Apr
10
If you plan to build a house you should really ask the architects to plan the new building in such a manner that the energy loss in the winter or during cold days is minimal. Think that circa half of the heat loss happens through walls and poorly insulated window frames and an important percentage through ventilation systems. The orientation of the new building is also important: north south, with large windows on the south and smaller on the north (if possible no windows at all on the north). And don’t overlook proper insulation. If this is done right from the first phase of the building process, you’ll not have energy loss problems later or other problems such as mildew.
However, if you already live in a poorly insulated building, don’t despair! There are some simply ways of improving energy efficiency and they don’t imply huge expenses. Start by replacing your windows with low-emission glass windows (or just change the glass). Low-E is a new technology based on a special metallic coating that is transparent to the solar spectrum and reflective of IR radiation that lowers the amount of energy loss.
If your walls aren’t insulated, depending on their construction, there are three insulation types you should consider to reduce energy loss: cavity, internal and external. Insulation will reduce heat loss and certainly the energy bills. And don’t forget installing draught excluders on your doors and windows.
Solar systems - like solar hot water panels - could provide more than 50% of your annual hot water needs. There are more and more homeowners installing solar panels on their houses. Such systems not only produce warm water practically for free, but also increase considerably the value of a building. Some homeowners even use rainwater systems to reduce water costs and help protect the environment. The rainwater is collected in special containers and can be used as drinking water after it is filtered and purified. Such rain harvesting systems are not always low-priced, but the savings they provide make the price worthwhile; in time you’ll cover the cost of your purchase.
If you have a boiler older than 10-15 years, you should replace it and purchase a high efficiency condensing boiler. This might save you about 1/3 on your heating bills because they convert more than 88% of the fuel into heat, while conventional boilers convert about 70-75%. If you cannot afford a new boiler you might consider insulating your hot water tank and the water pipes to reduce heat loss.
Lighting should also be energy efficient. Traditional light bulbs need a lot of electricity. Fluorescent light bulbs are better because they save energy (needing only 25% of the amount of electricity needed by a traditional light bulb), have longer life spans (up to 10 times longer) and generate less heat. Sure, they are more expensive than a traditional light bulb but the longer lifetime and energy savings compensate for this. Overall, these simple energy saving tips, plus purchasing energy efficient home appliances, will reduce energy costs for the cold season and will make your building more comfortable, while increasing its value.
Tags: save gas, conserving energy, save money, reduce energy, cheap fuel, cut electric bill, solar power, cheap energy, wind power, save energy
Apr
9
Energy Saving Tips: - Energy-Saving Window Evaporative Coolers
Filed Under Save Energy | Leave a Comment
Window Evaporative Coolers cost much less to operate. install and use. This article examines the various features of these amazing coolers.
See How Window Evaporative Coolers Can Help You Save Costs!
If you are seeking for an evaporative cooler that is energy and cost efficient. and do not require portability offered by portable evaporative coolers. than window evaporative cooler units may be just right for you.
Cost benefits arise as ducting is not required for the installation of Window Evaporative Coolers. in addition to the lower energy consumption of up to 80% of a standard air conditioner. Thus. this translates to total energy cost savings of up to $250 a year on your electricity bills.
Window Evaporative Coolers are highly suited for homes located in hot and dry climate. as the humidity of the air that has passed through the evaporative cooler is increased. in addition to being cooled. As the name suggests. these coolers need to be smaller than other types of evaporative coolers in order to be fitted onto windows.
Adobeair Window Evaporative Coolers With Great Exterior Design
One of the more prominent window evaporative cooler brands is the AdobeAir range of Evaporative Coolers. The MasterCool range features evaporative coolers with remote control units. and an easy to install mounting stand. Alternatively. the AspenAir range of evaporative coolers incorporates a more attractive exterior design with adjustable louvers to facilitate multi-directional air flow in the room. Yet another range is the SlimLine range which offers powerful cooling function combined with a slim form factor and an open grille for added usage flexibility.
Coolmax Window Evaporative Coolers With Low Noise Levels
For the consumer who values utmost quietness in the room. the Coolmax window evaporative cooler would be just the right choice! As there is no compressor in these units as compared to air conditioner. the noise level is greatly reduced. The only noise that can possibly be generated from this window evaporative cooler would probably be from the fan. However. as the fan is placed outside the room. the whirring fan sound is also minimized. What?s more. this cooler has an option to run on solar powered energy as opposed to electricity. which translates to even greater cost savings for the user.
