THERE is so much advice out there to help us all save energy, which is a good thing, except myth and sound advice often get mixed. So here are a few MythBusters.
Plus a few tips for the workplace to help you start to save energy right away by dismissing the myths while taking some positive actions to save energy, save money and reduce carbon emissions.
First of all some myths regarding energy saving:
Let’s get straight -doing your part in using less energy is like having your own power generation plant right in your home or business.
Consider this; adding photovoltaic panels (solar energy panels) to your facility might be able to contribute up to 10% of your overall consumption. Given the number of variables, we will have to just assume some facts. This 10% “contributor” to your usage will come at a very high price with your initial cost being about $5 – $8 USD per Watt. Yes, per Watt. This initial expense would cost thousands of dollars. This type of device can take decades before they pay for themselves.
Now lets consider some basic steps to reduce our consumption through behavior changes, conservation and load-side (power reducing) technologies. Simple behavior changes can produce immediate results. Studies have shown that when there is an effective energy management strategy in place, a user can save between 8 – 12% of their consumption. This can be achieved without the outlay of thousands of dollars.
Now you get to decide:
A great article has appeared in The Oklahoman newspaper, addressing some of the concerns regarding using energy saving CFL lights. Here is the article in full:
It is time to get the facts and the myths about compact fluorescent bulbs — CFLs — to address the concerns, questions and rumors that seem to be everywhere these days.
And because I often hear from readers complaining that the CFLs they buy never last very long, I tried to find out the best ways to use the bulbs so they reach the promised lifetimes their manufacturers claim. Consider the following:
Compact Florescent Lamp
IT is obvious to say the Compact Florescent replacement lamps (CFLs) can save energy and they will pay for themselves many times over by comparison to powering an incandescent bulb.
I personally use them in my home and office. I am however not convinced that I am doing the right thing for the power system.
Consider an older home (or office); the electrical system (breakers, transformers, etc.) were engineered for mostly “traditional” linear loads. An example of a linear load is a resistive load as in incandescent lights, AC Motors and electric heaters.
» Read more: Will Compact Florescent Lamps and/or Florescent Fixtures Save the Day?
© 2010 Enigin Energy Saving Blog – This blog site is supplied as a resource for everyone, particularly Enigin Partners by Enigin PLC
The Energy Saving blog is proud to be written by energy specialists from members of the ESA – primarily volunteer writers from Enigin PLC.
Enigin are a full time energy saving company, and as such their consultants not only give great advice, but practical easy to implement advice.
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional | Valid CSS 3