Energy Savings Tips
It is difficult to avoid countless advertisements that tout savings on your Electricity Bill as a reason to buy their product or service. Sometimes it is also difficult to see through these ads and determine what will really make a difference.
Two reputable websites that explain in detail how to save energy cost are www.energysavers.gov and www.energystar.gov . However, here is a general summary for easy reference:
The #1 Energy Cost is typically HVAC (Heating & Cooling). Products and services that lower this cost include:
· AC Unit & Heater
· Windows, Doors, & Weather Sealing
· Insulation, Attic Ventilation & Radiant Barrier
The #2 Cost is generally lighting. Products and services that lower this cost include:
· Upgrading lighting to CFL’s or LED
· Skylights, Open Windows.
The #3 Cost is typically your appliances and water heater. You may consider:
· Energy Efficient or Tankless Water Heaters
· Upgrade to New or Energy Star Appliances
There are also excellent products that provide an overall reduction in energy consumption.
· Generators
· Solar Panels
· Wind Turbines
· Power Factor Correctors or Capacitors
Energy Efficiency Grants
From time to time the government or a utility will offer free funding for energy efficiency. There is often funding available from Oncor to have certain upgrades done for Homes or Commercial Facilities. Details about this and other programs can be found at www.takealoadofftexas.com.
Power Factor Correction
One of the most overlooked energy savings technologies is Capacitors which provide Power Factor Correction. Capacitors can be found on most common circuit boards, Utility Poles & Wires, and outside large industrial facilities to conserve & correct electricity flow. In fact, this technology has been widely used for years in larger commercial applications, but rarely has it been utilized in homes and smaller businesses.
A typical home or small business can actually save an average of 20% KwH consumption with the correct equipment installed. Savings may be more for industrial facilities since a great portion of their bill is TDU charges.
The US Department of Energy published this pdf at www1.eere.energy.gov to explain this technology.
Although Power Factor Correction is not our primary business here at Transparent Electricity Quotes, it is a service with so much value that we do offer quotes for the equipment. If you’d like to know more please do not hesitate to Contact Us.