Conserve Electricity - Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Electricity costs for lighting in the typical home can reach 12% or more in terms of your annual energy costs. So if you would like to know how to save electricity, you can conserve just by focusing on lighting. Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s) are the right energy saving light bulbs to save money on electricity bills and conserve electricity in the home.

To put this into perspective, that percentage is about the same that the average home uses for cooling and electronic appliances. We seem to spend more and more time reminding people in the house to turn off the lights when they are not in the room, etc.

Essentially they combine the energy efficiency of fluorescent lighting into energy saving light bulbs that can fit into incandescent fixtures. Energy star qualified CFL’s use approximately 75% less electricity that standard incandescent bulbs. These low energy light bulbs have a lifespan that is up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs. Therefore when you install energy efficient light bulb in your home, the resulting energy savings (electricity) is compounded over a longer period of time.

Where is energy saving CFL’s appropriate?

They are most energy efficient when used in locations requiring lighting for extended periods of time. So the first place to for installing them would be in the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, etc. You may not want to install them in a location where lights are only turned on for a few minutes (closet). You can do so; however the payback on efficiency (electricity savings) will be slower in comparison to other areas. If you are not sure, ENERGY STAR recommends using qualified CFL’s in lighting fixtures that are typically used at least 15 minutes at a time.

It is important to mention that CFL’s are sensitive to temperature ranges (specified normally on packaging) in which they work more optimal. Most common CFL’s are for indoor usage. There are models applicable for outdoor usage; in this case it is suggested to enclose them in fixtures in order to minimize the effect of the temperature sensitivity. This is not a must although you just need to check if they are weatherproof and can resists cold outside temperatures.

To conclude, introducing energy saving light bulbs in your home will allow you to conserve electricity and save money on electricity bills. Think about this the next time you need to replace a bulb, start conserving electricity and then reduce your energy costs!

Article Courtesy: Electricity Conservation

Fun Things to do During a Power Cut

There you are watching your favorite television show or surfing your favorite social networking site on your PC when all of a sudden *pop* - You are thrown into a world of Darkness. As you try to walk to get your flashlights & candles – Coffee tables and chairs are the biggest obstacles that launch a merciless attack on your legs, & doors appear where they never were before. Well, without creating more of a Bollywood experience – it’s really tough when we experience power cuts.

The problem we face the most during a power cut – is that there is nothing to do. In today’s world, we are so much dependent on electricity & technology, that even 1 hour of power cut can infuriate us.

Here are some fun ways to engage & kill your boredom during the power cuts:

•  "Love thy Neighbor as Thyself" – A power cut gives you the best possible reason to go catch up with your neighbors.  Certainly even they are as frustrated over the power cut as you are, so why not have a small get together and some chit-chat sessions that will lighten up your mood.

• Time for some scary stories – This may seem little bit surprising to your family members but trust us – there is nothing better than discussing your scary moments in the dark. Undoubtedly, the spooky factor will help you get close to your loved ones.

• Light switch Roulette - Turn off every switch you can find (Note: if you work in a hospital, leave the life support machines alone) and treat yourself a game of light switch roulette. Gather all family members and grab a torch light. Make your family sit in a circle & roll the flash light in the center. Wherever the flash light stops, the member closest to it has to perform anything they can. This will help you pass time & if you have Ice cream in your fridge (remember to eat it otherwise it shall melt away)

• Get Creative – The power cuts make you realize how dependent you are on the conventional source of electricity. Then why not Solar Power? Go do some research as soon as you finish reading this post and acquire some of the cheap solar powered lights which are cool enough to light up your home when your normal power tricks you off.

I hope that next time you face a power cut; you will apply some of our advices to adore an evening of somewhat bizarre amusement.

Solar Energy – A step towards Conservation

Nowadays, Solar Energy is one the most resourceful use of Energy released from Sun. Solar Energy can offer everything a Home necessitates in Modern life.  It can be utilized for warming water, solar lights and energy for cooking.

Most solar energy methods for homes support the traditional power arrangements in the house. In extreme heat or cold, solar home heating system and cooling systems can be complemented with additional use of traditional systems.

Though most solar powered lights are not usually as highly effective as their other powered cousins, they are brilliant as accent lights for backyard or garden. Also solar powered lights help you save money on your electric bills. The advantage of installing solar powered lights is, it not only helps you save on electricity but it makes your home attractive as well. These lights are obtainable in a variety of designs and all you need to do is find something that is appealing for you.

When purchasing solar lights other attentions would be the illumination of the lights that you want and the color as well.  The best way to realize this is by understanding the position of your solar lights. You need to know where you would be assigning them so that you can decide the type of light that is appropriate for you.

Never mount it in areas that are enclosed by trees or other high rise arrangements. You have to keep in mind that these lights get their energy from the sun and it’s wise to arrange them accordingly so that they can function at optimum level.