice their comfort just to refrain from using their air conditioning units.

However, air conditioning is not the only means to cool the home. In fact aside from using electric or ceiling fans, there is even something better than it. There is such a thing known as passive cooling or a natural way of cooling the home. These are techniques that have been used in the past that may have been forgotten due to our dependence to technology. I can name a number of them but for this article let us look at a very simple technique of "blocking heat".

There are two simple ways to block heat and prevent heat from getting into your home and they are shading and the use of reflective barriers.

Shading Shading is the easiest and perhaps the simplest way to help keep your home cool but proves to be very effective. The use of the shading technique can reduce up to 40% off of your cooling costs.

One of the best places to perform the shading technique is our windows which are the common gateways for sunlight. The easiest way to prevent sun from getting in is to install drapes and blinds. You need to make sure though that it is installed as tight as possible to make it more effective. Light colored ones are advised as they also work as a reflective material and they do not absorb as much heat as that of the darker colored ones. Not only does it help prevent sunlight, it can also work as a good decorative piece for your window.

Another way to do it is to perform landscaping. You can plant trees, vines and shrubs to help shade the exterior of your home which helps prevent heat from penetrating your home. Trees for example can help you save as much as $250 off of your energy costs but make sure they are properly and strategically placed.

Reflective Barriers Colors which were seen as merely decorative in the past is now known and identified as something that plays an important role in cooling your home. Dark colored ones may seem like a good idea for the exterior of your home as dirt do not seem to stick on it quite easily but heat does stick to it. Dark colors are known to absorb heat. If you have a dark colored paint, you are sure to absorb around 70% to 90% of the radiant heat coming from the sun that strikes your home.

Light colored ones are seen as reflective barriers that prevents heat especially white. This is just one type of reflective barrier but simply choosing light colors for your home is perhaps the easiest way to implement.

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Saving Power Without Breaking the Bank

Saving power these days has turned into a must do activity and a habit which everyone should seriously take up.

Cooling and Heating

Approximately one half your own energy bill is used by simply heating or cooling your property, to try to greatly reduce that effect try the following suggestions

Clean up your air flow filtration systems at least once monthly.

Give heaters a good clean, radiators, and any hot air inlets regularly; check they are working without problems and they are not being obscured by curtains, carpets, and furniture.

Set the temperature as high as is comfortable when it is hot and as little as is comfortable when it is cool.

Turn off exhaust fans 10 or so minutes right after cooking or bathing. Keeping them on for an extended time can waste energy.

Lighting and Appliances

As much as possible, use natural illumination rather than switching on the house lamps. Make use of the benefits of sunshine.

Turn off all of the lamps whenever you leave an area.

If you have fluorescent lights, set up reflecting backings to optimize the light.

Change your lighting to fluorescent bulbs if possible. They give off a ton of light and use a great deal less energy.

Turn everything off when you do not need it. Unplug unnecessary appliances like microwaves, television, radio, laptops, and video recorders or DVD players. In addition, disconnect any charger if they are not actually charging anything. Every one of them uses energy whenever plugged in. Do not leave them on the 'stand-by" setting.

Seek out kitchen appliances and lighting that features energy efficiency ratings.

Use lights for studying or eating instead of lighting the whole area. For example, utilize a bedside light to study rather than the big light.

Laundry

Decreasing the heat of the water you clean your garments in helps to reduce energy consumption by as much as 75%. Also always air dry clothing whenever you can because tumble drying machines use a large amount of energy.

Always do full loads whenever possible. In case you are cleaning a smaller load, use suitable water levels and the proper settings.

Fridge

Maintain the correct temperature for your freezer and refrigerator.

Do not hold the refrigerator or freezer door open. The energy usage increases when the electric motor operates endlessly in order to maintain the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer.

Pay attention to leaks as well as cracks in the gasket. Be sure that your own personal freezer or fridge is totally sealed to maintain the temperature on the inside.

Insulation

Heat loss comes about when your household is not properly sealed. Make use of sealants or weather-stripping on home windows.