Convair Window Mounted Evaporative Coolers Are Easy To Install
Finally. there are the coolers by convair which are mountable on windows. These are built for easy window installation and designed with a cover that will not rust or corrode. With a water volume of 6 gallon. this provides ample cooling volume for the cooling process for optimum performance.
About the Author:
Matt Anderson writes for http://www.evaporative-air-coolers.com .For additional information on window evaporative coolers, visit his website.
Tags: cheap electricity, cut electric bill, save gas, save money, plugandsave, powersaver, energy saver, cheap fuel, how to save energy, reduce power
Apr
9
Offshore wind farms are becoming an increasingly popular idea, right across the world. This is down number of factors that all contribute to the argument of constructing wind turbines out at sea.
Until the idea of placing turbines out at sea came along, the placement of wind turbines was usually decided upon by a locations average annual wind speed. The disadvantage of this method of deciding where to construct turbines, rests upon the fact that where there is a high wind speed on land, there could very well be houses or businesses nearby.
Most people agree that wind turbines are a very sustainable and cost effective method of generate renewable energy, yet a large amount of people who think that, wouldn’t take too kindly to a large wind turbine or wind farm been placed within half a mile of their home.
Wind turbines are described to sound like jet engines, and when you get close to one, you can really make out this comparison. This is a huge problem when developers request planning permission, and usually village and/or town meetings will be held, followed by petitions of large numbers against the development.
So, wind turbines placed out at sea currently seem like a very good option, as the wind is quite constant, of a significant energy, and no-one is around to hear the output of noise. The main problem associated with this development method is the dangers and technological skill needed to construct large turbines in the seas.
Many more countries are turning to the idea of building wind turbines out to sea, in a bid to generate more natural energy. This idea is especially welcomed by smaller countries who want to save land space while still allowing power industries to develop.
Offshore wind farms are set to play a very significant part in the future of our society, along with other renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, and especially geothermal energy. If you want to do something good for your environment, why not go small scale, and just implement one of the technologies to give a boost to your home electricity supply.
Tags: save power, save money, reduce power, energy saver, reduce energy, plug and save, save gas, save fuel, powersaver, energy survey
Apr
8
Energy Saving Tips: - Not All Solar Products Are Wicked Expensive
Filed Under Save Energy | Leave a Comment
Have you looked into Solar Energy Kits and found they are simply too expensive? Those kits are great and are worth the hefty investment, but if they are too pricey for you, don’t give up on Solar Energy yet. There are quite a few more affordable Solar options that save energy and money and require almost no maintenance. One of the easiest and most affordable is Solar Lighting.
Solar lights have a panel that collects the sun’s energy and uses it to power a battery. Once you buy the unit and set it up, there’s not much else to do. Just keep the panel in a sunny spot. And don’t worry if you want to put the light in a spot that doesn’t get much sun. You can buy a unit that has the panel and light separate. The light can be in the shade as long as the panel that powers it gets sun.
Because these lights use the sun’s energy and not electricity, there are no cumbersome electric wires. Having no wires gives you more freedom to put lights in places that have no access to an outlet. You don’t have to worry about anyone, especially children and pets, tripping on wires.
Solar Accent Lighting
Using Solar for pathway and garden lighting will save you energy and money and add ambiance to your yard and garden. You can find all different styles from more standard shapes to fancier lantern and flower shapes. Use them to light pathways or to accentuate specific areas or objects. You may want to emphasize certain garden plants or decorations or just brighten dark areas.
If you’re not using your yard and garden in the evening because it’s too dark, try some Solar Accent Lighting and enjoy the outdoors more.
Solar Lighting for Safety
Solar is also great for porch lighting, motion sensored lights and other lights to make your home more safe. Add some extra lighting on driveways and pathways for safer footing or put lighting near objects that people might trip over. Make the porch light you have for security Solar and save. Solar can also be used for motion sensored lights for areas where you don’t want or need the light on all the time.
Be aware that Solar Lighting may not be strong enough to power a very bright light all night long. Check the model’s specifications before you buy to make sure it will cover your needs.
Solar Swimming Pool Lighting
You can use Solar Energy for lighting and heating your swimming pool and save loads on your utility bills.
