Feb
29
Energy Saving Tips: - Best Hybrid Car
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It would be easy to figure out which of the current automobiles today were ranked with the best energy efficiency ratings in gasoline powered car engines, model design, and those rated with the best safety features per car class. There is a wide opinion spread of rankings that can be provided by most major automobile manufacturers’ reviews.
It would probably be difficult, if not impossible to find same rankings for the dual-powered hybrid automobile that is emerging like gangbusters on the automobile market today. It would also be near impossible to figure out which of these models would be considered or ranked as the best hybrid car available on the market today because with the energy saving features that save people money at the gas pumps, all of these hybrid car models are a winner.
The best hybrid car would provide versatility and style to the consumer. With mild hybrid and full hybrid car models available, there is a good selection of features that consumers can choose that will meet their individual driving needs and styles. Some of these hybrid car varieties have the capability of driving from a dead start on electrical power, while others require the gas powered motor feature to engage first to perform this part of the drive train operation.
There are three components in all of the hybrid cars that are manufactured today. To be considered a hybrid car, the automobile must have a gas powered automobile engine, an electrical motor and a car battery or battery pack underneath the hood. The manner that these components work together or singularly to move your car further down the highway depend greatly on the type of hybrid it is. The best hybrid vehicle would be one that used all three, but if that is not typical of your driving style, you will receive better fuel usage through the mild hybrid style which would render the car more economical.
The ease in use would also qualify a hybrid car into being considered one of the best on the market today. The keyless operation option is a highly valued feature that most consumers would prefer not to do without. These hybrid automobiles do not have a regular ignition switch, but feature state-of-the art technology in a push button ignition switch. All hybrid cars that have this feature built into their consoles will definitely be considered on the best hybrid automobile list that anyone creates.
Another feature that would be hard to vote on, in this best hybrid dual-powered car list would be the hybrids that give you a touch screen with interactive displays that give you a realm of information at your fingertips. The energy efficient power cars give multi-dimensional information across the console of the automobile, where you can tell at a glance what the climate control temperature is, or the radio settings are.
The simplistic pampering that these hybrid cars offer can give car owners back the control that they have in their cars. Drivers can now stay informed on the flow of power that goes through the electrical components and can now tell when this flow is affecting fuel consumption. With so many modes of operation to keep you informed and entertained, the hybrid automobile is hard to separate if you are trying to identify which one of the many manufactured brands are the best car in its class.
Tags: plugandsave, powersaver, how to save energy, reduce power, energy saver, conserving energy, save money, plug and save, save energy, cut electric bill
Feb
29
Energy Saving Tips: - How To Cut Costs With Your Air Conditioner
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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: reduce power, solar power, plug and save, solar panels, how to save energy, cheap electricity, save fuel, energy saver, save energy, save gas
Feb
27
Energy Saving Tips: - Solar Panels - How You Can Boost Your Home Power Supply
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Solar power is generated when energy is extracted from the suns rays through the use of photovoltaic cells (commonly referred to as solar cells). These cells convert photos (from the suns rays) into electricity, and this process is known as the “photovoltaic effect.”
Many people are beginning to invest in such technologies to avoid rising electricity prices and to help our environment. If every home could be fitted with solar panels, then the strain on power stations would decrease dramatically, which means we wouldn’t be left as dependable on fossil fuels as we currently are.
Solar Panels:
- Advantages - widely available, relatively easy to install, very significant output, a solar panel will pay for itself in two to three years, lifetime of 20 to 30 years, modern cells can harness power on cloudy days, can bring power to remote locations.
- Disadvantages - costly to begin with, older technologies won’t work too well if cloudy.
Wind Turbines:
- Advantages - fairly cheap for a home turbine, can be used in harsh conditions.
- Disadvantages - totally dependent on the wind, small output, larger turbines can be noisy, wind farms are seen by many as eyesores, larger (more effective) turbines can be very expensive.
