Category Archives: Energy Efficiency

How Can Old Computers Be Reused, Repurposed, or Recycled? Here’s What You Need to Know

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As the volume of e-waste continues to skyrocket globally, reusing, repurposing, or recycling old computers has never been more important. After all, while we all need computers for our jobs and daily activities, we also have the responsibility to effectively handle old electronics responsibly without creating more waste.

If you are unsure how to dispose of your old laptop or desktop properly, this blog post can help. Below, we’ll explore different ways you can use your old computer, from reusing it as a tool for educational activities to partnering with a specialized e-waste disposal company. Let’s get started!

ways you can use your old computer

Learn More About Disposing of Electronic Waste

Before you decide what to do with your old laptop, take some time to understand how and why your old electronics need to be disposed of properly.

Today, it is estimated that over 50 million metric tons of electronic waste are generated globally every year, and, in the US alone, over 112,000 computers are discarded each day. However, only around 15% of this e-waste is efficiently recycled.

What’s more, when throwing away electronics in the communal waste, you may be aggravating an already existing public health risk. Indeed, only electronics, when breaking down, release toxic materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and beryllium, which are dangerous for human health and other living organisms, and can pollute waters and soil.

Because of this, you should choose the best way to repurpose, recycle, or reuse your old electronics. Let’s look at how below.

Check if You Can Fix or Refurbish Your Computer

You don’t have to get rid of a broken computer just yet! With the right tools and help, you may be able to repair it. Seek out tutorials and resources online to diagnose issues yourself, or find a qualified technician. If that isn’t an option, consider purchasing replacement parts or working with online companies that take in broken electronics, refurbish them, and resell them.

Gift Your Computer to Friends or Family

If you have a friend or family member who requires an old computer, it can be a great idea to give them yours! After backing up the hard drive and erasing personal information, bring your old laptop to a technician to fix minor issues before gifting it to a loved one.

Donate Your Computer to Charity Or Local Training Schools

One of the best ways to declutter in an environmentally-friendly way is to organize a yard sale or donate your old belongings to charities. Organizations like annual computer drives collect working computers for donation to charitable causes and associations.

If you have checked with the charities in your area and you are in need of a second option, speak to local training schools. Associations that provide technology training to young students may be in need of old computers and parts to show how these machines work to pupils.

These ways of upcycling electronic waste can extend the life cycle of your old computer, reduce e-waste, and help the community as a whole.

Some Scrap Companies Will Take Electronics and Recycle Them Responsibly

If you are looking to safely and responsibly discard your old computer, get in touch with experienced scrap companies that specialize in securely disposing of and recycling electronic waste.

Make sure to use a company with high standards and look for one that follows environmentally responsible recycling practices, such as deconstructing the items rather than melting them down.

Check if Your Computer Manufacturer Runs Trade-In Programs

You may be able to trade in an old laptop or desktop computer for a discount on a new model. Major manufacturers like Dell, Apple, and HP all have trade-in programs where you can send them your old computers and get a newer device in return. It’s worth looking into before deciding what to do with your outdated machine!

online-learning

Put Your DIY Skills to the Test and Create Art and Crafts Out of Your Computer’s Parts

If you are an expert DIYer, consider using your imagination to create art and crafts out of your old machine’s parts. For example, you may craft lamps, clocks, or artworks that can be used to decorate your home, office, or workshop. If you are looking for inspiration, consider checking out tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest!

Looking for More Ways To Fight Electronic Waste? Shop Second-Hand!

If you’re looking for a new laptop, tablet, or desktop computer but don’t want to create more e-waste, look no further than shopping secondhand. Not only will you save money by opting for preloved items instead of brand-new gadgets, but you’ll also know that your purchase isn’t contributing to the growing piles of discarded tech littering landfills!

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Furnaces

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Residential heating is essential to the comfort and even health of the occupants of a house during winter. The core of any heating system is the furnace, which in most homes is located somewhere outside the main house or in the basement. This is so as to keep it out of the way but also for safety purposes. Whether you are moving into a new place and have to install a new furnace or you just wish to overhaul your current one, there are considerations to make before you go to the shop.

Types of Furnaces

Broadly speaking, there are two available types of furnaces. There is the traditional furnace and the two stage furnace. The traditional furnace, also called the single stage furnace, is either full on or completely off. This is to say that when it is on, it operates at maximum heat output and there is no way to regulate that because there is no provision for medium heat.

The two stage furnace is an improvement of this. In one setting, it can run like the traditional furnace but in the other, it allows for a reduced heat output when the temperature is not very low. If puzzling over which furnace to buy between these two, consider the following advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Two-stage Furnace

A two stage furnace is considered quieter. This is because it runs at a functionality of 75-80 percent most of the time. Lower fan speed means less noise. It maintains a more constant temperature without dips and spikes. This kind of furnace also saves energy because it runs on the lower setting most of the time. Even with these advantages, it is said to have two key disadvantages:

  • High upfront costs – It was made to improve upon the traditional furnace. It is therefore comes as no surprise that it is more expensive than the traditional furnace.
  • It breaks down more often – Unlike a traditional furnace which goes off when the weather is moderate to warm, a two stage furnace keeps running at that low setting. Running almost constantly causes wear and tear and may lead to frequent breakdowns.

