1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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%. 
4. 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.
5. 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.

New Net Operating Losses Policy

In November 2009, the federal government introduced the “Worker Homeowner and Business Assistance Act of 2009.” The Act was designed to stimulate the economy by reducing the taxes for struggling businesses and homeowners. 

For businesses, the new law means that businesses can carry their Net Operating Losses (NOL) for five years, as opposed to the three years allowed by previous legislation.  NOL refers to tax deductions that exceed the company’s gross income.  Companies that claim NOL are eligible for speedy refunds that they can use for a variety of improvements including structural and equipment upgrades.

Green Energy Savings

Businesses can maximize their energy savings by using the windfall to purchase energy-efficient equipment including:

• Installation of green energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines
• Improvements to insulation
• Replacement of old windows with airtight, energy-efficient ones
• Placement of energy optimization and power factor correction equipment

These types of equipment can ultimately save a business big money on a monthly basis through reduced electric bills, and decreased equipment downtime and maintenance costs. Also, some equipment may qualify for tax credits as well so be sure to tell your accountant all the energy efficient upgrades you made for your business.

Why Make Energy Improvements?

Many businesses have moved to make green improvements in the past decade, and there has never been a better time to go environmentally friendly in the workplace.  Aside from some tax credit benefits, business owners can realize significant long-term savings through energy optimization.

• Energy optimization decreases electrical waste directly from the breaker, improving overall efficiency.
• Green appliances significantly reduce electric bills, for long-term savings that last for the life of the appliances.
• Investing in energy-efficient lighting both reduces wasted electricity and eliminates the production of excess heat, which necessitates additional cooling.

For savvy business owners, the time is ripe for investing in energy efficiency.  Taking advantage of the current policies can translate into dramatic savings in the long run.

Power Factor is the measurement of how efficient your facility is using the power that is being supplied by the utility company. When looking at an individual piece of equipment, the Power Factor of that piece of equipment is the expression of its operating efficiency. For example, if the Power Factor measured at the equipment is 75%, then that piece of equipment is only operating at 75% efficiency.

How is Power Factor Measured?

Power Factor, no matter where it is measured, is simply the relationship between the True Power that is being delivered to the facility and the Apparent Power, which is the actual power that is being consumed by the equipment and is measured by a meter that can differentiate that relationship. The utility measures power factor as a ratio of the true power measured by the wattmeter, versus the apparent power which is a function of the Voltage and Amperage.

What is a PFC Unit?

A PFC unit is a device consisting of capacitors that supply the reactive current needed for the magnetic fields in motors right at the motor itself. The PFC unit is unique in the fact that it is sized exactly for the operating load and increases the power factor to almost unity, which is 100%.

What if my Power Factor is already close to 100%?

If you have a Capacitor installed on the Main Service of your facility, chances are your power factor reading is pretty good. But, a capacitor only works from the point of installation back to the source of power (transformer), so your utility bill might show a high power factor, but in reality, the Power Factor, or efficiency inside your facility will be lower.