In the 10 years, mostly spurred on by the rising gas prices and energy shortages, there has been a marked increase towards finding newer methods of generating energy.
Solar power, wind power, solar panels pool, solar panel heating devices, and hydrogen fuel cells are just a few of the newer technologies that are predicted to come into their own in the next decade or so. But before you rush out to invest in these newer energy sources, you should first take a look to see how you can save on your existing energy costs. Here are three easy ways to do just that:
1. Use energy saving light bulbs. You can now find energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs in all shapes, colors, wattages, and sizes. Not only can they save you up to 75% of your current light bulb energy costs, but because they burn at less intensity than incandescent bulbs, it’s not unusual for them to last as much as 10 times longer. When these bulbs first came out, they were very expensive, but every year the prices come down more and more.
2. Replace your old thermostats with the newer programmable thermostats. Depending on the dimensions of the area that you are heating, you will potentially save yourself hundreds of dollars a year on your heating and cooling costs. And you do this by simply programming the thermostat to turn off your heat and air conditioning during the times when you aren’t home. The prices of programmable thermostats have come down drastically in the past few years. You can easily find ones with multiple day and hourly settings for under 0. More than likely, you’ll recoup your cost in less than a year and without having to invest in solar panel heating pads.
3. Insulate the walls in your home with cavity wall insulation. Heat loss through walls, ill fitting doors, un-insulated windows and doors can be enormous. Estimates range from 20% on the low end to 70% on the high end.
By following these three simple suggestions, you’ll be amazed at how much you actually end up saving over the course of a year.
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