For lighting, you can use the same type of pathway and garden lighting mentioned above. Depending on how you want the light to fall, you can use hanging lights or ones that are more low to the ground. A lit pool can create a nice atmosphere for an evening garden party or just a relaxing dinner outside.
For a really unique ambiance, try putting solar lighting in your pool. You can buy Solar lights that float in the pool for a special lighting touch.
If you haven’t shopped for outdoor Solar lighting lately, you may be surprised at the many attractive options you have to save energy and money. And don’t forget that when you use clean, renewable Solar Power, you are helping the environment too!
www.Make YourHomeEnergyEfficient
is a free website for homeowners and renters offering advice on saving energy and money in your home.
Tags: save gas, reduce power, energy survey, energy saver, save money, cheap fuel, powersaver, plugandsave, save energy, cheap electricity
Apr
8
Energy Saving Tips: - Practical Experience Reveals That Energy is a Business’ Third-Highest Cost.
Filed Under Save Energy | Leave a Comment
Practical Experience Reveals That Energy is a Business’ Third-Highest Cost.
John Hurst www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com January, 2006
With America’s commercial business sector leading demand, the cost of providing energy to the nation’s business and residential consumers is expected to easily exceed $200 billion this winter.
Walter W. ‘Chip’ Schroeder, President of Distributed Energy Systems Corp. (NASDAQ: DESC), which started out as a hydrogen company, succeeded originally on the strength of the excitement surrounding fuel cells five years ago. “The reality is that nobody has succeeded with fuel cells,” he said, “to anything like the degree of performance and particularly cost that they were aiming to achieve by now.”
With fuel cells still not ready for prime time, Distributed Energy adjusted its sights by adopting ready-for-market technologies and acquiring a company that builds projects and delivers power to end users looking to supplementing their grids and getting more control over their electricity supplies. It worked and Schroeder now says, “We’re trying to do above ground what a number of technologies have proven very successful below ground.
“Things like directional drilling, seismic and measurement well drilling have greatly improved the ability to turn marginal resources into profitable production. Above-ground technologies are letting us direct energy to its highest and best uses, more effectively. All electricity is not demanded equally. Now, control over the price, reliability and quality of the power is achieved.” The subsidiary, Northern Power Systems, designs and installs systems in parallel with a grid at points where the value of electricity is highest.
“People need energy for all sorts of different uses, and some are much more valuable than others. Technology is helping to achieve differentiated quality of service in a way that really wasn’t commercially feasible even five or 10 years ago. We are building high efficiency (70% or better) systems that yield three to four year payback and significantly improved reliability.” he said.
George Burnes, President of SmartCool Systems, Inc. (OTC.PK: SSCFF; TSXV: SSC), explains the primary driver towards commercial energy efficient technology as being the desire to reduce operating costs. Energy, he added, is typically the third largest operating expense for a business, ranking behind only salary costs and rent.
“In addition to this as we move forward into the 21st century,” Burnes stated, “pressure from governments and environmental lobby groups as well as geo-political events is accelerating global demand to reduce the dependence on fossil-fuelled electricity generation. International treaties such as the ‘Kyoto Accord’ have resulted in many countries formally committing to significantly reduce ‘green house gas’ emissions.
“Recent geo-political instability in major fossil fuel producing regions has only served to increase public demand within North America to reduce dependence on fossil-fuelled electricity generation. This has resulted in cash and tax incentives being offered by utilities and local governments in many states and provinces to encourage industrial, commercial and institutional users to reduce electricity consumption through the installation of energy savings equipment.”
Burnes said businesses are looking for the means to reduce costs, increase profits and satisfy ever-increasing demands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve the environment.
The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) said it has established relationships with a number of organizations on energy efficiency. Dow is an active member of the American Chemistry Council’s Energy Team. Dow is also a member of the Consumer Alliance for Affordable Natural Gas (CAANG), which advocates for a renewed nationwide focus on energy efficiency and conservation, as part of a comprehensive and balanced U.S. energy policy. The Company is participating in an industrial energy efficiency campaign initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy and is also a major corporate sponsor of the Alliance to Save Energy’s “The Power is in Your Hands” consumer energy conservation campaign, launched in December, 2005.
