Something is energy efficient if it uses energy efficiently. It can be used to refer to energy conversion efficiency which refers to the proportion between the amount of input of energy used in the system compared to the useful output. Useful output can mean either heat, mechanical power, or electrical power. Energy efficiency was brought to the attention of the average person on the street mainly because of the 1973 oil crisis. Amory Lovins, a physicist, popularized the concept of boosting energy efficiency rather than promoting heightened energy production at around the same time.
Lovins' idea has been expanded to apply to whole economies which are attempting to grow yet are hesitant to spur energy production as well. One US state which has managed to integrate energy efficiency policies into the daily activities of the common man, industries and even the government is the state of California. In the over 30 years since the mid-1970s when California started adhering to strict energy usage policies and programs, the state has been able to keep a flat rate of energy consumption while the rest of the country has seen their energy consumption double over that same time period. California also prioritizes energy efficiency above all, with use of renewable electricity supplies as its secondary priority.
Despite the energy savings that can be achieved when systems become energy efficient, there are still enterprises that are reluctant to set energy efficiency measures in place. It is believed that as much as 75% in savings on the current electrical consumption in the US alone can be reaped if efficient systems and measures were to be set in place and religiously observed.
Another side effect of using energy efficient systems is the corresponding decrease in real emissions without jacking up costs in the end, as stated by the Vienna Climate Change Talks 2007 Report.
We can categorize energy conversion efficiency into the subdivisions of electrical efficiency, mechanical efficiency, and thermal or fuel efficiency. The first sub-category of electrical efficiency can be computed by measuring how much useful power output is created when electrical power is used to power the system. Mechanical efficiency, on the other hand, is defined as the use of potential mechanical energy (such as water flowing from a river into a dam) to create mechanical energy. The last category refers to the use of fuel to produce heat.
In modern society, energy efficiency is used to refer to the volume of power supply (such as electricity) used by a certain system (let's say your radio) to carry out its function (which is to produce music over a certain period of time.) An energy efficient radio would be one that can produce good audio while using as little electricity from your electrical outlet as possible. A more thorough computation of the energy efficiency of your radio would mean factoring in running expenses and its expected lifespan as well.
When you, the average consumer, takes steps to choose items that are more energy efficient over items which are less energy efficient (such as switching to more fuel-efficient cars and selling your gas-guzzler vehicle to the scrap yard), that is called energy conservation. Energy conservation can be said to be successfully applied if you are able to reduce your usage of energy yet are still able to achieve the same level of functionality. In simple terms, if you use a more fuel-efficient car and can still get to work, but are able to use less gas in the process, then you can say that your attempt at energy conservation has been successful.
Looking to update your home? Consider options that upgrade your energy efficiency as well as add beauty and ambience to your home. And with today's stylish, energy-saving fixtures, you don't have to choose practicality over beauty. You can get both!
It's nice that you no longer have to choose one or the other but where do you look for energy-efficient technologies that will save money and complement your lifestyle without costing you an arm and a leg?
You can start your search for energy-efficient technologies at your local home-renovation outlet, by browsing their aisles for ENERGY STAR-rated products. You'll find them everywhere - from major appliances right down to light bulbs! Just look for the easily recognizable blue rectangle with the white lowercase script lettering and white-outlined star.
ENERGY STAR-rated lighting, light bulbs and ceiling fans significantly lower your electric bills and help to protect our precious environment. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote the development and use of energy-efficient products. In 2007 alone, the American public (through use of ENERGY STAR-rated products) saved the planet from greenhouse-gas emissions equivalent to those produced by 27 million cars not to mention the $16 billion in utility-bill savings.
Since its inception in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program (computer CPUs and monitors were the first products to be labeled with the logo), ENERGY STAR has become one of the most widely recognized designations consumers look for when seeking out and buying energy-efficient products.
In the ensuing years, EPA added other office equipment to the ENERGY STAR-rated list, along with residential heating and cooling equipment. In 1996, the Department of Energy got on board and added additional product categories to the ENERGY STAR-approved list: home electronics, major appliances, lighting and office equipment, among other items. Now encompassing in excess of 50 distinct categories, the ENERGY STAR label has even been applied to new residential, and business/industrial construction.
To earn the ENERGY STAR logo, products must deliver performance equivalent or superior to comparable models, while using less energy and money to run. Like the U-L (Underwriters' Laboratories) Listing from your parents' or grandparents' day, the ENERGY STAR logo has become one of the most well-known and trusted symbols in the consumer marketplace today.
Relying on the ENERGY STAR logo when shopping for products for your home or business, you can save about one third on your energy bills and that's without having to give in on comfort or features. Products that bear the ENERGY STAR meet stringent government-established energy-efficient guidelines. As you consider renovations, upgrades or improvements to your home or office, you can go green by choosing ENERGY STAR tools, merchandise and resources to complete the project.
An energy-efficient ceiling fan is an excellent - and low-cost - money saver! With a small initial investment, you can cut your energy bills by knowing how to efficiently run the fan in hot and cold weather. During the warmer months, run the fan counterclockwise; in colder months, reverse the motor and run the fan (clockwise) on a low speed to force the warm air near the ceiling down into the room. And don't forget to adjust your thermostat to account for the extra heat.
For more energy-saving tips (and an excellent source of ENERGY STAR lighting options for your home or business) visit Illumenate - www.illumenate.com. They've got long-lasting LED and compact fluorescent bulbs for every room in your home plus a broad range of energy-efficient ceiling fans and energy-saving lighting fixtures. With more than 30 years in the business, this family-owned company has built a solid reputation on delivering great value, personal service and dependable advice. When it comes to lighting, trust Illumenate for your energy-efficient home or office installation or upgrade needs.
Both Martin Barwise & Matt Lieberman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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