Geothermal Energy:
- Advantages - can aid in the heating of hot water, save money on running your boiler, can supply effective underfloor heating, heat from the ground can be relied upon.
- Disadvantages - have to lay hundreds of meters of piping underground, hard to fix a leak, expensive, longer time to heat water than a boiler.
So there we have the advantages and disadvantages of each. Assuming you do not live by a rapid stream or running river (which rules out hydroelectric power), then as you can see from the above text, solar power is your best option. Solar panels offer many more friendly factors and less disadvantages than other technologies. A proven method is to have more than one of the above technologies installed around a home (all three would be a dream, but also leave a large hole in your wallet). So if you have the spare cash, are interested in saving money on future electricity bills, care for the environment, and would like to be less dependent on fossil fuels, why not take a deeper look into the world of renewable energy resources.
Tags: save power, energy saver, plug and save, cut electric bill, plugandsave, solar panels, save fuel, energy survey, wind power, save money
Feb
25
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: energy saver, cheap energy, plug and save, save energy, powersaver, solar panels, how to save energy, reduce energy, cheap fuel, save gas
Feb
23
Are you aware of how much electricity you consume every day? With the rising price of fuel, energy costs are on the rise. And yet, electricity is still one of the most wasted forms of energy on the planet. There are many ways to save electricity, and with it, money. There are simple things you can do, ones that require a little more effort, and then there are choices you can make while shopping that can reduce your kilowatt-hours. By following just a few of these steps, you can take control of your energy use and see a real difference in your electric bill.
Level One - Simple and Easy
The items in Level One are simple, straightforward, and take less than five minutes to do.
Learn to turn off the lights when you leave a room. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but your average light bulb is one of your biggest power-wasters. You can see a significant difference in your bill by making sure that unnecessary lights are off. You might even consider looking at the light-bulb shopping points in Level Three.
Another great way to save on power with lights is by using sunlight as much as you can. Opening your curtains or blinds and turning the electric lamps off will not only save electricity, but give better light in most cases.
If you have an electric air conditioner or heater, shut it off or turn it down when you leave. Why waste energy and money heating or cooling an empty home? You can also turn these down when you go to sleep. Thermostats with built-in timers help here, but you can do this just as easily with a manual one.
Also, always turn off fans - ceiling or otherwise - when you leave the room. They don’t actually reduce the temperature in the room; the moving air only feels cooler against your skin. So if you’re not there to enjoy the breeze, turn it off.
Level Two - More Power to You
Level Two consists of actions that may take an extra few minutes or half hour to do, but can save quite a bit more.
Find all the electronics in your house that have a big transformer, or “wall-wart.” Almost all of these devices have what’s called a phantom load; they use up to 80% of normal power even when turned off. TVs and stereos in particular are big drains. Be particularly wary of devices who have remotes, or whose manual refers to being off as “stand-by” or “sleep mode.” If you don’t want to unplug these devices every time you finish using them, a power strip or light-switch-controlled outlet can be an easier option. Flip a switch and save money.
The biggest power-waster in your home is likely an iron or hair drier. Converting electricity to heat is among the most inefficient processes in everyday use. The solution is simple - reduce your use. Ironing all your clothes at once keeps you from heating up the iron several times. Towel-dry your hair as much as possible; the power drain of a hair drier is enormous. Space heaters are also electricity-wasters, so keeping their use down will also help.
Level Three - Shop Smart
Level Three consists of things to consider when buying electrical appliances in order to save money long-term.
Almost any electrical appliance will fall into the wall-wart category described above. Most of them have labels on the box with how much power they consume. If this rating isn’t given in watts, arithmetic can help: Power (watts) = current (amps) x voltage (volts). So if your appliance’s wall-wart says “Output: 12V, 1.5A”, then it will require 12 x 1.5 = 18 watts. The lower the wattage, the lower your bill will be.
When buying light bulbs, consider switching to compact fluorescent bulbs. These new bulbs will use less power and last much longer, resulting in a double savings.
