Norms Green Energy

Posts Tagged ‘Energy Usage’

As we look to make better use of our energy usage in the home, whether is is because of rising energy costs, the threat of government regulated rationing of energy usage or because our environmental conscious is prodding us to do something to help the environmental crisis we find ourselves in, solar power for home owners has become a serious contender to meet our alternative energy needs.

On the Internet these days you can find a number of good diy solar power for home owners guides. These guides contain easy to follow instructions (both written and on video) that show you how to build your own solar power system at home and how you can get the benefits of “going solar”.

The benefits of diy solar energy include:

• Its free, apart from the initial purchase of materials (around $200), solar power is free energy and panels require very little if any maintenance (aside from a good clean from time to time)
• Its renewable, whilst the sun shines brightly above us we are not going to run out any time soon.
• Its clean, solar energy is a very clean power source, with no emissions or pollutants given off in its production.
• Its easy, to make your own solar power system at home, using materials gathered from your local hardware store.
• Its fun, assembling your own solar solar power for home owners kit is a fun and educational project you can get the whole family in on.
• Freedom, no longer will you have to watch your energy consumption, leave the lights on! it doesn’t matter as solar energy is clean, renewable and  free.

Investing in a solar power for home owners guide is the perfect way to get expert instruction in a simple to follow format to have your homemade solar power project up and running in  not time. The guides retail for around the $40 mark and represent excellent value for money when you take into account the massive saving you will make be including solar energy in your homes power usage.

Be one of the first to cash in and jump on this ever increasingly popular trend of solar power for home owners and do your bit for the environment as well as save some cash. Click the following link to find out more about Solar Power For Home Owners

Like most things released in this format there are some products to avoid, [Click Here] for a review on the best DIY solar power for home owners guides available on the web

Jon Elsdon
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/solar-power-for-home-owners-741107.html

Technorati Tags: alternative energy, Conscious, Contender, Educational Project, Emissions, Energy Consumption, Energy Costs, Energy Usage, Expert Instruction, Free Energy, Freedom, Hardware Store, Initial Purchase, Investing, Pollutants, Power Source, Rising Energy, Solar Energy, Solar Power System, Using Materials

How can a residential home owner retrofit and existing home into a zero net energy home? Are private grants available?

Not quite sure what you mean by ‘zero net energy’ home. Are you trying to ‘zero’ out all the energy used by your home for daily living? If so, what type of energy are you using now? Is your home electric or gas or both? You will need to determine your energy usage too. For instance, how many KwH of electricity are you using monthly? If your using 1000KwH per month, then you will want a solar system that produces that amount. You should be aware that a system of that size should not be a roof mount design. Instead, it should be on towers that track the Sun.
You also have to take into consideration where you live. If your in the Sun belt, no problem. If not, you need to reconsider your design.
I strongly recommend you research ‘photo voltaic systems’ and get connected with the right people. There are too many hack contractors out there that will rip you off!
Grants may be available depending on which state you live in. Check with your local utility company for more information.
Our system is great. Our electric bill has gone from $450.00 a month to $28.00 in the first 6 weeks!
Oh by the way, if you want to go green then you had better bring your greenbacks. Our PV system cost $75,000.00.
Moral of the story: Green is nice but it ain’t cheap!
Good Luck.

Technorati Tags: Electricity, Energy Grants, Energy Usage, Existing Home, Good Luck, Greenbacks, Hack, Kwh, Moral Of The Story, Photo Voltaic Systems, Private Grants, Pv System, Solar System, Sun Belt, Zero Net

Green building is a design process that grows out of a connection with the natural landscape. It is a set of informed decisions that considers the site and materials to reduce the cost, maintenance, and energy usage of the home. Conservation is central to the green building approach. Green homes are healthier, safer, more comfortable, and cost less to operate. They connect people to the land and community around them. Here are seven green building ideas:

1) Build a passive solar design.

Passive solar design for natural heating and cooling is practiced throughout the world under all climate conditions. As energy costs rise, it is critical to use building orientation, window placements, stone floors, roof overhangs, reflective barriers and other techniques to control natural solar energy.

In warm climates, face the broad side of the house to the north or south, to avoid excessive heat gain as the sun rises and drops in the horizon. Use deep overhangs or solar screens to shield glass areas from direct sun. Avoid skylights or greenhouse rooms, because they allow too much heat gain.

In colder climates, solar heat can be captured and stored in materials such as concrete or stone to be slowly released during the evening.

An open floor plan optimizes the effect of passive solar heating or cooling.

Doors and windows should be placed to catch the prevailing breeze and allow cross ventilation.

Lower inflow windows and higher outflow windows keeps air moving, as hot air rises.

A thermal chimney uses a hot zone, such as a glass cupola with windows or vents, to create rising air currents to pull air through the building.

Double glass panes provide an insulating air space between the panes, reducing heat transfer.

The metal oxide coating on Low-E (emissive) glass helps to keep solar heat out, and interior heat in.

