Guest Post - The Latest Energy Saving Devices That Save You Money

Saving money is something that everyone enjoys doing, yet many people are unaware what they can do to keep energy costs low. In most cases, the only method used to save money

on energy is to keep the heat low in the winter, the air conditioner high in the summer and reduced water consumption as much as possible. However, there are several devices that can reduce energy costs without making friends and family uncomfortable in the home. Some of the devices have been available for some time, but new advances have made them more affordable and efficient, while others are recent developments in energy conservation.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are not new devices, but new technology has made them more reliable and affordable for the average homeowner. Many of them adjust automatically based on lifestyles and schedules of those who live in the home using high-tech sensors, algorithms and cloud computing options. Smart thermostats can remember schedules and integrate weather forecasts, allowing the homeowner to control the device using a computer or mobile device from any location. Smart thermostats can reduce the average energy bill by 30 percent, and costs start at around $250.

Energy Efficient Appliances

There are many new-age appliances that provide significant energy savings, but also offer additional technologies that can improve life. There are now refrigerators that can keep track of grocery lists and log food

eaten as well as washing machines that fit more clothes, allowing for fewer laundry loads. However, even appliances that are not visible can provide energy savings. Gas hot water systems, such as the Bosch Highflow system not only reduces energy costs, but also helps the environment by heating water as it is needed, and only heating the amount necessary for the task at hand.

Home Automation

Although it is commonly known that switching to LED lighting can reduce energy costs, consumers are now finding that automation services are another way to be sure energy costs remain low. In fact, using home automation services to control lights can not only save on energy, but can also provide added security, as vacationing homeowners can set lights to turn on and go off using the automation to make it appear someone is at home, deterring burglars. The systems can be accessed using tablets, laptops or smartphones, and many are available through home security companies and other vendors. There are those who believe that as energy companies begin adding smart meter services, they, too, will begin offering home automation services to homeowners. The systems can also control faucets and other water outlets, allowing the homeowner to turn off sprinklers during sudden rainstorms or stop faucets that were accidentally left on.

Small Changes

It is not just big appliances that provide energy savings, as there are many little devices that can provide reduced energy costs. Consumer electronics can add almost $200 a year to energy costs simply by powering up and down each day, so adding a “smart” adapter

that provides just the power that the device needs to operate can help reduce the costs involved. Some companies call them a “digital handshake” between the power supply and the device, so that once the power necessary has been supplied, it shuts off. Mobile phones and tablets need constant charging, and this can lead to additional energy costs as people tend to leave them plugged in for longer than necessary. Consider a solar charger for the device that harnesses energy from the sun. Solar chargers also allow users to charge devices when there is no electrical power available, like on camping trips or while traveling.

Although some of the latest energy saving devices can be initially expensive, the money saved with reduced energy often allows homeowners to recoup their investment fairly quickly. In addition, there are many small, inexpensive things that can be added to a home or office that can reduce energy usage even slightly, which over time adds up to significant savings.

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Guest Post - Winter Check-Up for Energy Savings

The middle of winter and the end of a long cold spell tagged a “winter vortex” gives plenty of reminders about the cost of energy and heating in the winter months. It is also an opportunity to do more than begrudgingly pay the bill. It can be a perfect time to do some easy self-checks to save energy both now and in future years. Some of the corrections can be done immediately, and others will require a contractor in the spring, but now is the best time to schedule those jobs as well.

Mid-Winter Inspection for Energy Efficiency

Take advantage of the very cold weather to do your own inspection to find places to reduce energy usage and costs. It will allow you to help the environment as well as your own budget. The cold weather makes easy work of identifying key areas to save.

Windows

While thermal efficiency ratings and e-ratings are the fodder of a sales pitch, one of the best methods to determine the energy efficiency of your current windows is simply using your hand. Run your hand around the trim of your windows holding it an inch or two from the trim on a cold night or morning. You can easily feel any cool air coming in by doing this on a cold day. To make it even more pronounced use a damp hand. If you feel any drafts or cool air around the trim then pulling off the trim and stuffing gaps with loose insulation is an easy fix. Sometimes a little caulking can be used on the narrow gaps. Doing from the inside, you can do this even in the middle of winter for immediate savings.

Check the air temperature an inch or so in front of the glass on the windows. If the air is noticeably cooler near the glass than in the center of room, you will benefit from a better thermally insulated window. If any frost is visible between the panes of glass then the vacuum or gas sealed in between the panes has escaped and you have lost most of the insulating power of the windows. In this case it is time to consider replacement windows. Look for energy star replacement windows as those give easy to read measurements on energy savings and also often qualify for tax incentives when upgrading.

Doors

A similar method can be used to check exterior doors. As well as check around the trim for needed insulation, ensure that gaps around doors are sealed with weather stripping. You can purchase weather stripping in a variety of widths to fill any gap for a tight seal. When you touch the interior of the door, it should be roughly the same temperature as any wall. If the door panel is cooler than an exterior wall, you need a better insulated door or to add a storm door.

Exterior Walls

Check the exterior walls of your home in two ways. First, by simply touching the surface of an interior wall and comparing the warmth of that to the surface of the exterior wall. You should not be able to tell the difference by surface temperature to touch of the interior or exterior walls. If you can feel a difference then the insulation in your walls is deficient. This will require adding cavity wall insulation as one possible solution, or depending on construction and needs, you may want to consider adding an energy efficient siding with exterior insulation.

The other method to simply determine the energy efficiency of exterior walls is to go outside on a cold snowy day and watch to see if snow that hits the side of the house gets wet and melts. If the exterior of your home is warm enough to melt snow away, that heat is coming from inside your house and leaking out.

Roof

If you are in a snowy climate, look at the roof on your home. This is best done a few hours after a new snow. If the snow is rapidly melting off the roof (and it is not due to sunshine) then you are losing too much heat. This is especially easy if you have an unheated garage or outbuilding to compare it to. If the snow is significantly less on your heated areas than unheated nearby rooftops then you need to add additional loft or attic insulation. In many homes this can account for 20% or more of all heat loss. Anytime the temperature outside is below 32f and it is not sunny there should not be dripping eves and icicles forming. In addition to saving a lot of energy, correcting this will help prevent the need for expensive roof repairs due to ice building up under the edges of shingles.

A semi-retired freelance writer and blogger living in the United States, Reuben Dickison holds degrees in Marketing and Public Administration. His career path has included consumer financial management and private business management training and consulting. His passion is promoting an environmentally sound business ethos and planet.

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