Make sure that air cannot escape or enter into the plumbing, entrances, wall surfaces, floors and ceilings. A properly insulated house will save you up to 10% in energy bills.

In a common power bill, 44% goes to the heating and cooling systems; one third goes on home appliances and lights; as much as 15% goes towards warming the water; and 9% goes toward the freezer or fridge. Keep these stats in your thoughts so that you can maximize your ability to increase savings.

Think about using renewable energy such as solar and wind power, although quite expensive to have installed the long term benefits are huge. There are also lots of information available on how to make solar panels or wind turbines which can be a cheaper option.

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Air Conditioning Unit Cost Cutting Tips To Help Reduce Your Electric Bill

Air conditioning comprises about 40 percent of energy consumption in most American homes. As such, cutting down on this cost can dramatically reduce your utility bills. Apart from the general maintenance of your AC system, like changing air filters, adjusting the thermostat, and plugging air leaks, there are improvements you can make to your house and environment to cut down on operational cost of your air conditioner.

1. Put Shades on Windows: one of the reasons most homes get too hot is because of the direct sunlight that enters the house through the windows. Shades on outside windows will prevent direct sunlight. You can also close curtains, but the effect will be limited.

2. Planting Trees: it is advisable to plant trees and shrubs on your property. This will prevent direct sun light from hitting your house, hence providing a cooling effect.

3. Light Colored Walls: light colors reflect light. You should paint your house with light colors and ensure the west side of the house is reflective. This will reduce your house cooling requirements.

4. Walls and Ceiling Insulation: this will ensure no heat penetrates through the wall or the roof. During the hot season, the roof absorbs a lot of heat and transmits that heat to the inside; insulation within the ceiling will prevent this. West side walls can be insulated to prevent transmission through conduction and convection.

5. Ventilation between Roof and Ceiling: to prevent heat from entering the house through the roof, you should ventilate the space between the ceiling and the roof. This ensures the hot air circulates above the ceiling hence keeping the house cool.

6. It has also been established that installing storm or double-glazed windows aid in reducing the amount of heat in your house.

If the house is under construction, the following tips will help you design and build a house that will save on air conditioning costs in the future.

1. Roof Overhang: your house should be designed in such a way that it has a wide roof overhang. This will help in shading; hence preventing direct light to the walls and windows.

2. Windows on the West Side: when designing and constructing your house, ensure there is very few or no windows on the west side. This will prevent direct rays that usually come from that direction.

3. Roofing: ask your contractor to use light or white colored roofing materials. This will reflect light as opposed to absorbing heat.

4. House Orientation: with the short of the house oriented to the west side, you will ensure that very few rays fall on the house walls. This reduces the amount of heat absorbed from direct light from the sun.

5. Insulation and Moisture Barriers: finally, installing moisture barriers and insulation in your house will reduce requirement of cooling system in your house hence less use of your AC unit.

On top of these measures, you should also shop wisely for your air conditioning unit. When buying a room air conditioner, ensure that you check the cooling power of the unit as well as its power consumption. Current high efficiency models are the best in low power consumption and is the industry standard.

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Fire Risks of Solar PV Installations - Five Precautions a Home Owner Should Consider

Although correctly installed solar PV systems rarely cause a fire there is a greater chance that they may be involved in a fire that emanates from the building where such a system is installed. A fire in these circumstances would increase the risk to the home owner and to the emergency service personnel. There are some simple precautions homeowners can take which would help prepare for such an eventuality and perhaps reduce the severity of the consequences.

