Apparently the news of a global economic crisis hasn’t reached Scandinavia.  Although some economists are apprehensive of their traditionally policies, business is still thriving in Scandinavia.  Even during the current recession, Scandinavian countries remain strong and relatively prosperous due to their valuable natural resources and their tourism industry.  Low corporate taxes and safe cities make Scandinavia a popular place to start a business in.

Dow Jones director of research, Jessica Canning, has stated, “The energy industry is so massive that any slice of it can produce substantial returns to the investor, regardless of if they’re targeting the consumer or enterprise”.  Just recently the Swedish forestry and timber product company Södra and the Norwegian energy company Statkraft have come to an agreement on renewable energy valued at up to SEK 10 billion (Euro 1 billion). The agreement initiates a range of investment projects and cooperative agreements in the energy sector and is expected to be definitively signed in the autumn of 2009.

Countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark are producing some of the most innovative companies in the world in not only renewable energy but also fuel-efficient vehicles, telecommunications, petroleum production and pharmaceuticals.  Scandinavian students are among the world leaders in science and math skills and have vast technological backgrounds in many different fields.  Many are looking to present their ideas in a time when investors are looking for the next big innovation.

The Scandinavian branch of the Angel Investment Network has set up a network looking to bring together entrepreneurs from cities like Helsinki and Reykjavík with business angels in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo with hopes of raising venture capital through prospective investors worldwide.  Angel investors not only provide young entrepreneurs with capital, but also priceless information attained from their experiences as upstart entrepreneurs themselves.  They provide vital contacts and guidance to talented but inexperienced entrepreneurs as they learn the ways of the business world.

Events like the Stockholm Venture Day also help get the word out about local entrepreneurs.  The main theme of this year’s conference is “From Seed to Star” – a guide for new clean-tech start-ups towards becoming a successful company.  Internationally renowned clean-tech entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, public financiers and policy makers from across the world will share their views during presentations and networking side events.

Find out more about how to connect with business angels and entrepreneurs in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden via the Angel Investment Network at http://www.scandinavianinvestmentnetwork.com

The world has been facing a number of environmental issues, such as pollution, deforestation or global warming. Even though it is fairly difficult to cope with these problems, there are some things we can perform to protect the environment.

 Environmental pollution is caused due to excessive utilization of natural resources, presence of a large number of people and livestock in congested areas, use of agro-chemicals, setting up of factories, running of automobiles, burning of fuel, etc.

 A change in the environment is due to pollution and also affects the ecological balance. Environmental pollution is caused both in rural and urban areas. Pollution can cause sickness and discomfort. It also affects the productivity of natural resources, such as land, water, forests and livestock.

Global warming refers to the augment in regular temperature near the earth’s surface and in its oceans

. Climate change is another term used interchangeably with global warming. On the other hand, climate revolutionize may include other changes in typical weather besides increase in temperature.

 Air Pollution:

The tall buildings soak up heat during the day and release it during the night. Thus, the weather remains hot and unpleasant. Automobiles and industries emit smoke containing carbon dust, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases, which are unhealthy. Chemical factories release harmful gases, which can travel long distances. Gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide come in contact with cloud or rain water and turn into acid and result in acid rain. Release of harmful gases like fluorine and nitrous oxide by factories into the atmosphere would destroy the ozone layer and allow the harmful rays of the sun to reach the earth. Gases like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide, when released from automobiles and industries, absorb heat from sunlight and raise the temperature of our surroundings. Due to deforestation and increasing industrial growth, the average temperature of the atmosphere may rise by 20 C – 50 C during the next fifty years. This is known as global warming.

 Protecting the environment is something everyone needs to consider. We can prevent environmental pollution if we understand its causes and take following measures:

Recycle Conserving the energy Pressure government Write letters Educating the people Waste natural resources

 First of all, we can save the environment by recycling things such as cans, glass bottles or newspapers as much as possible.

