Installing a clean energy system in your home can be a costly exercise. Many people baulk at the prospect of having such a system before they consider all the benefits because of this cost. It pays dividends to know what you are getting into to avoid disappointing results.

For instance, you may have expected a large saving in your power bill with the introduction of a clean energy system but in reality the savings are not very good. The truth is you have to treat renewable energy as a clean energy investment. The returns will not be seen immediately.

Energy Efficiency

Many people make the mistake of thinking that a clean energy system will give you energy efficiency immediately. In truth, the idea of getting a clean energy system should prompt you to think about using energy more efficiently in general. So you should think about ways to save energy in your home before installing a renewable energy system.

To this extent, think about phasing out your incandescent light bulbs. Instead you should be using compact fluorescent lamps. These bulbs use less energy and last longer. Start looking at other things you might need to replace in your home such as household appliances. Look for the modern, energy efficient alternatives for replacement.

Other household appliances such as printers, televisions, cell phone chargers, and radios can consume energy even when turned off. As long as these appliances are plugged into a power source they are leeching electricity and adding to your electricity bill.

To avoid this and make some savings on your electricity bill you should buy power strips to plug your appliances into. Power strips have a switch that you can switch on and off to ensure that your appliances are not using any electricity when not in use.

Older refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers are less energy efficient. You will get more out of your clean energy system when you have appliances that are energy efficient. This applies to air conditioning and heating systems.

Considering The Right Solution

Once you have started to take these small steps toward energy efficiency you can then think about what clean energy system is right for you. Solar power is gaining popularity but it is not the best solution for everyone. Wind turbines are another possible solution for anyone who would like to have a clean energy system in place.

A study of the annual weather patterns will help you to make a better decision as to what clean energy system will be best for you. Consulting with a clean energy expert will also help you to make the best decision for your home.

There are many tax benefits, rebates or even grants to use renewable energy systems in most developed and developing countries. Check out if you qualify for some of these incentives. It could offset most of the initial financial outlay that you have to make. It could even mean getting a clean energy system is a no brainer.

When choosing insulation there are 4 groups to consider they are; loose fill, foam board, Spray on foam and batt and blanket. All has job they are better suited for. Each has good characteristics and bad, with some R factor higher than the others. I will explain the difference between them so you can decide which one suits you.

Spray foam is one type to consider when choosing insulation. The insulation comes in easy to use bottles. It’s sprayed into the area to be insulated. It expands as its sprayed filling all the cracks, giving a better coverage. The initial cost is more, but unlike the others you do not need to winterize later. You will find it in insulated attics and finished walls. It’s the best to use in tight enclosed places.

Cellulose and fiberglass are two types of loose fill. Cellulose can be dry packed or moist sprayed in the area. Fiberglass and rock wool is blown into walls to make a blanket effect. The R factor is R3 or 4 per square inch, cellulose having 30% more. This is often found in Insulated attics.

The third to consider when choosing insulation is loose fill. It too is sprayed inside finished walls and insulated attics. This gives better coverage, air leakage protection and better inside air quality. There are two types’ fiberglass and cellulose. Its R factor is 3-4 per square inch.

When choosing insulation batt and blanket insulation should be considered. This insulation comes in either 8′ sheets or rolls. It’s made from fiberglass or rock wool. It is cheaper per inch. special precautions are needed when installing. This is generally used in unfinished products like walls and insulated attics.

One thing to consider when choosing insulation is flame resistant’s Fiberglass insulation, spray on foam, batt and blanket are flame resist. Cellulose and foam boards are not. In fact foam boards require flame resistant covering like panel or dry wall.

When choosing insulation flame resistance is an important consideration. Two of these are not flame resistant they are: foam board and cellulose.

There are four types to consider when choosing insulation, Batt and blanket, foam board, spray foam and loose fill. Cellulose and the foam board are not flame resistant, the others are. Loose fill and spray foam can be blown into the finished product, the others can’t. All are found in attic insulation and walls.

So what are the main features of tankless hot water heaters?

The main benefit to owning a tankless hot water heater over a normal water heater is that you get instant hot water on demand when you want it with zero waiting time.  This means that you don’t waste excess, good quality drinking water down the drain while waiting for your water to reach the optimum hot temperature.

With the tankless water heater you’re not left without hot water should your regular hot water tank bite the dust and if you’ve ever had a flood of guests stay at your home I’m sure you’re familiar with the classic cold shower when you discover that the hot water has all but run out.  Tankless hot water heaters also make a handy back up for heating systems that use solar power especially on days with little sunlight.