The most important precaution is to inform your local fire department that your property has been fitted with a solar PV system. They need to know the location and number of solar panels and also the location of the inverter and associated electrical equipment. In the event of a fire they would arrive fully aware of all the hazards and extra precautions they would need to take. This is best done at the time of installation. It should also be mentioned during a call to the emergency services. Again with the emergency responders in mind, ensure that the installers have correctly placed warning stickers on the inverter, isolators and all electrical switches associated with the PV system. This will help the fire fighters quickly identify how to shut down the system safely. Check with your house insurers before you install solar PV to see what their attitude is to insuring the PV system, any damages caused by fire associated with, or caused by, a solar PV system. Also ask how they would react if the fire service made a tactical decision not to try and save a property due to exceptional risks to their fire fighters. Don't just assume that your house and property insurance will cover every eventuality. It is better to check beforehand. When your PV system has been installed notify your insurance company in writing. It is quite possible that the installation of a solar PV system on your roof would increase the value of your property. When this and all the other risks are taken into account, it is important that you are adequately covered for all potential damage and loss. Finally, in the unlikely event of a fire let the experts deal with it. The emergency services will need all their specialised equipment and training to deal with the hazards. Any effort on your part will at best be futile and at worst be dangerous, creating even more problems for the experts to deal with.

It is better to be prepared than unprepared. In the unlikely event that a fire does occur, these few simple steps could facilitate the work of the emergency services, help reduce the risk of injury to them and to you, and prevent such an emergency becoming worse than it need be.

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How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?

Air source heat pumps function as a heating and cooling system that utilises the air outside as its source. When used in a residential home one of these heat pumps will absorb warmth from the air and release it inside the home during colder months to make the indoor air more comfortable and warm. The opposite occurs during the summer months to cool off the home. You can also use an air source heat pump to warm the water in your hot water tank, roughly to about 80 degrees Celsius.

While it might seem impossible to use heat from the air in the middle of winter to warm your home you can actually take heat out of temperatures just a few degrees above absolute zero. The equipment itself uses a few key items such as a heat exchanger coil both outside and inside. The outdoor one takes the heat from the air while the indoor coil transfers the heat to either your air or your hot water tank.

The process of heating and cooling using an air source heat pump requires refrigerant to flow through both the indoor and outdoor coils. The refrigerant is boiled to create the heat and then proceeds further to make its way into the house. A compressor, condenser and evaporator are then used such as in a regular refrigerator to alter air temperature that is pumped back into the home.

Air source heat pumps are extremely cost effective. You can create up to four times as much heat as you would be able to from a traditional electric heater and you use the exact same amount of energy to accomplish this. Over time, however, electricity can add up and gas can be dangerous because of carbon emissions. Heat pumps are much cleaner and more efficient. If the weather does become extremely cold where you are located, there is always an option to switch off the heat pump and use your traditional HVAC system which is still in place and ready to function. The coils outside can become frosted over if you are dealing with below zero temperatures. Your furnace can be a back up or emergency option which is always nice to have when it comes to keeping your home comfortable.

The lifespan of an air source heat pump is approximately 20 years and this doesn't include very much maintenance over the time that you have it. There aren't a lot of parts associated with a heat pump and this means there isn't much to maintain. You are required to keep the outdoor exchanger free of high grasses, leaves and debris. Occasional inspections are an option as well, just to ensure that everything is working properly but if treated well and maintained, this can be a highly cost effective option over a 20 year term.

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Intelligent Immersion Heaters for Solar PV Installations - Advantages and Disadvantages

The electricity produced by your solar PV panels is fed into an inverter which converts the electricity to AC. This electricity is now available for use in the household. Any of this electricity which is not used is automatically fed back to the national grid.

An intelligent immersion system continuously monitors the inverter output. Whenever it senses that surplus electricity is being fed back to the grid it switches on an immersion heater in the hot water cylinder, hence the description 'intelligent'.

ADVANTAGES

A solar thermal kit costs around £1,500 with possible further costs for installation and perhaps even a replacement hot water cylinder. A basic intelligent immersion kit could cost as little as £200. Some models are set up to continuously vary the power supply to the immersion in order to match the surplus power that would otherwise be exported. Installing an intelligent immersion involves no plumbing skills. The wiring is straightforward as it mostly uses clamps around existing cables. However, manufacturers always recommend using a qualified electrician. Some intelligent immersions use wireless technology so that the switching of the immersion can be monitored (or even controlled) from indoors. Such a monitor can usually be connected to a computer to enable downloading of historical data about electricity generation and usage. Some products can be used to switch on so-called smart plugs to run other facilities (such as air conditioning) from the surplus electricity. Larger PV systems, 3 to 4 kWp, are more likely to generate enough surplus electricity for an intelligent system to work efficiently.

