• Improved compressors and motors
• Introduced better door seals and compartmentation
• Increased insulation standards

Even though there have been improvements, most fridges and freezers still operate a long way short of the maximum potential efficiency. Average running costs could be cut by half without serious difficulties, as we can see when we realise that the most efficient existing appliances are 50% more effi¬cient than the average. Although a refrigerator uses a relatively small amount of power in use, it is the fact that it is working 24 hours a day 365 days a year, often in the hottest room of the house, that causes it to be one of the highest energy users.

Choosing a new energy-saving triage or freezer:
• Unless you use a large amount of frozen food it makes the most sense to buy a combined fridge-freezer model. The most efficient place for the freezer compartment is at the top so that it can facilitate cooling below.
• If you do buy a separate freezer, then buy a well-insulated chest type which loses far less cold air when opened than an upright.
• Work out carefully the optimum size you need. Both fridges and freezers operate best when at least three-quarters full.
• Automatic defrost models consume far more energy than the manual defrost models. This is because they contain heaters. The fridge is thus working against itself when defrosting and if the fridge is being used inefficiently the energy used can be increased by a further 50%.
• Find a fridge that is well insulated and look for energy efficiency labels.

Energy saving in use
• Energy saving microelectronics have been developed for refrigerators: they help to match the real load on the motor and save up to 20% of energy. These electronics have been incorporated into a special plug called a saverplug which is well worth installing.
• Locate a refrigerator or freezer away from sources of heat such as a stove or direct sunlight. If you have a fridge that is not well insulated you can provide some extra insu¬lation yourself on the top and sides.
• Check the temperature inside the main refriger¬ator compartment and freezer. They should be between 3° to 5°C and -18°to-15°C respectively. If the temperature is outside these ranges then energy is being wasted and the temperature control needs to be adjusted. Fridge and freezer thermometers are well worth buying and placing in your fridge for the occasional check.
• The back of a fridge is a notoriously difficult place to clean. However the coils or fins tend to become sticky and dusty—this acts as an insulant forcing the motor to work harder and waste more energy. Clean with soap and water.
• If you have a manual or partial automatic defrost facility then defrost regularly.
• Test the door seal and check that it is tight. This is equivalent to draught-proofing your fridge. If there is an air leak it can not only lose energy unnecessarily but will require more frequent defrosting.
• Dispose of your fridge where the CFCs can be salvaged. Enquire at your local council to find out where you can take it.

Energy saving is very important. For this, you should have knowledge about how to choose an energy-efficient appliance. Cooker is the necessity of every home. You should know how to choose an energy saving cooker.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/energy-saving-tips-refrigerating-and-freezing-1781859.html

A second advantage of a tankless hot water heater is that you never run out of boiling water. Water heaters which use a tank are usually limited to between 40 gallons and 100 gallons of hot water. The larger the tank the more energy it takes to keep the water at such a high temperature. With smaller tanks you can run out of steamy water in the middle of your shower. With tankless hot water heaters, you never run out of this high temperature water. Powerstar tankless heaters are designed to meet your demand as you need it.

If you have ever had the experience of running out of hot water in the middle of your shower, you are aware of one of the drawbacks of tank style heaters. It takes between 20 and 45 minutes for the heater to heat everything in the tank. If you use all the hot liquid in the tank, you have to wait for the system to recover and heat additional water. The larger the tank, the less often you will run out of hot water. Larger tanks take more energy to keep the liquid hot and therefore add to your energy usage and your electric bill. Water heaters that heat their contents continuously, like the powerstar tankless heater, only use power when you use hot water.

The powerstar tankless heater doesn't use a tank, but heats the water as it enters the house. Tankless heaters provide a steady, continuous source of hot water. The amount of hot water produced depends on the capabilities of the system. Powerstar tankless heaters produce more than two gallons of hot water per minute. Installing a tankless water heater will save homeowners money on an appliance that accounts for a significant percentage of the total energy used in their home.

It doesn't matter if you are building a new home or remodeling your current home. A tankless heater adds value to your home. The energy savings can add up quickly. The convenience of having as much warm water as you need when you need it is great. No more waiting for the water to get hot when everyone in the house decides to take a shower at once. You'll have the same degree of water whether you are the first one or the last one to take a shower. A Powerstar tankless heater adds value to any home and in an energy conscious society, they make a great selling point.

