Cutting Back the Costs of Utilities

At this time of year many homes are hit with high utility bills as people look to keep themselves warm and entertained. Increased use of electrical appliances as well as heating and hot water often accounts for a costly utility bill. On receiving such a bill many people then search for ways in which they can cut back and reduce the amount they are paying for utilities.

Before even looking at cutting back on the use of electrical appliances and heating there are several steps that a person can take to save on utility costs. Ensuring your home is weatherproof will allow your house to be naturally much warmer. By making sure your doorways all have adhesive stripping and any air holes around the home are covered up will stop warm air escaping and cold air entering your home! When switching appliances off ensuring appliances are switched off at the plug as opposed to leaving them on stand by (which still uses energy!) will also cut back the amount of electricity being used.

Another technique for reducing the costs of utilities is to look at the source of your energy. In recent years the price of natural gas has soared whilst electricity prices have remained stable. Converting any major appliances such as water heaters and furnaces to electricity from gas will help to reduce costs as you will be paying less for your energy per unit. Although this method will endure some initial costs in the long run conversion will save you a lot of money.

Key to making the biggest saving on utilities is to ensure you are with the cheapest provider. You must ensure that you compare gas providers and electricity providers to make a big saving. Comparing utilities providers will significantly reduce the cost of utilities and give you peace of mind!

Your Hot Guide to Green Energy Wind Systems

Have you heard about all the people that are getting rid of their electric bills lately? Do you see more windmills and solar panels going up in your neighborhood? You are about to learn a secret that will enable you to build a better and cheaper green energy system.

As you may be aware, the wind does not blow all the time, and there will always be rainy days. Without these two sources of energy, you will not have electricity. Therefore, simply putting up a windmill or solar panel without considering energy storage will only give you partially good results. Fortunately, the Earth4Energy program will teach you how to build a complete system. As an added bonus, you will even learn about the best places and resources for obtaining free batteries.

Are you committed to having a green energy wind system? Why not build your own? In most cases, you will find that building your own power generating system will be the ideal weekend project. With just a few tools, and some basic parts, you can be on your way to freeing up a significant amount of money in your budget. At the same time, you can customize your system to suit almost any need. Why buy a pre-built windmill, when you can create one that will be just the right size for your property?

Even though you may be mostly concerned with generating energy, windmills can be very decorative objects. Unfortunately, if you buy a pre-fabricated model, you may not be able to customize the tower, or the color of the blades. On the other hand, once you know how to make your own windmill, you can replicate Dutch designs, or even come up with something completely new. When renewable energy goals combine with the height of fashionable design, you can easily come up with a combination that can be turned into a lucrative sideline business.

Malcolm Hamilton is an expert on renewable energy and the director of popular blog GreenRenewableEnergyForYou.Com. He provides honest information and advice on things like producng green renewable energy for home use and more. Check out his blog for more info!

Ceiling Fan Air - Why Reversing Ceiling Fans in Winter is a Dumb Idea

As an architect and engineer, I can understand why the architects for some projects seek truly reversible air movement from ceiling fans. This simplistic notion of ceiling fan use has been around for decades. Let me explain as an architect with a Masters degree in Engineering, why this is not a sound idea.

Use of ceiling fans for air movement to energy-efficient summer comfort is straight forward. In summer, providing air movement of 160 fpm in the occupied zone will allow the thermostat to be raised 4.7F while maintaining the same thermal comfort. Raising the thermostat 1F typically saves between 3% and 4% of cooling energy cost*. Raising the thermostat 5F will typically save between 15% and 20% of cooling energy costs. In summer, providing air movement of 230 fpm (2.6 mph) in the occupied zone of an air conditioned space will allow the thermostat to be raised 10F while maintaining the same thermal comfort. This thermostat increase would save 30% to 40% of air conditioning cooling costs.

Use of ceiling fans at low speed with air flow downward for energy efficiency by destratification in winter is well established. Circulation of indoor air at 3 to 4 times per hour, particularly in spaces with high ceilings, can allow the thermostat to be set 10F to 15F lower while maintaining the same thermal comfort. For each 1F the thermostat is lowered in winter the typical heating energy cost saving is 1% per 8 hour period, or 3% per day. Lowering the thermostat in winter by 5F from 85F to 80F will typically save approximately 15% of heating energy cost per day.