DISADVANTAGES

The more sophisticated kits cost anything up to £700. For a medium-sized PV system, 2 kWp say, in a household where electricity or gas is the main fuel source, the savings could be quite modest. Even diverting 1 unit of electricity per day to water heating, which is fairly optimistic, would save around £50 a year. Pay-back time could be several years. More expensive solid fuels and propane gas would shorten pay-back time. For those systems which do not have variable control of the immersion heater, if the immersion heater is switched on at full power by an intelligent immersion they would consume more electricity than the surplus from the PV panels. This could easily negate the financial saving. This can be resolved in either of two ways. One is to fit a transformer to make the immersion work at 1 kW. This could add another £60 to the cost. The other is to replace the immersion with a Solaplug immersion, a conventional heater and solar coil in one unit. These are around £250 to buy. Some systems have an annually recurring cost of up to £48 for remote monitoring.

Conclusion

Whether or not to invest in an intelligent immersion system inevitably comes down to balancing the financial outlay against projected savings on one's fuel bills. But if the advanced features of the more sophisticated systems are tempting, the longer pay-back times might not matter so much.

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Basics of the Green Deal Scheme

The Green Deal is a UK energy efficiency program aimed at modernizing the millions of homes across the country which are completely lacking when it comes to being efficient in energy related matters. This flagship programme, which was launched in October 2012, is open to every UK resident who wishes to take the necessary steps to help cut draught and heat loss via several different steps. A significant feature of the Green Deal is its aim of reducing energy consumption in a typical household, which should go a long way to reducing energy bills, especially with the ever-increasing prices reported in the market.

It is estimated that the properties in the UK are among the most wasteful in relation to heat loss in the Western world. A high-volume of waste is noticed in relation to numerous practices seen in office buildings. Also, for the domestic resident who might have the thermostat up high in a draughty property, which might keep the resident in some degree of comfort, but will be quite expensive in relation to energy costs. This is also likely to be very unsustainable for the environment in general.

A key feature behind the creation of the Green Deal is to help with reducing leaking carbon, which comes mostly from the high number of properties leaking heat. It has been well-established that the right installation in wall cavities and loft spaces goes a long way to reducing the amount of carbon emission leaked from a typical residence. Installation features as part of the Green Deal package and is one of the more notable energy-efficient improvements available. If the right steps are implemented it is believed that many families will be able to lift themselves out of fuel poverty. Consumers are starting to be encouraged to implement a comprehensive range of measures which should help homes be much more fuel-efficient in future years.

In order to benefit from the energy-efficient measurements offered in the Green Deal, it will be necessary for an accredited adviser to visit a property to establish its existing energy efficiency and then to decide what improvements might be made. Green Day advisers are only concerned with the suitability of the particular property; no other criteria will come into play, including the available funds a homeowner might have. An adviser will also offer practical advice on what action might be taken to help with reducing a properties carbon footprint even further.

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How to Light Your House Green

The equipment that is installed at home to convert solar energy into electricity is too expensive for the common households to avail yet its cost recoups the benefits that you will get to enjoy over time that keeps this product posted in the market.

Years had passed and you can now see more houses that are solar-powered. These homes had made use the light that is produced through photovoltaic which is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. They have observed themselves how good it is to live free from the guilt of being a contributor to the elements that pollute the environment. Is your house solar-powered already? If not, then try the following instructions to get your house powered by the sunlight.

First, check your electric bill. Determine how much electricity you consume. Identify your average kilowatt-hours per day. You may call your electric company to get the data.

Second, contact solar power dealers within your area and set up an appointment. In doing so, check the background of each dealer you chose to make sure that their services will well suit to your needs. It is also to be certain of your move because you may end up with a dealer with bad customer feedbacks.

Third, in your meeting with the solar power dealer, present to them your average home energy usage and let them determine how many photovoltaic panels shall be installed at your home to generate the amount of electricity for your regular consumption. The calculation will depend on the average amount of sunlight that is available in your place to your electricity requirements. In determining the number of solar panels that are needed for the installation, consideration of the available space should also be taken.

