Electricity Saving Tips – Electricity Conservation Methods

Arunraj V.S. asked:

Electricity conservation assumes a lot of importance in present times, because electricity is a major influential factor to global warming. The past few years have recorded the warmest surface temperatures ever in global history. Human activity is the biggest factor that has led to global warming. It is now up to individuals and organizations to take collective action to slow down and reverse global warming by using our energy resources cautiously, minimizing fossil fuel usage and conserving electricity.

Conserving electricity is very important because the largest source of carbon-dioxide and other heat-trapping ‘green house’ gases into the atmosphere is electric power generation. Considering the hectic, fast paced life that we lead, we depend on electrical gadgets and equipments to get quick results. Coal and oil constitute more than 80 percent of fuel supply used to generate electricity. Coal combustion leads to the largest amount of CO2 per energy unit of any fossil fuel. So the key is to conserve electricity and reduce electric power usage.

When we restrict electric power use, we not only save money and breathe clean air, but also take concrete steps to reverse global warming. Each kilo-watt hour of electricity saved gets rid of 1.5 to 2 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

In economically challenging times like the present, it is even more important to conserve electricity because of the rising energy costs. It will be beneficial if we as families take the first step in conserving electricity and tackle the problem of climate crisis at the grass-root level. Here are some smart electricity saving tips to conserve electricity

It is a common practice for us to use the remote control to switch off the TV. But this actually keeps the TV on in a stand-by mode where it can consume 6 watts per hour. Even if you turn the TV off and not switch off at the plug point, the TV still consumes 0 .5 to 1 watt power. We should make it a point to switch off cell phone chargers and electrical mosquito repellents from the mains after use, so that they do not consume power. The cell phone charger utilizes 3 watts per hour, when it remains plugged. So once the battery is charged, we should take the charger off the plug point. Mosquito repellents can consume 5 watts per hour. Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners as far as possible. You will also save a lot on electricity bills. Replacing the metal blades of a fan with fiber blades can save twenty percent energy overall. If air conditioning is something that you have to go for, it is better to go for split air-conditioning rather than centralized air-conditioning. Split air-conditioning will only cool specific areas where cooling is needed. Besides this, cleaning the filter of air conditioners leads to quick cooling while at the same time, ensuring efficient use of electricity. It is better to install two 23 watt Compact Fluorescent Lights at opposite sides of the room rather than installing a single 40 watt tube-light. The benefit is you can opt for only one of the CFLs if you do not need bright light all the time. If you are a family of four people, you can go for a refrigerator of 80 liters capacity rather than a 165-liter one. A refrigerator consumes 1.3 to 4 units daily depending on its size, make and model

Install Renewable Sources of Energy to Cut Down Your Electricity Bill

Ashish K Arora asked:

Presently world’s over almost all electricity is being produced by non-renewable sources, except a small fraction of energy, which is produced by renewable sources. These renewable sources of energy provide us continuous electricity and thus help us in cutting down our electricity bills by great extent. Renewable sources of energy include the solar energy and wind energy. Solar energy is available to all of us and we can tap this source of energy for our day-to-day work, however for wind energy we require large area especially coastal area or other wind rich area or region.

Renewable energy has many advantages and the major advantage of it is that it does not pollute our environment. The electricity that is produced from conventional non-renewable sources such as coal or gas cause major damage to our environment. The burning of coal and gas produces many pollutants such as oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur, particulate matters, etc. These are not only responsible for global warming but can deplete ozone layers also. These pollutants can be dangerous for human beings and can cause many diseases.

So, for a long run renewable sources of energy are the best solution as these are not only cheap, but these are safer for the next generation also. You need to invest one time for installing a solar panel from which you will get continuous energy for years to come. Solar panels are large panel that can be installed on your roof or any other place you would like to install them and after making the necessary arrangement for light connection, you get electricity as and when required. However if your electricity consumption were large, you would definitely cut down your huge electricity bill significantly and at the same time you will contribute in conserving our planet earth.