If you’re buying a stereo, television or something else that has a “memory,” see if you can find one that will keep its settings when unplugged, so you don’t have to decide between reprogramming every day or paying more for electricity.
When buying audio equipment, the current fad is to get the loudest, most powerful stereo or set of speakers you can afford. Yet in most cases, using this device at more than 1/3 of maximum volume will result in the police knocking on your door. Also, the bigger speakers use more electricity; the idea is to reduce your wattage, not increase it. Buy a reasonable system and save money both up front and on your power bill.
When buying a monitor for your computer or a television, know that liquid crystal (LCD) screens use significantly less power than the Cathode Ray Tube ones of old. Also, a smaller display uses less power, so choose only as big as you need, and you’ll save a great deal.
The generation of electricity is a high-pollution industry. Anything that saves electricity helps reduce that pollution while saving you money. These ideas are just a few of the many ways in which you can help the environment and your wallet.
Juan Anselmo Borla is a freelance writer and poet. He lives at Dancing Rabbit, a sustainable ecovillage in northeast Missouri. There, he hopes to make the world a better place by using his Chemical Engineering degree to develop an alternative fuels program. His fiancee and two cats hope he doesn’t blow himself up in the process. He can be reached at jaborla[at]gmail[dot]com
Tags: save gas, cheap energy, save power, save money, cut electric bill, conserving energy, cheap fuel, solar panels, reduce energy, how to save energy
Feb
22
With the escalating price of gas, buying a fuel-efficient car makes a lot of sense. Approximately 15% of new car buyers reject a model due to poor gas mileage. Nearly 40% of those consumers who eliminate a full-size SUV due to gas mileage ultimately purchase a midsize SUV instead, while nearly 20% purchase another model altogether. (J.D. Power and Associates, Sept. 2004.)
But even if you don’t currently own a fuel-efficient car, there are lots of ways you can improve the fuel efficiency of your present vehicle until you’re ready to purchase one of the best gas mileage cars. Your personal driving habits have a big effect on your fuel use and costs. You can better manage your vehicle operating costs as well as minimize the emissions it produces by driving less and more efficiently. Here are some tips to help.
First, you need to know what kind of mileage you are getting. Calculate this by filling up your tank and recording the odometer reading-or you can reset your trip gauge to zero. Next time you get gas, fill the tank again and divide the miles you traveled between fill ups by the quantity of gas you bought on this fill-up. This is your car’s miles per gallon or mpg. If it’s pretty dismal, here’s how to turn your fuel guzzler into a fuel saver:
Drive slower: The aerodynamic drag on your car increases noticeably the faster you drive. The drag force at 70 mph is about double that at 50 mph, so keeping speed down can increase your mileage considerably. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. Each 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying an additional $.10/gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer for everyone.
Maintain a constant speed: Every time you speed up, you use energy, some of which is wasted when you slow the car down again. By maintaining a constant speed, especially driving the posted speed limit, you will improve your fuel efficiency. Just by increasing your highway cruising speed from 62 mph to 74 mph you increase fuel consumption by about 20%! Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and will usually save gas.
Drive gently: Aggressive driving-speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking-wastes gas. These bad habits can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% in the city. In addition, reasonable driving is safer for you and others, so you may be saving more than gas money. Consider using overdrive gears on the highway, as this decreases engine speed, reducing fuel usage and engine wear.
Avoid Excess Idling: Idling gets 0 miles/gallon and wastes fuel and money, is hard on the engine and adds to toxic emissions. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than those with smaller engines. Turn off your engine if you think you will be stopped for more than 30 seconds. However, if you’re driving a fuel-efficient car like a hybrid, your electric motor is on when you idle, so you’re not wasting any gas at all!