Fourth, get to avail of the tax rebates that you government has to offer. This will assist you with the cost of spending for the installation. Knowing your financial incentives will help you determine what type of solar power system to purchase.

Fifth, you decide whether to use the tracking mechanism or the racks. The mounting racks, which solar panels are attached to the roof, are the cheaper and most common type of system compared to the tracking mechanism which in order to get the biggest amount of sunlight, follows the arcs of the sun.

And lastly, choose the battery pack that is best for your consumption. Hire an electrician to install your solar power system. And there you have it, then start a green living.

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What Is Solar Photovoltaic Technology?

Understanding Photovoltaic Cells

Photovoltaic cells, also referred to as solar cells, have a basic process that takes sunlight and convert it into electricity. Discovered in 1954, scientists found that silicon could be used to make an electric charge, if it was exposed to direct sunlight. Technology advanced, and with it solar cells were soon powering satellites, and even our most basic commodity; a watch or calculator. In today's high tech world people now use these cells to power their homes, businesses, and utilities companies are now taking PV technology even further, by using this technology for power stations.

First generation solar panels that are used in businesses and homes, will normally use modules that hold as many as 40 cells. In order to provide electrical needs for an average home, one would need to use 10 - 20 panels, that are fixed at an angle; usually south. Some will use a mount design, that allows for a tracking device, that then moves with the sun, allowing for optimum sunlight to hit the panels. When you combine panels together you'll hear them referred to as a solar array. Large solar arrays are most often used to power electric utility companies, or large industrial complexes. When interconnected, these solar arrays enable large PV systems to power thousands of homes and buildings combined.

As stated earlier, these cells are made from silicon, often found in sand, and are considered to be one of the most efficient types of solar panels. Cells that are second generation are comprised of amorphous silicon and nonsilicon materials. These cells are thin film cells, use semiconductor materials, and their thickness is measured in micrometers. Their flexibility and thinness gives them the appearance of house tiles or shingles, thereby making them a perfect choice for roofs, tiles, glazing on skylights and building facades.

Third generation cells are made from a variety of materials. Inks used in printing press technology, conductive plastics, and solar dyes are the main ones currently being produced. As technology continues to advance in this field, we're seeing solar cells using lenses made of plastic or mirrors, as a way to concentrate and enhance rays from the sun, into smaller than ever and more efficient PV materials. Although more expensive to purchase, less panels need to be used, thus making them a cost effective option for industrial uses, and for whole utility company usage. Concentrating collectors that use lenses have the drawback, that they are only suitable for some areas where there is a higher concentration of sun yearlong.

As we head into the future, it's expected that solar technology will accelerate at an amazing pace, due to solar technology advancing and becoming smaller every year. Currently many homes are using this technology, as are businesses, but as solar become smaller and more affordable, prices will continue to drop, thus enabling the average homeowner to afford this new technology and go off-grid or sell power back to the grid.

The National Center for Photovoltaic offers information on all the latest research in solar cell PV technology, and currently supports the DOE SunShot Initiative, that plans to have large scale solar systems, that are cost effective by 2020. Everblue Courses are designed to teach about home energy efficiency and create knowledgeable technicians for the coming expansion of sustainable energy.

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Why You Should Consider Smart Home Automation

What is home automation? This is where technology and convenience meet, developing a network made up of separate devices that all work in harmony together. This networked system gives you the control instantly over other individual devices as well as appliances throughout your house. You decide how a device should function, when it needs to start and why it should start. You set up the schedule and the remainder is automated and based on your overall personal preferences providing, control, convenience, money savings and an overall smarter home.

Scan Your Property

Home automation provides security and safeguards your home by always being on guard and ready. Starting with a security camera's eye scanning everything to a sensor for water that alerts you of what could be a costly leak, any automated security system for your home will keep your property under guard so you are able to react immediately when notified of a problem.