So, there are many options available to you for cutting down your huge electricity bill and one option is to stop using electricity and cut down electricity bill and conserve environment, however better option is to install a solar system so that you get continuously non-renewable energy at an initial investment of only $200. This option is far better choice for you and you can reduce your electricity bills once and forever.

Eco-Friendly Tips For Hip Moms

F. Caballero asked:

Whether you’re a hippie from the olden times or simply riding the drifting trend of times, you know for sure that Green is in. Smart mommies bag cool bonuses and save money by being environmentally friendly, while training children some significant life lessons about caring for the planet.

Here are some planet-friendly tips to get you started:

Offer Rewards for Recycling – When in doubt, let money talk. Motivate your children to earn their allowances by contributing in various green duties like recycling. And they’ll discover early that being green can be pocket-friendly! Home recycling services are still sluggish in pace in some parts on the country, so better check out what your local community offers. You can also utilize a handy tool at Earth911.com to determine recycling efforts in your neighborhood. If you’re a true-blue penny pincher, you might even get a couple bucks out of your recycling habit. Other recycling centers are willing to provide cold hard cash for turning in clean cans or bottles, so contact your local recycling centers to find out their procedures.

Donate and Buy Second Hand Items - When your family is done with different stuff, such as clothing, toys, furniture, etc., donate them to your choice of organization. Some national organizations like Goodwill.org accept donations and give back job-training opportunities. There might also be a local foundation that could benefit from your slightly used items. Let your kids in on why donating is a good practice, and tell them how people will benefit from their kindness. While there’s a flip side to the secondhand scene, teach your kids early not to be embarrassed of owning secondhand items. In reality, thrift and vintage shops are a cool way to find something unique. Make the most of the fact that loads of retro styles are in vogue right now. And the bonus: Your dollar will go way beyond than at the mall!

Secondhand shopping is great for pieces of furniture, too. Do you really wish to drop $200 on that Pepto-pink dresser your 5-year wants? There are lots of ways to spoil her creative spark without breaking the bank on furniture you probably won’t use for several years. Skip the department store and buy a durable piece of used furniture at your local thrift store or antique shop. Modify the piece with a new paint job or a change of hardware. The time you spend on the project together will bring good ol’ bonding time away from the TV.

Quality is a Top Priority – Going green doesn’t have to mean giving up glamour (thank goodness). A hip, eco-conscious mom knows that quality over quantity is equivalent to treating yourself and your children to high-end, well-crafted items. Instead of getting a lot of cheap or trendy stuff that will have to be changed frequently, opt for the good stuff in classic, sturdy styles. Add spice and personal flair with a few choice items from reasonably priced sources like the abovementioned thrift or consignment stores. When you buy luxe, you might have to spend a bit more upfront, but you’ll notice the savings over time, as you’ll have to purchase less often. It’s also wonderful opportunity to show your children the value of taking good care of their belongings, so that they can be used and loved for many years. But buyers watch out! There’s a thin line between paying for quality and paying for brand names. Utilize online forums like Slickdeals.net to read up on products and learn what other customers think.

Are You Committed to Green Living? – Generating Electricity at Home

Elijiah Rampart asked:

Have you made an all out commitment to green living?

Or, having you been holding out from doing all you can do?

I am sure you have changed your lifestyle in many areas and decided to be environmentally responsible by living green. I think we both can agree that every little bit helps when doing our part to be responsible for our planet.

But are there even more aspects of your life that you can commit to a green lifestyle?

That is the question I had to ask myself.

I needed to take a good hard look at my life and see if I was really doing all I could do. I looked at food recovery (some call this dumpstering), water conservation, and recycling. I think these things are making an impact to improve our planet. But you know what, in the long run they didn’t really have as great as an impact that I wanted.

It wasn’t until I learned that I could make my own electricity at home that I realized I wasn’t really as committed to living green as I once thought. You see, burning fossil fuels to make electrical power is one if the biggest threats to our society right now. These pollutants have put us right at the door step of a global warming disaster that just doesn’t want to go away.

I discovered that there are clean and environmentally friendly ways to make electricity. I looked into solar and wind power, but I learned about a little known secret nobody is talking about.
Here is the secret: magnetic power generation.