Minimize air conditioning: Using your air conditioner in hot weather can increase your fuel consumption by more than 20% in city driving. Whenever possible, close all windows and use the air vents to circulate air instead of air conditioning. You will improve your fuel efficiency in summer by minimizing the use of air conditioning and using your car’s flow-through ventilation, especially on the highway. If you must use the air conditioning, set the controls to a level that lets the system cycle, and turn it off once the interior of car is cooled down enough. Also consider such options a sunroof and tinted glass to keep the car cool.
Keep Your Car in Shape: Maintaining your vehicle in top working condition saves you fuel and money, and reduces long-term maintenance costs while minimizing harmful emissions.
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned-Getting regular tune-ups when your car is out of tune or has failed an emissions test may improve gas mileage by about 4%. If your car has a faulty oxygen sensor and you have it fixed, gas mileage could improve as much as 40%. Make sure the spark plugs, if you have them, are firing properly, replacing them when necessary. Have the engine timing checked for accuracy.
Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly-Replacing a clogged air filter could improve a car’s gas mileage by as much as 10%. Additionally, it will protect your engine from impurities. Change this more often if you live in a dusty climate, drive on dirt or gravel roads or if you drive off-road for fun.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated-Your gas mileage can increase by about 3.3% if you keep tires inflated to their proper pressure. It takes more effort and gas for the engine to propel an underinflated tire than a correctly inflated one-which provide less road-resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Beware over-inflation, though, which can lead to handling problems and uneven tire wear. Check tire pressure on a regular basis, looking for signs of uneven wear or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. In winter, check tire pressure if there is a sharp change in temperature, as cold weather decreases air pressure in the tires.
Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil-Fuel efficiency can improve by 1-2% if you use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Also, if you change your own oil, look for motor oil rated as “Energy Conserving” to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Check Which Gas to Use-Choose the correct octane gas for your car by checking your owner’s manual. It’s not necessary to buy the “super” high-octane gas unless your car manufacturer recommends it or your engine knocks without it. While you won’t do harm to the engine, you will be paying more than you need to, since premium (highest octane) gas sells for an average of 17 cents more per gallon than regular gas. Only about 6% of cars sold in the U.S. need premium gas, according to the AAA. Also, avoid topping off your gas tank, since in warmer weather, fuel expansion can cause an overflow and you’ll be wasting precious fuel. You want to be a fuel saver-not a fuel waster!
Planning & Combining Trips: Combining errands to do together and in similar areas saves time and money. Several short trips starting from a cold engine can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip that covers the same distance when the engine is warmed up. With a little advance planning, you can avoid high traffic areas, road construction, retracing your route and ultimately reduce the distance you travel while running errands. You’ll not only save on fuel, but also reduce wear and tear on your car.
Commuting: If you can alternate your work hours to avoid rush hour, you’ll spend less time sitting in traffic and burn up less fuel. For stop and go traffic, drive your best gas mileage car if you own more than one vehicle. Contemplate telecommuting (working from home) when your job permits. If you can, participate in carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns sharing driving with others.
Traveling: A roof rack or carrier affords additional cargo space and helps out when you have a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack decreases fuel efficiency by 5%. Reduce the wind resistance and increase your fuel efficiency by putting objects inside the trunk when possible. Also, remove any unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, as an extra 100 lbs. in the trunk reduces a car’s fuel efficiency by about 1 to 2%.
2004 AllAboutHybridCars.com. Any reproduction of this article in any manner is prohibited without the consent of AllAboutHybridCars.com. We give permission to use this article on your website or e-zine if you reproduce it exactly as it appears here including this notice. Visit www.AllAboutHybridCars.com/eBook.htm to order your FREE report, “7 Critical Facts Everyone should Know Before Buying a Hybrid Car.”
But even if you don’t currently own a fuel-efficient car, there are lots of ways you can improve the fuel efficiency of your present vehicle until you’re ready to purchase one of the best gas mileage cars. Your personal driving habits have a big effect on your fuel use and costs. You can better manage your vehicle operating costs as well as minimize the emissions it produces by driving less and more efficiently. Here are some tips to help.
