5 Future Technologies That Will Slash Home Energy Use

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My contribution to lessen the effect of global warming.I have read that industries are the biggest contributor because maybe of the fossil fuel they burned on their production.I have one customer that is consumming around 16 Tons of diesel fuel a month on their 70 HP boiler before i installed the unit but now their consumption was reduced to 8 to 10 tons per month after installation of my compact unit that i called Heat Recovery Unit (HRU).This unit had been in the service for over 3 year now.To this date i had installed 5 units already on five different companies.I have with me testimonials to support this savings from 25 to 40 percent.They are happy to reduce their emission and at the same time reducing their production cost.

Mr. June B. Jumilla 7:34AM June 14, 2009

My sister inlaw use to work where they make appliances for home use around the world.I bought a 220 volt refrigerator with a small dent in the side for half price I could not believe the the first bill.A 50% savings on my next bill.If every home in America had the same thing,what a big saving that would be.Stop and think about that.Now i will be looking into a windmill next.I should be able to sell power back to Consumers than.

Robert J Neveau Sr, of MI 6:30AM June 14, 2009

Many excellent comments, but the number one heating/cooling system should be (will be) low temperatuire geothermal as old heat/cool systems have a lifetime of ~ 15 years.
The next issue is hot water as tanks erode and need replacing. This will likely be a combination of preheat devices (low temp solar collectors) and no reserve water heaters. The existing desuperheaters on all geothermal units will (and do) preheat water. The heat from the fridge is just too small to capture.
Yes, incandescent light bulbs also burn out and the new LED units will capture the market. I still useing/advocating CFLs and T8 long bulbs but Sam's and others are stocking LED units at about $10 per bulb.
Retrofitting houses for aerogel insulations sounds nice, but minimizing air infiltration is THE key. Look for code use of air to air heat exchangers (like Canada) and sealing up houses.
Look for clothes dryers that use outside air (minimize indoor air use).
The above issues are all in houses I have built or owned. Not expensive and each has a payback period of less that 5 years max. Then the return is gravy . . .
Steve Hull
Engineering Consultations
Arcadia, OK
405 550 3023

Steve Hull of OK 5:38AM June 14, 2009

Why not consider a de-superheater to make hot water. This device that has been available for many years, links the compressor of an AC/HP unit (or refrigeration system) to the hot water system. When running AC or HP in a cooling mode, the hot water generated is free! The small amount of energy consumed by the circulating pump is overcomed by the improved AC cycle efficiency (no new net energy consumed). Very short payback time (ROI) on invested dollars!!! If you're considering solar water heating, replace this with a PV array instead!

Robert A. (Rob) Rettew, PE of SC 8:33AM March 26, 2009

I am deeply interested in this topic but if something is very expensive, it's not helpful.
If we are not careful, we wind up indulging our egos rather than making the world a better place.
There is a huge list of things that actually exceed their cost quickly when you factor in energy savings
Practically free for enormous savings
- Cut grass tall in summer = then little need to water
- Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) dramatically cut electricity use, as well as summer air conditioning
- turning down temperature on hot water heater as much as reasonable
- low flow shower heads save water and heat
- adjust thermostat when away
- set all computers to fully hibernate after an hour
- turn off and unplug electronics when not in use
- close chimney damper when not in use
- make minimal use of cooking fan in winter -- this blows a huge amount of warm air outside
Modest investment, big return that exceeds the cost
- high efficiency front load washing machine and dryer with sensor that knows when clothes are dry
- attic insulation if needed, blown in
- high efficiency windows, if replacing old single pane ones
- Central air tune-up

Dan Hess of MD 12:11PM March 20, 2009

There are "specrally selective" films made that block up to 80% of solar energy that are optically clear. Dark windows cause a need for more lighting thus using more energy, why not utilize a window film that blocks heat and allows light in.
www.panoramafilms.com

Window Tinter of CA 9:12PM March 19, 2009