Maybe you haven’t heard much about it but there are guides available that show you how you can make your own magnetic power generator at home so you can make your own electricity. These devices produce clean and green electricity with no harmful environmental pollutants. Their carbon foot print is almost zero.

Not only that, but you can now be totally sold out to living green and just about eliminate your carbon foot print. Best of all, by making a magnetic power generator you will be able to save a lot of money every month by reducing or eliminating your monthly power bill.

Making Electricity From Solar Panels

Richard Johnstonn asked:

With the advent of high energy prices one of the things consumers should really be taking a look at is solar power for electricity. It’s a great alternative to fossil fuels and as far as I know the sun is not going to die soon so it’s a complete renewable energy source. The beauty solar panels is they cannot only be used remotely in parts of the world where we cannot lay power lines but after the initial cost of the solar power panel the energy provided will be free.

I think all new homes babbles should now have incorporated into them solar power panels. These can be used to power their water heater, their central heating systems, all their electricall appliances and even the car that they purchased to run on electricity.

There are two types of solar panels: one is am electricity panel and the other is a solar hot water panel. These work by capturing sunlight and producing a small electrical charge which can then redirected straight to generator and from the generator to a holding battery which will keep the current electricity in place and ready to use. The voltage within the battery will be DC this can be inverted using an inverter to change the power from DC to AC and then this power can be used directly by the household.

As technology progresses solar panels will become more powerful and smaller in size. They will also become cheaper to purchase and as this price drops with the technological advancements more and more homes can and will change to solar power as their main means of getting electricity and this for me cannot happen soon enough.

Information About 10kw Wind Turbines

ames Fraksburg asked:

Personal residential utilities offer a great way to save money and conserve the environment. Government tax credits are making it easier to afford options such as 10kw wind turbines for homes and small farms. There are a few points to note before making the investment.

Most residential homes use eight hundred to two thousand kWh of electricity per month. The 10kw turbine is the most popular size in this output capacity and is capable of taking care of electricity needs. With consistent winds above eight miles per hour, this unit can dramatically reduce or eliminate completely energy utility bills.

A common question consumers ask themselves is whether this unit is right for their particular needs and surroundings. This size turbine is ideal for residents who’s home pays more than twelve cents per kilowatt-hour and are within an area that consistently receives annual average winds above eight miles per hour. It should be kept in mind that the tower height and associated sound can be intrusive to neighbors, and the turbulence from nearby structures and trees can effect the efficiency of the unit. For this reason, it’s ideal to have a least one acre of open land on which to install the unit.

For horizontal-axis units, the tower height in this size is eighty to one hundred and twenty foot. Noticeable sound can be heard at a height of seventy feet, next to the tower. Mounting the turbine on building tops is not recommended due to the associated noise, turbulence and vibration that effects both the building and the wind driving the blades.

Regions with hotter average temperatures might find that they require larger blades or turbines than colder areas. Hot air is less dense than colder air, thereby producing less power per unit air mass. This equates to a different power rating for the same turbine. Most turbines begin producing power at eight miles per hour. The optimal output speed between twenty five and thirty mph. The upper limit at which the unit cuts out is generally about forty miles per hour, as a safety precaution.

Each turbine is given a power rating for it’s size considered under certain conditions. This sometimes varies per manufacturer, so it’s a good idea to look for the Annual Energy Output (AEO) when comparing units. This standard has been established by and American wind energy association, and offers a baseline for comparison, similar to the Environmental Protections Agency’s estimated gas mileage given to vehicles.

Installing the system is usually best left to professionals, especially in a residential setting. For capable individuals, installation can be performed using the right tools. The most difficult part tends to be erecting the tower. A pre-constructed tower can be reasonably hoisted into place by hinging one side of the base and raising the top with winch or vehicle. The most economical towers are guyed-latticed towers frequently used for radio antennas. Avoid using aluminum materials. These tend to crack and wear out early. Towers erected near trees or structures should stand at least thirty feet above any obstacles.

Typical home based 10kw wind turbines will usually cost between $28,000 and $35,000, including installation. Payback period for the device is usually in between eight and sixteen years, with consistent use. The turbines are designed to last over thirty years.