First, you need to know what kind of mileage you are getting. Calculate this by filling up your tank and recording the odometer reading-or you can reset your trip gauge to zero. Next time you get gas, fill the tank again and divide the miles you traveled between fill ups by the quantity of gas you bought on this fill-up. This is your car’s miles per gallon or mpg. If it’s pretty dismal, here’s how to turn your fuel guzzler into a fuel saver:
Drive slower: The aerodynamic drag on your car increases noticeably the faster you drive. The drag force at 70 mph is about double that at 50 mph, so keeping speed down can increase your mileage considerably. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. Each 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying an additional $.10/gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer for everyone.
Maintain a constant speed: Every time you speed up, you use energy, some of which is wasted when you slow the car down again. By maintaining a constant speed, especially driving the posted speed limit, you will improve your fuel efficiency. Just by increasing your highway cruising speed from 62 mph to 74 mph you increase fuel consumption by about 20%! Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and will usually save gas.
Drive gently: Aggressive driving-speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking-wastes gas. These bad habits can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% in the city. In addition, reasonable driving is safer for you and others, so you may be saving more than gas money. Consider using overdrive gears on the highway, as this decreases engine speed, reducing fuel usage and engine wear.
Avoid Excess Idling: Idling gets 0 miles/gallon and wastes fuel and money, is hard on the engine and adds to toxic emissions. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than those with smaller engines. Turn off your engine if you think you will be stopped for more than 30 seconds. However, if you’re driving a fuel-efficient car like a hybrid, your electric motor is on when you idle, so you’re not wasting any gas at all!
Minimize air conditioning: Using your air conditioner in hot weather can increase your fuel consumption by more than 20% in city driving. Whenever possible, close all windows and use the air vents to circulate air instead of air conditioning. You will improve your fuel efficiency in summer by minimizing the use of air conditioning and using your car’s flow-through ventilation, especially on the highway. If you must use the air conditioning, set the controls to a level that lets the system cycle, and turn it off once the interior of car is cooled down enough. Also consider such options a sunroof and tinted glass to keep the car cool.
Keep Your Car in Shape: Maintaining your vehicle in top working condition saves you fuel and money, and reduces long-term maintenance costs while minimizing harmful emissions.
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned-Getting regular tune-ups when your car is out of tune or has failed an emissions test may improve gas mileage by about 4%. If your car has a faulty oxygen sensor and you have it fixed, gas mileage could improve as much as 40%. Make sure the spark plugs, if you have them, are firing properly, replacing them when necessary. Have the engine timing checked for accuracy.
Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly-Replacing a clogged air filter could improve a car’s gas mileage by as much as 10%. Additionally, it will protect your engine from impurities. Change this more often if you live in a dusty climate, drive on dirt or gravel roads or if you drive off-road for fun.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated-Your gas mileage can increase by about 3.3% if you keep tires inflated to their proper pressure. It takes more effort and gas for the engine to propel an underinflated tire than a correctly inflated one-which provide less road-resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Beware over-inflation, though, which can lead to handling problems and uneven tire wear. Check tire pressure on a regular basis, looking for signs of uneven wear or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. In winter, check tire pressure if there is a sharp change in temperature, as cold weather decreases air pressure in the tires.
Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil-Fuel efficiency can improve by 1-2% if you use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Also, if you change your own oil, look for motor oil rated as “Energy Conserving” to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Check Which Gas to Use-Choose the correct octane gas for your car by checking your owner’s manual. It’s not necessary to buy the “super” high-octane gas unless your car manufacturer recommends it or your engine knocks without it. While you won’t do harm to the engine, you will be paying more than you need to, since premium (highest octane) gas sells for an average of 17 cents more per gallon than regular gas. Only about 6% of cars sold in the U.S. need premium gas, according to the AAA. Also, avoid topping off your gas tank, since in warmer weather, fuel expansion can cause an overflow and you’ll be wasting precious fuel. You want to be a fuel saver-not a fuel waster!