Convenience

Automate and control every appliance or device in your home whether you are there or miles away in an entirely different country. This automation works efficiently for saving money on utilities and providing convenience overall.

Lighting

Have the ability to manage the lights from wherever you are in the world. Control each individual lights that are in different parts of the home all from a console by your own bed, car, kitchen, or even poolside from some resort at the other side of the planet. With this automation, you have full authority over the lighting of your home from where ever you are. Turn a few lights on so making it look as if someone is home. Turn them off in the morning.

Cameras

Cameras are the staple of business and home security for many years but advancements in the technology have permitted for improvements in sensors, optics and other special features such as being able to view your property remotely. Log into the camera system and view in real-time, various areas of the home or business while you are absent. Reposition, rotate, record, zoom closer, and snap photos all with the click of your mouse on your laptop. You can even go further; have the camera record at a particular time. Even allow it to automatically snap picture when it senses movement. Cameras actually have a vast amount of features that are unique to monitor any of your property.

Security Systems & Access Control

Open a garage door remotely or unlock/lock a certain door within the house all from your laptop. With an automated home system, your house is able to contact you, send an alert when a security issue has occurred. It might be gas-leak, trespasser, or sudden temperature rise - home automation stays on guard for you.

You should automate your home first for safety whether you are at your home or not. You should automate your home second to save on utilities by leaving things off when you are gone turning them on when you start for home. Third for convenience, your coffee can be made for you in the morning and your favorite music is on when you get home in the evening - with something already cooking in the oven. Plus, it's just fun to have smart home automation.

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The Business of Solar Power

As each country strives to sustain and develop their economy, the need for electricity gets higher. This could be the reason why there is an existing problem with regards to the supply of the electricity because the needs are unlimited while the source is so limited. The oil and fossil fuels are not enough to suffice these needs that are even getting bigger as this source gets smaller in amount. Apparently, businesses are the major consumers of energy for their offices and other uses. Indeed, these companies need an alternative which is the solar power.

Business institutions should be mindful of the benefits that they can get from using these light instruments. Basically, this will help them save money from the costly oil and fossil fuel purchase and a bonus for establishing a far better image in the corporate world.

It is just the right time to alter the source of energy that they are using since the cost of energy that is created out of oil and coal is rising. Solar power is free and everywhere. There is no need to install those expensive machines to convert oil into electricity. The installation of solar power energy promises return on investment because it is cheaper. It eliminates your dependence to the grid energy. In some cases, they say, some individuals and companies receive checks from companies that provide power rather than bills.

There is no more reliable and unlimited source than the sun. Nothing can replace its availability as it appears everyday no matter how cruel the weather or climate may be. There is no need for you to worry about the battery bank not charging enough battery because surely the sun will supply you another power tomorrow.

By using solar powered products, you will be automatically awarded with the bragging rights. Some companies are given recognition for such usage of solar energy. Customers are pleased to know that the companies they are working with by availing the services and products they are selling are committed to being green. Green advocacies such as this is very essential to the preservation of this natural environment. Solar energy produces no emission and therefore contributes no pollution. You can then proudly tell you customers about this.

There is a low maintenance required with the use of solar panels and lighting. Indeed, another way of saving your accounts. Maintenance of the equipment used needs just a very little maintenance to keep it working. Hence, this will give you an additional financial benefit for your business.

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What Are Ground Source Heat Pumps and How Do They Work?

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) maintain a comfortable temperature in a home through the cold winter months, as well as the hot summer months, by moving existing heat from the ground into the house when it is cold, and out of the house and into the ground when it is hot. Heat, or energy, has a natural tendency to move from hot to cold. A GSHP takes advantage of this natural flow, and even enhances it. Most, if not all, buildings can utilise these heating and cooling systems.

How They Work

In the installation of a GSHP, long loops of pipe are buried in the garden of a home or building. The size of the building dictates the length of the underground piping, with a larger building needing more piping. The amount of land space allowed for the loops determines whether they should be installed vertically and deep in the ground (less space), or horizontally (more space). Either method requires that the piping needs to be buried at a level that is deep enough to be unaffected by the seasons. Usually, the ground at this depth consistently remains at eight to twelve degrees Celsius.