What Are the Pros and Cons to Solar Energy

Gavin Dye asked:

Using the power of the sun to power our lifestyles, on paper looks like a natural fit. As with all things in life there are two sides to any argument and Solar Power is no different, so hopefully in this article I will answer what are the pro’s and con’s to using solar energy in today’s world

The Pro’s to using Solar Energy

1. It is a cheaper way to generate energy, than the normal means of energy generation. The suns power is free, and is a natural resource, using it means that you are not burning any fossil fuels that can ruin the earth’s atmosphere. It truly is an environmentally friendly alternative.

2. The suns power is free, most of the cost involved is in the initial investment that is required in setting up the solar powered system.

3. If you do use solar power, you can expect to have no electricity bill, a very small one, or you may actually end up earning money, by supplying your energy back into the electricity system if you live in the right area.

4. No fuel to burn so would be good to the atmosphere. Also if the fuel prices rise and there is a shortage, you will be OK, because you are getting your power from the sun for free.

5. If there was a power outage in your area, you wouldn’t be affected, as you would still be getting your power from your Solar Powered system.

6. It doesn’t matter where you are, you could be in a remote area and you can still use the power of the sun. You will find solar power being used in some very remote locations.

7. It’s a low maintenance system, you don’t have to rewire your house, and if you need more power just add more solar panels.

The Con’s of using Solar Energy

1. The initial cost, they are costly to setup and have installed, but this initial cost is probably the only cost you have to worry about. Depending on where you live you may also be able to get grants from the government to setup your system, and is well worth checking on before starting looking at systems.

2. You need to live in an area where you can rely on sufficient sunlight to power your system. A system in Arizona or Texas is going to work better than one in the Seattle area that may only receive, on average, about three hours of sun a day since it’s a rainy region.

3. You can only get energy during the day, and an overcast day may also cause difficulties, this can be overcome by using a backup battery, that would store energy generated during the day, and supply you with energy during the night.

Getting your energy from the sun, definitely has more advantages than disadvantages, but I think one main sticking point is the initial cost. As solar power technology advances, and becomes more available the prices should come down.

Solar Lighting For Subdivisions – Earth-Friendly Ways To Make Your Community Beautiful

Carl M Wright asked:

Solar lights solve many challenges for housing subdivisions. This article describes simple applications of solar technology that homeowners’ associations can use to cut costs, increase security, and improve the aesthetics of their community. These applications include:

Solar sign lights for entrance signs and public buildings. Solar-powered security lights to automatically light common areas as people approach. Deck lights for use around pool, patio and tennis areas. Landscape lights to highlight garden features and pathways.

Generally, solar systems save money in both installation and operation. They don’t need expensive wiring for installation and there is no need to connect to your local electric utility. The sun charges them every evening, and will automatically turn them on each evening.

Solar Sign Lights Most subdivisions have signs at their entrances, but these signs are typically far from the homes and utility connections. Rather than dig trenches and run wires to distant signs, solar sign lighting provides a cost-effective solution. They turn on automatically each evening, eliminating the requirement for a lamp timer. Smaller solar spotlights can even be used to mark street intersections or common buildings.

Motion-Activated Security Lighting Solar-powered floodlights come with motion sensors that automatically turn the light on as someone approaches. This capability can be used to improve security in dark areas around the complex, including entryways and walkways.

Deck Lights Many housing developments include swimming pools, tennis courts and common decks as part of their amenities. Solar deck lighting can be used to highlight these areas at night. Placed around the perimeter of a deck or walkway, these lights help guide residents to their destination and create a more festive atmosphere.

Landscape Lighting A wide range of solar garden lights are available to highlight landscape features around common areas. Most useful are solar pathway lights, which consist of decorative independent lights that emit a soft glow. These typically include an embedded solar panel so no wiring is necessary. All that needs to be done is stick them in the ground.

Help your homeowners’ association create an earth-friendly, low-cost and pleasant environment with solar lighting!

Tips To Save the Earth

Pauline Go asked:

What can you do to save the earth? Saving the earth is everyone’s duty. All of us can contribute some effort to make a better tomorrow. If you do not know how to begin, follow these tips.