For example, if we recycle newspapers or magazines to reproduce recycle paper, we can save the consumption of paper, and consequently it will help stop deforestation in tropical forests. We should also try to buy things that are made from recycled materials.

 Secondly, conserving energy will also help protect our environment. Nowadays, we overly consume precious energy or natural resources. Moreover, burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, produces a large amount of carbon dioxide, which leads to the global warming.

Planting trees to offset the effects of the carbon dioxide emissions created in the production of the energy and other products one consumes is another alternative. It isn’t necessary to do this oneself. Around the world there are organizations that are gearing up to do this on behalf of the many millions of concerned consumers. So for instance a power company could estimate the greenhouse gases emitted to produce a kilowatt-hour of electricity and then allow its customers an opportunity to pay to offset these emissions and become “carbon neutral”.  Other ways of conserving energy would include cutting back on waste thereby saving on the energy that would be spent on replacement of the wasted item – Recycle and reuse whenever possible. In order to reduce energy consumption, each of us is required to make many efforts like turning off lights, adjusting thermostat or walking instead of driving as often as possible. If only we could educate people so that they realize their small contribution will collectively create great benefits for the environment. Saving on water consumption – A huge amount of energy is spent on purifying water for consumption so cutting back on water waste will help considerably. Ensuring you have efficient insulation and that cooling and heating appliances are cleaned and primed to work efficiently.

  Having discussed above, it is felt that,  in order to improve the environment, it is very essential for the government to educate people. In fact, we tend to be ignorant of the environment problems these days. Unless we know how serious the problems are and what we have to do to protect the environment, the improvement will never been achieved.

Of course, protecting the environment is also a responsibility of government and business houses. In order to influence government, we could write letters to newspapers or politicians expressing our desires for the government to do more to protect the environment. We could also write directly to business houses with suggestions on how they could reduce pollution or waste. We might also write letters thanking those who are making efforts to protect the environment.

 ROLE OF CHILDREN IN PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT:

 Children in rural and urban areas can play an important role in preventing environment pollution very effectively. There is great satisfaction in doing it ourselves.

Children in villages can persuade their parents to :

  Use smokeless stoves or install biogas plants;   Provide smoke outlets and ventilation in the kitchen;  Tie livestock outside the house and reduce their number     Feed livestock in their sheds without letting them out for grazing;   Plant trees around the house, on field bunds and along roadsides;   Develop field bunds across the slope to retain more water and prevent     the soil being washed away. Plough the field across the slope;  Keep tanks, canals and other water sources clean;  Use the sewage water for growing trees;  Keep the surroundings of the house and well clean;  Prepare compost by using garbage, dung and other wastes;

 Select a suitable site for the toilet, away from water sources and houses. It can also be connected to the biogas plant;

 Use agro-chemicals carefully and try to avoid them. Plant products may be preferred wherever effective to protect crops;

Protect wildlife like frogs, snakes, mongoose, birds, etc. which

Urban children can do a lot to reduce environment pollution.    Plant tress in school and home premises. Even if you are staying in a flat,    plants and creepers can be raises in pots and wooden boxes, in the balcony;    Protect the trees planted along roadsides;     Keep public areas clean and avoid littering;     Plant trees along roadsides, near bus stops, around playgrounds, and in parks to provide shade;     Avoid dumping garbage on the street. Dispose them in a garbage dump; you can also make a compost pit to convert garbage into manure;    Waste paper, plastic, glass and metal pieces can be recycled this would reduce the pollution and conserve our resources;     Avoid using plastic materials such as plates and carry bags which cannot be used again. Moreover, when plastic is thrown away, it does not degrade but remains in the soil, polluting the surroundings;  Do not make noise in public places; every likes quiet surroundings;     Request your family members to use automobiles only when necessary; walking or cycling can be a pleasure when the distance is short;     If someone is causing pollution in your area, inform the authorities through your teachers or parents.  