Advantages of Traditional Furnace

It may not be possible to regulate the level of heating with a traditional furnace. However, it is the go to furnace when working on a budget because it is cheaper. It also breaks down less often than the two stage furnace. Besides, modern single stage furnaces have been remodeled to make them energy efficient. This should go a long way to reduce heating costs.

Other factors to consider before purchasing a furnace are:

  • Type of fuel – If you have no gas connection or if it is interrupted often, you might want to go for an electric furnace instead of a gas furnace.
  • Prevailing weather – Consider where you live. If it is customary to have extremely cold winters, then the traditional furnace might be the best because you will have no need for the low heat setting.

The type of furnace you install should be determined by the heating needs of your household and those in it. Seek the help of a contractor so that they can advise on the appropriate type and even size of furnace.

Green Heating And Cooling Technologies To Help The Planet And Save Money

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An estimated 60% of internet users are prepared to pay more for eco-friendly products, showing that people are becoming more aware of using sustainable merchandise and services. Residential heating and cooling are important expenses of a household, and with electricity prices rising, finding energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems is now more urgent.

In addition, an increasing awareness of personal responsibility of climate change is also driving consumers to adopt greener lifestyles, while some are forced to use sustainable options to comply with environmental regulations.

Geothermal HVAC Systems

Heating and cooling a home or building cost money. Conventional systems mostly use fossil fuels that are expensive and cannot be replenished. Furthermore, non-renewables are not good for the environment because using them increases pollution levels, causes greenhouse effects, and destroys the ozone layer. The good news is that technology is constantly updated to find the most efficient and effective way of heating and cooling a home, giving thought to limited resources and maximizing the output of HVAC systems.

green heating and cooling technologies

For example, the geothermal HVAC system is one of the most recent technological innovations for greener heating and cooling. The principle is to put unexpended energy into use to heat or cool a home. In winter, water that absorbs the heat from the earth’s crust is circulated in the underground pipes and then returned to the indoor heat pump, which extracts the heat and re-distributes it as warm air throughout a house.

During summer, the reverse operation takes place when the indoor heat pump pulls out the hot air from a structure and takes out the heat. Cool air is left behind and is distributed throughout the house using the vents of the AC. Removed heat is re-injected back into the earth.

The biggest advantage of geothermal systems is that they are 25-30% more economical than traditional heating or cooling systems, drastically reducing your energy consumption. In addition to lower emissions, these systems also improve indoor humidity.

Harnessing Solar Power

Solar power is nothing new, but it is a very effective way of generating electricity to run your air conditioner, provide heat, and give enough energy to operate appliances. It saves you money and helps the environment because it is a renewable source of power. A solar HVAC system will use the sunlight to heat a liquid or air transferring the heat directly to the desired interior space for immediate use. It can also be stored in tanks for later use. For central heating, solid liquid collectors are used.

solar cooling system

To cool a house, a solar cooling system will make use of a plate to capture the sun’s rays, converting it into energy which will, in turn, work to power the compressor in the AC system. In addition, solar panels attached to roofs cool the house by providing shade from the sunlight, as well as heat at night, by keeping it in the interior the entire day.

Bottom Line

Geothermal and solar HVAC systems are two green technologies that will provide heat and cold air to a house sustainably. They are both clean energy, are kind to the planet, and help in reducing your utility bills.

Beginners Guide for Always Having Hot Water in the Home

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The search for a method to obtain fast hot water on demand is a constant quest for homeowners. Although it may not be as ubiquitous as something like the quest for life, the idea of immediate hot water has passed the minds of almost everyone who has ever seen water go down a drain when waiting for the water to heat up has thought about it at some point.

Having to wait for hot water when you need it is a big inconvenience. When you realize how much water will be wasted, it may even make you feel a bit guilty, though perhaps not guilty enough to take an ice-cold shower first thing in the morning.

Lucky for us, there are solutions!. A recirculating mechanism, a demand system, and water heaters in the tank or tankless configurations are the options for obtaining immediate hot water at the tap.

hot water guide

Why Does It Take So Much Time?

Understanding why it may take so long for the water that comes out of the tap to be heated will help us figure out how to obtain immediate hot water. While the age and efficiency of a water heater, as well as the amount of insulation in a home’s pipes all, play a role, the most crucial reason is relatively straightforward:

For the hot water to flow through the faucet, the cold water must first be drained out of the pipes.

Following its release from the heating system, the hot water must travel via a network of pipes before reaching the faucet. In front of the heated water seems to be the water cooling in the cold pipelines since the previous request for warm water.

