Energy and Power Tips

Calculate the Cost of Energy Operating Expenses

Want to calculate your annual cost of energy operating expenses? You can do just that. The U.S. Federal Trade commission makes it a requirement for household appliances like your refrigerator and air conditioners to affix an EnergyGuide label. Next time you're trying to figure out your annual cost of energy operating expenses for your air conditioning, check the unit. The label will tell you the estimated annual expenses per year in comparison with other comparable units.

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Ceiling Fans Make Energy Savings a Breeze

Many homes in the warmer climates use air conditioning systems to keep climates cooler. As an alternate way to keep feeling cooler and realize energy savings, install a ceiling fan into your home. Ceiling fans are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. To get the best ceiling fan for energy savings, look for a product approved by Energy Star. Energy Star approved ceiling fans have more energy efficient motors and blades to help maximize your cooling power.

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Energy Efficient Business

Creating an energy efficient business can mean cost savings to your bottom line. And, you'll also be contributing to a better, greener environment. To get started, follow a few simple guidelines to becoming an energy efficient business:

• Make a commitment to turn your office space into a green building. Then make a plan of action to assess the energy performance of your building and then implement the plan.

• From faxes to water coolers to computers, look for office equipment that carries the Energy Star label on it. You'll purchase products that use 40% to 85% less energy than other models.

• Find an expert who can access your building and help you turn it into a green building. For qualified professionals, consult Energy Star at www.energystar.gov.

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Windows - Open the Energy Saving Possibilities

If you haven't checked your windows lately, you might be missing out on energy saving possibilities. Windows with air leaks could cause drafts to come through in the colder months and heating bills to go up. Set aside time to get your home air sealed or hire a qualified contractor to do the job. Want to go one step further with energy saving possibilities? Use Low emissivity windows. Low emissivity windows have a transparent coat that reflects the heat back into your home. You'll have a warmer, comfier home during the winter months.

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Roofing for Energy Savings

The roofing of your home can be a means to harness and use energy, absorb heat, and reflect heat. To use your roofing for energy savings, consider these methods to introduce energy efficiency.

• Add photovoltaic cells to your roof to convert the sun's energy into electricity. The initial costs for installation of a system are high, but you'll realize cost savings in the long term by using a renewable energy source.

• Use specific building materials as a means of using roofing for energy savings. By using cool roofing, you can reflect heat normally absorbed through the roof.

You'll benefit by savings in air conditioning bills and keeping your neighborhood heat down.

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Make An Energy Friendly Home Office

If you have a home office, then you have might have a great deal of office equipment – phones, fax machines, computers, and copiers. Using products like incandescent lighting and equipment without the Energy Star backing means that you're using equipment that doesn't create the most energy friendly home office. To help create a greener environment in your home office and help save in utility costs, try making a few changes to your work area. Try these energy friendly home office suggestions:

• Use Energy Star light fixtures and light bulbs. You'll use over 65% less energy, generate 70% less heat, and your lighting will last ten times as long.

• Leaving your monitor on the screen saver doesn't actually save energy. However, using a monitor with an Energy Star label will.

• Use office equipment with the Energy Star label, whether you're using a fax machine, copier, or computer.

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Use Cellulose Insulation

Don't let cold weather months and drafts bring you down. Keep your house warm and comfy by installing cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation is a recycled form of insulation made from 100% recycled newspapers. Newspaper waste happens to be one of the largest products in our waste system. Not only will you be using an environmentally friendly green product, but you'll be using an effective form of insulation for your home. Studies done by the University of Colorado at Denver showed that cellulose insulation performed better than fiberglass by 38% by attaining a tighter building cavity and allowing less heat loss.

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Find Energy Cost Savings Among Your Household Appliances

If you find your energy bill is running rather high lately, look to your household appliances for cost saving techniques. According to Energy Star, an average home spends about $125 a month on energy bills. By incorporating some changes to your household appliances, you could well be on your way to cutting your monthly bill by 5% and promoting a green environment. Whether you're shopping for a washer and dryer unit or a new refrigerator for your home, help turn it into a green environment by buying an appliance that has the Energy Star label on it. By doing so, you'll purchase a product that uses 10%-50% less water and energy than most other models.

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Energy Star for Energy Efficiency

Perhaps you've heard about the suggestion to buy products with the Energy Star label on it. There's a good reason for it. You'll get products using the latest technology for energy efficiency and water efficiency. Energy Star is a government sponsored program that helps businesses and people to maximize the use of energy efficiency to help the environment. Not only do they rate products for energy efficiency, but they also provide guidance on how homes and businesses can improve their use of our energy resources. For more information, visit their Web site at www.energystar.gov.

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