            Finally, there are many ways for us to protect the environment, not only on a global level but on a personal level. Saving the environment for future generations is something we must all be trying to do. We belong to earth; the earth does not belong to us. Let us act now and persuade others to join us. This will ensure safety for our future generations.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) have proven to be a hit seller in the UK in recent years and as such become an important part in fighting global warming. All central heating radiators must be fitted with a TRV, following the amendment to the Building Regulations introduced in 2002. The amendment to the Building Regulations requires TRVs to be fitted on all newly installed domestic radiators. Such new requirement has clearly help the TRV market more than double in volume (from around 3.7 million units sold in 1995 to more than 7.5 million in 2003).

With the high profile of global warming in the news, the UK government has set a stretching target for reducing carbon emissions. Along with the Kyoto protocol, the government intends to lead the way within the developed world in terms of reducing the UK’s impact on the environment. The protocol signed by the UK in 1997 sets a target of reducing the baseline emissions of six key greenhouse gases by 12.5% compared to 1990 levels. The UK government has gone further and set a more challenging target of 20% compared to the 1990 baseline, with a long term goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.

According to Building regulations Part L, central heating engineers must install only A- or B-rated central heating components (such as condensing boilers) that are environmentally friendly and deliver high energy efficiency performance. At current levels, around 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions are released into the atmosphere every year purely as a result of heating our homes. The total emissions level of the domestic sector is even higher and stands on 535 million tonnes per year.

TRVs help reduce wasted heat by allowing the user to set the desired temperature in each room separately. This way the user doesn’t need to heat unused rooms just to get the right temperature in rooms that are used. TRV manufacturers have made the kits not only technically effective but also visually pleasing. Most new units now have polished stainless steel finish which looks nice and is easy to clean.

Modern TRVs use a system of liquid filled controls. Unlike the wax-filled valves that were used in the past, the liquid is more sensitive and as such much quicker to react to changes in ambient temperature. This feature makes the liquid filled Thermostatic Radiator Valve better at adjusting the room temperature when there are changes (such as opening the front door).

Installing a TRV is a major step in reducing wasted heating energy. Nevertheless, it would be a wasted effort if the homeowner (or tenant) is not properly educated on how to use the TRVs effectively to save them money and reduce their carbon footprint. It is estimated that by installing TRVs and using them effectively a home owner can reduce their heating costs by up to 17%.

Another industry that has grown under the TRV umbrella has been the towel warmer. Closely linked to the TRV technology, towel rails have grown to be a 33 million industry last year, with an estimated volume for this year of around 1 million units.

Electric Temperature Controls

If you have an electric heater, you can install a device that allows the water heater to shut down operation while no one is home or everyone is asleep. This will reduce heat loss. Your utility company or a plumber can help you install this device.

Heat Traps

Several heat traps may be installed on the water lines in the house. Ball valves may be installed on the cold and hot lines directly above the water heater. These valves will physically block heat inside the pipes and tank from escaping up and out of the water heater. The ball valves do cause some slight flow restriction though that may be noticable during high volumes of water use. Another way to create a heat trap is to take your flex connectors at the top of the water heater and bend them into an inverted U shape if at all possible. Heat cannot travel past the top of the U.

Low-Flow Showerheads

Attaching these to your showerhead simply uses less water and in turn less heat. It’s as simple as that. Low-flow aerators can be attached to sink faucets as well. A very effective way to save energy and money.

Pipe Insulation

Insulating the hot lines will save heat as well. Closed-cell foam can be wrapped around the pipes and makes the job go very quickly. Insulation blankets can be used also. Get thicker blankets rather than thinner ones. Different types of pipe require different size insulation too. Copper and galvanized pipes have different thicknesses even though they both say 1 inch. Don’t forget to wrap the cold pipes three inches away from the water heater too. Do not, however, cover unions or fittings and ends of pipes with insulation. Any leaks will be more severe if insulation is covering these spots. Never cover the draft diverter directly above gas water heaters. This could cause the insulation to catch on fire. Different insulations come with different self-adhesives. It does not matter much which type you use. If you need to tape the insulation though, use gas wrap tape, which looks like electrical tape with writing on it. Avoid using duct tape since it will wear out faster. Use scissors to cut the tape and insulation if necessary. Finally, plastic ties are another way of holding insulation to pipes as well.