Planning & Combining Trips: Combining errands to do together and in similar areas saves time and money. Several short trips starting from a cold engine can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip that covers the same distance when the engine is warmed up. With a little advance planning, you can avoid high traffic areas, road construction, retracing your route and ultimately reduce the distance you travel while running errands. You’ll not only save on fuel, but also reduce wear and tear on your car.
Commuting: If you can alternate your work hours to avoid rush hour, you’ll spend less time sitting in traffic and burn up less fuel. For stop and go traffic, drive your best gas mileage car if you own more than one vehicle. Contemplate telecommuting (working from home) when your job permits. If you can, participate in carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns sharing driving with others.
Traveling: A roof rack or carrier affords additional cargo space and helps out when you have a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack decreases fuel efficiency by 5%. Reduce the wind resistance and increase your fuel efficiency by putting objects inside the trunk when possible. Also, remove any unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, as an extra 100 lbs. in the trunk reduces a car’s fuel efficiency by about 1 to 2%.
2004 AllAboutHybridCars.com. Any reproduction of this article in any manner is prohibited without the consent of AllAboutHybridCars.com. We give permission to use this article on your website or e-zine if you reproduce it exactly as it appears here including this notice. Visit www.AllAboutHybridCars.com/eBook.htm to order your FREE report, “7 Critical Facts Everyone should Know Before Buying a Hybrid Car.”
Tags: plug and save, save power, solar panels, reduce energy, cut electric bill, save energy, conserving energy, energy survey, wind power, save gas
Feb
19
Solar energy panels convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity. These panels are made of special semiconductors like silicon. When sunlight hits the panel, the semiconductor absorbs a portion of it. The absorbed energy loosens electrons so that they can move freely. The electric fields then manage electrons so that they flow in a certain direction, creating current.
If you are thinking about getting your own solar energy panel, now is the time. New tax breaks have been enacted, and you can now buy panels at a much lower price than before. Solar energy panels, or photovoltaic panels, are now widely used in homes and city buildings. If you want to join the trend, here are some things to consider.
Location is everything. Your solar energy panel is as good as your access to sunlight. Make sure that your house is not too shaded by trees and other structures.
Be prepared to spend. An average solar energy panel for a mid-size home costs a little more than $20,000 to install. Such a panel will generate about 4,000 kilowatt hours a year. This may not look like a lot, but solar energy panel installation can save you a lot of money in the long term. The biggest advantage is that it is very sturdy and can serve you for decades. It is also more environmentally friendly than traditional power sources.
There are now a lot of smaller solar energy panels for use in small appliances and even laptop computers. You can get them for as little as $200, depending on the power and structure.
The world in now getting closer to harnessing the full potential of solar energy, but more research still needs to be done to make it cost-efficient. Be one of the first to take advantage of this technology by investing in solar energy panels. These panels not only cut your electric bills, but also lessen pollution.
Tags: energy saver, plug and save, energy survey, reduce power, cut electric bill, save money, plugandsave, solar power, solar panels, save energy
Feb
18
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: plugandsave, cheap energy, save energy, cut electric bill, energy saver, save gas, save money, conserving energy, reduce power, plug and save
Feb
18
Energy Saving Tips: - Best Hybrid Car
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It would be easy to figure out which of the current automobiles today were ranked with the best energy efficiency ratings in gasoline powered car engines, model design, and those rated with the best safety features per car class. There is a wide opinion spread of rankings that can be provided by most major automobile manufacturers’ reviews.
It would probably be difficult, if not impossible to find same rankings for the dual-powered hybrid automobile that is emerging like gangbusters on the automobile market today. It would also be near impossible to figure out which of these models would be considered or ranked as the best hybrid car available on the market today because with the energy saving features that save people money at the gas pumps, all of these hybrid car models are a winner.