The technology behind the tankless hot water heater is simple, each time the hot water tap or faucet is turned on, cold water is sent to the unit through a pipe that is instantly heated using either an electric element or a gas burner resulting in a steady supply of hot water without the need for a water storage tank.

Tankless hot water heaters are designed primarily for low usage and produce hot water at the rate of 2-5 gallons per minute.  The gas fired tankless water heater provides a higher flow rate than the electric variety, however to use them for both the washing machine and the shower at the same time can place a strain on the system and its ability to keep up with your hot water demands.  The solution to this is to have a tankless water heater for the various water outlets, especially at the points where you want instant hot water.

Although gas fired tankless hot water heaters may have higher flow rates than their electrical rivals they do tend to waste more energy especially in the event where they run on a burning pilot light which can make it less efficient than the standard water heater.
You can inquire with the manufacturer how much energy the model you are interested uses to help you with your buying decision.  Another option if you choose to go with the gas fired model is to simply switch it off when it’s not in use.

Tankless hot water heaters can be great energy savers and it’s estimated that for homes that use around 40 gallons or less of hot water per day can save as much as 34% on their energy bills, depending upon the model.

For increased savings it is recommended for homes that have a higher demand for daily hot water that a separate tankless hot water heater be used for each hot water outlet, i.e., kitchen, laundry room, bathroom which can accumulate to savings to the tune of 50% overall.  This definitely makes a dent in your power bill and the unit eventually pays for itself making it a sound investment for your home.

Fuel prices go up every year and this upward inflation seems to be increasing in recent years. So doesn’t it make sense to cut down on the daily energy expenses that you accrue in your homes. In these tough times you should consider thinking about switching to renewable energy sources and save on your fuel costs.

There isn’t only one “quick fix” method that will present the solution to all of your energy problems but instead we’ll address a few which will all play a part in contributing to your overall savings.

The first stop is the thermostat, start saving power by turning it down. Most of us overheat our homes without thinking about the consequences for both the environment and for our wallets. The heating and cooling systems in your home can account for around 40% of your total energy usage so it makes sense to delve a little deeper into ways you can make some cut backs.

Simply turning down the dial can lead to massive savings throughout the year, just by lowering your heat dial down by 1 degree can result in a 10% savings in your energy bill. Imagine if you were to take it down by just one more degree? When you think about it the heating doesn’t need to be kept on all day long and by simply adjusting the heat only when you need it can drastically lower your fuel costs.

Second of all there are a number of improvements you can make in your home to reduce your fuel costs. The first is to boost the insulation in your home particularly if it’s an older property. This can be achieved by adding foam insulation to your roof or to fit double or triple glazed windows to retain more heat within the home.

In addition to this you can begin to use more energy efficient devices around the home from a new, modern boiler to frontloading washing machines which use 60% less water than the top loading kind. Most new devices have an energy efficiency rating on them which helps you to select the most energy conservative model for your budget.

Third, weather permitting try hanging your laundry on a clothesline rather than to use your dryer, doing this can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases by around 6 pounds for every load of washing you air dry in the sun. Not only is it better for the planet but smells nicer when it’s fresh off the clothesline.

Fourth you can try and integrate renewable energy supplies into your home. These can take a variety of different forms from installing solar panels to wind and geothermal energy. The immediate downside to these options is the initial start up costs, however the benefit really does outweigh the cost in the long run and also you have the peace of mind knowing that you’re helping the planet.

There are however a range of do it yourself options available these days. If you can follow a manual then you can make your own solar panels and wind power generators for a surprisingly cheap cost. This is a much cheaper solution and allows you to get started with solar power for just hundreds of dollars rather than the usual $15,000 price tag. Here are some reviews of some of the more popular DIY guides - go to Earth4Energy Review and Home Made Energy Review.

You can implement these tips and start saving on your energy costs now, because the sooner you start, the more you’ll save.

If you have energy bills that make you pale whenever you open them then you couldn’t go wrong implementing a few power saving ideas into your home. Most people don’t realize how much energy they waste on a daily basis around the house. All it takes is a little discipline to stick to a few of these ideas and you will notice your bills going down.

You can make great savings each month by cutting your power bills by as much as 20-30%, just by simply plugging all of those little hidden ‘energy leaks’ which can be effortless to implement. Indeed, just by making a few simple changes you can put more cash in your pocket each month. And who doesn’t like that idea.

So how can you start saving massively on your power costs?  Here are six simple ways to easily save power within your home.

1). Appliances: The best place to start is at the beginning.  If you are in the market for buying a new appliance, i.e. a television, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, dryer, dehumidifier, dishwasher, computer, printer, fax machine etc, first  check to see if it carries the Energy Star logo.  This indicates that the appliance is compliant with current energy standards and regulations while displaying how much power it uses per year.

