Can you think of a family that do not use TV, Electric Heater, Air conditioning, Games, Iron, dish, network, washing machine, refrigerator, microwave and so on and so forth? I cant! Well but what do you do if you cant refrain from using the stuff but still infuriate every time you receive your energy bill? Ok, so here are some quick actions you could try:
Keep your windows and doors closed for maximum time so you block the sun and hence do not let the heat trap in.
Try box fan that draws cool air through the house at 79 deg. At night let a fan blow on you. Or in your room.
Try Cooking quick meals and cook more than just one. For next meal, you could actually just warm it up. Desist oven as much as you can.
Use vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce etc. that require no cooking.
Wash dishes by hand as much as you can. Use dishwasher as less as you can.
This is just Take 5 for today. Sadly, there is no magic that could cut your energy bills, its through our patience and resilience that could make us feel better the next time when that bloody bill falls in our mailbox.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
No Solar Energy even in Sun
States like Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas don't use more Solar Energy even when its sunny most of the year. Why are these states not banking upon such a great and free resource is the most logical question at this moment.
As for anything, a major role played here is that of economics. Solar Energy set up involves just too much costs for the landlords who prefer to buy the conventional stuff at a much cheaper rate. Also, Arizona and Texas are among the poorest states in the US which means that set up cost means a lot.
Other than just the cost, one of Texas largest industries is oil. So, more emphasis is obviously on oil than on Solar energy. Irrespective of the fact that Solar Energy my be a better cleaner way to produce electricity. The first initiative has to be from the citizens' side wherein we as honest and sincere citizens have to find out our own ways of cutting down on the fossil fuel energy resources. Until that is done, solar energy have been and shall remain unused. Government, obviously, plays an important role and that is not to be mentioned. However an initiative from the citizen only can make a government do what is best in the long term benefit of the nation. It is only by government that "green companies" can actually flourish and a mass implementation of green tactics is possible.
Green energies like solar, wind, and geothermal will always be small because they are not well represented in politics. The Obama government, however, has certain initiatives laid out and we hope that they are well followed and would really like to see them succeed.
As for anything, a major role played here is that of economics. Solar Energy set up involves just too much costs for the landlords who prefer to buy the conventional stuff at a much cheaper rate. Also, Arizona and Texas are among the poorest states in the US which means that set up cost means a lot.
Other than just the cost, one of Texas largest industries is oil. So, more emphasis is obviously on oil than on Solar energy. Irrespective of the fact that Solar Energy my be a better cleaner way to produce electricity. The first initiative has to be from the citizens' side wherein we as honest and sincere citizens have to find out our own ways of cutting down on the fossil fuel energy resources. Until that is done, solar energy have been and shall remain unused. Government, obviously, plays an important role and that is not to be mentioned. However an initiative from the citizen only can make a government do what is best in the long term benefit of the nation. It is only by government that "green companies" can actually flourish and a mass implementation of green tactics is possible.
Green energies like solar, wind, and geothermal will always be small because they are not well represented in politics. The Obama government, however, has certain initiatives laid out and we hope that they are well followed and would really like to see them succeed.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Energy Efficiency for Big Windows
If you are living in an old house with big windows, energy efficiency could be a problem. Especially during Texan summers they could really trap heat and eat up most of your air conditioning. So what is the best solution that you have apart from replacing these windows with new ones which is least viable and especially when you do not want to do away with the antique air of your house.
The first solution that would strike the mind is to that the windows are properly sealed. For this, you may use external shutters or heavy "night curtains" at peak sun times during the day. The same shutters could be used in the winters to trap the heat. But considering that you do not want to block the light coming through these windows and also installing such shutter may be a bit of expensive, this solution may not really fix your problem.
Another alternative could be to caulk the inside and outside mouldings. There are several companies that sell a clear plastic that goes inside of your entire window and seals it off to all drafts and some of the heat. But again may be you are looking for a much cheaper alternative and not a consultation from a company.
From the home made stuff and a much cheaper idea would be to use plastic. Try using a simple frame the same size as the window so that it would fit the window from the inside. You could then cover this frame with plastic. This way you could even take it or remove it whenever you wish. Apparantly this will be the cheapest alternative for you and worth trying.
Covering your window with a sheet of clear vinyl is another good idea.
The first solution that would strike the mind is to that the windows are properly sealed. For this, you may use external shutters or heavy "night curtains" at peak sun times during the day. The same shutters could be used in the winters to trap the heat. But considering that you do not want to block the light coming through these windows and also installing such shutter may be a bit of expensive, this solution may not really fix your problem.