Turn off your light: When you don’t need it, it only makes sense to turn off your light bulb. If you have a regular incandescent bulb at your house, you should change it to a compact fluorescent bulb. Believe it or not, it is good to the environment, and it can also save you a lot of money. Although a fluorescent bulb may seem expensive, energy experts confirm that you will save more money with a fluorescent bulb long term. Even though incandescent bulb may be cheaper, it will burn out often. Furthermore, fluorescent bulb will only use a quarter of energy to generate the same amount of light.

Running faucet: Turn off the running faucet when you brush your teeth. Believe it or not, if you leave the water running for two minutes, you waste up to ten gallons of water.

Turn down the heat: If you must turn on the heater in the winter, you should set it at 135 degrees. Try to put on thicker blanket or jacket when you go to bed. You may not even need your heater.

Carry cloth shopping bags: Cloth shopping bags are better than plastic shopping bags for the environment.

Recycle: Recycle newspapers, plastic, cans, or glass. Learn about your local recycling facilities. Recycle whenever you can.

Alert your family about the environment: If you have children, you should teach them about recycling. Teach them to love the environment.

Think Green, Go Green, Making Green - All the Way to the Bank

Mitchell Dillman asked:

It seems as if it’s everywhere. Go green this, think green that. You can’t go anywhere without seeing something about recycle this or reduce that. Every other commercial you see on television, there it is again. Earth friendly this or Global Warming that.

Maybe it’s time you took a serious look at what all this eco-friendly, environmentally conscience, sustainable living is all about. Maybe it’s time you realized this Green thing is for real and it’s more than just a few tree hugging environmentalists crying about the ozone layer. It’s a real movement, a real way of life, that’s here to stay.

By now, it should come as no surprise that there’s a whole lot of people making a whole lot of money from this whole new green thing. Every time you turn around there is another company releasing another new product designed to reduce something, all with the ultimate goal of helping our planet. A new and more efficient light bulb, a fuel re-formulator you pour in your gas tank designed to reduce emissions while increasing your automobiles fuel mileage, or a new, whisper quite, collapsible electric wind turbine you mount on the roof of your home. It doesn’t seem to matter what it is, if it helps to reduce energy, reuse something else, or it is made out another recycled product, it’s going to sell.

We have found ourselves living at a time where it has become politically correct to be environmentally correct. As more businesses strive to find ways to lower their carbon footprint, others are busy researching and developing the next hottest craze in helping the planet. There are guys out there like Al Gore who have not only realized the need to help the environment but have seized this incredible and vast market, making money hand over fist.

For many, the green movement means just that, more green. And I’m not talking about the chlorophyll that gives plant leaves their green appearance. I’m talking about the color of the all mighty dollars that are being made selling the whole green movement. You see, there has never been a better time to think green. There has never been a better time than now to go green. There has clearly never been a better time than now to make green.

It’s really quiet simple. If you want to make more green, perhaps it’s time to go green. No matter what your belief or personal opinion about the whole green movement, there’s no denying, green is good. Especially when it’s in your bank account. Now is the time to look into your own new source of green.

The Advantages of Pool Solar Panels – Use the Pool Throughout the Year

Nigel Whittaker asked:

Pool solar panels are usually manufactured to heat the pool water. The name suggests the meaning of the term. These panels are used to heat the pool by using the circulation of water. There are different kinds of systems which are used to heat the pools. If you are interested in these solar panels to heat the pool then you need to find the best type of panel.

Sun panels for pools are usually flat panels. These panels are made up of plastic materials that are very much durable. If these solar systems are not made up of durable materials they will not be able to endure the weather conditions. It can be said that getting a pool solar panel is a good investment.

Pool solar panels do not have any ongoing costs. You can save a lot of money in your electricity bills. Previously you had to pay a huge amount to the electricity company to keep your pool in comfortable temperature. But with the solar panels you can save that huge money. Solar pool panels will also allow you to use the pool throughout the year.