In certain instances, the distance between the water heater and the faucet is longer than you think. Consider, for example, a typical two-story house in the state of Texas. Depending on how the water heater is placed, it may not take long for the water to get hot at the upstairs taps and showers to switch on. As a result, water may not reach the bathroom and kitchen showers and faucets downstairs for a minute or two. However, the water will eventually reach the desired location. It may take even longer during the winter since the initial gallon of water is chilled as it passes through the freezing pipe system.

What are Your Options?

Because each homeowner’s requirements vary, there is no “one size fits all” solution. However, there are four methods for getting immediate water from the faucet.

1. Water Heaters That Recirculate Water

Using a conventional tank heating system, turning the knob at the faucet begins the hot water traveling through the pipes. However, if the water in the pipes has already been heated by the time you turn the tap on, hot water is available at the tap instantly.

A recirculation system links the furthest point of a drainage system returning to a water heater using a plumbing pipe devoted to providing hot water just to that point. Because hot water is constantly cycling through the system, it is instantly accessible at every faucet.

The most significant advantage of the system is that hot water is available immediately at every shower head and faucet, which saves time and reduces water waste. In addition, recirculation systems are frequently triggered by a thermostat, which activates the mechanism when the water temperature falls below a certain threshold. These systems may also be triggered by a timer that can switch off the system during periods when the house is vacant or when hot water is not required, thus saving money on energy costs.

2. Systems for On-Demand Hot Water

When purchasing a new house, a buyer may request that the drainage system be built with a recirculation system, which necessitates installing a dedicated hot water loop. On the other hand, a recirculating system is impossible unless your home is already plumbed for it.

On-demand hot water systems are cold and hotlines connected to a pump located beneath the bath or kitchen faucet located the furthest away from the water heater. It is possible to have the chilly water that usually goes down the drain recirculated back to the water heaters by pressing a button. The water heater’s output is delivered to a faucet by pressing a button as well.

As soon as the water temperature at the furthest fixture reaches the desired temperature, the pump will shut off since the water pipes will have been filled with water.

3. Tankless point-of-use Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters like the Ecosmart Eco 11 this water heater only works when there is a need for hot water to be provided. However, unlike tank water heaters, which store hot water to be delivered to a faucet on demand, a tankless water heater begins operating immediately upon turning the tap on.

Cold water is conveyed via a conduit into a tankless water heater, which subsequently warms the water using an electric element or a gas burner.

In contrast to tank water heaters, tankless water heaters are assessed by the number of gallons of water they can heat in one minute rather than by storage capacity.

A tankless point-of-use water heater, like a traditional water heater with a tank, may deliver almost instantaneous hot water due to its proximity to the fixture that requires hot water. However, while tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than tank water heaters, it should be noted that they do not deliver hot water as fast as tank water heaters since there is a delay of several seconds between when the water is heated and when it reaches the desired temperature. Furthermore, all tankless point-of-use water heaters are electrical, which warms water at a slower rate than natural gas heaters.

4. Tank point-of-use Water Heaters

Exactly as the name implies, a point-of-use heating system provides a supply of hot water that is placed exceptionally near to where a sink, shower, or bathtub is located. It is common practice to utilize point-of-use water heaters to heat water at fixtures located a considerable distance away from the home’s tank water heater. Aside from that, they may be used to heat water at a location where instant hot water is most required or handy.

A tank point-of-use heating system is similar to a conventional whole-home tanks water heater, except that the water tank is much smaller in capacity. Tank point-of-use heating systems are available in various capacities ranging from 2.5-20 gallons, determined by the amount of hot water required. Their ability to provide rapid hot water is enhanced because they reduce the distance that water must travel before reaching its destination. Instant hot water saves a lot of time, water, and money by eliminating the need to wait.

Additional Suggestions

Water Pipes should be insulated

Insulate the area surrounding hot water pipes to prevent heat loss while the water is transported to the faucet. It will also help keep the pipelines warm for longer, which will be helpful the next time you want hot water.

Now, will this provide you with immediate hot water? No. However, it will save the amount of time you have to queue for hot water at the faucet, and it may help lower your energy costs.

hydrogen-boiler

Preventative Maintenance

It is essential to maintain a heating system, whether a tank or a tankless one, to extend its life span. However, a hot water tank that is not operating at peak efficiency may need a longer time to provide the hot water that you require. For a tank water heater, which is still the most common type of water heater used by most American homeowners, annual upkeep that includes checking the anode rod, flushing the tank, and running tests on the temperature and pressure (T&P) valve helps to ensure the safety and efficiency of the water heater.

Consult a Professional Plumber

Installing a recirculation system should be done by a skilled plumbing professional. In addition, the other alternatives for obtaining immediate hot water at the tap all require specialized knowledge and equipment.

Always use a qualified plumbing expert to install your water heater since poorly placed water heaters may be hazardous and pose a risk of exploding or igniting a fire.

