It’s no secret that if you save energy you will save money, but how do you save energy? I will get to that in a minute. The first thing that you should know is the more energy that you save will mean a lower cost to setup your solar power system. Also if you us a DIY solar power home guide you will save huge on the cost to set up your system. However before thinking about switching to an alternative source of energy, you need to look at ways to reduce energy demands.
Here a 3 good tips to reduce energy consumption.
Tip 1: Use power strips – A “phantom load” occurs when a device that seems to be off is still using electricity, such as plug-in power adapters and appliances with digital clocks or indicator lights. You’re probable thinking that a few watts of standby energy used per appliance is insignificant, but the total load of these appliances accumulates very quickly. The average phantom load in a normal house uses 1 kilowatt hour daily. That’s as much as a $10,000 solar energy system provides. Using power strips and timers to control these loads will reduce the size of renewable energy system that you need. Entertainment and office equipment are prime examples of appliances that can be bundled onto one power strip and turned off when not in use. Make it easy to access so you will remember to switch it off.
Tip 2: Switch to CFLs – Switching to CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) can lower your lighting bill by as much as 75 percent. Light normally accounts for 10 to 15 percent or your total energy bill. About 95 percent of the energy used to light a normal bulb is wasted as heat with only 5 percent used for lighting.
Tip 3: Use daylight: Installing solar light tubes is a great way to light dark areas in the day. Solar tubes bring in light with a series of mirrors and reflective surfaces. Skylights are OK but unless they are made with super-efficient glass it will let out heat in the winter and bring in excessive heat in the summer.