If after a couple calendar month of harsh wintertime weather you took a look at your electric invoice and thought , “ Yikes ! ” then bulge thinking about how you use your Energy Department . Cold weather might make your vigour consumption soar through the roof , but it ’s not too belated to take energy - save action .
According to the Edison Electric Institute , small farmers can take whole step to reduce their energy consumption , including comport an energy audited account , applying for revenue enhancement incentives , and making belittled changes around the home and farm .
Energy AuditsAn energy audit is an rating made by an galvanizing public utility company that show how much energy you use and how to reduce your get-up-and-go consumption or energy cost .
Performing an energy audit on your house is a simple outgrowth . The hearer will take note opportunities and problems regarding energy preservation measures ( ECM ) and military operation and maintenance measures ( O&Ms ) and take photo . You will then receive a report with information about your monthly vim consumption and a listing of ECM and O&Ms .
“ The easy part is get the audit , but the hard part is make the recommended change . Most people do n’t follow through and get the work done , ” articulate Keith Voight , a spokesperson for EEI .
However , there are things to keep in idea if you want an energy audit perform on your farm , according to the National Center for Appropriate Technology . Because energy audit only tax electricity usance , they will not take into account the cost of propane , diesel engine fuel and instinctive gas . If you have a bombastic farm , the cost of the audited account might be higher than your Department of Energy or toll nest egg , and you might want to consider energy reliability over cost . You also may need an auditor with specialised training in your area of agriculture if , for example , your farm has a nursery or you raise chickens .
“ take down that every utility program is offering different programs and services , so it is not potential to give you a unmarried answer as to what [ you ] will get from [ your ] utility , ” Voight says . “ But every utility has information on Department of Energy efficiency , and many have political program with fiscal assistance . ”
Energy Tax IncentivesThe U.S. Department of Energy volunteer tax incentives for both home energy efficiency and renewable energy . Through these programs , you could receive taxation credits on 30 percent of improvement or applied science cost .
Energy Efficiency for Existing Homes : householder can have up to $ 1,500 on improvement for roofing , windows , installation , and heating system and cool equipment . Changes must be implemented by Dec. 31 , 2010 .
Renewable Energy for Existing or New Homes : Homeowners can receive assistance with renewable Department of Energy technologies such as geothermic heat pumps , photovoltaic system , solar water heaters and belittled twist free energy systems . There is no terminal point on how much you could pick up . Installations must take place by Dec. 31 , 2016 .
In addition , the USDE offerstax creditson young homes and car . you’re able to also tick to see what your state or utility fling .
low Ways to Conserve EnergyWhile thinking about handsome way to reduce your farm ’s Energy Department uptake , there are thing you may begin doing today to make your energy impact a little lighter . Try some of these tips offered by the EEI to reduce your annual energy use :
