HOW TO CUT YOUR ENERGY BILL

Energy (Heating Oil, Natural Gas, Light Crude, Unleaded Gasoline, etc.), as a commodity, is subject to the whims and caprices of the market. Those wild fluctuations can and do rake havoc in our energy budget. One way to minimize the impact of those market-based tantrums (speculations?) on your finance is to make smart, wise and judicious choices and use of energy by taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal. Let me share a few tips with you.

♦Cars

Don't be fooled nowadays by apparently cheap oil price. We've been there before and will be there again. History, with respect to hijacked oil prices, is condemned to repeat itself. It was with us in the70s, it was with us again not long ago, so will it be in the future. So, if you drive a gas-guzzler or clunker, do not miss the first opportunity to get rid of and replace it with an energy efficient one. Hybrids and Diesels Vehicles are more economical than their strictly gasoline counterparts.

A well-maintained (properly inflated tires, tune-up, winterized or "summerized",etc.) vehicle gets better MPG

For a list of fuel efficient vehicles, go to:

• www.fueleconomy.gov

For more car-related information on buying vs leasing, safety and fuel economy, please read:

• What To Look For When Buying Or Leasing A Car

♦Cell phones, Laptops and other Rechargeable Devices

Why not use your commuting (driving) time to charge your cell phones, laptop and other rechargeable portables devices, which you would have to charge at home, hence saving money on your electric bill). To that end, gadgets such as adapters, inverters and solar chargers will do the trick. For more information on how to charge your cell phone for free, please peruse:

• How to Charge your Cell Phone for Free and Save Money

♦Homes

If you are a home owner, you know all too well the deleterious effects of upswings in energy prices on your budget. Sometimes it's a choice between the bare necessities and paying the hefty energy bill. Here are a few tips, if implemented, can save you a boat load of money.

Conduct an Energy Audit to determine your appliances (refrigerator, AC, Electric Oven, TV, Juicer, Blender, Washers and Dryers, Computers, Toaster Ovens, Microwaves, Heaters, Stereos, Games etc.) energy consumption. The energy consumption determination can be made by reading the specifications on the appliance label or plugging it into a Kill A Watt Meter (an inexpensive meter with a large LCD that counts energy consumption in Kilowatt/hour, monitors Voltage, Line Frequency and Power Factor) or Watts up? Pro AC Power Meter (a portable meter that determines cost and displays information in true dollars and cents). A thorough Energy Audit should be conducted by professionals.

For a DO-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit, please visit:

• www.energysavers.gov (Your Home Energy Audit)

The Home Energy Audit, once completed, begs for implementation of the recommendations, if any. A free and fun interactive tool to that end is Energy Star's Home Energy Saving Tool. Click on a room (living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, office, and basement), then a star to find tips and download tips.

• http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=popuptool.atHome

For all matters of Energy Efficiency (Homes, Buildings, Vehicles, Industry and Government) and Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Water, Biomass, Geothermal, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells):

• www.eere.energy.gov

Another way to monitor your energy use is to have either of the following meters install professionally by a licensed electrician: The Energy Detective or the EUM-2000.

Another alternative is to hook up with Google via a Google PowerMeter, "a free software tool that allows you to view your home's energy consumption from your personalized iGoogle homepage".

• www.google.org/powermeter◊

Appliance Specifications.- Some appliances display partial or complete energy consumption information. Here are the respective energy consumption information of a toaster vs a blender: 120V AC ˜˜, 60Hz, 850W vs 120V, 50-60Hz, 350W. Note in both cases the Amperage (current) is not indicated. Here is the formula to determine Amperage:

• Amp = Watt/Volt

Hence the toaster's Amp is: 850W/120V = 7.08 (rounded to 7), and the blender's: 350W/120V = 2.91 (rounded to 3)

From the above formula, Watt and Volt can, respectively, be easily determined:

• Watt = Amp x Volt and

• Volt = Watt/Volt
  

The take away message is: The blender (350W) is more energy-efficient than the toaster (850W). The less wattage an appliance consumes, the more energy-efficient, hence more economical. If you are on the market for any appliances or electronics for that matter, ensure that they are Energy Star Rated. For a list of Energy Star Products:

• www.energystar.gov
  

For a list of Approved Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Programs:

• www.energysavers.gov/financial/70022.html
  

To reduce or eliminate phantom loads, turn off and unplug Cell Phone Chargers, TVs with LED lights, Computers, etc. when not in use.

