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Energy Efficiency

For the Sustainable House

The consumption of power by any residence is a function of household livability. The rate and subsequent cost of consumption will vary significantly with seasonal changes. Renewable energy option such as solar energy and wind power have an unlimited supply and provide significant benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the reduction in fossil fuel consumption for power generation. The cost of installing renewable energy can also be reduced over a few years by the provision of reduced power bills.
The options for installation of renewable energy include photovoltaic panels and wind generators. For typical urban areas photovoltaic panels are the most likely option for independent electricity generation. Wind generation can often be perceived to create a noise nuisance in urban areas and is subsequently less desirable.

Photovoltaic Panels

For your investment into photovoltaic panels you should expect to get about 20 years worth of sunlight conversion into energy for your household consumption. Once the purchase and installation costs are covered in energy production costs the balance of power generated in free to the household. To determine the number of panels required for your domestic needs and for an accurate cost benefit analysis of panel installation it is recommended to engage suitably qualified and experienced designer and installer for the project.More on Solar panels

Solar Hot Water

The largest energy cost to most households is the production of hot water. The use of solar hot water heating is the most common use of renewable energy. These systems can be combined with gas hot water to ensure a continuous hot water supply even during cloudy days. This combination will provide the most efficient form of heating water for household use. When installing a system you should be mindful of the distance of pipe required for the hot water to traverse. The shorter the length of pipe to the tap the less hot water wasted in the pipe between the system and hot water outlet. Additional considerations include the proper insulation of hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and thermostat setting of the system to provide a useable temperature with minimal addition of cold water. For more on Solar Hot Water Heating

Lights

Selection of light fittings should also be considered to reduce the energy consumption of your home. The most efficient for of lighting is the use of fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights come in the traditional straight tube and more compact forms that can be used in conventional bayonet and screw type fittings. Whilst fluorescent lights may cost a little more they significantly pay you back given their longer life. You can expect a fluorescent light to last approximately 8 times longer than your standard light bulb.

Green Energy Schemes

The use of green energy is generally also provided as an option from you power supplier. Whilst subscribing to use green energy may cost you a little more on each energy bill their a significant long term benefits provided to the broader community. Your contributions to green energy programs provide for additional capital investment into renewable energy schemes. Investment into these schemes is critical for the rapid development of alternative energy sources that will provide long-term benefits on both a local and global scale.

Check with you local government authority for information on rebate schemes for the installation of photovoltaic panels and solar hot water systems. Rebates are often provided to reduce significant infrastructure investment for power generation purposes and to reduce national greenhouse emissions.

Sustainable House Design

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