You just need to adjust the temperature accordingly. It is true that the solar pool panels are not so much in demand in the market. This concept is still new to lots of people. The cost of the pool panel is lower than that of a normal solar panel. But still the cost can mean great investment for many.

So there are lots of people who are not yet ready to invest this amount for their swimming pool heater. You might need to invest at least $3000 to $5000 for the pool solar panels used at home. This amount is quite big and people might try to avoid it especially just for heating the pool.

The cost of the solar panel for the pool will depend on the size of your swimming pool. It might also depend on the type of solar panel you purchase for your pool. But once you invest this money you will surely get some returns within a few years. It will not only help you to save the environment but will also allow you to use the pool whenever you want.

These pool solar panels have only one major problem. These panels are unable to provide any extra heat if you want. You cannot turn up the output of the heat that these solar panels provide. Other than this, the solar panels used for the pools are also quite advantageous.

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The Prime Reasons and Causes Of Global Warming

Carl Ganser asked:

Global warming is a phenomenon that has been discussed widely nowadays and global warming causes are one of the most studied subjects presently in the world. Through out the world many governments, institutes and universities are trying to find out what are the causes for global warming. As the effects of global warming is becoming more and more evident, many of us have started to realize that steps have to be taken to control Global warming at the earliest and various countries and people have started working towards it.

The earth, the 3rd planet of our solar system, the planet brimming with life and beautiful landscape, is on the verge of getting destroyed. The main reason is global warming. Global warming is the slow and steady increase in the temperature of earth and its atmosphere. The increase in the temperature of earth has caused many effects like the melting of ice in Polar Regions, increase in disease occurrences, drastic climatic changes including rainfall and dry periods.

One of the major causes for global warming can be attributed to the activities of man. The man which thinks of himself as the most intelligent thing on earth is knowingly or unknowingly destroying its own habitat. The activities of man has lead to an increase in the so called greenhouse gases which include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxide etc. the gases have created an effect of green house on the earths surface which prevents the reflection of the rays from sun and thus causes the increase in temperature. Carbon dioxide concentration in the air has increased due to the emissions from cars, airplanes, power plants, industries etc. another reason for it is the deforestation. Forests have been cut down paying way for agriculture, industries and cities. The trees were natural regulators of carbon dioxide which used to control its level’s in the atmosphere.

Another is the CFC which is used in refrigerators, in fire extinguisher’s which destroys the natural ozone layer. The ozone layer was a natural barrier which used to prevent the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun. Without this layer, the rays fall on the earth and cause the temperature to increase. Researchers have found an ozone hole in our atmosphere, which they say is the main reason for the melting of glacier’s in the Polar Regions. Earth which mainly consists of developing or underdeveloped countries, which holds a major population needs electricity for the day to day activities. The electricity supply is mainly satisfied by burning fossil fuels. The fossil fuel on burning releases carbon dioxide which causes global warming.

The causes of the global warming have been in work for a long time and slowly it has caused the increase in the temperature. The satisfactory fact is that at least now the governments of various countries and its people have started to understand that they are one of the causes for the global warming. Therefore combined efforts by the different countries have started to control the global warming and thereby prevent our habitat from destruction. Awareness, alternative forms of energy, conservation of energy, and reforestation can help.

These are the major causes of global warming and hopefully by taking measures we can bring this grave situation under control. If people are educated about the global warming causes, they can do what they can to control global warming in their everyday life.

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Practical Solar Power For the Home

Chris Tyrrel asked:

Most people like the idea of solar power. Who wouldn’t? Solar power produces energy with no harmful emissions, totally silently and with no running costs. So why don’t we use it more in our day to day lives? Well, there is no reason why we shouldn’t, so if you’re interested read on…

Whilst powering your home with solar power is still prohibitively expensive for most, using solar power as a practical source of energy for smaller applications most certainly is not. There are literally hundreds of affordable solar powered products that will work well in the UK and that can be both useful and cost effective alternatives to mains power.

Micro Scale Solar

Small solar cells have moved on a step from powering the humble desk calculator. Solar power is now widely used to power everything from children’s toys to electric shavers! The most common applications include solar powered torches, radios, battery chargers (typically AA & AAA types) and chargers for mobile phones, iPods and the masses of portable electronic gadgetry that is so widely used today.