A Dow spokesman in Houston, TX, commented, “Dow is also committed to helping consumers reduce their energy consumption by producing products that help lower electric bills while making a positive difference for the environment. Cars, homes and buildings use significant amounts of energy. Dow offers many energy efficient solutions including STYROFOAM? insulation products and GREAT STUFF? Insulation Foam Sealants. All can help reduce energy use for homeowners and businesses by 20-30 percent. We also help consumers spend less at the pump. Dow Automotive offers a variety of plastics, composites and adhesives that make vehicles stronger, yet lighter, improving overall gas mileage.
“Dow is also an innovator in cogeneration - the simultaneous production of electricity and steam, currently used to produce 75 percent of the electricity needed to manufacture Dow products worldwide. Cogeneration typically uses 20 to 40 percent less fuel than conventional power generation, while reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and improving air quality.”
Steven P. Eschbach, spokesman for FuelCell Energy, Inc., (NASDAQ: FCEL) said, “High efficiency means less fuel per kilowatt hour of output and that essentially means lower operating costs or being able to control your energy costs. If you have on-site generation, that gives you more control over your energy costs and if you’re using direct fuel power plant at 45-47-percent electrical efficiency that is the best distributed-energy technology in its size range. All the other technologies are up to about 41-42 percent and, believe it or not, a three, four or five-percentage points of efficiency means a lot when it comes to controlling your energy costs.”
Eschbach added that a powerful driver is the reduction of greenhouse gases. “Again, getting the high efficiency back into the equation, the more efficient you are, the less harmful greenhouse gases you emit. Our technology not only provides electricity, but also uses the thermal output for co-generation applications, so our efficiencies can go continually higher - 45-47 percent for electrical efficiency can go up to 60-70 and beyond in terms of total thermal energy efficiency. And that goes a long way in terms of controlling your costs and reducing greenhouse emissions.”
He said energy efficiency clearly is becoming a paramount concern with end users and if less fuel is used, that does a lot in terms of energy security: “Not only do our power plants operate on natural gas, a domestic resource, it also operates on other methane fuels such as waste water treatment gas from an industrial or municipal waste water treatment facility. There, you are able to bypass oil use altogether and just use the existing domestic sources that you have. For a wastewater treatment plant, the economies are even greater because the fuel that’s generated from the wastewater treatment process is actually the fuel that generates electricity to treat the water. So clearly, you have an opportunity to clear away from foreign sources of energy and stick with the domestic resources that are here at home.”
International Rectifier (NYSE: IRF) semiconductors enable the exact delivery of electricity to allow the end product to work efficiently, company spokesman Graham Robertson said.
“Power management technology can help the world save a remarkable amount of energy. There are three areas where advancements in power management that can help save about 30 percent of the world’s projected energy demands. The first area is the ubiquitous electric motor, consuming over half of the world’s electricity today and where electronic motion control technology can be applied to tame it. Next, are automotive systems that, with the aid of power management technology, can cut fuel consumption by 50 percent. Lastly in lighting, power management can help save half of the electricity by hastening the move to energy-saving alternatives such as high-efficiency fluorescents, digitally-dimmable ballasts, and LED technology,” Robertson said.
He added, “We have seen a change in consumer and supplier behavior as our products are nearing price neutral and performance neutral and the cost of energy is increased. Consumers are more aware of the energy-efficiency options they have available. Suppliers are increasing their desire to have energy-efficient products available in the marketplace.”
John Hurst
John Hurst has focused on marketing and communications for public and private companies in the United States and Canada.
Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp, http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/About/Disclaimer.asp
?Copyright InvestorIdeas 2005
John Hurst has focused on marketing and communications for public and private companies in the United States and Canada.
Tags: save power, cut electric bill, reduce power, cheap energy, plug and save, save fuel, solar panels, conserving energy, save money, powersaver
Apr
7
Energy Saving Tips: - How To Cut Costs With Your Air Conditioner
Filed Under Save Energy | Leave a Comment
Majority of households nowadays in one way or another have air conditioners. Many houses especially in tropical countries have air conditioners. Types may range from window types, split types and the centralized ones for big establishments or for those who could afford. Having an air conditioner is indeed an advantage especially if we need to cool ourselves from the hot humid weather during summer. But, the thing is having an air conditioner can shoot up electricity costs as compared to utilizing only an electric fan.
