Energy Efficiency Web

Posts Tagged ‘efficient energy’

Take the first step to going green and get energy efficient

If going green still seems a bit of a chore, you can always start by getting more energy efficient. Energy efficiency is all about doing the right thing, and finding practical ways to reduce your energy consumption. Today. Using less energy not only helps fight the effects of global warming, but it can also help you to reduce your bills.

Here is our top 10 energy saving ideas:

1. Heating – Turning your thermostat down by 1℃ could save you up to 10% off your heating bill.

2. Lighting – Low energy light bulbs last up to 15 times longer than traditional bulbs and use 80% less electricity.

3. Cooking – Remember to cover saucepans with lids to ensure the heat is kept in. You may also find you don’t need the heat as high with the lid on.

4. Appliances – Always use the televisions on/off switch and don’t leave the television on standby as this wastes energy.

5. Bathing – Take a shower instead of a bath. An ordinary shower will use a third of the hot water needed for a bath.

6. Cavity Wall – Installing cavity wall insulation could save you up to £235* a year.

7. Loft Insulation – Up to 25% of heat is lost through your roof. Save as much as £90* a year by insulating your loft to 25cm*

8. Washing Machines – An energy efficient washing machine could use up to 33% less energy a year.

9. Fridges – An A-rated fridge-freezer is more energy efficient than other fridge-freezers.

10. Dishwashing – A new energy efficient dishwasher uses 60% of the energy of a typical old one.

*The cost savings shown are estimates to provide an illustrative example only and are based on a gas heated semi-detached house with three bedrooms. Savings assume a gas price of 2.57p/kWh with gas consumption, of 31,700 units per annum (prior to installing the insulation measures). Savings may differ depending on type, age, main heating fuel of your home or if you choose to take increased warmth following installation of the measures.

Today’s home buyers increasingly prefer energy efficient homes and condos. An energy efficient home or condo not only contributes toward cutting your utility bill, but can also increase the value of your property.

Many features go into making a home energy efficient. Energy efficient products are available for almost every part of a house such as the plumbing system, water heating system, appliances, air conditioning, electrical system, roofing materials, windows, insulation, etc.

So where do you start to learn about ways to make your home or condo more energy efficient? Start with an Internet search. There are numerous web-based tools for home owners to help you calculate the power consumed by the various appliances and systems in a home. Armed with information from these sites, you will know exactly the steps to take in order to make your home more energy efficient.

Here are a few things you can implement now to make your home more energy efficient.

1. Improve insulation of attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors and heating ducts.

2. Use energy recovery ventilators.

3. Install solar power systems.

4. Block air leaks from holes or cracks in walls, doors, windows, etc.

5. Use lighting control systems such as occupancy sensors, timers and dimmers.

6. Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use.

7. Install a programmable thermostat to change the settings automatically.

8. Test your ducts for air leakage.

9. Provide shading for the air conditioning condenser.

10. Wrap the water heater with a thermal blanket.

An Engery efficient home helps almost everyone. Prospective home buyers benefit from buying properties that have lower utility costs. Sellers may be able to charge a premium for homes that are energy efficient. And society benefits because there is less utilization of scarce energy resources.

If you are considering buying a home, condo, or any other type of real estate, seek out the services of a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about energy efficient homes. This agent should be able to help you find a home that not only meets your housing needs, but also offers the benefits of energy-efficiency.