Great if you are on holiday, travelling or camping, these products will provide dependable power when otherwise you might have none.

Solar Lighting

Have you ever thought how useful it would be to have a light somewhere in the garden, on the outside of the house or perhaps in your shed or stable, but not wanted to go to the bother and expense of getting an electrician in to fit it?

Good quality solar powered lights can provide dependable light in any remote location without the need for trailing cables or any mains power at all. They can be DIY fitted in minutes and will work for years without costing a penny to run. Shed lights and movement operated security lights, right through to DIY systems for large barns and multiple stables are all readily available.

Solar Trickle Chargers

Solar chargers are ideal for trickle charging batteries on infrequently used vehicles such as vintage cars, sports cars, motorbikes, mowers, tractors and boats. With the help of a solar trickle charger you can return to your machine with the peace of mind that the battery will be charged and ready for starting duties.

Recreational vehicles such as camper vans, caravans and boats that run on board lighting and appliances from 12V leisure batteries can also greatly benefit from the addition of a solar panel to help with charging duties. Batteries can be topped up silently throughout the day with energy from the sun, which has to be preferable to running a noisy diesel engine or generator to do the same job.

So why not get powered up by solar energy? It really can provide practical and cost effective solutions in a wide range of day-to-day situations and, believe it or not, it makes you feel good too!

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Energy Conservation in a Few Simple Steps – Save the Planet for the Generations to Come

Tania Penwell asked:

The world is no longer a safe place to live.

But YOU can make it safer by acting a little more responsibly and sensibly.

YOUR little contributions toward energy conservation can make big difference for your home, for your family, and for this planet. Discover in this article a few easy ideas to get started in making your planet a better living place for the future generations.

Energy conservation and your environment

By saving energy you can have a fatter bank balance. But more than that, individual efforts for energy conservation mean cleaner and greener society as a whole.

Energy conservation means lowering the demands of such fossil fuels as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Drops in the use of fossil fuels means lower production of pollutants like carbon dioxide – the deadliest of all greenhouse emissions.

Energy conservation – a necessity, not an option

Did you know Americans as a whole expend a million dollars worth of energy every minute, night and day, every day of the year!

A little cut in this expenditure and pollutants are lesser by thousands of pounds!

And on the personal front – you can save a significant dollar amount on your annual energy bills.

Follow the simple steps described below and make the earth a better place for your grand children.

AT HOME
Insulate your walls and ceilings for cutting down 20 to 30 percent on home heating bills. Those living in colder climate should consider super insulating. For the same purpose replace the traditional windows with argon filled, double-glazed windows. Always use Energy Star certified (high efficiency) appliances for less energy consumption. Choose the model size according to your typical needs; don’t opt for the biggest size just because you can afford it. Be careful about your electrical appliances-don’t leave your computer, sound system etc in stand by mood. Always switch them off after the use. Consider adding a “smart” power strip to automatically turn off equipment. Don’t unnecessary set your refrigerator temperature at an extra ordinary low-set it at a reasonable point. Make sure that its energy saver switch is turned on. For the same reason, turn down your water heater thermostat from 140 degrees F to 120 F. Use such appliances as washing machine or dishwasher at their highest capacities. Make sure, you don’t overheat or overcool your rooms; always keep the air filters clean. Replace your ordinary lighting systems with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs; they cost more initially, but latter they pay off by using only 1/4 the energy of ordinary lights.

OUTSIDE
Make use of the public transport system wherever possible, or ride your bicycle. By saving just a gallon of gasoline, you are helping to avoid 22 pounds of CO2 emissions. When you are buying a new car, opt for the greener models. The cars giving better mileage costs more initially, but in the long run they help you save significantly on your energy bill. Avoid elevators and use stairs whenever possible. Reuse the things whenever possible to reduce the necessity of recycling. Plant shading trees around your home: it works as natural heater or cooling system.

Finally always stay informed about latest environmental issues-both at local as well as national level and vote to office the candidates who generally seem to take a constructive approach toward environmental protection and energy conservation.

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