We are all facing increasing energy bills. Gas, electricity, fuel oil costs are increasing year after year and there is nothing in our future that would suggest that this will change.
Figure 1 - Black & Decker EM100B Energy Saver Series Power Monitor
The Black & Decker's Power Monitor is an easy-to-use device that tells homeowners, in real time, the amount of electricity that they use, and the cost in dollars and cents.
There are many things that can be done in and around your home to reduce energy consumption and hence reduce energy costs.
If you are facing high electric bills you may want to consider the purchase of a product similar to the Black & Decker EM100B Energy Saver Series Power Monitor as shown in Figure 1.
Selection of power monitors.
The U.S. government has created a joint program called ENERGY STAR. Energy Star is a collaboration of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, its mandate is to identify and work with manufacturers to create products, and best practices in order to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment.
The average family in the U.S. spends $1,900 a year on energy consumption. Look at the EPA Energy Star ratings of all the items that you purchase. By purchasing wisely, you an save more than 35 percent on energy consumption without loosing any features and benefits of an item. For the average family that is more that $600 per year. Energy Star ratings are available for the following items.
Light fixtures and lamps, because the ultimate effect is a combination of both, have been designed to specifically suit each and every room, every closet, cupboard, hallway and stairwell, in a home and in every style and finish that one can possibly imagine. They have been designed to provide functionality as well aesthetics.
There are four basic types of lighting, designed to provide flexibility in style and function. As with any design, it is important to create a lighting design for a room before you purchase the light fixtures.
For additional information on the ENERGY STAR program click on their logo:
- Appliances
- Heating and Cooling
- Home Envelope
- Home Electronics
- Home Office Equipment
- Lighting
Energy conservation does not only mean buying low power consumption appliances and other items. Every day we loose substantial amounts of energy by inefficient, poorly maintained equipment. Heat and cooling losses due to air ducts not being properly sealed, clogged air filters and loose fan belts are just a few of the ways we consume fuel unnecessarily.
Poor attic ventilation, windows, and doors that are not sealed properly, lack of insulation in floors, walls and attics all lead to higher energy consumption.
Half loads of laundry, leaving air conditioning systems on when away from home and inefficient water heaters add up to hundred’s of dollars a year in wasted energy.