Here is the catch. If the airflow from the ceiling fan is reversed with airflow upward, even at low speed, the velocity of air across the ceiling above the fan is high, typically around 400 fpm. At this speed, the heat transfer coefficient at the ceiling is around 1.87 Btu/h.ft2.F. However if the ceiling fan is running at low speed with airflow downward the airflow across the ceiling is low, typically 80 fpm. At this speed, the heat transfer coefficient at the ceiling is around 0.051 Btu/h.ft2.F.

In short, reversing the air flow direction from ceiling fans in winter the heat loss through the ceiling is increased by a factor of around 3.7 times due the increase in surface conductance.

Big Ass Fans is the leading manufacturer of huge ceiling fans for large industrial, agricultural and commercial settings. Big Ass Fans range in size from 6 feet to 24 feet in diameter, using low horsepower motors to generate energy-efficient air movement for large spaces. Big Ass Fans can be used year round to provide occupant comfort and energy savings. There are over 35,000 Big Ass Fans installed worldwide in applications such as manufacturing plants, distribution centers, horse arenas, dairy barns, stadiums, art galleries, restaurants, health clubs and even zoos! Product solutions include Powerfoil, PowerfoilPlus, Pivot, the 8-ft. Mobile Vertical, and the new Element designed for commercial spaces. Big Ass Fans have been featured in Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, and television programs such as Planet Green, Discovery Channel Canada and the National Geographic Channel. For more information on Big Ass Fans, visit the website at http://www.bigassfans.com

Why Go Green - More to the Point, Why Not?

The new Obama administration has indicated a strong focus on developing America's renewable energy resources. So whether you believe global warming is man-made, or purely a result of the earth's natural cycles of warming and cooling, now is a perfect time to adopt an individual green lifestyle that will conserve energy, save water and result in a cleaner, sustainable environment. The availability of eco-friendly products and services is becoming a great green wave that will make it easier for everybody to become more environmentally friendly. And it doesn't take a major change in lifestyle to contribute to a cleaner and greener world.

Historically there has been a high cost barrier to moving to green products, but that is becoming much less of a hurdle as more companies compete to offer better, greener products. While certain high-end goods remain out of reach of all but the most well off, the energy saving benefits of many green products quickly offset any higher up-front cost. Green cleaning products are often more concentrated than the regular chemical products and therefore offer good cost comparison for their total use.

In most areas of the country recycling programs are the first introduction to helping protect the environment we live in. Unfortunately, the incredible variety of different collection programs leaves much to be desired and there is much to be done in the future to improve the effectiveness of this process. Maybe this is one area where sensible State or Federal regulation could create common recycling procedures and improve the efficiency of collection and re-use. Back yard composting can reduce the disposal of yard and food waste which is estimated to make up around 30% of the waste stream going to landfills.

With the increasing pressure on energy costs around the world and the improving technology developments in solar and wind power, we can expect to see greater utilization of these natural resources in the future. Solar technology is developing very quickly and becoming more usable and cost effective. Solar lighting and water features are now very efficient and an attractive, clean addition to any garden landscaping. While solar leasing programs are making solar power more available for individual homes. Wind power is a very hot topic right now with the Pickens Plan receiving a great deal of publicity. If we are able to capture the tremendous wind energy resources in the US, and then develop an environmentally friendly means of distributing it around the country, it could make a significant contribution to the greening of America.

Along with the growth in the availability of green products has come the problem of identifying what is truly green and "how green is it?" As with any product for sale, the claims of the best and the greenest can often be somewhat exaggerated. However, this need not be too big a distraction. It is not necessary to choose the most energy efficient, or the most natural cleaner, to contribute to a greener world. A higher efficiency rating in a replacement appliance, or a natural cleaning product that gives the best results, enhances the green footprint but should also fit in to the personal choices of a modern lifestyle.

The decision to go green can be as dramatic or as gradual as each individual or family wish to make it. Once the "green light" goes on however, it does appear to take on a life of its own. Each green choice, small or large, contributes to the growing movement towards a more eco-friendly world.

If the choices are there and the barriers to their use are coming down, who wouldn't want to reduce their use of the earth's finite resources and convert to a cleaner, less polluting, healthier, green lifestyle.

Peter O'Grady is the owner of It's Eco Time.com and writes on a variety of subjects involving our impact on the environment and the options available for living a healthy and sustainable green lifestyle. To find products to save money, energy and water and for other green topics visit http://itsecotime.com and share your comments and questions.

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Many of us know that solar energy is a good thing, but few really understand why. Therefore, I compiled a comprehensive list of solar energy advantages and disadvantages that will enable you to make an educated decision whether on not Solar Power is right for YOU.