2) Ventilate attic spaces.

In hot climates, attic spaces can accumulate heat, transferring it to living areas below. AC ducts located in the attic will absorb this heat.

In cold climates, moisture can accumulate in unventilated attic spaces, causing wood rot or mold.

Continuous eave and roof ridge vents will create natural air flow through the attic. Air enters through the eave vents, and moves out through the ridge vents. As heated air rises, it ventilates the attic.

Lighter colored roof materials absorb less heat.

Reflective heat barriers on the underside of the roof deck help to reduce heat gain.

High levels of insulation in attics and exterior walls is crucial for comfortable indoor temperature in all climates.

Some research is being done on building sealed, highly insulated attics.

3) Optimize your heat and AC systems.

An oversized system will cool too quickly, and leave the room clammy. Smaller systems run long enough reach the desired temperature, and, at the same time, clear the air of humidity.

A smaller system lasts longer, does not cycle on and off frequently, and costs less to purchase.

Check for leaks in duct work joints, and around windows, doors, attic stairs, exhaust pipes, recessed lights, and electric outlets. Ongoing maintenance of central air systems is necessary to prevent air loss.

Use programmable thermostats to regulate your energy usage.

Use Pleated-Media Filters in AC return-air grills. This filter removes particles as small as mold spores from the air that is drawn back into the AC blower, keeping coils cleaner and improving the air quality in your home.

Heat pumps on electric furnaces reduce energy use by drawing heat from outside air, using the same technology that air conditioners use to remove heat from indoor air.

Check with your utility provider for free diagnostic testing and rebates for high efficiency AC systems, insulation, solar screens, and weather-stripping.

4) Reduce water needs.

Native landscaping that is suited to the rainfall in your area is fundamental to building green.

Keep as much native growth on your lot as possible.

Water pervious materials such as crushed granite or open paving blocks allow water to percolate into the ground.

Rainwater catchment systems use gutters and barrels to catch and store water that falls on roofs.

Front loading washing machines use less energy and water. Some dishwashers use less water and have no-heat drying. Check water and energy usage before buying appliances.

Low flow toilets and shower heads reduce water usage.

Reduce water and fertilizer needs by re-cycling yard waste and leaves for use as mulch.

5) Use renewable or recycled materials.

Consider decks made of waste wood and plastic, such as Trex or other brands.

Medium density fiberboard (MDF), a wood product used for interior trim and doors, does not contain formaldehyde.

Fiber-Cement siding, trim, and pipe materials (Hardie Board) are very durable, rot resistant, and fire retardant.

Use locally produced, and easily renewed, materials when possible.

Consider alternative building materials, such as rammed earth, straw bale or insulated concrete panels.

Concrete floors utilize the foundation material as finish floor, saving materials and labor.

Recycled wood floors are a very attractive re-use of materials.

Bamboo floors are made from a rapidly renewable source – bamboo is a grass that can grow several feet per day.

Hard surface floors do not hold dust, molds, and allergens, and are very durable.

Use materials with recycled content when possible, such as cellulose insulation, Thermo-ply, and lumber composites.

Plan for a place to re-cycle household trash, such as a storage bin in the kitchen, and holding bin in the garage.

6) Safeguard your site.

Trees, vegetation and bird habitat on the site should be protected during the construction.

Native trees, grasses, rock outcroppings and natural drainage can be made a part of your building and landscaping design.

Reduce the impact to the building site as much as possible.

Make sure construction waste is properly disposed of, especially paints and solvents. Do not allow them to be buried on the site.

7) Use safe materials.

Use products that are biodegradable, non toxic, water based, and cold water compatible.

Avoid products that contain dyes, ozone depleting chemicals, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or known carcinogens.

Avoid solvent based finishes, particleboard, adhesives, some carpets, and other products that release volatile chemicals into the air.

Look for green rated labels on carpets and other products.

Remove old-style pressure treated wood when possible, especially in play structures.

Green building is an approach to design and construction that respects the environment and conserves resources. It is a common sense approach that is available to all home owners. Green building techniques create a more cost effective, enjoyable and sustainable home to live in.

Roselind Hejl
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/build-green-for-lifelong-savings-63140.html

Technorati Tags: Ac Ducts, Air Currents, Climate Conditions, Cross Ventilation, Doors And Windows, Energy Usage, Excessive Heat Gain, Glass Areas, Glass Panes, Hot Zone, Interior Heat, Metal Oxide Coating, Natural Landscape, Passive Solar Design, Passive Solar Heating, Roof Overhangs, Solar Heat, Solar Screens, Stone Floors, Warm Climates

The basic and most important reason to create your own power from renewable energy sources is that it saves you greatly on Electricity Bill. You save hundreds of dollars if you do not have to pay your electricity bill. This should help you to kick start making your own electricity using renewable energy resources from your backyard. The whole process is not as complex or complicated as you may think; any one can get it done if one puts their mind to it. There are home energy kits available to give you step by step instructions to guide you through, you find them explaining things in very simple words, giving you the feeling of holding your hands and guiding you along.