Medical devices, if required to be ON at all times, should and must stay ON. Please disregard any advice or suggestion herein contained. Your physician's advice and manufacturer's recommendations take precedent over and supersede any advice given or suggestion made within this content.

♦Solar Panels

Solar Panels are panels with solar cells which, when exposed to solar radiation, produce DC (Direct Current) electricity. When used in connection with batteries, they (solar panels) are Battery Solar Chargers. Solar DC current is converted to AC (Alternative Current) by Inverter interposition.

Thanks to Net Metering or Renewable Metering Incentive, an investment in Solar Energy (installation of solar panels on roof tops or somewhere in the backyard, Charge Controllers, Inverters, Batteries and Generators as backups) can pay residual yearly dividends.

Net Metering- If your solar system's production of energy exceeds your consumption of energy, the balance is banked at the Grid or Utility Company for later use. If overall production exceeds consumption, the Utility Company's customer is monetarily compensated at the end of the year for excess generation. "Under section 1251 of the US Energy Policy Act of 2005, all public electric utilities are required to consider offering net metering to their customers".

To save energy, money and promote the use of domestic energy sources, Energy Efficiency Incentives are being offered to Residential and Business alike, for the following:

• New Energy Star Appliances
• Heating and Cooling, Lighting Upgrades
• Reduced Electricity Use with Demand Response Programs
• Programmable Thermostat for Central A/C
• Conversion from Oil to Gas (Homes and Buildings)
• Energy Audits (free)
• Recycling Old Appliances (A/Cs, Refrigerators, etc.)

Check with your local Utility Companies for regional or state rebates and incentives. For a Database of Federal and State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency:

• www.dsireusa.org (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency)

One cannot help but notice the versatility of solar energy and the plethora of applications. Case in point: The Solar-Powered Emergency Call Box, the Solar-Powered Parking Meter and, last but not least, the Big Belly Solar Compactor. (see respective illustrative photos)

♦Free Solar Magazines

If you want to keep up with the latest trends and technological breakthroughs in the solar energy field, a free pdf sample of past issues can be downloaded at Home Power Magazine or you may elect to become a member.

• Download Sample Issue (free)
  

• http://homepower.com

The American Solar Energy Society offers free pdf downloads of past and current issues of Solar Today Magazine:

• www.ases.org

Are you a DIY (Do-It-Yourselfer)? Do you want to know about Energy Training Programs? How about relatively free magazine's content? Home Energy Magazine answers all the above. You may want to subscribe also.

• www.homenergy.org

If you are a Solar Professional, there is also a free Solar Pro Magazine for you too. But you must subscribe for free.To subscribe:

• www.solarprofessional.com

And last, but not least, is the Solar PV Management Magazine. Registration is free.

• http://www.solar-pv-management.com/solar_magazine.php

For the best in Solar and Renewable Energy websites, Companies and Organizations in the Renewable Energy Business, Top 50 Solar cannot be beat. Top 50 Solar comes in a variety of flavors: Top50-Solar USA, Top50-Solar Canada, Top50-Solar UK, Top50-Solar Australia, and Top50-Solar International.

• www.top50-solar.de

♦Solar Water Heaters

Solar Water Heaters preheat water before its storage in the conventional water heater. The system's components are storage tanks and solar collectors. The energy used is rather "expensive": Free Solar Energy (LOL!). There are passive (less expensive) and active (more expensive) solar water heating systems. Whether your pocket is deep or shallow, there is a solar water heater for every budget.