Looking for the right hot water heater for your home? Picking the wrong tankless system can cause chaos in your life. But there is hope! Our PowerStar tankless heater guide will give you everything you need to know to avoid the those common mistakes.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/save-energy-with-a-powerstar-tankless-heater-1775722.html

“A Long Kept Secret For Generating Free electricity is Finally On The Open, And You'll Never Have To Pay A Single Dime to the Power Company”

How on earth can someone generate free energy? This is against the first law of thermodynamics that is “energy cannot be created or destroyed, only modified in form.” So, the promoter of aforesaid energy product is claiming something considered impractical  as per known physical laws.

One more product that made such claim states:

“A rarely known device, which will create zero point absolutely free energy, and could fully eliminate your power bill for life!”

Regardless of being a science student,  I'm not sure what these marketers are referring to and am sure that these products are nothing but scams.

So when I saw Earth4Energy site, I was extremely doubtful. With already lost trust in DIY energy products, I considered Earth4Energy to be just like the two products mentioned above.

I promised myself to devote just 5 minutes on their site.

The first difference I noticed is that Earth4Energy offers a simple guide to build your own solar panels. “So they are not selling any free power product at least,” was my thought.

I’ve seen many other guides on solar energy and I had comparable figures to compare with Earth4Energy plans. See for yourself what I found about Earth4Energy.

Can I build solar panels with Earth4Energy guide?

Yes it is but only if you have some fundamental skills. Let’s put it this way: If you can pull together IKEA furniture of your own, you can build the solar panel comfortably. Otherwise, you’d require a little more time than usual but it is doable. Earth4Energy has divided their guide in 6 parts which helps to keep the process simple.

Can I build a working solar panel for about $100 as Earth4Energy claims?

You would not probably make your first solar panel for less than $100. I asked a friend to do some calculations as per Earth4Energy guide and come up with a minimum cost and time to build my first solar panel. See what he came up with.

So it's not going to be $100, but about $140.00.

Time estimate that he came up with was 2-3 days for an experienced person and (4-5 days for a complete newbie. Not bad!

So, now  I am sure that Earth4Energy is not a scam. I found that they provide many good books “The Solar Calculator,” “How To Install and Mount Solar Panels,” and also a guide to calculate your “Solar Tax Credits And Rebates.” “Electrical wiring plans” are also  part of the package.

Earth4Energy bundle also includes very helpful stepwise video instructions (with on-screen captions) hand-holding you from beginning to end in making your own solar panel. Another bunch of videos that is included in the bundle guides about the solar power in detail.

Additionally, Earth4Energy also includes a free guide to make your own home made wind turbine. This is a nice addition and would guide you in creating  a backup to solar energy for those cloudy, windy times.

Is Earth4Energy worth spending my money on?

At $246.00, it is prohibitively expensive and not worth the money. But, they have a promotion running at present where one can get Earth4Energy for a discounted price of $49.97. For this price, it is really advised to go for this amazing product and enjoy your free electricity for years to come.

Vishwas is a full time computer programmer and part time researcher. His areas of interest are alternative medical treatments, home-made electricity and general enhancement of health.

Save Money With solar energy

4 myths about solar power

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/dont-buy-earth4energy-before-you-read-this-report-1761943.html

How does a home energy audit work?

An energy audit looks at several specific features of your home. First, it lists the characteristics of your home’s thermal envelope: walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and skylights. Each of these features has a specific R-value, which is a measurement of the resistance to heat flow. The higher the resistance (or R-value), the better the insulative quality. Another factor is the leakage rate or how much outside air infiltrates into your home. Drafty doors and windows are the primary culprits here, however, other features of your home’s construction, age, orientation to the sun, and physical condition will have an effect. A third area to look at is your home’s mechanical system – the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) as well as the heating water.

Energy Star provides a Home Energy Yardstick website so you can compare your household’s energy use to the rest of the country. The site is a good place to start and gives some basic recommendations about making home energy efficiency improvements.

Generally, performing your own energy audit will help you discover most of the major energy usage problems in your house. For example, locating and sealing air leaks will help you save money and make your home more comfortable. An easy way is to wet your hand and then feel for drafts around:

• Electrical outlets
• Switch plates
• Window frames
• Baseboards
• Weather stripping around doors
• Fireplace dampers
• Attic hatches
• Wall or window-mounted air conditioners.

