Electricity, like most energy sources, is a commodity whose price keeps going up and will continue to climb as the demand increases. New forms of generating electricity like solar power, wind turbines and even tidal power generators are beginning to come online to help out traditional generating sources but the cost to build and maintain them is having an effect on present electricity bills.
The best way to have cheap electrical power is not to buy tens of thousands of dollars of generating devices that require upkeep costs. The best way to have lower electrical bills is not to use it. And this can be done without sacrificing heat and lifestyle. It just takes paying attention to details that, when added up equals hundreds of dollars in electrical power savings.
1. Kill Phantom Power
Many of our electrical devices remain plugged in when not in use. This was especially true with the old television sets that used of trickle of power to keep the cathode ray tube operational so that the television would go on immediately without a warm-up period. But computers, battery chargers and dozens of other electronic devices use small amounts of power that, when added up, could equal almost a hundred dollars a year.
2. Use LED's
Less than five years ago compact fluorescent lights ended the hundred-year reign of the incandescent light bulb. In less than five years from now light emitting diodes, or LED's, will be the mainstay of the lighting industry. Today they are expensive, however, they last for years and the energy savings will overtake the high, initial price.
3. Off-Peak Power Use
Most electrical owner is used between the hours of 7:00am and 11:00pm. For the other eight hours the cost goes down to 40% in most areas. By outfitting the home with a time-of-use system the water tank can be heated during the low period. In addition, energy thermal storage units can be installed that release heat built up during the inexpensive time and stored in ceramic bricks. When the rates go up a computer processor shuts off the power and heat is released from the bricks and into the room with a small fan.
4. Change Tap Washers or Cartridges
Leaking hot water taps can waste electricity by causing the electric hot water tank to keep heating. This can amount to over hundred dollars in wasted electricity annually. Washers for taps cost less than ten cents each and, if needed, tap cartridges to replace corroded ones cost around $7.
5. Motion-Brightening Lights
Many homes have a light on night or their yard is dark until something moves and sets off a motion detector. There is a light system that turns on in a very low glow at dusk and will switch to bright when needed due to a motion detector. Therefore, the home remains lit at low power consumption while maintaining security.
6. Cold Water Wash
With the advances in detergents no one needs to wash in hot water anymore. Turn off the hot water inlet.
7. Solar Dryers
Dryers take up a lot of heat and this is created by electricity. The last generation dried their clothes by hanging them on lines in the back yard. There are many types of clotheslines including a carousel type that is easy and accessible. Even drying half the clothes this way will save a hundred or so dollars a year and a total commitment will reap almost a week's pay.
8. Caulking
Most homes over twenty years old will have dozens of small leaks due to wood shrinkage and inadequately-sealed holes for utility lines. By carefully caulking around window frames and isolating other leaks the home will save energy in air conditioning and electric heating costs. It may take eight tubes of caulking at $40 to save $70 a year, for heat savings many years afterward.
9. Solar-Powered Night Lights
Night lights are for navigating the hallways and kitchen at night. They do not have to be 100 watts for this. Using low-voltage LED lights, that are charged with solar energy, every year can give more than enough light for evening use and provide a great ambience. These lights can be used under the cabinets in the kitchen and over islands and, because they require no power source, provide free light.
10. Hot Water Inlet Tank
A trend that is taking place in new home building and house renovations is the concept of having a water inlet tank installed before the ground water goes into the hot water tank. Basically, water comes out of the ground at around forty to fifty degrees and goes right into the water tank. To bring the cold water up to a showering temperature takes a lot of energy. However, by letting the water sit in another tank it will warm up to room temperature before going into the water heater. In other words the system operates by using heat that is already available. The extra twenty to thirty degrees means an electrical savings of almost $200 a year for an family of four.
For more information on saving energy consult our Contractor Directory or simply post your project online and a qualified contractor will contact you.
Posted by: kimSuggested Reading For You
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