An Energy-Efficient Home

25 July 2010
Posted in Alternative Energy

In the past, most people did not consider conservation of energy important. Most are not even aware how much they are spending on energy alone. They are clueless as to how much money they are throwing away. People used to be unaffected by  the problems regarding the environment and the need to conserve resources. In these times, however, the unpredictability of fuel costs and our limited resources altogether created a disturbing impact on all of us. Thus, the desire and the dire need to save energy became much greater than it has ever been.

We are well aware that there are many ways to save energy.  Chief among these is making your home and appliances more energy efficient. Home design experts nowadays are skilled at combining efficiency design with outstanding décor.  The use of solar energy by installing solar panels to power your home can tremendously increase your savings on bills; in this case, electric bills.  .

Finding good home designers that are capable in making a lovely as well as an energy-efficient home is quicker than ever. All you have to do is type in keywords for your location into the Google search box, such as: “Home Design Sydney” or “Home Design Melbourne” and a list of services will be available to you.

But if you already have a nice home but only lack the idea on how to make it energy efficient, these are some helpful tips for you.

Turn off or turn down the lights -- This may be the most common tip that you would ever hear.  And although it sounds cliché, you will be surprised that many people disregard this.  This may probably be because they forget or are just too tired to switch off the lights.

To solve this problem, an occupancy sensor may be put up in the room.  Occupancy sensors are valuable tools for homes with occupants who often don't remember to turn off the lights. These can be installed in a small switchbox on the wall and will automatically turn on the lights when an occupant comes in and will automatically turn the lights off when that person leaves.  This may seem too trivial, but over time, the energy savings will accumulate.   Also include the savings that you will be making by buying new light bulbs less often than before.

Shut off the water and turn down the water heater -- Leaving the water running while brushing your teeth and washing the dishes waste you hundreds or probably thousands of gallons of water annually. Not only do you waste water, but you also waste the energy used to keep it clean and that used to supply water into your home.

Additionally, lowering the water heater temperature 10 degrees- F saves you approximately 3%-5% on your energy costs.  Having turned it down would not even be noticeable since the temperature of the water being heated by the water heater is too hot for general use. We all want warm or hot water, not scalding water.

These are but a few among many tips. There are hundreds of others.  Although these may seem trivial tips, but they all count up.  It's not only that you save money, but you also help conserve the earth’s natural resources on a daily basis.