The best hybrid car would provide versatility and style to the consumer. With mild hybrid and full hybrid car models available, there is a good selection of features that consumers can choose that will meet their individual driving needs and styles. Some of these hybrid car varieties have the capability of driving from a dead start on electrical power, while others require the gas powered motor feature to engage first to perform this part of the drive train operation.
There are three components in all of the hybrid cars that are manufactured today. To be considered a hybrid car, the automobile must have a gas powered automobile engine, an electrical motor and a car battery or battery pack underneath the hood. The manner that these components work together or singularly to move your car further down the highway depend greatly on the type of hybrid it is. The best hybrid vehicle would be one that used all three, but if that is not typical of your driving style, you will receive better fuel usage through the mild hybrid style which would render the car more economical.
The ease in use would also qualify a hybrid car into being considered one of the best on the market today. The keyless operation option is a highly valued feature that most consumers would prefer not to do without. These hybrid automobiles do not have a regular ignition switch, but feature state-of-the art technology in a push button ignition switch. All hybrid cars that have this feature built into their consoles will definitely be considered on the best hybrid automobile list that anyone creates.
Another feature that would be hard to vote on, in this best hybrid dual-powered car list would be the hybrids that give you a touch screen with interactive displays that give you a realm of information at your fingertips. The energy efficient power cars give multi-dimensional information across the console of the automobile, where you can tell at a glance what the climate control temperature is, or the radio settings are.
The simplistic pampering that these hybrid cars offer can give car owners back the control that they have in their cars. Drivers can now stay informed on the flow of power that goes through the electrical components and can now tell when this flow is affecting fuel consumption. With so many modes of operation to keep you informed and entertained, the hybrid automobile is hard to separate if you are trying to identify which one of the many manufactured brands are the best car in its class.
Tags: plugandsave, cheap electricity, conserving energy, save fuel, energy survey, cheap fuel, save energy, reduce energy, save gas, reduce power
Feb
17
Energy Saving Tips: - Solar Power ? Advantages And Disadvantages
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There is something misleading about the name ?Solar Power.? All forms of energy is derived from the sun some way or the other. Without the sun, there would be no life on earth, as the sun provides the energy that sustains all plant and animal life. Like all technologies and systems, solar power, too, has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of solar power, by far, outweigh its disadvantages.
The Advantages of Solar Energy
Solar energy saves you money, period. Once you recover the cost of installing the equipment, there is no running cost as the energy from the sun is 100 percent free. Since production of solar energy does not require any fuel, you aren?t affected by its supply and demand, or the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
Solar energy is clean, renewable and sustainable, and so protects the environment in a number of days. Unlike gas, coal, and oil, the supply of solar energy is renewable, though only for the next 4.5 billion years. Unlike more traditional forms of electricity generation, it doesn?t pollute the environments with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or mercury. We would be healthier if more people get their energy from solar power.
Since solar energy doesn?t release any pollutants into the air, it does ?ot contribute to global warming. Rather, it contributes to the decrease in emissions of greenhouse gases. Solar power systems can operate independently, without any dependence on a power or a gas grid. Not only does solar energy reduce your electricity bill, it is available at all times and is not affected by power outages.
The solar energy systems are practically maintenance free. Once installed, they can last for decades, with no recurring costs. They are silent in operation and do not create any offensive smells. If your electric needs increase, extra panels can be added to the existing system.
The Disadvantages of Solar Energy
The main disadvantage of solar energy systems is their initial installation costs, as the semi-conducting materials are expensive. To achieve a good level of efficiency, solar panels require a large area for installation. The location of the sun also affects the efficiency of the system, but this is overcome by installation of extra components–an added cost.
Pollution in the air, as well as the presence of clouds, affects the production of solar energy. There is no production of solar energy at night. However, this can be taken care of with a battery backup system or net metering. Net metering is a scheme, available in 40 states and Washington D.C., through which your utility company buys the extra energy that your solar energy system produces from you, building up a credit on your account. If you need to buy some of this back, you might break even.
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