A liquid that is like antifreeze moves through the pipes at this level and picks up the heat, carrying it back into the house. In the house the liquid passes the heat onto a refrigerant, which evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant is made hotter through compression, which then transfers its heat to a water supply that heats the home, usually through the use of radiators or underfloor heating systems. In an alternative form of the same system, the pipes run through a body of water, natural or manmade, at a depth significant enough to be warmer than the air temperatures. In the hot summer months the process is reversed. The heat from inside the home is carried out through the pipes and dispersed into the ground or body of water.

GSHPs can supply heat for both the hot water system and heating system of a home, but not at the same time. Homeowners usually handle the sharing of heat for the two systems with a valve that is timed to best suit their needs.

Efficiency

These systems do not produce a heat as extreme as formerly used heating systems, so they run for longer periods of time to produce the same amount of heat, sometimes all day and night. As the pumps are run by electricity, there is a cost. Furthermore, the cost of installing a GHSP, even when using existing radiators can be substantial. However, with all expenses considered, over time these systems use less energy to run and are a sound economical investment. In addition, they require a minimal amount of maintenance, so they can save the homeowner costly repairs that sometimes come with other types of systems. Last, as these systems' require less energy consumption, they are more environmentally sound, with a lower production of greenhouse gasses.

With minimal maintenance, a lower running cost, and less disruption of the ozone layer, ground source heat pumps may be a sound choice for many home and business owners in the future.

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Winterize Your Building in the Fall to Ensure a Safe and Comfortable Environment All Winter Long

Old Man Winter in right around the corner and you know what that means: increased energy usage and higher heating bills. Best to winterize your building now, in the Fall, before it gets too cold-and before the craziness of the holiday season hits. Below are some steps you can take in the Fall to improve the comfort and safety or your commercial or residential building during the long winter months.

• Have your furnace inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician before cold winter months set in. This will ensure your system is running at optimum levels all winter long.

• If your building uses a boiler, check steam traps for leaks; monitor the flue gas and adjust excess air; repair or replace damaged or missing insulation; check for and clean scale buildup off boiler tubes; and make sure carbon dioxide levels are within acceptable limits of 200 ppm.

• Inspect your ductwork for leaks and seal with mastic tape. Better yet, spray the ductwork runs with spray foam to keep thermal energy from escaping as heat travels through the line. Contact an insulator contractor for help with this.

• If you haven't yet this year, change the batteries on all smoke alarms and CO2 meters. Having these devices in tip-top shape is particularly important in winter when windows are closed and furnaces/boilers are running for long hours.

• Fill gaps and cracks around doors and windows with weatherstripping or spray foam to prevent heat loss. You'd be surprised how much air travels through even the smallest of holes! Weatherstripping and spray foam cans are inexpensive and can be bought at just about any home-improvement store.

• Consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate your building temperature. Doing so could lower your heating bill by automating the process instead of leaving the responsibility up to busy and forgetful humans. Larger facilities should consider an integrated energy-management system.

• Do a quick check of the insulation in your attic, crawl spaces, walls and ceilings to see if the proper type and amount of insulation is in place. If you don't know where to start, contact an insulation contractor for a thorough exam, and for advice on how best to insulate your building.

Don't let the cold winter season sneak up on you. Perform the above steps to minimize energy costs while maintaining safe and comfortable living and working conditions. What others winterizing tips and tricks can you think of?

Lower Your Electrical Energy Bills   Home Energy Efficiency Could Receive a Government Boost   Floor Insulation: The Different Types and How It Works   What Does Energy Efficiency Mean?   Get Close to Solar Power   Tips in Building a Green Home   

Pros and Cons of Employing Solar Powered Lighting

Solar powered landscape lighting is a great option in decorating and lighting up your home garden and pathways at night. Just like other kinds of outdoor lighting, solar lights also have its own strong points and limitations. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of using solar landscaping lights:

Pros

-It Utilizes Renewable Energy Solar garden lights allow us exploit the energy from the sun, which is a renewable source of energy. As long as the sun is shining the solar lights will have the needed energy to illuminate at night. These lighting system works at its best whenever it gets abundant rays from the sun during sunny days.