There are a lot of factors that you have to consider that would affect your air conditioning electric bill. The first obvious factor would be your location. The type of weather you have in your country would greatly affect how hard your air conditioner is expected to work. If you live in a place with a naturally hot climate, your air conditioner is expected to work twice as hard compared to one that is being utilized in a home with a mild climate because it has to maintain coolness and comfort.
The energy efficiency ratio of your air conditioner is also another important consideration. Manufacturers of appliances worldwide are now expected to include with the appliance a tag indicating the appliance?s energy efficiency and electric usage. Look for an air conditioner that would use minimal electricity to help you save on your electrical bill. Having an old model of an air conditioner that is like a decade old should call for you to changing it with a new one.
It is also important that you buy an air conditioner in the size proportionate to the room size where you will be installing the unit. The tendency would be that if you were to utilize a small air conditioner in a very big room, it wouldn?t be able to give the adequate coolness and comfort it is suppose to provide. In addition, the unit will have to exert double the effort to make the room cool which means higher electrical usage. It is true that larger units cost more but it would definitely save you on usage costs in the long run.
Of course there is one factor that you cannot control and that is your local cost of electricity. Saving on energy is really up to you. You can do other things as well like having your air conditioner filter regularly cleaned or replaced when necessary which could also help you in minimizing your cost for electrical usage.
About the Author:
Mary Lorainne writes about HomeAnnex coupons, Homeclick code, homedepot sale
Tags: save power, how to save energy, save gas, save energy, plug and save, wind power, cheap energy, cheap electricity, save fuel, reduce energy
Apr
7
Energy Saving Tips: - Practical Experience Reveals That Energy is a Business’ Third-Highest Cost.
Filed Under Save Energy | Leave a Comment
Practical Experience Reveals That Energy is a Business’ Third-Highest Cost.
John Hurst www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com January, 2006
With America’s commercial business sector leading demand, the cost of providing energy to the nation’s business and residential consumers is expected to easily exceed $200 billion this winter.
Walter W. ‘Chip’ Schroeder, President of Distributed Energy Systems Corp. (NASDAQ: DESC), which started out as a hydrogen company, succeeded originally on the strength of the excitement surrounding fuel cells five years ago. “The reality is that nobody has succeeded with fuel cells,” he said, “to anything like the degree of performance and particularly cost that they were aiming to achieve by now.”
With fuel cells still not ready for prime time, Distributed Energy adjusted its sights by adopting ready-for-market technologies and acquiring a company that builds projects and delivers power to end users looking to supplementing their grids and getting more control over their electricity supplies. It worked and Schroeder now says, “We’re trying to do above ground what a number of technologies have proven very successful below ground.
“Things like directional drilling, seismic and measurement well drilling have greatly improved the ability to turn marginal resources into profitable production. Above-ground technologies are letting us direct energy to its highest and best uses, more effectively. All electricity is not demanded equally. Now, control over the price, reliability and quality of the power is achieved.” The subsidiary, Northern Power Systems, designs and installs systems in parallel with a grid at points where the value of electricity is highest.
“People need energy for all sorts of different uses, and some are much more valuable than others. Technology is helping to achieve differentiated quality of service in a way that really wasn’t commercially feasible even five or 10 years ago. We are building high efficiency (70% or better) systems that yield three to four year payback and significantly improved reliability.” he said.
George Burnes, President of SmartCool Systems, Inc. (OTC.PK: SSCFF; TSXV: SSC), explains the primary driver towards commercial energy efficient technology as being the desire to reduce operating costs. Energy, he added, is typically the third largest operating expense for a business, ranking behind only salary costs and rent.
“In addition to this as we move forward into the 21st century,” Burnes stated, “pressure from governments and environmental lobby groups as well as geo-political events is accelerating global demand to reduce the dependence on fossil-fuelled electricity generation. International treaties such as the ‘Kyoto Accord’ have resulted in many countries formally committing to significantly reduce ‘green house gas’ emissions.
“Recent geo-political instability in major fossil fuel producing regions has only served to increase public demand within North America to reduce dependence on fossil-fuelled electricity generation. This has resulted in cash and tax incentives being offered by utilities and local governments in many states and provinces to encourage industrial, commercial and institutional users to reduce electricity consumption through the installation of energy savings equipment.”
Burnes said businesses are looking for the means to reduce costs, increase profits and satisfy ever-increasing demands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve the environment.