Conclusion

We have all experienced the frustration of waiting for hot water, whether at the sink or in the shower. Often, some delay is required, but when it occurs frequently enough, the time and stress accumulate. Point-of-use water heaters are available in both tank and tankless configurations. Both benefit from being located near the location where they deliver hot water, removing the need to wait for the water to travel via pipes to become heated.

Many alternatives are available if you are looking for methods to obtain immediate hot water from the faucet. Now that you have a better understanding of the options, speak with a certified plumbing expert who can assist you in determining which option is best for your house and perform a skilled installation that guarantees the safety of both you and the family.

8 Best Ways for Your College to Go Green

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Today a lot of colleges have made an environmental revolution. No more coffee to go, no more plastic bottles to buy on a territory of the campus, the implementation of eco-friendly projects and campaigns – all this now is becoming a sustainable lifestyle for the majority of students.

The effects of climate change are dramatically terrifying. In most colleges, the initiative of the activities to make planet safer comes from administration faculties. However, any little action of every student as well as essay writer will help to protect our Earth. Let’s see now how green we may be in a range of college life.

college-green

Today you even may look for the university that has its degrees in eco subjects: such as sustainable agriculture, natural resources conservation and indoor gardening and so on.

1. Energy supply

Whether it is a constructing of building with more efficient environmentally substantial windows and panels that use solar, wind or even water power, during past several years the colleges become a way eco-friendlier. Some programs promote the conservation in any aspect and the composting bins.

2. Using electronics instead of paper

The world now is digitally focused, and this is good news for a planet. A lot of colleges are equipped with computer classes, electronic libraries, and online testing programs. You may also have with taking notes electronically in order not to waste paper and money on buying notebooks. Instead of buying a book, prefer to borrow it or get only if necessary.

To see and read more more living a sustainable and healthy life, check out the Public Goods Blog by clicking here.

3. Opening a refectory with a local eco food

Organic food and organic gardening is a modern, healthy part of a sustainable lifestyle. The most colleges now have the individual spaces for organic gardening where any student can work to show their faith-based actions. They can grow plants, vegetables or fruits that are used in the kitchen of the campus for preparing healthy food.

The administration of some universities now got rid of trays – they state it will prevent students from over-eating and wasting food. Instead, a student takes a plate where he can put only as much as he can eat.

4. Having a place for refilling a water bottle

As you know, only 20% of plastic bottles will be recycled. The question is that where did other 80% proceed to? The management of some colleges take concrete measures to fight this issue: they don’t sell plastic bottles on the territory of campus. As an alternative, they give reusable water bottles and provide with stations of water filling. Isn’t it an amazingly simple and useful to evolve an initiative to become environmentally conscious?

5. Special campaigns for students

It is important for colleges to have some green project ideas for college students that may evolve students to concrete actions toward the protection of an ecology. It can be something like tree planting, street cleaning or any other environment-themed campaigns.

Organic food is a modern, healthy part of a sustainable lifestyle.

Organic food is a modern, healthy part of a sustainable lifestyle.

The effective way to make the more environmentally sustainable community is creating a communication between students and management. Every student may have his fresh ideas of go green, and it ‘d be good and if the management could encourage them and help to realize.

6. Transportation

What doesn’t student dream of having his car? But don’t lie to yourself – it is not a secret that the cars are the biggest reason of pollution in the air. Just think about it – do you need a car? Taking a public transport or having a bicycle will not only save a planet but also will save your money.

Many colleges offer carpool boards which allow pairing riders with drivers and a shuttle bus which run on biodiesel that is much safer for the planet than any other fuel.

7. Good old recycling

Almost every college has recycling bins and trash cans on its territory. The faculty and staff should be responsible for what and where they throw away – it will be a good example for every student.

8. Creating eco-friendly rules in a campus

  • Turn off everything
  • Using LED light bulbs
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle
  • Water-usage control (only a 5-minute shower)
  • Buy recyclable and eco products, e.g. you can even find eco friendly wooden watches these days.
  • Use power bars
  • Wash cups and plates, don’t use disposable paper or plastic utensils
  • Walk, bike and use public transport instead of a car

If you at a moment of decision which higher educational institution to choose – go ahead to pick a “go green” university which has at least some of point mentioned above!

Don’t close your eyes to truth – the climate change, the nuclear waste, etc.

With all these actions, even the little ones, we may protect the environment together and live a sustainable life!

If this article written by a birdie essay writer was helpful and met your expectations – you can find other related works and even obtain help with EssayHub if needed!

Wish you a good green luck!

Tips To Improve Indoor Air Quality Without Sacrificing Energy Efficiency

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Every year, illnesses caused by household air pollution from incomplete combustion of fuels used for cooking, like kerosene and biomass, claim the lives of 3.2 million people, according to The World Health Organization. Many people believe that indoor air quality in homes is cleaner than outdoor air, and preventing outside air from seeping into living spaces can help reduce pollution. Unfortunately, these assumptions aren’t true because indoor air is highly polluted and poor ventilation increases pollutants and energy consumption.

how to improve indoor air quality

Typically, moving to a well-designed energy efficient building helps you manage a home’s indoor air quality effortlessly. However, there are several ways to reduce the impact of indoor air pollution even if your home doesn’t feature energy-efficient designs. Below are the best tips to improve indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency.