Look and feel for gaps where pipes and wires enter a wall. Also check where your floor meets the foundation. And don’t forget mail slots. Check to see if caulking and weather stripping are applied properly and in good condition.

Every house and lifestyle, is different. It’s safe to say that climate and location are primary factors in how your home performs. The other major factor is how you use energy in your home. When combined with information about local weather, the home’s thermostat settings, as well as energy bills for a 12 month period (24 is more accurate), an energy audit can render a more accurate picture of how your home uses energy.

Unless you already have a few years experience of belly-crawling the dusty, cramped spaces of your home to weather-seal it, you should consider having a professional visit and perform an energy audit. Now you might think all an energy auditor does is seal a fan onto your front door and then prowl your house looking for drafts. Sure, they might perform this test, but not only do you get the benefit of their years of training and experience, you also gain from a fresh perspective.

Professionals can often see things you have overlooked that can help you save on your energy costs and be more energy efficient. For example, a slight discoloration along a corner of your living room wall might indicate an unsealed gap in your home’s framing that lets in cold air and moisture. This and other hidden heat loss can also be detected with heat-sensitive cameras, a tool most homeowners don’t own.

A qualified energy auditor can also give you an informed choice of options. Some fixes might just require a tube of $4.00 caulk to save you $100.00 in energy costs. Some fixes might be more expensive but can be done over time. An energy auditor can make recommendations for improvements and solutions based on what they learn about your living habits, needs, and budget. This can include efficient low-wattage lighting fixtures, getting the best insulation for your buck, as well was Energy Star rated appliances and upgrades so you can take advantage of both Federal and State rebate offers.

Remember, not only will an energy audit show you where to start saving money to heat your home this winter but it will identify cooling problems that cost you during the hot summer months. But whether or not you decide to do it yourself or consult a professional, you should do it as soon as possible so you can identify your home’s problems and develop a plan of action. After all, making your home energy efficient not only saves money, energy, and natural resources, it also makes your home more comfortable and enjoyable for you and your family.

Bounce Energy is a Texas Electric Company based in Houston. Bounce Energy's goal is provide more than low Texas Electric Rates to our customers. With innovative and flexible plans, excellent customer service, and superior customer rewards, Bounce Energy offers a unique approach to Texas electricity.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-importance-of-an-energy-audit-for-your-home-1750036.html

Where did solar power and wind power fail? The parts and setup costs of both solar and wind power make them very expensive and you will have to wait years before you see any savings. Some home owners would be hard pressed to try and justify spending thousands of dollars on the panels and other parts that solar power requires. With the setup costs being so high, you typically need to use solar and wind power for decades before you have even earned back what it cost you to install it. Solar and wind power sound good in theory, but they fail to deliver in the real world.

Magnetic generators, however, deliver on their promise of giving home owners a viable solution that lets them create green power and save money with zero energy. A magnetic generator gets its power not from the sun or wind but from age old magnets. Another added benefit is that they cost very little to setup. Many people would be amazed if they knew that you could setup a generator and start making your own home electricity for just over $100. If you are looking for zero energy, magnetic generators are you best chance to create clean and green electricity from your own home that will help you to save money and the planet.

Are you looking for a way to slash your power bill and how to make electricity? Power your own home with a magnetic generator. A magnetic power generator is the answer to creating your own clean electricity at home with zero energy.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/zero-energy-the-truth-about-how-you-can-make-your-own-home-power-1733585.html

More and more people these days start using solar panels as a means of energy supply. It would be easy to simply state that "it is cheaper". Well, there are 5 things you should consider before making any decision at all.

Help With Power Bill - 5 Incentives For Going Solar

1. Did you know that going solar creates jobs? Our economic recession is what caused life to become more expensive by the day. However, a lot of people want to have a solar panel installed and have an annual maintenance done, but don't want to make their own hands dirty. Somebody has got to do the job, isn't it? National studies pointed out that, if Congress in the U.S. would extend the federal tax rebates for solar energy with 8 more years, this would create about half a million permanent jobs.

2. Efficiency: there was a time when solar panel installations were a less evident alternative, as they were not optimized for domestic use. Over the years, this has changed drastically. Nowadays, solar energy systems have become safe, eco-friendly and extremely efficient.

