There is a considerable rise in the awareness levels of people throughout the world about the urgent need to conserve energy, particularly because we are still most dependent upon fossil fuels for most of our needs. The transition from organic (limited source) to renewable (unlimited source) fuels and energy has not been achieved yet and this is one reason why everyone should do their bit to preserve what is left on this precious planet.
Charity begins at home
It is wonderful to dream that you could change the future of the earth through your interventions; however, most revolutions start with a small step into the right direction. You need to start from your home and ensure that this is the first unit that saves energy without sacrificing your or your family’s comfort. If everyone did that, you would have a revolution overnight and the earth would have a fair chance to recover.
Install a wet radiant heating system
The best and most fuel efficient way to heat your home is with a wet radiant system. This is a system, which uses hot water under the floors to heat your home with the help of radiation. This system would have your thermostat down by almost 10 degrees than the regular systems, while giving the same level of heat. The installation of the new system is easy enough to be done by yourself, and the savings are great. This could save you at least about US $80 per month
Geothermal heat pumps
This is a system that use the heat obtained from the earth to heat your home. There are pipes that would run through the earth at pre-specified depths, and the heat be transferred to your home with the help of a fluid that runs through the pipes. This can improve the heating system’s efficiency by about 50 per cent resulting in cutting your bills by half. The Aquarium II systems are some of the best in the USA in terms of efficiency and energy saving. You would be able to reap the benefits of this method of heating your home in about 5 years’ time as the installation costs are high.
Solar power
You cannot speak of energy saving methods and not mention solar power. Many homes have successfully replaced the fossil fuel heating systems with solar powered systems. This method has solar batteries that absorb energy from the sun and stores for later use. The solar panels are normally installed on the roof. Once upon a time, the cost of setting up a solar system was prohibitive. The present panels are cost effective and heat your home technically, for free.
Biodiesel fuels
This is a new term for many; however, this is the best choice we have at present for replacing the fossil-based fuels. The biodiesel comes from vegetables or animal fat and is eco-friendly and biodegradable. These fuels might not be suitable for cold areas, as it tends to turn into lard when the temperatures run low. Otherwise, it is the best possible alternative you have to regular fuels. The saving can be great, as much as 70 per cent, if the fuel is made locally out of the existing raw materials. This is not a viable option if the biodiesel fuel needs to be bought from far-off places and then transported for your use.
Online resources:
- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26738221/ - some excellent tips that would teach you to conserve energy without compromising on your comfort
- http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/cheap-ways-to-stay-warm-this-winter/ - wonderful blog on how to stay warm without consuming too much energy
- http://www.centralboiler.com, http://www.fhp-mfg.com, http://www.buderus.net and http://www.carrier.com – leading sources for alternative and up-to-date systems that save heat in your home
