The Meaning Of Home Energy Conservation

By: Ryan Narendra

With the risks to our environment growing ever greater, and with fuel and energy prices rising, many more individuals and families than ever are wondering how to conserve energy in their homes. Fortunately, there are many steps that can be taken, ranging from investments of a few minutes and dollars to massive home renovations. Here are just a few of many ways to get started in home energy conservation.

Light is a key feature of civilization, yet the source of much of our lighting is incredibly wasteful. Typical incandescent bulbs only release 10% of their product as visible light, the rest wasted as heat. Not only is the process inefficient, but the resulting heat must be removed from the home in warmer months, requiring excess air conditioning power and expense. With a small investment of time and money, this vast inefficiency can be dramatically reduced. Compact fluorescent bulbs last up to ten times longer than do traditional incandescent, produce much less heat and use less electricity. Even more efficient are Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs, which dramatically outlast even the longest lasting fluorescent bulbs. While these are more expensive by far, rapid advances in technology continue to result in dramatic price drops.

Energy saving appliances is another key way of conserving energy. It is estimated that roughly 14% of a home's consumed energy is expended on running appliances. Purchasing more efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, washer/dryer units and ranges can vastly reduce energy consumption. In addition to more efficient appliances, more effective use of the ones you have now helps. By turning off unused lights, using less hot water for cleaning and letting dishes air dry, efficiency can be greatly increased.

Many home energy conservation efforts address the problem at its source. By producing cleaner energy, or by purchasing such energy from cleaner sources, fossil fuel use can be reduced or eliminated. Solar energy is receiving increased attention due to recent technological advances. Solar power can not only supplement electricity from other sources, but passive solar energy can help heat or even cool your home. Many companies specialize in helping with such modifications. Furthermore, many cities and electric companies offer incentives to consumers willing to undertake such projects with their homes.

Many municipalities and power companies also offer opportunities to purchase power from cleaner sources such as from wind or hydroelectric plants. Such efforts not only lessen dependence on fossil fuels, but also create a base of consumers investing in such transitions. With enough financial encouragement, electric companies can break their own dependence on unclean sources, providing cleaner energy to consumers by default.

Many of the more extreme measures aren't inexpensive. There is, however, financial assistance available in many instances. Many companies, cities and states offer grants to those wishing to strive toward home energy conservation. Grant specifics vary widely, and can range from incentives for purchasing better light bulbs to massive financial assistance for replacing inefficient wiring and appliances. Your local city council or chamber of commerce is a great place to begin looking. Failing that, many grants can be found by searching online.

Home energy conservation is becoming an increasingly important matter. Fortunately, it is easy to get started, and many individuals and companies are ready to provide the financial resources and expertise to help.

Also, check out my other guide on solar energy homes and solar energy projects

Home Energy Conservation

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The Meaning Of Home Energy Conservation

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