Recirculating Systems

Recirculating loops can be installed by any water heater manufacturer. These are very efficient but expensive to install.

Vent Dampers

For gas heaters only, a vent damper is a metal flap just above the heater. Either a motor or actual heat is used to open the vent flap. The vent will never be all the way shut at any time just in case of unexpected heat going up the draft diverter. It is unknown how effective these devices are, but they seem to work better for indoor water heaters.

Water Heater Blankets

This idea is best used for water heaters that are outdoors or in naturally warm rooms. Purchase insulation that has a ranking of at least R-11. The energy saved will be substantial compared with lighter insulation such as R-6. Wrap the entire water heater around and cut holes for all the fittings such as the T&P valve, cold lines if any gas burner housing on gas water heaters or electrical elements on electrical water heaters. Note that leaks on the water heater will be difficult to see if the water heater is covered in a blanket and rusting is more of a problem. However, the energy savings from this idea make it worth the risk. Periodically check for wetness underneath the blanket after installing it.

With the earth’s supplies of fossil fuels drying up at an alarming rate, and the threat of global warming looming ever larger, it has become imperative that everybody takes steps to reduce their energy use.

However, by taking a few simple steps, we can all help to preserve what remains of our precious oil and gas supplies – and the environment – and save ourselves a bit of money into the bargain:

Don’t use appliances which make inefficient use of the energy that they require. All modern appliances are labelled with energy usage comparison tables that you can use to gauge the relative efficiency of the item in question.

If your computer has a ‘sleep’ mode, use this rather than a screen saver, as this uses far less power. Although it takes a little while longer to get it going again, the amount of energy, and therefore money, that can be saved more than makes up for any perceived loss of productivity.

You can generate your own green electricity by installing solar panels and wind turbines on your property. However this can be an expensive business, so the next best thing to do would be to sign up to a green energy supply contract, with either a dedicated green electricity firm, or one of the eco-electricity schemes offered by mainstream suppliers. Although there is no way of ensuring that all of the energy you use comes from renewable sources, it will encourage companies to invest in green electricity in the future.

Use low-flow shower heads, and insulate your water heater and pipes to reduce heat loss. Don’t turn on your washing machine or dishwasher unless you have a full load, as the same amount of energy is used regardless of the contents of the machine.

A small reduction in your household temperature can mean a big reduction in your household bills. Nobody will notice if you turn down your thermostat by one degree, but you will certainly notice a reduction of around ten percent of your energy bill!

Upgrade your insulation. In particular, much of the heat produced in the home is lost to the atmosphere through the roof, so by insulating your loft you can keep a lot of the heat that you produce from being wasted.

By fixing any holes in your roof or pipes, you can significantly reduce heat loss from your home. Fixing drafts in your windows and doors can also save a lot of heat from getting out.

So much of what you do each day depends on energy – usually electricity – that it seems impossible to change it. And any change that you can make is a drop in the ocean compared to what needs to be done. However, as history has shown us time and again, individuals taking action can make a big difference. The small steps you take will collectively add up to giant strides in the race to slow global warming and save our planet.

Saving Energy without spending money

There are lots of things you can do that won’t cost you anything – in fact they’ll save you money!

- Pull the Plug

Leaving electrical appliances plugged in when they are not in use can add up to about 30% of your household energy bill. ‘Standby’ mode still draws energy, as do the clocks on microwaves, ovens and hi-fis. Pull the plug on them!

- Turn the heat down

Turn the central heating down when you leave for work, and turn it up again when you get home. That way you’re not heating an empty house all day.

Turn the water heating system down too – you don’t really need it that hot, otherwise why would you have to use cold water in the bath or shower?

- Banish the Drafts

Check your windows and doors, cornices and ceilings for any drafts sending air into your house. Even sockets not fitted properly can let air in. Sealing these areas can make a huge difference to your heating and cooling bills.