3. The government recognizes the benefits of using alternative energy resources, which makes it obvious why it is trying to stimulate us to turn to alternative energy. Most states in the U.S. offer large tax credits, and most of them even combine them with solar rebates. Now that's what I call an incentive!

4. Independence: Not only does it feel great when you're no longer dependent from energy companies, but it also gives a feeling of security if you know that your country no longer depends on other nations for its energy supply. The global oil reserves are constantly shrinking, but who cares if simply switch to solar energy?

5. Saving money: building your own solar panels sounds a little tricky, doesn't it? Don't you need a skilled technician for this? Won't it cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, even if you build your own kit? Well, it might sound too good to be true, but all you need is a budget of less than $200, some components you find in a nearby material store, about 6 hours of your time and a brain inside your head. It's an interesting fact that the majority of unskilled people are first afraid to take the risk, only realizing afterwards there is nothing difficult about building your own solar energy installation.

Of course, these are only a few examples of the benefits of using solar energy. The final choice whether to opt for alternative energy or not is entirely yours. However, this article attempts at giving a better view on the pros and cons of having your own solar panels for your home, as it may be clear both the economy and the current environmental situation demand a change.

More info on how to reduce your power bills can be found on Cut Electricity Bill For a simple step-by-step walk-through with instructional videos on how to build solar panels, visit Help Power BillArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/help-with-power-bill-5-things-to-know-about-solar-energy-1721988.html

Have you been thinking about making your own home-made solar panels?

I was thinking about the same thing and I decided to investigate this idea, and I uncovered three common myths of making your own home-made solar panels.  Let me explain them to you here.

Myth number one, home-made solar panels are safe.  When you really start looking at the details of how to build a solar panel you soon discover that hundreds of small soldered connections are required.  You have to get every one of these perfect or they can easily short our and spark.  This can very easily start a panel fire, and cause major or catastrophic damage to your home.  There have been many stories of panel fires in the news of the last several years.  And if this happens, your home owners insurance will not cover you.  Leave the solar panel building to the professionals, who know what they are doing, and whose panels are covered by a UL seal of approval.

Myth number two, home-made solar panels work around the clock.  Or so the marketers want you to believe this.  Solar panels will only work in direct sunlight.  This means they will make no electricity at night, when it is cloudy or foggy, or if the panels cloud or mist up.  You probably will only have an average of four hours of energy producing sunlight for your panels.  This is hardly enough energy to make a significant contribution to your home power needs.  You will need several thousand square feet of panels to be able to save any real money on your power bills, and do you realize the cost of doing this?  This leads me to the final myth.

Myth number three, solar power systems for home us are cost effective.  I think this is true if you are making panels on a small scale, like, for example, making a few panels to power your RV on a weekend get a way trip.  But, if you are really going to significantly reduce or eliminate your power bill you will need a system that cost several tens of thousands of dollars.  Do you realize how many years it takes to pay this our as an investment?  It takes twenty to thirty years to recover your investment and get a reasonable return.  The investment pros will tell you this is a loser, and you can do better by investing in government bonds.

There is a better alternative to home-made solar panels.  You can make all the free electricity you want at home using a magnetic power generator.  You can make one of these devices at home in an afternoon using parts and materials found at a hardware store.  These devices are safe, efficient, and clean energy producers.  Depending upon the size of your system, you can either supplement or totally replace your monthly power needs.

You can make all the free energy you want with a home magnetic power generator.

Now you can generate free electricity with a simple and easy to use guide for making a magnetic power generator at home.

To learn more watch this video by following this link == > http://generating-electricity-at-home.canemanim.com

Elijiah Rampart is an internet researcher on generating electricity at home. He is particularly interested in magnetic power generators for home use to save money on electricity bills. Find out more information on how you can start saving money by making electricity at home, go to http://generating-electricity-at-home.canemanim.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/3-myths-about-homemade-solar-panels-1710013.html

I don’t know about you, but this recent cold snap across the US has sent my heating bill through the roof.  It really disgusts me because these electrical utilities sort of have us over a barrel.  The rates they charge for power seems to go up almost every year, and there seemed to be little I could do about it.