In fact buying energy efficient products comes with its share of rewards too.  Not only do you do something beneficial for the environment by reducing the amount of overall energy you consume but you have the added advantage of Energy Star’s rebates and tax exemptions on just about every household appliance imaginable making it a great incentive, where possible to upgrade.  www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator.  It is the savings over the appliances lifetime that make all the difference and the more energy efficient appliances you have in your home, the greater the savings.

2). Do you have the habit of leaving your TV, DVD player, computer etc. on standby mode often?  Most people are blissfully unaware that so called “sleeping gadget’s” can be big-time energy hogs consuming around forty percent of their normal power requirements.  Just make it a habit to turn off any appliance that’s not in use and you’ll begin seeing a big difference in your power bill.

3). Lights: Ever hear the expression “lit up like a Christmas tree?”  Does your home sometimes resemble one from the outside where practically every light and appliance is left on?  Turning off the lights in rooms that you don’t frequent is a good start.  Replacing your light bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs (CFL bulbs) is an even better move. These low energy bulbs last longer and will help you cut costs especially when you use them in places where you keep the lights on for hours at a stretch, like your porch lights, security and garden lights etc.

4). Laundry: Dry your clothes on a clothesline instead of relying on a dryer to do the task. Use full loads in your washing machine and cold water for every wash.  Set your machine’s washing cycle to the shortest cycle possible and only use longer cycles for really dirty clothes.

5). Hot Water: Geysers, according to some estimates are responsible for consuming around fifteen percent of the average home energy bill.  If you plan to go away for a while turn off the power supply to the geyser at the main switchboard.  Then of course there are the usual cost cutters, you can save on your hot water consumption by taking short showers instead of baths and installing aerators on low-flow showerheads.

6).Ovens: Try using a microwave instead of a standard-size oven that drains power.  Don’t pre-heat it longer than necessary whenever you do use it and keep the door closed to avoid losing heat.

By altering your energy using habits and implementing small, consistent changes on a daily basis you can save money on your energy bills and do a little bit for the environmental too.

Hands down, the easiest and quickest way to go green and save money at the same time is to test your home for energy efficiency.

An energy efficient home will use less power, saving you money while at the same time helping the environment. There are a few simple things that you can do right after reading this article that can make your home energy efficient.

You can begin by checking your home for air leaks. The drafts that come in from these leaks can suck out your warm air in the winter and your cool air in the summer.  By reducing the drafts in your home you can actually save up to 30% on your energy bill every year which can accumulate to some serious savings over time.  Your home will also be a cleaner, drier environment lessening the likelihood of illnesses due to damp, moldy conditions.  Another advantage of eliminating drafts is that your home will be more comfortable temperature wise reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling to reach optimum conditions.

To check for drafts, check for the air flow in several areas of your home, including the following:

Windows/window frames
Door frames
Baseboards
Fireplaces
Attic hatches/doors
Window air conditioning units
Electrical outlets
Light switch plates
Mail slots

If you can rattle your windows or if you see a halo of light around your windows and doors then the window or door doesn’t seal as well as it should.  This means that you are losing hot or cool air which in turn means that your heater or air conditioner has to work even harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature costing you more money.  You can easily remedy this by either replacing the window or door or you can install better weather stripping.

Another way of testing your home’s energy efficiency is to measure how much insulation you have in your attic.  If it’s less than the recommended amount, then your home is losing heat out of the roof.  By installing more insulation your home will hold in heat more effectively and is a great solution for making your home more efficient, energy wise without spending more on your power usage.

You may wish to check your hot water heater as well, adding an insulation blanket acts as a thermos and traps the heat in the cylinder where it belongs rather than escaping to its surroundings.

You should also check the age of your appliances.  Many older appliances are not as energy-efficient as the newer ones.   You can recognize the newer, more energy efficient appliances as they feature the EnergyStar logo.  If your budget allows for it, you may want to replace your appliances that are 15 years and older, doing so can add up to major savings over the years with reduced power bills.

Don’t forget the basics of checking your light bulbs to see if you’re using the appropriate wattage in each appliance.  If you’re using a 100-watt bulb in a lamp that only needs a 65 or 70-watt one, you may be using more energy than you need to.  Swapping out traditional bulbs for compact florescent bulbs can also reduce your power usage.

Being energy efficient can add up to some serious savings over time and don’t require a lot of effort.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that going green is difficult or a huge sacrifice, performing checks as simple as these is all it takes.