-Simple To Install Solar garden lights are easier to install compared to traditional form of lighting because its installation does not require the use of wires or any kind of electrical circuit connections. You can simply install it to your garden by plunging the base of every unit into the ground. You no longer need to dig out on the ground only to set up lighting system.

-Easy On The Pocket To Operate The solar garden fixtures are illuminated with the help of energy from the sun. And the energy that we get from the sun is free. Thus, you are not obliged to pay anything to keep the solar lights illuminating the outdoor area of your home.

-Low Maintenance Solar lights are usually made up of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can last 25, 000 up to 5,000 hours. Take into consideration the fact that regular bulbs only lasts for 1,000 to 2,000 hours. Apparently, LED bulbs costs lower compared to traditional type of bulbs because it lasts longer and reduces your cost of replacing the light.

Cons

-You Need To Be Selective in Choosing Location Solar lights only function in locations where there is an abundant beam of sun. Do not expect your solar-powered lighting system to illuminate your garden extravagantly if you placed it under a shady tree. Hence, it is highly recommended that you find the most suitable location to ensure that your solar bulbs will shine at its best.

-Pricey Upfront Cost Solar LED bulbs typically cost higher than ordinary or low-voltage lights. In addition, the cost can increase if you have bigger areas to illuminate.

-Do Not Work When The Batteries Are Not Fully Charged Solar lights necessitate ample energy from the sun to work well. Thus, the bulb will not give off sufficient illumination during overcast or dark days.

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Why The Cheapest Electricity Provider Is Not Always The Best

Majority of the world's electric supply these days comes from the three main types of fossil fuels because they provide affordable rates. However, when the environment comes into the picture, the cheapest electricity provider is not necessarily the best. This article explains the reasons why.

Traditional Sources 1. Coal, oil, and natural gas are affordable and can easily generate power. 2. Their main disadvantage is that they have harmful emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. These are the main causes of the increase in greenhouse gases which lead to global warming. 3. Global warming causes more disastrous calamities like the melting of polar ice caps, death of endangered animal and plant species, and the appearance of deadlier strains of diseases.

Renewable Options 1. Newer alternatives are more sustainable and friendly to the environment. 2. These sources come from natural elements such as the sun, wind, earth, and water. 3. These are cleaner than fossil fuels since the process of generating electric power does not involve harmful emissions of greenhouse gases. 4. They are also constantly replenished, so running out of supply is not a problem. 5. As of the moment, these are more expensive compared to the traditional, non-renewable types.

Popular Forms of Renewable Energy A. Solar 1. Photovoltaic cells absorb energy coming from the sun's rays. They liberate electrons from their atoms to produce electricity. 2. Lots of maintenance efforts are not required. 3. They are convenient since they can be acquired as solar panels that people can directly utilize in their homes. B. Geothermal 1. This originates from the heat given off by the earth's surface. 2. This heat is in the form of steam. 3. The steam powers a turbine contained in an electric generator. C. Wind 1. Wind converts kinetic to mechanical energy through the help of turbines. 2. The breeze revolves around a hub that is attached to a main shaft, making them look like wind mills in the past. 3. Smaller turbines can be used for small establishments and homes while larger ones are set up in power plants to provide electric supply for big communities. D. Hydroelectric 1. Hydroelectric forms are generated through water currents. 2. Strong current flows from water forms like rivers and waterfalls. These are led to turbines in a dam for power.

In order to make the cheapest electricity come from the cleanest providers, more investments are needed to create a positive shift in the market. The more sustainable suppliers arise, the cheaper their supplies get. It is always better to think about the future of our planet.

Lower Your Electrical Energy Bills   Home Energy Efficiency Could Receive a Government Boost   Floor Insulation: The Different Types and How It Works   What Does Energy Efficiency Mean?   Get Close to Solar Power   Tips in Building a Green Home