Then I discovered that I could make my own electricity at home, using a simple method that is both safe and practical.  I found that using an electrical magnetic power generator I could stick it to the man at the electrical company.  Here are three reasons why I like making free magnetic energy at home.

Reason Number One.  Of course, the best reason for me is that I can save a lot of money on my power bills.  You can too, depending upon the size of the system you choose to build you can either eliminate or supplement your monthly power bill.

Reason Number Two.  Generating electricity at home using a magnetic power generator is safe, and simple.  The device can be made in a Saturday afternoon using materials and equipment found at your local home improvement store.  Magnetic generators are also safer and more efficient that either homemade solar panels or wind turbines.  I don’t have risks of starting a panel fire, or over-stressing a turbine blade and watching it fly across the neighborhood.  This reason alone means I sleep better at night!

Reason Number Three.  Because I am making my own free and clean electricity, I know that I am doing my own part in reducing global warming.  Using a magnetic generator significantly reduces my carbon foot print, and helps me to live an authentic green lifestyle.  I can tell you that it feels good to wake up in the morning knowing that I am helping to preserve this world for my children’s future, and their children also.

Making the decision to generate free electricity at home was one of the best I ever made, aside from marrying my wife, of course!  I think if you look into magnetic generators you too will see the huge benefit these devices offer, and you will have your own reasons why you end up liking it.  Go ahead and find the simple plans and do it yourself guides to make these wonderful devices, you won’t be sorry.

You can make all the free energy you want with a home magnetic power generator.

Now you can generate free electricity with a simple and easy to use guide for making a magnetic power generator at home. To learn more watch this video by following this link == > http://generating-electricity-at-home.canemanim.com

Elijiah Rampart is an internet researcher on generating electricity at home. He is particularly interested in magnetic power generators for home use to save money on electricity bills. Find out more information on how you can start saving money by making electricity at home, go to http://generating-electricity-at-home.canemanim.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/3-reasons-why-i-like-making-free-magnetic-energy-at-home-1703203.html

You may be wondering what it costs to build a Magnetic electricity Generator? The Electric Generator that I constructed using the plans cost just under $120 and was capable of powering nearly 50% of my home, thus cutting my electric bill in half. By building an additional unit, or building a larger unit, I will be able to virtually eliminate my electric bill!

But what special tools are required to construct a do it yourself free energy generator? None! Virtually all you need is standard household tools, such as a screwdriver. The materials for the Magnetic Generator itself can be purchased from any local hardware store, such as Home Depot.

Using a magnetic generator has distinct advantages over the use of other alternative energy sources such as solar or wind power. The main advantage is that magnetic energy is not reliant on weather, where as a cloudy day can eliminate solar energy. Another advantage is cost. Solar and Wind systems are generally very expensive to install, whereas the Magniwork system is very inexpensive!

Based on the experience I had building my magnetic energy generator, I would recommend the plans to anyone looking to reduce or eliminate their electric bill, or simply looking to help the environment!  Magnetic energy is proving to be one of the leading sources of alternative green energy!

Magniwork Click Here

web master & developer

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/free-energy-product-magniwork-review-1701284.html

First, you want to have to make sure you have a place to the heater that will keep sunlight throughout the day to mount. You need at least 6 hoursSunlight and the more the better. Make sure this is at least an 8-foot by 4-foot range or larger. This could be your roof, a shed on the roof, or other areas that would work.http://www.abovegroundpools.bankcreditsite.com/solar-pool-heaters-for-in-ground-pools-how-to-build-one/

Second, you need a pump to pump the water slowly, some PVC pipe, a pair of black hose and a shutoff valve. The idea is that you intend to slow the water pump on your pool and about 50 feet to 200 feet of black hose (about 1 / 2 inches in diameter to 3 / 4 inches)very slowly. As it goes through it will be warmed by the sun and then pumped into your pool.

Finally, you want to put a shutoff valve is closed at the end that you use the water again. Make sure that switch off at night and if you are not running the heater. You can put your new heating on a timer by connecting the pump to the timer so that it can run only during the hours of sunshine. This is one of the best solar pool heating system for in ground pools that cost nothing, you will find an armand a leg.http://www.abovegroundpools.bankcreditsite.com/solar-pool-heaters-for-in-ground-pools-how-to-build-one/

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/solar-pool-heaters-for-in-ground-pools-how-to-build-one-1694726.html