Although there are many skeptics, who obviously have their own agendas, more and more scientific data and reports come out that seem to suggest that global warming is having a devastating affect on the world.  The average person in the street – you and me - are also worried about the problems facing the environment but are not sure what we can do to make a difference.

More often than not we feel overwhelmed with the enormity of the situation and apathy prevails. The oft quoted “I am only one person what can I do.” can be heard in many homes.

Sure, we try to do our part by recycling in order to reduce our waste but sometimes it feels as if we just aren’t doing enough.  You may not realize it, but it’s through doing the simple things every day that combines to make a huge difference in the state of the environment.  To put this into perspective, just imagine that if everyone worked together to do the simple tasks that only saved a small amount of energy, combined the end result would be a great reduction in global energy usage.  It’s through doing these simply daily tasks that contributes to the bigger picture of energy saving and where the “I am only one person” collective effort makes a huge difference.  This couldn’t be more true an expression than to think globally but act locally.

There are plenty of people who would argue that turning off all of the lights in a room when it wasn’t in use would not make much of a difference.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  If everyone began to turn off the lights in rooms they weren’t using we would see the results.  You may be wondering what kind of impact it would make if all of the houses were to turn off their extra lights and the truth is that you could see up to a twenty five percent reduction in the amount of electricity consumed putting less stress on the grid to produce more energy output.  It’s a vicious cycle, the more demand for energy and the higher the consumption, the more we pay.  By reducing our energy consumption by simply cutting back on our energy use with the things we don’t need, we would save money that could be better used elsewhere.

Just think of it, one quarter of the energy that is being used right now could be cut out if people and businesses worked together to turn off the lights when they weren’t being used.  In comparison, if you were able to cut your monthly bills by one fourth you would see a major impact in your household finances.  This is the same standard by which we can measure the difference it would make to environmental concerns over the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, by the reduction in the amount of total energy usage across the board.  When you look at it this way it is clear that by turning off the lights, one at a time we can work together to make a huge difference.

Did you know that there are things you can do right now that can reduce your electric bill by up to 30%?

Reducing the amount of electricity you use doesn’t only make financial sense but if you have any renewable energy systems in your home, it will put less of a burden on these systems to supply power.

So how can you slash your electricity bill by upwards of 30%.

In order to do this you first need to know where the most energy is used in your home.  For instance, it is the heating and cooling systems that tend to be responsible for the bulk of your power consumption.  The DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) estimates that these costs are responsible for about 44% of the power bill in a typical home.  Here are four powerful tips to help you slash your power bill significantly.

1) A Second Fridge?  Do you have two refrigerators in your home?  You would be amazed at how many homes have a second fridge installed in the garage or basement just for the purpose of storing beer.  The majority of these fridges are older models that consume double the amount of energy as compared to newer, more energy efficient models.  To start cutting unnecessary costs on your power bill get rid of any old fridges lying around.  If you’re unable to do then simply unplug them and use them only the night before you absolutely need them to cool your drinks before your party.

2) Maintain Your Fridge:  Have you looked at the dial that regulates the temperature inside your refrigerator?  It really doesn’t need to be turned all the way.  Experiment with adjusting the settings to a lower one.  If your fridge doesn’t cool efficiently even though it may be on a higher setting it’s best to get it checked out by an electrician or you may even want to consider getting the seals checked around the door rim.  Worn seals can be responsible for poor fridge cooling, repairing these can extend the lifespan of your fridge by years and is a cheaper alternative to replacing your fridge outright.

Don’t open the fridge door and deliberate over what you’d like to drink or eat, decide what you want beforehand, doing this simple thing can save your fridge from using more energy to re-cool itself.  Most of the latest models also have a button titled ‘vacation’ on the outside. This helps you to set your fridge to use less electricity when you are away.

3) Air Conditionings/Furnaces: You can be wasting a great deal of energy unknowingly through hot or cool air escaping outside through leaks around your doors or windows.  Make sure that you seal all the gaps.  If you have dirty filters, they will block the airflow through your cooling or heating system so make it a point to clean out those filters once in a while.  Try to set your air conditioner to a neutral temperature so that it doesn’t drain too much power. Fans consume a lot less energy, so use them whenever possible instead.

4) Programmable Thermostat:  Invest in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts your home’s internal temperature based on external temperature changes and its daily settings. These nifty devices can help you save around 20% to 30% on your power bill according to the Home Energy Saver website, by reducing the overall energy consumption when no one’s around or everyone is sleeping.  The features you need to consider when buying a programmable thermostat include multiple temperature settings, multiple programs and temperature recovery systems.

It really is the simple things you can do right now that can bring the most savings.  If you start putting these tips into practice today you can see a major reduction in your power bills tomorrow.