It’s true to say that saving energy is one of our country’s top priorities and additional emphasis is placed on this as we go forward. It’s inconceivable, but many homeowners still seem to think that the problem is beyond their control and they don’t realize how important their input should be. They think that big business interests are largely responsible and will inevitably take care of the problem, reasoning that new building construction will incorporate all the latest home energy saving tips. They just simply do not realize that the embodied energy within our existing homes represents the lion share of the problem.

Why is it that homeowners expect that industry and commerce should be held liable for excess energy use alone and that carbon emissions are fully their responsibility? Nor is the problem confined to transportation either, as the Department of Energy shows us that 43% of all emissions are caused by poorly maintained buildings. In the majority of cases, energy escapes through cracks and gaps and other leakages and home energy savings tips courage each owner or renter to gauge how problematic the building is and to do something about it.

Rehabilitation, refurbishment and retrofitting are very important terms in the new “green” era. Many older homes are really inefficient when it comes to energy use and must be brought up to a certain level of standard. However, many people do not want to destroy the character or charm of their homes by completely replacing windows with modern and efficient units, for example. They would much rather seek out home energy savings tips that understand the need for conservation.

Conservation is all very well, but saving money and the future of our planet are important issues as well! Of all the energy we use, it is estimated that up to 15% of it escapes through inefficient windows and doors. A homeowner simply must find out where this is taking place and move to action. Widespread replacement of windows and double glazing is not necessarily the answer, when highly efficient draft stoppers can do the job and do nothing to spoil the look of a period house.

Home energy savings tips do not focus solely on insulation, but also on better stewardship. For example, replace old incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which can last up to six times longer than traditional bulbs and use only 20% of the energy. The use of LEDs will not detract from the “character” of the house.

In an ideal world, each and every building would be self-sufficient from an energy perspective. In addition to providing that instant accessibility, point-and-shoot also bundles in a number of fun little features that make it a little more than just a tweak that provides the viewfinder in a different location… This would mean that its owner would be fully aware of the building footprint, highly efficient from an insulation and operational point of view and also in a position to generate its own electricity to make up for the “gap” in the footprint. Until we get to this position, pay attention to those home energy savings tips, unplugging all electrical items and appliances when not in use, changing to more efficient replaceables and placing draft stoppers wherever you find a problem.

If retrofitting is an option for you, be aware that many companies provide fittings and appliances that can be matched to your particular style and type of home, often such retro models are replicas of early designs.

Everyone has a duty to act from a sustainable perspective, to be proactive and to learn all of their home energy savings tips. You know that heating and cooling are your largest liabilities and you should not waste any associated dollars. Seek out all your problem areas and fit window or door draft stoppers as a first course of action.

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Article Source:

http://EzineArticles. com/?expert=Angie_Meza

With commercial cost cutting measures becoming more necessary during the current recession, companies are often faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to lay off employees. If your company has recently experienced layoffs and may possibly experience more, then you are probably wishing that there were a better way to save money instead of sending your valued workers to the unemployment line. There is, and it rests within the green building industry in the form of energy efficiency.

More than just a buzz term among environmental activists, energy efficiency is the objective practice of dramatically reducing companies’ energy costs on a long-term basis, with some companies realizing energy savings that reach seven figures on an annual basis. HVAC systems and lighting systems are two operating systems that energy efficiency consulting commonly focuses on.

With most HVAC systems and lighting systems accounting for 40-60 percent and roughly 30 percent of a commercial building’s electrical costs, respectively, it is easy to see how retrofitting a building’s operating systems to achieve energy efficiency could end up reducing energy cost by a sizeable margin. The first step in reducing energy cost is energy efficient consulting, which begins with an initial meeting to discuss the client’s goals and set project timeframes.

The second step in the consulting process commences with a detailed assessment of a building’s interior spaces and characteristics, including hours of operation, square footage and current electrical costs. Throughout the assessment process an energy efficient consultant will perform a variety of technical measurements, including T12, metal halide and HPS measurements.

The third step in the consulting process is a detailed project analysis. Using the information recorded by the energy consultant, a program manager will meet with the client to discuss project goals and then determine the appropriate installation measures that will lead to energy efficiency. If State or Utility rebates are available for the project the project manner will determine the rebate amount and factor it into the project’s final cost analysis.

The fourth step in the consulting process is the presentation of the project proposal. Upon reviewing the project manager’s financial, environmental and work analysis of the project, the client decides whether or not to proceed. With the decision to move forward, the project manager begins implementing the project by conducting a pre-construction review. Then, when the project is complete, a post-installation review is conducted, after which the project’s paperwork is finalized.

If your company needs to cut costs during the current recession, energy efficient construction provides a way to cut costs right now and in the future. In many cases, the cost savings that result from energy efficient construction pay for the construction costs within two years, and after that the cost savings increase a company’s bottom line year after year.

If your company needs to cut costs during the current recession, through energy efficient construction is a cost saving measure that benefits companies both now and in the future. By working with an company, you can arrive at cost saving measures that are tailored to your facility and that accomplish your cost saving goals.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles. com/?expert=Johnathan_D. _Smith

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