Whether you are looking to install an entire home solar panel system or are just looking to get started in renewable and alternative energy solutions, there are no shortage of ways you can start making your home more energy efficient today.
As a graphic designer here at altE and a very visual person, I decided to create a one-page infographic as a simple guide on some of the more common energy and money saving solutions available to homeowners today.
You can view the full sized infographic here: Energy Efficiency Solutions for your Home
Already think your house is energy efficient? Are you already utilizing many of the solutions shown in the infographic? We also have a more in-depth article on the various, additional ways to save energy. You can find the article here: Energy Efficiency and Your Home.
Energy Efficient Bulbs
Replacing incandescent light bulbs with either compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your energy consumption. They use approximately 75% less energy in the long run.
Solar Air Heaters
A solar air heater can raise the air temperature in a room by as much as 10 degrees over the course of a sunny day. Using solar thermal technology, a solar air heater pulls in cold air and warms it with the sun in a collector, producing heat during the day to reduce the work of your heating system.
Killawatt Power Meters
Killawatt power meters are fantastic tools for measuring and assessing how efficient your appliances are and where you may improve the most to save energy and on your electric bill. We carry a variety of power meters, from simple “plug in” models for appliances to hard-wired units for metering multiple loads.
Solar Water Heating
Solar Water Heaters use the sun to heat water in roof mounted collectors. This heated water then heats the potable water for the home via a heat exchanger. You can reduce your household energy bills by as much as 25% with a solar thermal system.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines harness the potential power of wind by converting the energy of motion of a turbine, driven by wind, into a power inverter. Wind turbines work beautifully in hybrid systems or standalone. The success of a residential wind power system depends on space, wind speed and the amount of energy (kwh per month) consumed by
the household.
Refrigerators | Freezers
High efficiency electric (AC or DC) and gas (LP, Propane, Kerosene) refrigerators and freezers can make a tremendous difference in your energy consumption. Traditionally your largest energy hog, you can save money in the long term and reduce the cost of your RE power system with energy efficient appliances.
Solar Attic Fans
Solar attic fans are powered by a solar panel and vent hot air from attics via a fan installed in a gable, roof or wall. By keeping attic spaces cool and well ventilated there is less heat transfer to living spaces, therefore reducing your energy needs related to air conditioning.
Solar Panels
Solar panels also referred to as photovoltaic modules convert direct, visible sunlight into electricity. They can be mounted on the roof of your home or on your property and can be incorporated into grid-tied or off grid electrical power systems. Solar panels can also be used in portable power systems.
Thank you for your very informative article. I have been doing a lot of research on residential power systems. My budget is limited so I am doing it step by step. This site, greenlogic.com is one of the best sites I found. In addition to the original cost, they give you all the savings figures for tax incentives and credits as well as rebates. So, let’s harness the power of the sun and go green!