How do you save money with a Solar Water Heater?

Cold Water vs Warm Water.- It takes longer to heat cold water than warm (preheated) water. In other words, warm water can be brought to a boil in less time. Whether your heating system is gas, oil or electric-operated, time saved is money saved heating-wise. Your water heating bills savings range from 50% to 80%. That's mucho dinero in your pocket. For more information about Solar Water Heaters:

• www.energysavers.gov (your home water heating index)

If you care to build your own Solar Water Heater and save a ton of money in the process, the BUILD IT SOLAR website is Do-It-Yourselfers' dream come true. It is chock-full of projects in Energy Conservation, Water Conservation, Solar Homes, Solar Space Heating, Solar Water Heating, Passive, Cooling, Solar Pool Heating, Wind Power, Micro Hydro Power, Solar for Kids, Free ebooks, etc., to name just a few. One free pdf ebook you can download right now is:

• The Integral Passive Solar Water Heater Book by David A. Bainbridge from The Passive Solar Institute.

Thank the author for his generosity and download free pdf version of ebook from above link or at:

• wwww.builditsolar.com

♦Solar Pool Heating

Pool heating cost can be both a drain and a strain on your energy budget. Why not plug that budget hole with a Solar Pool Heating System? In so doing, you will kill (save rather) 2 birds with one stone, i.e. conserve energy and save money. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory offers 2 free pdf ebooks respectively entitled:

• Conserving Energy and Heating Your Swimming Pool with Solar Energy (download free pdf ebook) and
  

• A Consumer's Guide: Heat your Water with the Sun (download free pdf ebook)
  

♦Insulation Blankets

Another inexpensive way to slash your heating bills is to dress up your Electric and/or Gas Water Heater Tanks with Insulation Blankets. Remember: Water Heater Tanks do have a sense of fashion, therefore their accoutrement (Insulation Blankets) must be sleek and stylish (LOL!).

Insulated Water Heater Storage Tanks can reduce standby heat losses by 25%-45%, resulting in a saving of 4%-9% in water heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Insulation Blankets are rather inexpensive (about $20.00). Your investment can be recouped in a year's time. The rest is just gravy.

♦Lighting

Natural lighting can be had by installing large windows or skylights, which is an expensive proposition. Another alternative is to install and replace incandescent bulbs with Daylight CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) or LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs come in a variety of bulb styles (spiral lamps, standard lamps, globe lamps, candelabra, triple tube lamps and flood lamps) and base styles (plug-in base, screw-in base and GU24); different Kelvin Temperature Degrees (2700k, 3000k, 4100k, 5000k and 5600k, Daylight vs Soft White vs Bright White) and different wattage (2W-200W_ Incandescent Equivalent 20W-600W) and voltage levels (12V DC, 110V-220V AC).

Given the economical, efficient and durable nature of CFLs, the best investment in energy efficiency with instant and long term return on investment (ROI) would be in Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.

♦Safety

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, while they reduce mercury emissions in the atmosphere, do contain very small amount of Mercury (Hg). They should and must, therefore, be disposed of according to Local, State or Federal Laws. For further information on the matter and as to what to do if a bulb breaks:

• www.lamprecycle.org
  

To locate a Recycling Center near you:

• www.earth911.com
  

• www.recycleabulb.com
  

To find a rechargeable batteries and cell phones recycling location near you:

• www.call2recycle.org

A small percentage of the population is allegedly affected by flickers from EMFs (Electro-magnetic Fields) emitted by Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, in which case, your options for saving energy bulb-wise are limited to LEDs (mercury free) and Halogen bulbs.

Attention should be drawn to the Degrees Kelvin, which are measures of color temperatures. The higher the temperature, the whiter the light, the lower the initial lumens. Incandescent light bulbs are not available in a variety of color temperatures. My personal preference is Daylight energy-efficient light bulbs, which beauty, once experienced, you'll probably never go back to Soft White or Bright White (my personal opinion). But if your favorite is Soft White or Bright White, stick to it.

