Money-minded homeowners are always looking for ways to save money. Homeowners who implement energy optimization strategies can also optimize their expenses, not only in terms of lowering utility bills, but also through tax breaks for green home improvements and equipment purchases. Energy optimization is easy for homeowners who follow five simple steps.
- Make energy efficiency a household policy. Homeowners can save money simply by changing their energy use habits. Turn off lights in empty rooms, unplug unused chargers, and adjust the thermostat for energy savings. A maintenance routine that includes weather stripping and insulation inspection also improves residential savings. To maximize the impact of energy efficient habits, homeowners can create a green infrastructure in their homes.
- Reduce overall electrical waste by optimizing the home’s electrical currents. All electrical systems, including those that run in homes, run on currents that are measured in Amps. When the current is transferred throughout the home, roughly 15% is wasted due to inefficient transfer. Installing a power factor correction (PFC) unit eliminates much of this waste. The PFC unit attaches to the breaker box and gives homeowners savings year-round.
- Install energy-efficient appliances. Although energy-efficient appliances often carry a hefty price tag, they generally pay for themselves several times over. Over the life of each appliance, a homeowner will enjoy significant energy savings. Which appliances grant the greatest savings? Washers, dryers, and refrigerators certainly reduce costs, but hot water heaters are the unsung heroes among energy-efficient appliances. Hot water heaters use about 25% of residential electricity, but this can be reduced through the installation of a device like the Air Tap. Regardless of a hot water heater’s age, the appliance can be retrofitted to reduce energy consumption by up to 70%.
- Replace standard bulbs with energy-efficient ones. Whether homeowners prefer LED or compact fluorescent bulbs, they can find an energy-efficient option for just about any home application. Traditional lighting makes up about 60% of the average electric bill. Meanwhile, only approximately 5% of that electricity actually powers the light bulb. The rest of the electricity is released as heat. Energy-efficient lighting use up to 80% less electricity, because they waste less.
- Safeguard against lightning and other electrical damage. While electricity enables us in countless ways, it can also be extraordinarily destructive. Downed power lines, lightning strikes, or regular electrical maintenance can cause power surges that seriously damage electrical equipment. Items like televisions and computers are particularly susceptible because their circuitry is more delicate. Installed on the electrical panel, a surge protector such as the V-Blox House Surge Protection Unit protects the entire home from power surges.
The best approach to saving energy incorporates multiple strategies. A comprehensive approach that includes energy-saving habits, techniques, and equipment will make the greatest difference for budget-conscious homeowners.
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Posted by Administrator @ 4:14 pm
Tags: Energy Efficient Lighting, energy optimization, Surge Protection