Use Natural Ventilation Strategies

Natural ventilation strategies rely on wind and buoyancy to enhance air circulation and cool buildings. For example, opening a window at night during summer is an easy way to let fresh air in your home. The cool air then pushes pollutants outside and creates a cooling effect inside the building without artificial cooling equipment.

Other effective natural ventilation strategies include the chimney effect and allowing the cooling sea breeze to ventilate homes through large, operable windows facing the ocean. The chimney effect uses convention, where cool air enters the home in the basement or first floor, absorbs hot air, rises and escapes through upper floor windows.

Add Indoor Plants

Findings from a study on the impact of indoor plants on air quality published in the Air Quality Atmosphere and Health Journal reveal that plants can reduce nitrogen dioxide, a common pollutant, by up to 20%. Since plants absorb pollutants and release oxygen, they are a perfect option for purifying indoor air. Plants also increase humidity and reduce dust levels, thus improving indoor air quality.

Ways to Learn More About Plants

Popular plants that people add to their living spaces, like the pothos plant, peace lily, English ivy, and bamboo palm plants, are effective in improving indoor air quality. However, you can add to your indoor plant collection house plants with fuzzy leaves, such as the green goddess, pussy willow, chenille plant, lamb’s ears, and old man cactus.

The leaves of these indoor plants have tiny hairs on the surface that give them a velvety texture. Besides adding character to your space while improving air quality, these plants are low maintenance. That’s because the tiny hairs also help plants draw moisture from the air, so they can survive on regular spritzes of clean water.

Replace Filters in AC Systems Regularly

Your AC filters play a significant role in trapping pet dander, pollen, dust, and spores to keep indoor air clean. But as dust and other pollutants accumulate on air filters, your AC stops circulating clean air in your home, thus increasing pollution. When air filters are dirty, your AC works harder and consumes a lot of energy. With this in mind, changing your air filters regularly helps enhance air quality and keep your AC system working efficiently.

clogged filter of AC

Contrary to popular belief, indoor air isn’t cleaner or healthier than the air outside. Also, allowing fresh air from outdoors to infiltrate your house doesn’t push energy bills up. With this in mind, using natural ventilation strategies is one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency. Other practices for improving your home’s air quality include adding house plants and changing AC air filters regularly.

Top 7 Tips To Make Your Home Energy Efficient During Summer

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Your home is a full-fledged system. And you’re the person who decides how to run its operations. This goes for the appliances you choose, and the equipment you install. So naturally, when you implement cost-effective measures, you’re able to save money, energy, and improve performance. As a homeowner, there are two particular seasons in which you wish your home to be the most energy efficient. Those are summer and winter. So how do you keep cool in the hot weather without overworking your AC? Here are our top 7 tips to make your home energy efficient in summer.

Importance of energy efficient appliances and equipment

Energy efficient appliances and equipment use the least amount of energy to perform their required tasks by default. So if you get energy efficient appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, and laundry machines, you’ll be conserving energy. This automatically translates into reduced utility bills. You will be saving money and protecting the environment.

Energy efficiency in home appliances is extremely important. Especially when you consider how the energy and money you saved could be used for something else. So, you get a discounted bill with minimum exploitation of natural resources.

how to make your home energy efficient

How to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient in Summer

1. Check your home insulation

A good insulation system will keep your home well protected against the elements. One of the main places that people tend to ignore is the attic. When your attic is poorly insulated you’ll notice that during the cold months, snow on your roof will melt faster. This means that a substantial amount of warm air is leaking from your home. Similarly, during summer, poor insulation will allow cool air out. This will automatically make your heating and cooling system work harder to compensate for the air leaking.

home-insulation

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s research, proper insulation will help you save 15% on heating and cooling costs. So, if you want to make your home more energy-efficient, you need to seal any crack and openings. Inspect your floors for any possible crawl spaces and your doors and windows for caulking that could have degraded.

2. Optimize your thermostat settings

If you’re looking to save up on energy bills during summer, you need to tackle the source of the issue. That is your cooling system. It might feel really nice to blast your AC when it’s unbearably hot outside. However, you don’t want the temperature inside your home to be so cold that you need to use a blanket. In fact, you can be comfortable enough with your thermostat set at 78 degrees.

eco-friendly-business-practices

For every degree below 78, your energy increases by 6 to 8%. Accordingly, your energy bill increases as well. For instance, if you raise your thermostat from 74 to 78, you save 24% in energy usage. Keep the thermostat as high as possible before you leave the house, or turn it off altogether. The bigger the difference between the temperature outside and inside, the higher your energy bill will be.