CFL Bulbs use 75% less energy and outlast Incandescent Bulbs by a factor of 10.

.♦Wireless Electricity

Thanks to witricity, in a not-too-distant-future, we'll get our energy (electricity) the same way we do our cell phone service or Wi-Fi access: Wireless. The possibilities are endless and range from charging your cell phone (How to charge your Cell Phone for free), electric or hybrid cars (What to look for when buying or leasing a car) to powering your TV (How to watch free TV on your PC), computers, iPods, MP3s (How to play MP3 and iPods in your car) and iPads, wirelessly. Check it out:

• www.witricity.com

♦Fuel Cells

Fuel Cells are electrochemical devices that convert a fuel's chemical energy into electricity. The by-product of this conversion is water.

Thanks to a patented solid oxide fuel cell technology from Bloomenergy, clean, reliable and affordable energy can be generated on site. According to Bloomenergy, the Bloom's Energy Server secret and ingenuity lie in its:

• Low cost materials (use of sand-like powder instead of precious metals like platinum or corrosive materials like acids to make fuel cells)

• High electrical efficiency (conversion of fuel into electricity at nearly twice the rate of some legacy technologies, i.e. legacy hydrogen fuel cells)

• Fuel flexibility (system is able to use either renewable or fossil fuels for energy production)

• Reversibility (energy generation and storage capabilities)

• Small footprint (the Bloom Energy Server occupies just about a standard parking space and produces 100kW of power. Just add more Energy Servers for more power generation.

The following companies are already customers of Bloomenergy: Google, ebay, STAPLES, Walmart, COX ENTERPRISES, FedEx. Express, Bank of America, The Coca-Cola Company and SimCenter (THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE).

For more information on Bloomenergy:

• www.bloomenergy.com

♦Practical Steps

If wireless electricity and fuel cells are beyond your means, reach and grasp, here are everyday low cost and inexpensive things you can do to save money, energy and be "green-compliant".

• To turn out lights automatically: Replace ordinary switches with motion sensors.

• Dimmers: Replace ordinary light switches with dimmers.

• Incandescent bulbs: Replace with new compact fluorescent bulbs (read safety information).

• Timers: Use timers to turn lights on and off when away from home.

• Night lights: Use night lights in children's rooms , bathrooms and corridors when a little light is needed.

• Lower Wattage Bulbs: LWB should be used in closets, pantries and decorative lights where some light is needed, but not much.

• Appliances: Choose Energy Star-Rated Appliances when shopping (refrigerators, freezers, stoves, microwave ovens, washers, dryers, air conditioners, fans, lamps, electronics, small appliances, computers, etc.)

• Drafts: Stop doors, windows frames drafts with caulk or weather-stripping, and air conditioners drafts with slip over covers or inside covers when it is not in cooling season.

• Electronic Devices: Turn off "instant on" feature to save money and energy on phantom loads. Read TV, VCR, Computers, CD Players owner's manuals for details as to how to switch off "instant on".

• Insulation: Ensure that crawl spaces, attics and walls are properly insulated with insulating material with a high "R value" (the higher the number, the better the insulating performance).

• Leaks: Stop faucets, toilets, tubs, showers leaks with replacement washers or leaking toilets repair kits.

• Air Conditioner: Turn off when nobody is home. Use a timer to turn on 1/2 hr prior to getting home to cool interior, if so desired. Clean or wash washable filters, replace non-washable filters. If AC use is confined to a single room, shut the door to prevent cool air from escaping. AC interior temperature control should be kept at a cool, comfortable 78 degrees, lowering the temperature setting to 75 or 72 degrees cost respectively more (18% vs 39%).

