Home Energy Ratings - Low Cost and No Cost Tips to Try Out!

[Rolando Cartwright]

Energy Efficient Improvements not only make your home more
comfortable, but also will improve your Home Energy Ratings yielding
long term financial benefits. Reduced energy bills will more than
compensate for any capital investment in new energy systems or energy
rated appliances. The reduced power consumption will also reduce green
house gas emission, a major concern these days.
Not only that, these will also will help fetch a higher price for your
house when one day you want to sell it!
But before you take the critical decision to invest in a new home
energy system, there are a few simple things that will bring about
almost immediate benefits to your coffers without any major
alterations to your existing set ups.
These tips need little or no new investment!
* Invest in a new programmable thermostat to keep your house cozy and
comfortable in the colder seasons. When you are sleeping or in the
house turn the temperature setting back 5 0 C to 10 0 C for eight
hours which will save about 10 % of your energy bills. Bear in mind
that every half degree Celsius of your thermostat lowered will lower
your heating bill by 1% or so! (In the case of summer cooling you
raise your thermostat temperature setting to bring about the same
benefits).
* Almost every one is aware of the benefits of using CFL s for
lighting. Regrettably all CFLs are not made equal. The main thing to
look for is the energy labeling according to EU, ISI or equivalent
standards. This is because there are so many products in the market
today which when compared on apple to apple basis will show different
energy efficiencies even when all the rest seems to be satisfactory.
* When connecting Electronic Items such as your TV, sound set up or
the DVD always take the power connections off a Power Strip with on-
off switches. Knock off this switch when you are not using a
particular appliance. These appliances burn a few watts even when they
are in standby mode!
* Switch off your computer and the monitor when not in use. Optimizing
the brightness levels will reduce monitor power consumption. An
average computer and a monitor power usage may amount to over 100
watts.
* To preserve the best hygiene levels you do not have to have a bath.
Taking short hot water showers will bring down home energy consumption
and suffice the purpose too.
* Set your home water heater's thermostat (what ever the type and fuel
is) to about 49 0 C.
* When using your washing machine using a full load every time will
save energy and money. Use cold water wherever possible and when the
stain removal does not require it.
* Air Dry dishes instead of using the programmed drying cycle when
using your dish washer. Some of you may not know this. Your dishwasher
is one of the main electricity guzzlers in your home. Here the major
portion of consumed energy is used for heating the water.
o Always wash full loads of dishes.
o Set the hot water temperature to a lower setting barely sufficient
for the purpose.
o Avoid using hot water unless your dishes are, for example greasy.
* Ensure all your electrical appliances including fridges comply with
EU Energy Labeling A plus (and also preferably with EU Eco- label
though not essential).Interestingly the price of an A plus appliance
is no more costly than a lesser rated unit.
* Use your windows and curtains wisely. In colder climes the South
oriented windows bring in the warmth of the sun in the day time. Have
the windows open during the day and closed and covered in the night to
keep away the chill. During the winter have heavy insulating curtains
on your windows for use during the night and overcast skies. Deciduous
trees which do not cover the sun during the winter while providing
shade in the summer is a good energy saving idea too.

Secret For Generating Free Electricity: http://groups.google.de/group/homeenergymi/