Energy Efficient Home: Create One Using 2 Proven Methods

What is an energy efficient home? It is one where electric power is properly and economically utilized and wasteful energy consumption practices corrected. Commonly it refers to one that uses renewable energy. Just practicing energy conservation at home will significantly reduce electricity bills. This is also a wise move in the preparation for going solar in the future. Electricity consumption as a result of energy conservation will determine how big the Residential Solar System will be. The more efficient the home, the smaller and cheaper the System.

Why is there a need to achieve total energy efficiency? The US Energy Information Administration (USEIA) gives 3 reasons:

1. Since 1970 through 2007, household energy consumption has been on the rise at the rate of 1.4% every year. Energy efficiency at home will definitely relieve the pressure on electrical energy suppliers
2. Retail sales of electricity to US household now exceed sales to commercial and industrial sectors. This calls for strict conservation measures.
3.  US household can easily reduce demand by 30% in 2 years with energy conservation. Reducing demand is an effective way to conserve conventional fuel.

  

  Here are the proven methods toward Total Energy Efficiency at Home:

Method No. 1 - Conserve energy

Household electricity utilization:

1. Appliances and electronic devices               64%
2. Refrigeration                                                   14% 
3. Lighting                                                              9%
4. Heating and cooling                                       13% 

The above figures guide us where electricity will be strictly monitored and conserved to reduce home consumption.  

The US Department of Energy lists in detail conservation practices and energy saving tips. Here are some of the more common and practical ones:

1. Appliances and electronics which consume the biggest electricity must be closely monitored. It is important to unplug electronics and appliances when not in use because while on standby mode, these utilize up to 40% of the total appliances and electronics consumption. Microsoft estimates that it costs$ 55 to $ 75 per year to allow one computer to sit idle. Old refrigerators must use controlling devices to reduce electricity consumption. When shopping for new appliances, buy those with Energy Guide or Energy Star Labels since these meet the energy efficiency criteria of the Department of Energy. Government incentives are available for these appliances.
2.  Lighting. Put out the lights when not in use. Replace all incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFL). CFLs consume 1/3 electricity and lasts up to 10 times when compared with incandescent bulbs. With CFLs, electricity used for lighting can be cut in half.  This practice is gaining wide popularity. 
3. Heating and cooling. Leakages in window and door insulations must be regularly checked as these will lead to power waste and increase in electricity consumption.

Energy conservation practices will surely result to reduction of electricity consumption. This is a highly recommended move when going to Step 2 because it will mean a much smaller and less expensive Solar Home Energy System.  Remember that it is cheaper and easier to save electricity than generate it.

Method No.  2 – Install Residential Solar System

Residential Solar System is the ideal source of household electricity for you because it is practical, simple to build and sustainable. In a nutshell your System will consist of solar panels, battery bank, inverter, charge controller, wiring and support structure. You remain connected to the utility company.  The System will perfectly complement the gains of energy efficiency in reducing electrical consumption. It will convert your home and make it totally energy efficient reducing electricity consumption by up to 80%. We invite you to browse our more detailed article on Residential Solar System which is coming soon. 

With Efficient Energy Conservation measures and a Residential Solar System generating the greater part of your electricity needs, you can easily achieve the status of a Total Energy Efficient Home.


We invite you to visit our Informative Solar Article page for more practical tips, simplified application guide and established solar benefits.

 About the Author

Jacinto Demonteverde, Jr., the owner, is a strong advocate of solar power adoption. URL: justsolarhome.blogspot.com. He writes practical articles to keep established and prospective solar users well informed. You are welcome to republish or reprint this article free of charge provided the content remains unchanged including the Author's Box. No permission is needed.