• Ceiling Fans: Energy star fans use far less electricity than air conditioners. Once your comfort level is reached, turn off air conditioners and turn on fans to circulate cool air and save up to 40% on air conditioner use. Alternative use of fans and air conditioners is advised.
  

• Refrigerator Settings: Refrigerator should be set to no higher than 40 degrees, and freezer to 0 degree.

• Showerhead: Use a low-flow showerhead to save water. Download "A New Reason to Sing in the Shower" for free.
  

• A New Reason to Sing in the Shower (PDF)

• Faucet: Use a water-efficient faucet. Get a WaterSense certified faucet.
  

• http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/
  

If you plan on building a brand new energy-efficient house or remodel "this old house", prior to doing so, you may wanna check the US Green Building Council's site for tips and ideas.

• www.usgbc.org

For more Energy Saving Tips, Energy Careers, Energy Education, Training in Solar Thermal, Small Wind, Wind, PV (PhotoVoltaic), Fuel Cells, Geothermal, Energy Efficiency, etc.:

• www.getenergysmart.org

• www.energysavers.gov

• http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/

If you care to know what your carbon footprint is, there is a calculator for that:

• www.safeclimate.net/calculator

For Global Warming, Climate Change, Ecosystems, Sustainable Markets, Free Publications and much more, the World Resources Institute is a great source of resources.

• www.wri.org

♦Smart Plugs

When it comes to saving money on your energy bill, you can either wait for the Utility Companies to install Smart Meters or take matter into your own hands, install your own Wi-Fi-enabled Smart Plugs and enjoy the benefits of smart metering.

My research has lead to the discovery of 3 Smart Plugs, 2 of which -Picowatt and Modlet- are Wi-Fi-enabled, and one Wi-Fi free Smart Strip Surge Protector.

Picowatt, by Tenrehte Technologies, is a Wi-Fi-enabled Smart Plug that empowers the consumer to reduce energy use by eliminating waste remotely by smart phones, laptops, desktops or any computer for that matter . Energy guzzler such as appliances with motors (Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Dryers, Compressors, Hair Dryers, Blenders, Juicers, etc.) and heating elements (Toasters, Coffeemakers, Heaters, etc.) can be programmed to run during off peak loads, when electricity rates are least expensive. For more information on Picowatt:

• www.tenrehte.com

Modlet, by Thinkeco, features capabilities, functions and technologies similar to its competitor. It is Wi-Fi-enabled, packed with smart technology, compact and yet user-friendly. Take control of energy use remotely via smart phones or any web browser. Automation (turn on/off) and intelligent management of energy use are Modlet's best features. It is like having a Smart Grid in the palm of your hands to help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the process. Modlet is plug-and-play interface. For more information on Modlet:

• www.thinkecoinc.com

Smart Strip Surge Protector, by Bits Limited, is a color-coded Surge Protector with the added benefit of a Smart Strip. Blue outlet is for TV or Computer, Green outlets for energy saving on everything else,Red outlets for everything that must stay ON at all times. That' all there is to it. Every time your TV or Computer is turned ON or OFF (blue outlets), the devices, gadgets or peripherals you want to save energy on will turn ON or OFF (green outlets).

Bits Limited carries also the Smart Charging Stations for smart phones, cell phones, iPods, MP3 (How to play MP3s and iPods in your car), battery chargers, etc. to eliminate phantom loads.

The Brownout Protector turn equipment(s) back ON when the line voltage is safe. For more details on the line of Smart Strips by Bits Limited:

• www.bitsltd.net

♦Wind

Wind turbine technology in its infancy required a large diametrical and tall vertical footprints respectively in terms of propeller-like blades span and tower height (about 100 feet above ground). Thanks to technological breakthroughs, wind turbines need not be eyesores and can fit virtually anywhere: rooftops, backyards, new constructions, etc.