Solar Energy Advantages

1. Saves you money

• After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically FREE.
• The recovery/ payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.
• Financial incentives are available form the government that will reduce your cost.
• If your system produce more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This is called net metering.
• It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all.
• Solar energy does not require any fuel.
• It's not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
• The savings are immediate and for many years to come.
• The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.

2. Environmentally friendly

• Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.
• It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generations does.
• Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
• It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
• It's generated where it is needed.
• By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste.

3. Independent/ semi-independent

• Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power outage.
• A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independent, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.
• The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.
• Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, fuelling local economies.

4. Low/ no maintenance

• Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
• Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
• They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
• More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family's needs grow.

Solar Energy Disadvantages

• The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of the high cost of the semi-conducting materials used in building one.
• The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming more common, solar energy is becoming more price-competitive.
• Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.
• The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome with the installation of certain components.
• The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air.
• Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering allows you to save electricity and money.
• As far as solar powered cars go - their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in today's rat race.

To learn more about solar energy, go to http://facts-about-solar-energy.com/

You'll discover ...

• what solar energy is
• how solar energy works
• interesting facts about solar energy
• how much solar energy costs
• passive solar energy for homes, and
• how to build solar energy systems

There's a whole section for students, teachers and parents; whiles homeowners can obtain FREE QUOTES for their solar energy projects. You'll find book and product reviews some helpful energy saving tips.

Please email any questions to info@facts-about-solar-energy.com

The Eco Realtor

I am a big talker and doer when it comes to the environment. I believe that with what we know today, it would be disrespectful and completely unconscious to not make decisions based on the environment and what we know, especially considering that there are many choices available today. We all need guidance, so here are a few tips for you realtors to make a big impact.

1. Drive a hybrid. Because 33% of CO that is being produced is from transportation (Sources of CO in he US as of 2004). This conscious change in vehicles would make the biggest impact of all. We spend A LOT of time in our cars and when you are in the market for a new one...think green. For all you show-off realtors who need to have the best of the best, hybrids are very trendy and hip. The choices that are coming out for 2009/2010 are swanky. Google "new hybrids" and you'll see.

2. Recycle and reuse. How many listings do you print off that you end up not using or even keeping? Lots! Please recycle. Or better yet, turn them over and re-print on the good side. I do it all the time. It's my copy and when it is noticed by the buyer, I can brag how I am saving the environment. You'll be saving some coin in your pocketbook too.

3. Use electronics. Instead of driving all over to get signatures, please fax, scan, or email. As long as you pick up the originals in the end, it all works out. You'll not only save emissions from driving, money for gas, but your time as well. Another great electronic device is the PDA (or Blackberry, iPhone...whatever works for you). You'll be saving a lot of trees and you can sync it with your computer making you more organized.

4. Encourage your work to go eco. If they don't already recycle mention it every time you go in. They'll get the idea. Ask to receive notices by email and not by paper. Ask them not to put junk mail into your mail box. Tell them about natural cleaning products. If that doesn't motivate them, donate some!

Love your work and your environment. Passion goes a long way and so does thinking (and doing) about what type of impact your have. Or....just ignore the environment, it will go away.

Energy Trends For the Future

When it comes to energy efficiency, money is definitely the name of the game. This factor is what makes energy efficiency and maintenance efforts pay off. Information about costs is an important part of reporting accomplishments to other people. When you are able to track costs, it reveals pricing trends and helps with cost projections necessary to prepare budgets.

These current and projected future prices of energy are then used as the basis for determining whether potential energy efficiency policies will be cost effective. To give everyone in your organization a complete picture of the need for energy investment, any dollar savings figures you use should include actual costs, as well as avoided ones. You will also want to give management some information about what the dollars saved could be used for, such as buying or updating equipment, adding more services, etc.

Benefits to the Environment

Better energy efficiency is a cost-effective way to lower emission rates generated from burning fossil fuels. This added benefit should be very clearly pointed out in your energy management program. You may determine that it is worthwhile for your organization to track the lower level of emissions achieved when energy conservation practices are improved. When management is supportive of using energy resources more efficiently, they are probably very environmentally conscious. Your efforts to increase energy efficiency will likely gain even more support if they can be documented and shared with others in your organization (and possibly the public).

Standard procedures for calculating lowered emissions levels for specific fuels are becoming more available. Contact the Environmental Protection Agency, your state energy or environmental office, or your utility to learn more about making these types of calculations.

Matthew Shields

Energy Expert