ELECTRICITY

In the United States, our homes use about twice as much electrical energy as our European counterparts, and about four times as much as Asian homes. Much of this is simply wasted, and when combined with our aging and inefficient electrical grid and power supply paradigm, only about 20% of the electrical energy that is produced goes to anything useful. This is an example of a cataclysmic failure on all levels, and one that needs to be addressed in our country.

Fortunately, this can begin in our homes and businesses. There are many ways that electrical consumption can be substantially reduced. Once electrical energy use is lowered, we can then begin to think about producing energy on-site. Efficient buildings that use less energy make a good base for power production through solar photovoltaics and wind generators. It is possible to make buildings that produce more energy than they use. Think of millions of US homes that are their own little power plant, and it’s easy to see how we can begin to reverse decades of decline in our electrical infrastructure.

Light Bulbs
Occupancy Sensor Switches
Power Conditioners
“Ghost Voltages”
Electrical Management Systems
Photovoltaic Panels

Light Bulbs

One of the easiest ways to save electrical energy in a building is to replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LED lighting. These types of light bulbs have gotten a bad reputation in some circles due to aesthetics and other reasons. There are many types of bulbs that have a cooler light temperature and can make things look bluer and harsher to the eye. These bulbs can sometimes have a warm-up period that is difficult to adjust to as well. Many are not dim-able.

CFLs and LEDs come in many different varieties by many manufacturers, however, and all of these issues can be addressed with the proper light bulb. Many times the varieties that perform the best are also the most expensive up-front. These also warm up fast, give off excellent color rendition, and are dim-able in some cases.

CFLs can last about 4 times longer than incandescent light bulbs and use approximately one-third the energy. LED lights can last about 20 times longer and use approximately one-tenth the energy. Both types of lighting cost less than incandescent lights over the life of the bulb due to longevity and power consumption during that period.

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury in the bulb, so they should be recycled at the end of their life, which many stores that sell them will do. Since much of our power is currently made by burning coal, which creates mercury emissions, a CFL will save more mercury from entering the atmosphere during the life of the bulb than what is contained in the bulb.

Occupancy Sensor Switches

There are some excellent varieties of motion sensor switches available for building interiors. These switches are fully programmable and extremely sensitive. It can take some getting used to not to turn on light switches, but once accustomed to it, it is actually quite nice. If you have trouble with lights being left on in your home or office, these can be an excellent way to save money over time with a high-performance product.

Power Conditioners

Power conditioners even out the peaks and valleys of electrical supply currents coming into the house, which makes the power cleaner and more stable. Electronic and appliances with motors like this type of electricity better, and will use less energy and last longer as a result. Power conditioners are whole-house surge protectors as well, so they protect equipment from power surges. While they have a long payoff period, they will save energy over time, and their other benefits can make them a desirable item.

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“Ghost Voltages”

Some items like computers, peripherals and home entertainment equipment can have significant energy draw even when not being used. Other times equipment is malfunctioning or being improperly used. Looking for wasted power usage can be a bit like playing detective, but if you have unexplained high power bills, it is worth the effort. Frequently one or two items are causing the high power consumption, and diagnosing and repairing these items is worth the effort.

Electrical Management Systems

One of the best ways to reduce power consumption is to monitor and track power consumption in your home. Through the use of electrical management systems, a homeowner can become much more aware of how they are using power at any given time. Some types will display real-time power use on your TV or computer, while other have wall-mounted displays like a clock. Many can be used with data loggers so that power can be monitored and analyzed over a period of time. Knowledge is power, and reducing power consumption happens a lot easier if you know how you are using it.

Photovoltaic Panels

Once you’ve reduced your power consumption to the lowest point possible, it is time to consider going solar. Generous federal and utility credits exist that make solar energy cheaper than ever. In fact, the rebates can more than pay the full cost of the system over time. Not every home or building is a candidate for solar power, but many are, and solar energy is necessary to get a home to net-zero energy use.

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