If you are considering integration of wind turbines into new buildings or retrofits, the Honeywell WT6500 Wind Turbine is worth exploring. It's gearless, measures 6 feet in diameter, weighs 170 lbs, able to produce 2752 kWh/yr (over 20% of annual electricity needs for an average household), begins generating energy at wind speed of 2 mph vs traditional gearbox turbines, which cut in and start producing energy at a minimum wind speed of 7.5 mph, can be installed on pole, roof mount or commercial mount. The WT6500 Wind Turbine comes with a Smart Box Control System with features such as: Optimal Power Transfer, True Sine Wave Inverter, Battery Power Management System, Wind Direction and Speed Measurement Control System and Standard RS485 Communication Port.

Warranty: 5-year limited, 20-year Product Design life. For more details:

• www.windtronics.com or
  

• www.earthtronics.com
  

To further your education about Wind Energy, the NREL (National Renewable Energy Directory) is an excellent resource.

• http://www.nrel.gov/wind/

Other resources worth considering in the pursuit of your wind energy education are:

The American Wind Energy Association

• www.awea.org ,

The North American Wind Power

• www.nawindpower.com

For international jobs in the wind industry:

• http://www.windindustryjobs.com/employer/102/networkers-international-plc/3/ and
  

• www.windmonthly.com
  

♦Geothermal

Geothermal Energy is heat emanated from the core of the Earth. Expressions and manifestations of Geothermal Energy are Volcanoes, Hot Springs and, Geysers. Geothermal Energy is used for heating systems, generation of electricity and heat pumps. Because of the relatively constant temperature (between 50° and 60°F) underneath the Earth's surface, Geothermal Heat Pumps can be used for dual and diametrically opposed purposes, i.e. cooling andheating buildings. Geothermal Heat Pumps accomplish this feat with 40% to 70% less energy than conventional systems, according to Geothermal Exchange Organization

"According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control."

Geothermal Resources:

Energy Kids Geothermal (Basics)

• http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=geothermal_home-basics

Geothermal Exchange Organization for a "Directory of GeoExchange contractors, manufacturers , drilling contractors, ground loop installers, engineers, designers, distributors, architects, builders, utilities, training, financing, software and suppliers."

• www.geoexchange.org

Geothermal Education Office for geothermal facts, worldwide data and map, geothermal video, educational and classroom materials, etc. The followings are free downloads:

• Clean Power from Earth's Heat (Poster)

• Energy for Keeps: Electricity from Renewable Energy

• http://geothermal.marin.org/

Pubic Renewables Partnership oozes with Renewables, Biomass, Gothermal, Green Power, Hydro and Incentives-related resources.

• www.repartners.org, and
  

Geothermal Resources Council

• www.geothermal.org
  

♦Clean Energy Jobs

Last but not least, if you are interested in clean energy jobs (Energy Efficiency, Solar, Wind, Ethanol, Fuel Cells, Biodiesel, etc.), search no more, here are 2 resource-filled sites that will take you to the promise land of clean energy jobs.

• http://www1.eere.energy.gov/education/other_jobs.html

• www.greenjobs.com
  

♦Training

For nationwide training and courses (live courses and online) in the Energy Renewable Field, BPI Certification (BPI: Building Performance Institute), Energy Auditing, LEED Exam Prep (LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Renewable Energy Training (Solar,Wind, Geothermal, Hybrid Auto Training), etc., Free Training Opportunities:

• www.cleanedison.com

• .http://ussolarinstitute.com/
  

This article covers a wide range and diverse array of green energy, money and energy-saving related issues. It is filled with money and energy-saving tips, how-to(s), references and links. You are also pointed in the right direction as to where and how to get Training and Green Jobs. Be green-compliant, save and earn some green(s) seem to be the leitmotif (recurring theme) of the hub and the order of the day. If you've learned something, anything at all by reading it, vote it UPandrate it AWESOME please. If you have learned nothing at all, still vote it UP and rate it AWESOME (LOL!). Whether you agree or disagree with me, yet, still vote it UP and rate it AWESOME (LOL). Enjoy.

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