3. Replace your air filters

When your air filters are dirty and deteriorating, your HVAC is going to overwork itself to keep your house cool. This will result in poor energy efficiency and higher utility costs. Cleaning your air filters might not be enough since you’re supposed to replace them every three months. The same goes for your air vents.

You need to clean those as well on a regular basis. And if you have pets, you will need to clean them more frequently. Not to mention the allergens and dust that circulate through your ventilation system. If you don’t have much experience in home maintenance, you need to call a professional to check them for you.

4. Use fans strategically

You might be reluctant to exclusively rely on fans to cool your home in summer, especially during heatwaves. After all, fans don’t do much except move the existing air in a particular space around over and over again. However, you can place fans throughout your home in a strategic manner so that they work more efficiently.

One great way to increase energy efficiency is to work both your cooling system and fans at the same time. The thing is that you only need to put your AC on at a higher degree than you normally would. Then, plug a fan and direct it towards the AC so that it propagates cool air throughout the whole room.\

You may think that in a place like your garage an air conditioner might be the right choice, but unless it’s insulated, it’ll only run up your energy bill. It’s wise to install a garage ceiling fan instead to avoid this issue.

5. Install double glazed windows

Upgrading your windows is the best thing you can do to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, both during summer and winter. The gap between the two glass panes in double glazed windows acts as an additional layer of insulation. Like so, this layer creates thermal resistance that obstructs the outdoors air from coming in and indoor air from escaping. This means that in winter, warm air won’t leak outside of your home. The double glazing will also prevent the harsh cold from infiltrating your living space.

On the other hand, when the weather is really hot, your double glazed windows have the reverse effect. They hinder warm air from creeping in, and they block the cool air inside your home from seeping outside. Double glazed windows also have the added benefit of minimizing the outside noise, limiting UV damage, and increasing security.

6. Upgrade your light bulbs

If you’re still using incandescent lighting then it’s time to make the switch to LED light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs actually generate way more heat than their LED counterpart. This gives your HVAC system one more thing it has to contend with. Not just that, incandescent lights only last for 1,000 hours. They convert a mere 5% of the energy they receive to light, while the rest 95% gets lost as heat.

energy efficient home

On the other hand, LED bulbs last 25 times longer, they consume 75% less energy, and they run cooler. If buying LED light bulbs seems a bit out of your budget, you could consider compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Their lifespan is 10 times longer than that of incandescent bulbs. And you’ll still be saving about 67% in electricity usage.

7. Unplug energy-sucking appliances

Consider this a rule of thumb to energy efficiency in summer: if you’re not using it, then unplug it! Think of it this way: any appliances that use electricity will also generate heat. If you want to keep your home cool and comfortable enough during the hot weather, unplug electronics you’re not using. That goes for anything from your coffee machine and toaster, to your phone chargers and computers.

Air Conditioner or Heat Pump: How to Make a Choice?

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Is the summer getting intolerable for you? If so, then most probably you’re thinking of getting the best technology or device for your home or office space to deal with it.

It is very obvious that you’re facing a little dilemma on whether to go with a heat pump or an air conditioner; which one would be the best option to serve your purpose. Don’t forget to check out the heat pump glossary to spruce up your knowledge.

In this article, we will help you figure out just that. You will get everything you need to know about heat pumps and air conditioners starting from their basics to the pros and cons followed by a comparison.

Analyze them, know your priorities, and make the decision. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

air conditioner benefits

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a technology that transfers the inside heat of the house to the outside or vice versa. Generally, a heat pump is used to eliminate the heat that is inside a house or building to the outside air in summer.

But in winter, the function of the heat pump just reverses. In cold weather, when you need heat in your homes, a heat pump extracts the heat from the outside air and transfers it to the inside.

Types of Heat Pump

Heat pumps are broadly divided into two major types. They are:

Air Source Heat Pump

This kind of heat pump uses the heat from the outside air in winter and expels the hot air from the inside to the outside in summer.

Geothermal Heat Pump

This type of heat pump utilizes the heat from the soil in winter to supply hot air into the house and expels the heat from the inside air to the soil or water in the hot weather.

Considering the design of the heat pumps, they are divided into two types. Those are as follows:

Split Type

This type of heat pump consists of two different indoor and outdoor units.

Packaged Unit

Such heat pumps contain all the components of the system combined within one single cabinet.

Heat Pump Components

The heat pump constitutes a good number of components. Each is required for different functions. The components that more or less all  heat pumps possess along with their functions are as follows:

Compressor: Transports refrigerant which is a compound responsible for heat exchange converting liquid to gas and absorbing the heat from the environment to transfer it somewhere else.

Coils: Condenser and evaporator coil for heating and cooling the air.

Reversing Valve: Changes the refrigerant flow.

Thermostatic Expansion Valves: Regulate the refrigerant flow.

Accumulator: To adjust with the season and the weather.

Air Ducts: To allow the hot or cold air released from the heat pump to flow throughout the house.