Another alternative could be to caulk the inside and outside mouldings. There are several companies that sell a clear plastic that goes inside of your entire window and seals it off to all drafts and some of the heat. But again may be you are looking for a much cheaper alternative and not a consultation from a company.
From the home made stuff and a much cheaper idea would be to use plastic. Try using a simple frame the same size as the window so that it would fit the window from the inside. You could then cover this frame with plastic. This way you could even take it or remove it whenever you wish. Apparantly this will be the cheapest alternative for you and worth trying.
Covering your window with a sheet of clear vinyl is another good idea.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Most Common Alternative Energy Source in Texas
There are more than 2 energy sources in Texas as per common perception. Most people would generally believe that Natural Gas and Coal are the only energy sources. Some smart people may however add Wind and Nuclear Energy too. However there are more energy sources in Texas than these four. As far as I could research, I was able to get the data for 2006. Here are some details:
* Natural Gas: 49.0%
* Coal: 36.5%
* Nuclear: 10.3%
* All Other Renewable Energy Sources: 2.0% (like biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, ocean thermal, wave action and tidal action.)
* Other Gases: 1.2% (manufactured gas, coke-oven gas, blast-furnace gas and refinery gas.)
* Petroleum: 0.4%
* Hydroelectric: 0.2%
Hydroelectric is supposed to be the cheapest of all and proves to be mor efficient and green than anything else.
* Natural Gas: 49.0%
* Coal: 36.5%
* Nuclear: 10.3%
* All Other Renewable Energy Sources: 2.0% (like biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, ocean thermal, wave action and tidal action.)
* Other Gases: 1.2% (manufactured gas, coke-oven gas, blast-furnace gas and refinery gas.)
* Petroleum: 0.4%
* Hydroelectric: 0.2%
Hydroelectric is supposed to be the cheapest of all and proves to be mor efficient and green than anything else.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Turning the power on first day in Texas
Many people are worried about getting power during the first day of the application. This is generally a hassle for those who move to a new house. At this point a major concern is to look for a Texas Energy provider that shall turn power on the day of application.
Under normal circumstances (as is generally observed) it is at least in a week that you could get someone out. So you need to be careful and plan ahead well in advance because the whole process takes time. Within a week is the best that it could go. It may also depend on your priority - is it money or is it haste of getting it. The problem here is that if you contract with an energy provider that would turn on the power very first day, you need to make sure if the energy rates are competitive to other energy suppliers. You dont want to contract with someone on a long term just because you want the power that very day. so most people would still prefer a cheaper contract / better energy rates.
It appears that since American Electric Power or AEP is responsible for turning the power on, it naturally should take some time for the process. There is a lot of information with AEP for the areas they serve. You may also want to check them out before finalizing your Electric provider in Texas.
Under normal circumstances (as is generally observed) it is at least in a week that you could get someone out. So you need to be careful and plan ahead well in advance because the whole process takes time. Within a week is the best that it could go. It may also depend on your priority - is it money or is it haste of getting it. The problem here is that if you contract with an energy provider that would turn on the power very first day, you need to make sure if the energy rates are competitive to other energy suppliers. You dont want to contract with someone on a long term just because you want the power that very day. so most people would still prefer a cheaper contract / better energy rates.
It appears that since American Electric Power or AEP is responsible for turning the power on, it naturally should take some time for the process. There is a lot of information with AEP for the areas they serve. You may also want to check them out before finalizing your Electric provider in Texas.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Texas Energy Company stands out
Energy rates reduction by Bounce Energy, a Texas electric company is the hottest news in the energy sector right now. And why not, it seems to offer so much to its consumers as incentives that I am sure they must be swarmed with new customers (not to mention tying up the old ones more firmly). This is believed to be the 7th time in 9 months and the reduction is as low as 8% this time. I believe such incentives are the need of the hour when every customer is asking for more. In their pursuit of offering value in terms of various marketing initiatives and product development, a point comes when the companies are not left with much to innovate. At this point, most of the companies would be running almost the same services at almost equal price that it becomes quite difficult for the customer to understand which one is better and signing up with one is as good as signing up with anyone else.
However, companies like Bounce Energy hit the shot with an immediate incentive program and a fixed plan that not only gives its customers extra value but also ensure a relationship of a few months. I think as the competition in the energy sector of Texas grow further, it will become more difficult for the companies to stand out from the crowd.
However, companies like Bounce Energy hit the shot with an immediate incentive program and a fixed plan that not only gives its customers extra value but also ensure a relationship of a few months. I think as the competition in the energy sector of Texas grow further, it will become more difficult for the companies to stand out from the crowd.
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