The second reason is the most important of all because creating power on your own with renewable energy is great for the environment. With power generated from renewable energy there is no air pollution, noise pollution and any emission hazards. As it is, our environment is getting polluted day by day due to the present energy resources and its wastes. Creating our own energy may let us do our bit to zero in on environmental pollution and health hazards. The renewable energy usage also helps to prevent global warming and so protect our environment from that too.

The third reason why we should create our own energy is for the fun of it. When we make our own energy it can be interesting as well as fun activity, which will leave us feeling creative as well as making a big achievement. If you feel you are not technically sound enough with such activities then you may get a home energy kit and get your electrician to set it up accordingly for you.

The fourth and interesting reasoning would be the money you save on your electric Bill may be used elsewhere. There might have been things you have wanted and postponed buying, just because you have to pay your electric bill. So when you make your own electricity whatever you save on the electric bill can be used to spend on more important things and necessities.

The fifth reason would be of getting to know the great feeling of being able to create your own energy which you might have never felt possible. Just try making your own electricity and find out for yourself how that makes you feel when you get the lights burning. It would always be a pleasure for you to know that you made it possible to electrify your home on your own. It is unlike any other feeling when you do it yourself.

The sixth reason is that, it is actually a simple job. Once you get to know how to create your own energy it will feel like child’s play to you. There are fully illustrated instruction manuals available with the home energy kits that make the whole process an easy job.

Last but not the least, it is not really expensive. You may make your own electricity for your needs from your backyard for an investment of less than $200. Wow! That sounds great doesn’t it?

Sheena Vc
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/7-reasons-why-you-should-create-your-own-power-at-home-752590.html

Technorati Tags: Air Pollution, Electrician, Electricity Bill, Energy Usage, Environment, Environmental Pollution, Global Warming, Health Hazards, Holding Hands, home energy, Money, Noise Pollution, Own Energy, Power Energy, Reason, Renewable Energy Resources, Renewable Energy Sources, Step By Step, Using Renewable Energy

With a new and green administration in the White House, and with the media’s increasing coverage of the environment impact we are having on our planet, you likely are thinking of ways to improve your lifestyle and adopt green living practices.

You may have big dreams of starting your new green living by switching to solar power for your house. The good news is that if you haven’t looked into solar power recently, you will be in for quite a surprise. Where once it would take thousands of dollars of investment for you to switch to solar power and install solar panels to your house, there are now do-it-yourself solar panel kits on the market. These kits are affordable and relatively easier for a seasoned do-it-yourself er to install. Then, for only a few hours of your time and a few hundred dollars (rather than thousands of dollars), you can be living green!

You can also stretch your usage of solar power by looking at easy ways to save solar energy consumption. By making small changes to your household, you can drastically cut down your energy usage and get more bang for your green. First, save energy at home by turning off unused electronics and appliances. There is a phantom energy drain on many appliances that aren’t even turned on. If they are plugged into the wall, many appliances are using energy. This goes from your cell phone charger to your microwave, coffee maker, and even lamps. An easy project is to buy a few power strips and plug all of your main appliances into the power strip. Then when you aren’t using the appliances, you can simply turn off or unplug the main power strip.

Other ways to save on energy are just as simple. Your air conditioner is one of the largest drains of energy on your household, and you may be looking at how to save energy using A/C conservation tips. First, when your A/C is turned on, turn up the thermostat to save energy. Adjust the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. Turn the A/C off completely on nice days or when you will out of the house for a full day or longer. When you will be out of the house for a few hours or longer, turn the thermostat up a few extra degrees. Use ceiling fans in the rooms are you in. Also, the proper maintenance of your A/C is critical. Be sure to get an annual maintenance on your A/C and change your filters regularly. Use weather strips on leaky windows and doors to keep the cool air inside where you want it.

Your clothes dryer is also a major energy drain, ranking among the highest energy usage appliances in your house. You can always dry your clothes on a clothesline in your backyard. But if that seems impractical or inconvenient, there is another green way. For a small price, you can save energy with a dryer conversion kit. These affordable kits are designed to convert the energy usage of your electric or gas dryer into a liquid propane usage dryer.

It’s not hard to be green. It simply takes a little effort to make small and easy changes to your daily life!

Daniel McDowell
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/if-you-havent-looked-into-solar-power-recently-you-will-be-in-for-quite-a-surprise-749577.html

Technorati Tags: Air Conditioner, Cell Phone Charger, Coffee Maker, Conservation Tips, Drains, Energy Consumption, Energy Drain, Energy Usage, Environment Impact, Microwave, Power Strip, Power Strips, Small Changes, Solar Energy, Solar Panel, Solar Panels, Solar Power, Thermostat, Thousands Of Dollars, Using Energy