- Make the pan fit

Choose the pot or pan that fits the hob ring on your stove best. Too small, and you’re paying to heat the air around it.

- Clean up

Dirt and dust interfere with the efficiency of appliances, so keep them clean.

Saving energy with a little investment

There are many devices available that can help you conserve energy, and the investment is paid off in reduced energy bills.

- Get a blanket

An insulation blanket on your water heating tank helps maintain the temperature so it doesn’t have to heat up as often.
When you’re feeling cold, grab a blanket before you switch a heater on.

- Change the light

CFL light bulbs are more expensive initially, but their long life and energy saving properties make it worhtwhile to fit them throughout the house.

- Feel the motion

Motion sensors automatically switch lights on when they sense movement, and switch the lights off again after a set time. Great for outside lights, they can also be installed inside in areas where you don’t spend a lot of time, like the laundry room, pantry, entrance or passage.

- Alternative energy sources are the way to go

Solar green energy, electromagnetic power and wind power can be used at home to replace some or all of your current energy supply. Many of these laternatives can be built and installed by you, as the materials used are available at hardwares and building supply stores. It’s a lot cheaper to do it yourself, and you won’t depend on the power company so much.

There are many ways to save energy, and few of them require much effort. You will save on your power bills, while helping to save the planet. What could be better than that?

Consumer Energy Tax Incentives What the Economic Stabilization Bill Means to You The recently passed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343) included, extended and/or amended many consumer tax incentives originally introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT).

The bill also included tax incentives for businesses, utilities, and government. For a complete summary of the tax incentives included in the bill, read the summary of Energy Tax Incentives in The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. About Tax Credits A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.

Fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-efficient appliances and products provide many benefits such as better gas mileage – meaning lower gasoline costs, fewer emissions, lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and reduced air pollution. In addition to federal tax incentives, some consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates, as well as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes, vehicles and equipment.

Each state’s energy office web site may have more information on specific state tax information. Below is a summary of many of the tax credits available to consumers. Please see the ENERGY STAR®’s Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency for complete details.

Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in the home can receive a tax credit of up to $500 for improvements “placed in service” starting January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.

The ENERGY STAR® website has a complete summary of energy efficiency tax credits available to consumers. Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credits Consumers who install solar electric systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2016; the previous tax credit cap of $2,000 no longer applies.

In addition, consumers who install small wind systems can receive a tax credit up to $4,000. Geothermal heat pumps also qualify for tax credits up to $2,000. Automobile Tax Credits Individuals and businesses who buy or lease a new hybrid gas-electric car or truck are eligible for an income tax credit for vehicles “placed in service” after January 1, 2006 and purchased on or before December 31, 2010. The amount of the credit depends on the fuel economy, the weight of the vehicle, and whether the tax credit has been or is being phased out. Hybrid vehicles that use less gasoline than the average vehicle of similar weight and that meet an emissions standard qualify for the credit.

There is a similar credit for alternative-fuel, diesel, and fuel-cell vehicles. This tax credit will be phased out for each manufacturer once that company has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. At that point, the tax credit for each company’s vehicles will be gradually reduced over the course of another year. Read the IRS’s Summary of the Credit for Qualified Hybrid Vehicles for information on the status of specific vehicle eligibility.

If individuals and businesses buy more than one vehicle, they are eligible to receive a tax credit for each. If a tax-exempt organization buys such a vehicle, the retailer is also eligible to receive another credit.

Companies that buy heavy-duty hybrid trucks are also eligible for a larger tax credit. Consumers who purchase plug-in electric drive vehicles can also receive a tax credit. The credit for passenger vehicles and light trucks ranges from $2,500 to $7,500 based on the tax code formula.

Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the total number of qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles sold in the U.S. exceeds 250,000. * Source: ENERGYSTAR.gov ** The IRS will determine final tax credit amounts.
As more information becomes available, it will be posted on our web site. Original article from: http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm

Automobile companies go to extreme lengths to one up the competition, they roll out new makes and models yearly. The cars of today are lean, mean horsepower monsters showcased in the most beautiful designs imaginable. During times of oil and petroleum crisis, consumers are still waiting in line to purchase the latest automobiles.

So it is very fortunate that there are some manufacturers that came up with the concept of hybrid automobiles. Hybrid cars were developed to save on the world’s oil resources and to produce lower emissions. Hybrids are a combination of the combustion gasoline engine of the present and electric motor. To power to these automobiles, multiple propulsion packages are utilized. Electric batteries are utilized to crank up the electric motors. The batteries of the modern commercially-produced hybrids are recharged by acquiring kinetic energy through the means of regenerative braking used in the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight hybrid-electric vehicle.

There are many kinds of hybrid automobiles. These types are distinguished by the connection manner between fueled and electric halves of the powertrain and the designated operating period of each portion.

Here are the main classifications and the brands that utilize the following hybrid packages:

1. Full hybrid

It can operate on just the engine or the batteries alone, or both power sources combined. These automobiles have more drivetrain flexibility because of the presence of split power path. The electrical and mechanical power is interconverted. Differential-style linkage is utilized by the vehicles in the middle of the motor and the engine linked to the transmission’s head end in order to put balance from each power portion.

Toyota’s Prius and Highlander SUV are full hybrids, with computer-operated systems that decides which power source should be in operation, or if both of them should be working at the same time. When operating on its normal mode, the electric power is used, and the gasoline engine will only work if it is required or if the electric motor has been turned off.

2. Assist hybrid

These hybrids use the engine as the main source of power. A very powerful electric motor is connected to a conventional powertrain. It operates when there is a need for the engine to be turned over and also when the driver requires additional starter power.

This design is used by the hybrid automobiles of Honda, like the Insight. It compliments the reputation of the company in producing gasoline engines that are small and efficient. Honda’s system is called Integrated Motor Assist. The difference of the Assist from the Full hybrids is that it cannot function on electric power alone.

3. Mild hybrid

They are conventional vehicles equipped with starter motors that are oversized. The advantage of this is that the engine can be shut off whenever the car is in braking, coasting or stopping motion, and still be able to restart with no problems at all. Like the other hybrids, energy is recaptured by utilizing the motor for regenerative braking.

Some people do not consider the mild variety as hybrid automobiles, because they do not save up on fuel compared to the other kinds. Chevrolet used this system for their Silverado automobile, and they improved its fuel efficiency by making the engine turn off or restart on demand. General Motors created the Belt alternator starter hybrid system, for the Saturn VUE Green Line automobiles. Its operation is more or less the same as the Silverado.

4. Plug-in hybrid

They are full hybrids that function using only electric power, equipped with bigger batteries and has the capability to recharge energy from the power grid. The primary benefits of using these vehicles is that they can be independent from gasoline for short, daily trips, but can also have the capabilities of other hybrids when it comes to long distance travel. They can also be used by multiple fuels to supplement the electric power.

Companies such as Renault and DaimlerChrysler are producing automobiles using this system.

Here are some more of the hybrid automobiles that are currently available in the market:

1. Lexus RX400h and GS450h from Lexus

2. Honda Insight Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid from Honda

3. Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner from Ford

Consumers today have lots of options when purchasing their automobiles. For those who are conscious of the amount of fuel wasted and the amount of emissions produced, hybrid automobiles are a very sound option.

Your home office can be a huge source of wasted energy if you’re not careful. With all of those electronic devices, it’s easy to spend a lot on powering your office. If you’re concerned about your energy bill and your carbon usage, it’s important that you get your power situation under control. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can use to make your office energy efficient.

The first step, if you haven’t already done this already, is to change all the lighting in your home office from standard light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Most people do this throughout the house all at once. CFLs use less energy and last up to five times as long as regular bulbs, so it’s worth the extra cost associated with them.