The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) said it has established relationships with a number of organizations on energy efficiency. Dow is an active member of the American Chemistry Council’s Energy Team. Dow is also a member of the Consumer Alliance for Affordable Natural Gas (CAANG), which advocates for a renewed nationwide focus on energy efficiency and conservation, as part of a comprehensive and balanced U.S. energy policy. The Company is participating in an industrial energy efficiency campaign initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy and is also a major corporate sponsor of the Alliance to Save Energy’s “The Power is in Your Hands” consumer energy conservation campaign, launched in December, 2005.
A Dow spokesman in Houston, TX, commented, “Dow is also committed to helping consumers reduce their energy consumption by producing products that help lower electric bills while making a positive difference for the environment. Cars, homes and buildings use significant amounts of energy. Dow offers many energy efficient solutions including STYROFOAM? insulation products and GREAT STUFF? Insulation Foam Sealants. All can help reduce energy use for homeowners and businesses by 20-30 percent. We also help consumers spend less at the pump. Dow Automotive offers a variety of plastics, composites and adhesives that make vehicles stronger, yet lighter, improving overall gas mileage.
“Dow is also an innovator in cogeneration - the simultaneous production of electricity and steam, currently used to produce 75 percent of the electricity needed to manufacture Dow products worldwide. Cogeneration typically uses 20 to 40 percent less fuel than conventional power generation, while reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and improving air quality.”
Steven P. Eschbach, spokesman for FuelCell Energy, Inc., (NASDAQ: FCEL) said, “High efficiency means less fuel per kilowatt hour of output and that essentially means lower operating costs or being able to control your energy costs. If you have on-site generation, that gives you more control over your energy costs and if you’re using direct fuel power plant at 45-47-percent electrical efficiency that is the best distributed-energy technology in its size range. All the other technologies are up to about 41-42 percent and, believe it or not, a three, four or five-percentage points of efficiency means a lot when it comes to controlling your energy costs.”
Eschbach added that a powerful driver is the reduction of greenhouse gases. “Again, getting the high efficiency back into the equation, the more efficient you are, the less harmful greenhouse gases you emit. Our technology not only provides electricity, but also uses the thermal output for co-generation applications, so our efficiencies can go continually higher - 45-47 percent for electrical efficiency can go up to 60-70 and beyond in terms of total thermal energy efficiency. And that goes a long way in terms of controlling your costs and reducing greenhouse emissions.”
He said energy efficiency clearly is becoming a paramount concern with end users and if less fuel is used, that does a lot in terms of energy security: “Not only do our power plants operate on natural gas, a domestic resource, it also operates on other methane fuels such as waste water treatment gas from an industrial or municipal waste water treatment facility. There, you are able to bypass oil use altogether and just use the existing domestic sources that you have. For a wastewater treatment plant, the economies are even greater because the fuel that’s generated from the wastewater treatment process is actually the fuel that generates electricity to treat the water. So clearly, you have an opportunity to clear away from foreign sources of energy and stick with the domestic resources that are here at home.”
International Rectifier (NYSE: IRF) semiconductors enable the exact delivery of electricity to allow the end product to work efficiently, company spokesman Graham Robertson said.
“Power management technology can help the world save a remarkable amount of energy. There are three areas where advancements in power management that can help save about 30 percent of the world’s projected energy demands. The first area is the ubiquitous electric motor, consuming over half of the world’s electricity today and where electronic motion control technology can be applied to tame it. Next, are automotive systems that, with the aid of power management technology, can cut fuel consumption by 50 percent. Lastly in lighting, power management can help save half of the electricity by hastening the move to energy-saving alternatives such as high-efficiency fluorescents, digitally-dimmable ballasts, and LED technology,” Robertson said.
He added, “We have seen a change in consumer and supplier behavior as our products are nearing price neutral and performance neutral and the cost of energy is increased. Consumers are more aware of the energy-efficiency options they have available. Suppliers are increasing their desire to have energy-efficient products available in the marketplace.”
John Hurst
John Hurst has focused on marketing and communications for public and private companies in the United States and Canada.
Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp, http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/About/Disclaimer.asp
?Copyright InvestorIdeas 2005
John Hurst has focused on marketing and communications for public and private companies in the United States and Canada.
