Now, there are firms that will allow you to rent solar equipment with little or no investment and these firms will install the equipment. There was a big news announcement of this in AZ just prior to our leaving in 2009 so you will have to do an internet search in your state to see what’s available.
I have not researched the following but you might give them a look over…>>>Use solar to cool your roof too. Hot attic space costs money and most use an electric fan to cool it down at an average cost of $10-20 a month. By using a solar powered attic fan, which requires no wiring, you can reduce your attic temps by up to 50 degrees which will save $100s annually (it also reduces the strain on your whole house A/C). You can find these at most Home Depot stores, Lowes and other home improvement outlets.
>>>While there, be sure to get yourself a programmable thermostat which can also improve energy consumption and money savings – average of $180 annually. >>>You might as well pick up a batch of CFL light bulbs too. I use them everywhere and they do save money and they last longer. I often find them at dollar stores too! Go to GE Energy Smart to use their savings calculator:
www.gelighting.com
For instance, a plasma TV will consume $160 a year just in its standby mode.
Get yourself this simple device (made by Belkin and other firms) and can be used for up to eight devices. It acts as a powerstrip and surge protector too. Get them on eBay, WalMart, Home Depot, etc.
BELKIN AG110030-04
Don't Standby. Conserve.
Conserve energy-saving surge protector with remote switch makes it simple to eliminate wasteful standby power, helping you reduce energy consumption, save on energy bills, and lower your overall impact on the environment.
>>>Of course, don’t forget to get a low-flow shower head for your bathroom. You’ll see the full checklist a bit further down.
No matter what your current personal and/or business financial status, the fact is the United States’ and the world’s economy are in an ongoing upheaval with uncertain job markets and rises in fuel costs and living expenses.
In addition, we face the problems of keeping our world green and free from noxious pollution, including the estimated 222 million tons of waste Americans produce each year (www.esc.mtu.edu/).
If your family consumes just two bottles of water per day X’s 365 days or 730 plastic bottle going into landfills. Plastic takes a century to break down and with the average cost of 50 cents each, you’d save about $365 annually. Invest in a reusable, portable cup instead!
Bottled water is 10,000 times more expensive than tap water.Filter your water at home; using a reverse osmosis system under your sink. Find a complete system or simple filter at reasonable prices on eBay. http://myworld.ebay.com/oldbooknook or get a water filter here:
http://www.harrietcarter.com/A number of years ago I prepared an in-depth study and proposal for a means of making Arizona the capital of solar energy research and use. I sent this to our governor (she is now the head of Homeland Security) and to the president of Arizona State University.
The ASU head had been seen on national TV blathering on about making ASU the center for alternative energy research and he invited alumni to send in ideas – what a joke. Neither he nor the governor responded to my detailed plan.
I even showed them how the US Department of Energy would fund the program (part of the plan called for lining all AZ highways, already government owned, with solar panels in a joint project with the current electrical suppliers to generate free electricity).
Enough solar energy falls on the Earth’s surface In one hour to power all of civilization for a year!But as we saw with government response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster, you cannot rely on the government to do right by its people. We’ve known oil resources peaked in 1970, yet Washington continues to subsidize big oil and spends very little on alternative energy research; despite the fact oil dependence is a real threat to our national security and economy.
Our federal government has been subsidizing Big Oil for decades. It doesn’t seem to provide more or cheaper supplies.Since we can’t depend on the government, we must look to ourselves and I know we’re up to the challenge. The main tool in the green economy is your caulking gun.
Weatherizing and retrofitting every building in the USA would sure create a lot of jobs! After all, buildings and homes with leaky windows and doors, poor insulation, old A/Cs and furnaces, poor insulation and the like mean on average we’re paying 30% more for carbon which goes into the atmosphere.
You can save a lot of money by simply wrapping hot water heaters, blowing insulation, plugging holes, repairing cracks, getting rid of old appliances, replacing furnaces and
Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You'll not
only save energy, you'll avoid scalding your hands
Start using energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and
clothes dryers.
Survey your incandescent lights for opportunities to replace them with compact
fluorescents (CFLs). These lamps can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescents. The best targets are 60-100W bulbs used several hours a day. New CFLs come in many sizes and styles to fit in most standard fixtures.
Check the age and condition of your major appliances, especially the refrigerator. You
may want to replace it with a more energy-efficient model before it dies.
Clean or replace furnace, air-conditioner, and heat-pump filters.
If you have one of those silent guzzlers, a waterbed, make your bed today. The covers
will insulate it, and save up to one-third of the energy it uses.
Visit the hardware store. Buy low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and compact
fluorescent light bulbs, as needed. These can be purchased from any hardware or home improvement store. CFLs are now sold at some drug stores and grocery stores.
If your water heater is old enough that its insulation is fiberglass instead of foam, it clearly
will benefit from a water heater blanket from the local hardware or home supplies store. (To tell the difference, check at the pilot light access (gas). For electric water heaters, the best access is probably at the thermostat, but be sure to turn off the power before checking.)
Rope caulk very leaky windows.
Assess your heating and cooling systems. Determine if replacements are justified, or
whether you should retrofit them to make them work more efficiently to provide the same comfort (or better) for less energy.
Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel bills. Target the biggest bill for energy
conservation remedies.
Crawl into your attic or crawlspace and inspect for insulation. Is there any? How much?
Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run through unheated areas.
Seal up the largest air leaks in your house—the ones that whistle on windy days, or feel
drafty. The worst culprits are usually not