The biggest power usage in your office probably comes from your computer. If you’re using a desktop model, it’s important that you make the switch from a CRT monitor to an energy-saving LCD flat screen monitor as soon as possible. Although this can be expensive, you can find a good monitor for under $200. This switch will save you even more on energy costs.

You can also save energy (and money) by changing the way that you use your computer. If you are accustomed to leaving your computer on 24/7, you are setting yourself up for having an energy usage problem in your office. You need to shut down your computer each day when you are done using it. If you pop off and on the computer several times per day, as many people do, you should set up your computer’s automatic timing so that it goes into sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity. This way your computer will still be available, but it won’t be using so much power all the time.

Speaking of powering down, make it a habit to turn off your printer, fax machine or scanner when they aren’t in use. If you leave them on all the time, they are draining power when you don’t need them. Many machines and appliances will still draw power from the source, even when they are turned off. Put your office equipment on a power strip, so that you can switch off the electricity to all appliances at once. These devices don’t take that long to power up and it’s just easier to get them up and running when you need them instead of leaving them on all of the time.

If you’re really serious about energy consumption, you could hire a professional energy auditor to come and evaluate your office for energy issues. However, there’s a new device available called Kill-A-Watt that can help you do the same thing for much less money. The Kill-A-Watt device plugs into the wall, and then you plug your power strips and electronics into the device. The device will track how much energy is being used by each electronic so you know where you can cut back and how much you are actually using. For about $40, it’s are an excellent example of spending a little to save a lot.

With a few purchases and a few changes in your habits, your office can be energy efficient. It’s important that you not let the trend stop here. Once you’ve learned the basics of energy efficiency, take this habit to the rest of your house and you’ll be surprised with a lower energy bill.

When the weather is warm, a central or window air-conditioning unit can provide much needed relief from the heat of the day. However, running an air conditioner all day long can not only send electric bills through the roof, but also release detrimental carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which damages the environment and our health. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling systems in the United States release over a half billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year, which contributes to global warming. Fortunately, there are several inexpensive and much more environmentally friendly ways to alleviate the heat without air conditioning.

Having trees around your home is a great way to keep your home cool. Shade makes a huge impact on the temperature of your home. The chief thing to do is to select a type of tree that will develop quickly and start to provide you shade faster. Pick a variety of tree that will grow speedily such as willow oak or red maple. You can talk to employees from the local nursery or a garden expert to pick the perfect variety of tree for your climate. The most sensible area to plant your trees is on the southern and western side of your home so that your house gets the most amount of shade possible.

Window treatments can form a practical barrier against the sun’s warm rays when used correctly. Purchase shades, blinds, or insulated cloth and close them tight when it is hot outside, or when the sun is streaming through your windows. The more secure the drapery is to the wall, the less heat it will allow inside. Select light-colored window treatments whenever possible, as these will not absorb the heat.

Another possibility to think about is a shade screen. These long-lasting, light shades are also called solar shields. They are installed on the outside of your home, on the south-facing side. These solar shields cut down on your energy bill by blocking almost all of the light rays that hit the shield. Although expensive, they can pay for themselves in saved energy costs

Ceiling fans are an inexpensive method to keep your home’s temperature cool when it’s hot outside. You can pick a fan that accents your home’s décor and use it to keep the main areas of your home cooled, or purchase several for bedrooms as well.

If you opt for tabletop fans instead and it is breezy outside, consider placing one in an open window at one end of your house where the air is coming in, and another in a window at the opposite end of the house, which is positioned to blow the warm air outdoors. This creates the effect of a wind tunnel, and serves to circulate the cool air throughout your home. It works particularly well at night, when it’s cooler outside.

If your attic holds a lot of warm air, you might want to invest in a whole-house fan. These fans are mounted on your attic’s ceiling and draw the outside air, which may be cooler, indoors and through your attic and roof. The hot air from your attic and other areas of your home is forced to exit via roof vents. Whole-house fans cost from $150 to $400 and are of great benefit.

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