Refrigerant Lines: This component is applicable only for split-type heat pumps to connect the components from the inside to the outside.

Heat Strips: This generally comes with the packaged unit for providing extra heat on cooler days.

How does a Heat Pump Heat?

In winter, the reversing valve of the heat pump changes the system from cooling to heating. So that the heat from the outside air is extracted and pulled inside the house.

heating-radiator

Generally, a heat pump has the ability to heat up a house up to 70 degrees, but as long as the outside air is above 30 degrees. So, if the temperature goes below 30 degrees, the heat pump needs to utilize the additional heat sources.

Advantages of a Heat Pump

There are several advantages to having a heat pump. Some of the most mentionable are listed below.

  • Reducing the need to access natural gas or keeping a propane tank.
  • The home duct system of the heat pump ensures heat is distributed equally to every corner of the house without leaving any spaces cold.
  • As heat pumps don’t consume fossil fuels, they are more environmentally friendly.
  • The biggest advantage of a heat pump is providing two separate services in two different seasons, saving money for any other device or their maintenance.

Disadvantages of a Heat Pump

Even though heat pumps offer some very impressive benefits, there are few drawbacks as well.

  • In freezing winters, heat pumps won’t be enough to warm up the entire house.
  • In colder winters, you might have to use additional heaters or furnaces along with a heat pump to heat up your house.

What is an Air Conditioner?

The air conditioner does the same work as the heat pump in summer, that is, eliminating the heat inside the house to the outside air. But it also cools down the air inside by releasing cool air.

Types of Air Conditioner

There are different types and designs of air conditioners. The most usual and popular among them are listed below.

Central Air Conditioners: This type of AC packs the evaporator, compressor, and condenser in one single unit. The unit is connected by supply and return ducts that are installed in the walls of the houses.

Split-type Air Conditioners:  These air conditioners have two different outdoor and indoor units and the air supply takes place through the ducts.

Window Air Conditioners: This kind of air conditioner is ideal for a room as it combines all the components in one box that can fit a window.

Air Conditioner Components

The components of the air conditioner are somewhat similar to the heat pumps. This includes an outdoor unit consisting of the condenser, compressor, and fan.

The indoor unit has an evaporator and a fan. The refrigerant moves through the condenser and evaporator and the cool air produced moves through the ducts with the help of the fan.

AC components

AC Coils of HVAC systems require regular cleanup

Advantages of an Air Conditioner

An air conditioner bears some advantages compared to heat pumps. Those are as follows :

  • AC’s are very efficient for cooling down larger rooms and keeping the house cool for a longer period.
  • Air-conditioned rooms reduce dehydration.
  • AC improves the air quality of the room by removing allergens and is beneficial to patients with respiratory problems like Asthma.

Disadvantages of an Air Conditioner

There are some clear and obvious disadvantages of air conditioners. They are:

  • AC’s cannot produce or extract heat from the outer environment like heat pumps.
  • AC generally requires fossil fuel to run.

Comparison Between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump

To make it easier for you, let’s make a short comparison between heat pump vs air conditioner on some important factors to consider while buying them.

Purchase Cost: Generally, air conditioners are way costlier than heat pumps.

Installation Cost: Usually, the outdoor units of the heat pump cost more for installation than installing AC or indoor heat pumps.

Energy Efficiency: If you’re looking forward to improving your energy efficiency in the house, the heat pump should be your ideal option. Because heat pumps are more effective in saving energy than ACs.

Durability: If you’re not down for compromising the durability and longevity of your cooling device, then go for air conditioners. Because heat pumps don’t last more than 15 years.

Final Words

Do you still have confusion about which one to go for? Think about what matters to you more; saving money and energy or durability and longevity. Then choose wisely by evaluating heat pump vs air conditioner.

Hope this article was able to help you solve your dilemma. Thanks for reading till the end.

How Bioenergy Can Help Businesses Achieve Net Zero

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Net Zero is a concept that’s gained significant traction in the world of politics and business. Simply put, an organisation which has achieved ‘net zero’ emissions is one that’s taking more carbon out of the atmosphere than it’s putting in.

The race to Net Zero

The United Nations has sought to encourage this trend through its ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, which requires that participants identify their current emissions, and then execute a plan to deal with them, publishing their results along the way.

In practice, this means limiting emissions as much as possible, and then investing in offsetting to cover the rest. This might mean planting more trees to suck up the carbon in the long term. But there are other methods, too, and Bioenergy is among the most promising.

bioenergy and net zero

What is Bioenergy?

Bioenergy is energy that we obtain through biomass. If you’re burning timber, plants and food waste, then you’re generating Bioenergy. But burning is just one method of getting at the energy stored in living things: you might also store biomass in a sealed tank, so that it releases methane gas, which can be burned. Methane gas is much more damaging than carbon dioxide, and so storing the biomatter in a tank, rather than burying it, can be a net benefit for the environment, especially when compared with the alternative options.