Tags: reduce power, powersaver, cut electric bill, energy survey, plugandsave, save money, cheap electricity, save gas, save energy, cheap fuel
Apr
6
Energy Saving Tips: - Solar Power Saves on Electricity Bills
Filed Under Save Energy | Leave a Comment
A typical solar system will reduce the need for conventional water heating by about two-thirds. Often the plumbing from a solar heater connects to a houses existing water heater, which stays inactive as long as the water coming in is hot or hotter than the temperature setting on the indoor water heater. When it falls below this temperature, the homes water heater can kick in to make up the difference. Incorporating passive solar designs can reduce heating bills by as much as 50 percent. High-temperature solar water heaters can provide energy-efficient hot water and hot water heat for large commercial and industrial facilities.
Many large commercial buildings can use solar collectors to provide more than just hot water. Solar process heating systems can be used to heat these buildings. A solar ventilation system can be used in cold climates to preheat air as it enters a building. And the heat from a solar collector can even be used to provide energy for cooling a building. The Co-operative Insurance Building in Manchester has the largest commercial solar system in the UK. I think it looks very futuristic and cool!
You can generate electricity for a single building like the co-op but there is the potential in the future to generate enough power for a power plant. The author of a recent Christian Aid report, John McGhie, said that for $50bn (?26bn) the whole of sub-Saharan Africa could be turned into a solar-generated economy. And $50bn is exactly the same amount as the continent would have to pay on extra fuel bills from oil,” he said.
Electrical retailer Currys is about to add a new item to its usual array of washing machines and other white goods - solar panels. Currys is taking a risk as the solar panels will cost far more than anything else the store sells. They say it will cost the average three bedroom household about ?9,000 to buy and install solar panels - compared to ?16,000 in specialist stores. There are also grants available through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.
What other solar gadgets can you buy?
Well, Sharp, the world’s number one solar cell producer, has just turned its hand to glass studded with LED lights and cells. Instead of generating enough electricity to run a home, it creates a psychedelic light show at night, powered entirely by the day’s sun.
You can also buy solar chargers for iPods and phones. Other recent outlandish additions include a solar-powered tent, scooter and LED house numbers, while mundane ones like bike lights, torches and radios have been around for years.
People can also use captured passive solar heat to cook food. A basic cooker consists of an insulated box with a glass top. Heat from concentrated sunlight gets trapped in the box and can be used to heat food enclosed in the box. These have not been very popular to date.
Tags: save money, powersaver, save gas, cheap electricity, wind power, plug and save, energy saver, conserving energy, save energy, solar panels
Apr
4
Energy Saving Tips: - LED Lighting as an Alternative Energy Source
Filed Under Save Energy | Leave a Comment
There are many, many advantages to using LED lights as much as possible, especially when we want to save energy on our planet. The light created by LED light bulbs is much safer lighting than that of regular light bulbs ? primarily because most light bulbs become very hot when used and can potentially cause fires. With LED lights you will never as much as burn your fingers touching a bulb, no matter how long it has been lit. However, LED lights can (and already do) serve a lot more purposes for the environment of which people are unaware.
LED lights are usually, and most effectively, designed in colors as opposed to translucent lights. As a matter of fact, some of the very first LED lights were designed for Christmas decorations etc. This is because people wanted safer lights to be sure there were no unfortunate accidents occurring due to hot lights and dry pine needles or outdoor leaves and so on during the holiday season. However, research, design and technology have been updated and are continuously being considered for other reasons.
LED lights are already being used for more purposes than you may think ? and we should focus on incorporating LED lighting into even more of the lighting we use. The following are examples of some ways in which LED lighting has already been utilized in our economy:
o Christmas lights, as I mentioned before are available as LED lights. They have become more and more popular since the cost of LED lights lessened around the year 2002.
o Exit signs, traffic lights, for example, have been used with LED technology as opposed to other forms of lighting.
o Flashlights, toys and other small devices are using LED lights for the benefit of a LED light?s ability to continue to work longer than a light with regular bulbs. In other words, batteries actually perform better and last longer in merchandise that uses LED light.
o Elevator push buttons.
o Status indicators: the status indicators on all kinds of equipment and technological merchandise have begun to use LED lighting.
o Motorcycles and bicycles already have LED lights for safer nighttime riding.
o Movement sensors.
o Glow lights.
