How to Save Electricity

Good Idea to use Wind Energy in your Home?

electricity — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:11:43 +0000

So you are constantly battling the wind every time you leave home. One day while you are trying to gather your papers that have been scattered by the wind, you get the idea that you can harness this wind for better uses. But is it a good idea to use this wind energy for your home? First of all, you met one criterion that is that you have a good steady source of wind around your home. If you are not sure if the wind speeds are enough to support this technology, check out the Department of Energy’s Wind Resource Map. The next thing you need to consider is the amount of land you have to put up a windmill. Generally, you should have at least 1 acre of land to adequately house a windmill, unless special provisions are provided (such as small turbines on small towers).

Next, and probably most importantly is whether or not it is economically viable to incorporate wind energy. That answer will vary by location, depending on average wind speed, energy consumption, and average energy costs. But as a rule of thumb the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recommends that you have at least a 10 mph average wind speed and that the average cost of electricity in your area is greater than 10 cents per kWh. Since you will need to put the wind turbine on a tower, it is best that you are in a more rural environment. Some suburban areas may be suitable, depending on population density, homeowner rules, and the like.

If all of these conditions are met, then wind energy is a very good option for you. Most homeowners recover their investment in 6 to 15 years, depending on the above factors. For more information on Wind Energy Solutions including Wind Turbine Providers, check out the AWEA Website.

Good Idea to use Wind Energy in your Home? is a post from: How to Save Electricity

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3 Easy Ways to Save Electricity Today

electricity — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:07:09 +0000

Some solutions for cutting down on your monthly power bill are relatively easy and cheap to accomplish. Here are three ways that you can implement in a day. Replace your light bulbs with Compact Flourescent Bulbs (CFLs). Although they cost much more than a traditional light bulb, the length of time that they last as well as their lower energy consumption makes them a bargain. Start by replacing the bulbs that stay on the longest. If you keep a porch light on for example, that would be a good candidate for a CFL. Place all of your computer equipment on a power strip, including peripherals, then turn off the power strip when not using the computer. Although you may not be actively using this equipment, they still draw significant power in standby mode. Cutting power to all of the equipment will save you on electricity consumption. Turn the lights off behind you. It costs a little more, but you can install motion sensors that shut the lights off when there is no one in the room.

3 Easy Ways to Save Electricity Today is a post from: How to Save Electricity

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Thousands Tour Solar Homes Across America

electricity — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:02:07 +0000

American Solar Energy Society”s (ASES) 14th National Solar Tour, was held on October 3rd across the nation. This year”s tour saw thousands of people visit homes across America that have employed Solar Technology as part of their energy solution. With the cost of solar technologies continually decreasing, more Americans are incorporating Solar Electric as well as Solar Water Heating Solutions into their homes. The National Solar Tour is intended to provide everyone with the opportunity to see Solar Technology in action. They are able to gain first hand knowledge of the latest Solar Energy Technologies, and obtain valuable solar energy information. The more this technology is demystified, the more people will begin to consider solar as a viable energy solution. With the price of solar decreasing and solar technological advances increasing, many more people are seeing the use of solar not just as an environmentally friendly option, but also a smart economic option. Last year nearly 140,000 people toured homes in 49 states, and the numbers are expected to be even larger this year. If you missed the tour, you can check out the itinerary for a city near you at the ASES website. Many of the locations are available to the public year round.

Thousands Tour Solar Homes Across America is a post from: How to Save Electricity

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