Bioenergy has the advantage of being available everywhere in the world, which would make it a more secure form of energy that’s less vulnerable to changes in global supply. This goes especially if it’s part of a diversified range of energy sources.

Bioenergy capacity

One of the problems with Bioenergy is that it requires large amounts of land and water to be feasible. This is land that might be put to use elsewhere – in maintaining large forests and growing plants for human (and animal) consumption.

biomass energy in pakistan

Of course, Bioenergy doesn’t need to entirely supplant fossil fuels in order to be useful. It can instead form a valuable part of a diversified green energy economy. It has the advantage over wind and solar in that the biomass can be stored – albeit temporarily. As such, we might see it used to smooth out any interruptions in power that come about when the wind stops blowing or the sun stops shining. A reputable energy transition law firm will usually recommend the technology alongside a suite of others, including solar, wind, carbon capture, and ‘new’ nuclear.

Provided that we’re planting as much biomass as we’re burning, this practice is effectively infinitely renewable and carbon-neutral. So, a firm might invest a given amount in energy from biomass, and then invest the rest in planting new trees to replace the ones being burned, in order to achieve its Net Zero ambitions.

Energy Efficiency Tips For Home Owners

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Saving on energy costs is always great. Electricity bills can be costly, especially for heavy users. Besides the high electricity cost, excessive energy use can harm the environment. With these in mind, it’s best to make your home energy efficient immediately.

Energy Efficiency Guide For Homeowners

Making your home energy efficient isn’t a one-day job. After all, it requires some household updates and lifestyle changes, some of which you need professional help with. You can consult with MAC Trade Services or similar companies to guide you.

Below are a few tips for you to achieve energy efficiency:

Use Solar Energy

Using solar energy is an excellent way to make your home energy efficient. The solar panels absorb the sun’s energy, which is then transformed into usable power. You can expect lower energy bills once you start depending on solar energy more. It’s a cost-effective solution that’s also helpful for the environment.

Installing solar panels can be costly. Nevertheless, it’s an investment since you can save money on electric bills in the long run. After a few years with your solar panels, you’ll save as much as you spent on buying and installing them. Look for a trustworthy company to get the best results.

how to set up a solar power system at home

Automate Home

A smart home may sound expensive since it uses technology. However, just because you’re using more electronics doesn’t mean it costs more. Automating your home allows you to control your home’s energy usage. You can set a timer on your thermostat, turn off your lights, or set when the shades need to roll down.

Setting a timer prevents you from consuming too much energy when you no longer need it. Some devices automatically shut down if you no longer use the appliance. You can also install a motion detector to open the lights and air conditioning (AC) when entering the room. In addition, you can install a smart meter to track your home’s energy consumption.

Maximize Natural Light

You don’t have to turn on lights during the daytime. You can push the curtains to the side and invite all the sunlight inside your home.

If you have an extra budget, you can install a skylight. A skylight or a Addlite flat glass roof light should help to add unobstructed light inside your home. It can go perfectly well in your kitchen or any area where you don’t have any windows.

Switch To Energy-Efficient Windows

Heat loss and gain through windows account for 25%–30% of heating and cooling energy use in households. That’s why you should consider switching to energy-efficient windows.

how to improve the energy efficiency of your home

If you have the budget to replace your windows, you must choose wisely the design and energy use. You should also look into proper installation and warranties.

If you don’t have the funds, there are ways to make your windows energy efficient. You can install tinting film on your windows. You can also add energy-efficient coverings, like blinds or shades. In addition, you should check if there are gaps to prevent heat loss during winters.

Replace Old Appliances

Old appliances are difficult to replace, especially if they’re still reliable. However, they’re not the best when it comes to energy efficiency. An outdated device usually doesn’t have an energy-saving feature.

Most appliances today focus on helping households save energy. Look for those with the Energy Star rating, or check the energy guide, which includes the estimated yearly electricity use. Cost-efficient appliances have lower energy numbers.

If you’re buying big appliances like a refrigerator or washing machine, check if it has an inverter feature. An inverter can help you save costs by providing maximum energy efficiency.

Regularly Clean Air Filters

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit gets dirty over time. The speckles of dust on your air filters may affect how the machine functions. The device works harder when there’s too much debris to let the air through, which means higher electricity costs.

clogged filter of AC

For your HVAC or AC unit to run efficiently, you should clean your air filters regularly, around every two weeks. You can schedule professional maintenance every six months to ensure your systems work well. System maintenance includes a thorough deep cleaning to keep your unit in perfect shape.

Takeaway

Practicing energy efficiency takes getting used to, but it has several benefits. Two of the most important ones are being kind to the environment and saving you money. While some tips require a huge upfront cost, they’ll help reduce energy bills in the future. You’ll appreciate how these investments allow your home to be energy efficient. But still, there are plenty of tips you can follow without spending, like adding window coverings or cleaning air filters. You can also make your home energy efficient by being more mindful of your actions.