o Thin lightweight displays at places such as subway stations, airports, trams, highway signs busses, and ferries have been using LED lighting for awhile. Nonetheless, I believe that we could use this option even more ? LED lighting is a way to improve the environment, reduce electric risks, and eliminate the waste of energy.
o Light bars on emergency vehicles.
o Automotive high-mounted brake lights and truck and bus brake lights have begun to use LED lighting as well.
o Remote controls for stereos, DVD, television, and CD players often use infrared LED lights. It has actually been that way for some time now. People don?t often notice how often they have to change remote batteries ? unless it seems like they have to be changed too frequently. Thus, you may not even notice that you own an LED remote until it finally does require a change of batteries. This happened to me and I realized how much more infrequently LED operated merchandise of all kinds allow batteries to last and last.
o Back lighting for LCD televisions and displays frequently uses LED technology.
o New theatrical stage lighting equipment is being created in LED lighting for primary red ? green ? blue arrangements.
LED lights are usually, and most effectively, designed in colors as opposed to translucent lights. However, these pale to darkly colored lights are quite effective for many purposes. The wonderful idea of LED lighting is one to grasp onto when we reach out for alternative sources of light and energy. Some of the very first LED lights were designed for Christmas decorations, but it does not stop there. LED lights can prevent unfortunate home fires occurring due to the heat generated by burning light bulbs, but are not nearly as inexpensive as we would like just yet. However, research, design and technology have been updated and ways to improve the expenses of LED for more and more purposes are continuously being considered. I hope and predict that in the future the LED modifications we make will certainly make up for the cost in the long run. Because of the ability of LED lighting to last longer than virtually all other forms of regular lighting and because of the safety issues involved, the goal is that LED lighting will become more and more useful as time goes on.
Tags: cheap fuel, save power, save money, powersaver, save fuel, solar panels, wind power, cut electric bill, plug and save, cheap energy
Apr
2
Energy Saving Tips: - Gas Powered Scooters: Taking Back The Road
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Gas powered Scooters have been around forever.
By definition a gas powered scooters are also known as mopeds are a two-wheeled (normally) low powered vehicle. In most states its small size and low power output allow it to escape many of the licensing, insurance, and driver restrictions placed on motorcycles.
Gas scooters were first introduced to the world in the middle of the 1950?s. The first design was little more then a bicycle with an engine mounted on it, it was called a cyclemotor. The cylcemotor can still be seen on the road these days in the form of electric bikes.
Gas powered scooters have been popular for years in several European countries. With the rising cost of gas in America they have seen an increase in popularity in the United States.
One of the reasons some people have a gas powered scooter is to circumvent loosing a driver?s license. Many states don?t require a driver to have an operator?s license if they are over eighteen years of age, sixteen in some states. They also don?t require that the operator have proof of insurance and a current registration.
If you would like to become a member of a scooter club and go on scooter rallies you are probably going to want to invest in a gas powered scooter.
While the advantages of an electric scooter might be the ability to fold it into a small compact bundle of aluminum and carry with you on the bus and store it in the linen closet gas powered scooters have their own array of advantages.
a. Gas powered scooters are faster than the average electric scooter. They can travel at speeds up to thirty-one miles an hour.
b. Gas scooters have very cool body styles; some gas powered scooters look more like miniature motorcycles then scooters.
c. Gas scooters save tons of money - While the cost of gassing up gas powered scooters might seem expensive compared to the low cost of running an electric scooter, the mileage they get quickly make up for the gallon of gas they require.
d. Gas powered scooters can maneuver rather well ? A gas scooter is a great way to move through traffic. They dart in and out between cars, especially gridlocked traffic. Imagine how good you look arriving at the office ahead of the car driving staff.
e. No parking spots? No problem! Mopeds can be squeezed into any available space, even right in front of the front of the buildings door or on the sidewalk.
f. Maintenance, no problem ? A Gas powered scooter is easy to maintain. With a basic grasp of tools and a decent book about mechanics most people are able to maintain their gas powered scooter in their own garage. How many people can claim that about their cars these days?
The best thing about gas scooters is the freedom. While you drive your scooter down the road you can smell the scent of the leaves changing in the fall, the warm summer breeze can brush along you cheeks as you hear the call of the Red Wing Blackbird. What more could you ask for?
Tags: reduce power, cheap fuel, solar panels, cheap energy, powersaver, how to save energy, conserving energy, energy survey, save power, save money