10 Ways to Improve Home Energy Efficiency
The new Magnets 4 Energy e-book is more than just a plan or instruction to build a DIY magnetic generator. It is also a guide with tips and strategies on how to reduce your home energy consumption.
The idea makes sense actually. Why construct a magnetic generator to supplement power to your home when it is not energy efficient. It is like trying to pour water into a tank but the tank has many leaks and water is just being wasted.
A better way to save on your monthly electricity bills is to make your house more energy efficient. A big portion in the Magnet 4 Energy manual talks about the measures that a home owner can take to save money. The following are 10 recommended steps:
1) Insulate and Ventilate.
One of the biggest consumption of electricity in your home is the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC). Steps taken to improve this area will reduce your energy usage substantially.
One way of doing so is by insulate and ventilating. Properly done, insulation can reduce home heating needs to almost 1/10 of an average residence.
Savings are reaped in the summer as well. Use of air conditioners can be avoided or minimized in most regions. Weather stripping and caulking control air leaks, while air exchange keeps your indoor air fresh.
2) Upgrade to high-efficiency appliances.
Are your home appliances up to standard? How much energy does it use? If you have a lot of energy sapping old electrical devices, it is time to upgrade.
Energy Star appliances consume between two and 10 times less electricity. Initial costs can be up to 15 percent more, but it will come back in energy savings. Most are higher-quality products producing less noise and lasting longer.
3) Using fluorescent lighting.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL). Although initially costing more, CFLs use four times less energy and last an average of eight times longer (about 8,000 hours).
Fluorescent tubes last up to 20,000 hours and add further efficiency. Both can be used in dimmable fixtures for a longer lifespan and more comfortable house.
4) Reduce phantom power.
When not in use, certain electrical devices such as televisions, computers and microwaves are still consuming power. The energy consumed can be as much as 25 percent of your total electricity bill! If the equipment is not in use, it is a good practice to just unplug it.
5) Reduce home temperature.
Lower temperature by one or two degrees, and even more at night and while you’re away to ensure no heat is wasted. The easiest way to do this is by installing a programmable thermostat to control the temperature for you.
6) Use water efficiently.
Although water usage at home may not contribute to its energy efficiency, it does fall in the household expenses category. Why not take steps to improve it.
A low-flow shower head can cut water consumption in half, which reflects greatly on hot water usage. Insulate electric water heaters and pipes, but not gas water heaters.
7) Change furnace filters.
A clean filter will allow the furnace to operate more efficiently. Change it once a month when it’s in use. This is one simple and inexpensive step you can take which will yield great results.
8) Avoid using batteries.
If using them is a must, choose less harmful rechargeable batteries. Then charge them with power from the sun. The usual alkaline batteries are expensive and create a lot of wastage.
9) Buy stuff locally.
By doing this step, it indirectly reduces your home total energy consumption. Think about it, the further a product has to travel before it gets to you, the more energy it has consumed along the way. Buying locally literally cuts down on the travel distance.
10) Walk, bike, take the bus.
Here’s another steps that will help you to save money indirectly. Anything that reduces the amount you drive lowers the amount of gas you use.
When you have done all the 10 steps above, you can start to reduce your home electricity bill further by building a DIY magnetic generator. To do so, you will need a magnet generator blueprint. The Magnets 4 Energy manual will provide you with everything you need.
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