Gravity Powered Floor Lamps – Application of Renewable Energy

Discussions of alternative or renewable energy naturally gravitate to visions of windmills, solar panels, and perhaps even steam geysers. Few, if any, think of humans as a source of renewable energy. Although not a new concept as evidenced by wind-up watches and clocks which have always relied upon humans as energy sources, there is a new application that reinforces this notion: a gravity-powered...

Energy Monitors – Part of Home Energy Conservation

Home Energy Monitor The typical U.S. homeowner may consider the possible benefit of home energy conservation at least once a month when the monthly utility bill comes due. To truly reduce the costs associated with electricity and to benefit the environment from energy savings, homeowners need to incorporate this concept into their day-to-day routines and truly change usage patterns. Energy...

Energy Efficient Hybrid Water Heaters

Energy Efficient Tank-less Hot Water Heater Conventional water heaters are among the highest users of energy of any home appliance, estimated to represent 17 percent of total usage of the typical home. Energy usage of these appliances was not regulated by Energy Star until 2008. With a recent industry focus on making water heaters more energy efficient, estimates of potential energy costs savings...

Energy Conservation in the Kitchen

Energy Efficient Kitchen The normal routines associated with the kitchen have different impacts on efficient energy use depending on the season: During the winter, the use of a gas or electric over/range actually contributes to the heat needed to keep the house warm, thereby potentially reducing the amount of space heating energy needed to maintain comfort throughout the home. Conversely, during...

Home Energy Audits

Renewed interest in energy conservation is driven primarily by skyrocketing oil prices and societal emphasis on environmental stewardship. This focus has resulted in an increase in home energy audits. Making one’s home more energy efficient reduces its carbon footprint and potentially reduces the energy bill by as much as 30 percent. These audits are proving invaluable in identifying air leaks,...

Mobile Communications with Home Energy Management Systems

In previous articles we have addressed the topic of reducing home energy consumption by applying good insulation, installing double-paned glass and weather stripping; installing alternative energy technologies such as solar panels, and simply lessening the use of energy by turning off basic electronics and air conditioners when not needed. An important part of managing the use of energy includes...

LED Streetlights

Streetlights are an important public safety service that is expensive to maintain and consume a significant quantity on energy. Consequently, a number of U.S. cities, most notably Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, are embarking on programs to convert traditional street lights to light emitting diode (LED) lighting. These LED lighting systems are attractive because they: Do not consume as much...

Low Cost Suggestions to Improve Home Heating and Cooling Efficiency

With the continuing increase in energy costs, homeowners are increasingly aware of the importance of maximizing the energy efficiency of their heating and cooling systems. There are a number of tips and changes that do not require major investments that can be applied in support of this universal desire: Start with the Thermostat Figure 1- Typical Thermostat Ensure the thermostat is not...

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve

 The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a federally controlled oil stockpile, that was created in 1975 as a result of the 1973-1974 oil embargoes. Its purpose is to reduce U.S. vulnerability to any interruptions to the oil supply, regardless of whether they are initiated by one of its supplying OPEC nations or a natural disaster (e.g. Hurricane Katrina). Procedural Framework for Releasing...

Reducing Home Energy Costs

Figure 1 - Real U.S. Electricity Prices In reviewing the electricity price trends over the past 50 years (see Figure 1) the current average U.S. real electricity prices (in 2007 dollars) are at a level consistent with the industry’s lowest real levels experienced in the 1960s. These relatively low real electricity costs have had the general tendency to discourage energy efficiency initiatives...