Converting to Solar Lighting For Your Pool

Solar energy has been used by man since the beginning of time. The power of the sun, and its ability to warm the Earth, has kept civilization alive. In the 1830′s, John Herschel, a British explorer, used the first modified solar collector to cook food on an African expedition. Since then, man has come up with other ways to harness the sun’s power in both big and small amounts. One of the smaller ways that the average person can use solar power on a cost effective basis is for pool lighting.

Many homeowners employ the use of pool lighting so that they can enhance the look of their backyard, as well as use their pools at night. Unfortunately, traditional lighting is either a drag on your electric bill or a pain in the derriere if you go the battery route. In the case of floating pool lights, you’re stuck with batteries – which make them a time consuming to change out and costly item to run. Batteries need replacing, and they are also harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

You might be wondering if there are any other options for illuminating your pool that are more cost effective and easier to work with. There is an option that solves all the problems – solar pool lighting. These lights work by floating on the surface of the water. All day, they collect the sun’s energy via solar collectors located on the top of their waterproof case. The collected solar energy charges a rechargeable battery located within the light, and then the solar pool lights are turned on automatically at night via a light sensor. The stored power within the battery powers a LED light which takes very little energy to run – therefore, the pool light can stay on for eight to ten hours at a stretch.

Going with solar pool lighting may seem a small step in the duel battle against the utility bill and fossil fuel usage. In truth, every little step we take as a society helps. Remember, changing even one light bulb in your house to an energy efficient version saves money and thousands of tons of pollutant from fossil fuel energy production. If we all convert to solar pool lighting, it will make a difference give the sheer number of pools.

Home Improvements – Get Your Envelope In Order

Your house is an enclosed structure designed to keep rain, cold, heat, wind, snow and so on out. In contrast, all of those things want in. If you are not careful, Mother Nature will rob you blind. Yes, I am talking about the thermal envelope of your home.

The thermal envelope refers to the protective pocket around your living space. Much like wearing gloves in the snow, you want the envelope to provide a complete insulation barrier between you and the elements. If there are gaps or weak areas, your hard earned money is flowing out of them. Upgrading or maintaining your envelope can save you a bundle.

Insulation can be a killer when it comes to your envelope. Most developers build homes to the minimum requirements because they are focused on profits. Insulation is noted by R values, a method of determining how resistant the insulation is to transferring heat. If you check the walls of your house, an R-11 value will most likely be present. This is bad. R-11 is the minimum required. Upgrade to R-20 or R-30 in the walls and R-70 in the ceiling and floor areas. The temperatures in the house will become more consistent because the heat transfer will stop. This means the house stays warmer for longer in the winter and cooler for longer in the summer. The change will be dramatic.

Windows can be a killer, accounting for as much as 25 percent of your energy loss. The answer is relatively simple. Install Energy Star approved windows and get those frames into shape.

Doors are another area that can kill you. The issue is not so much the door itself, but the framing around it. Make sure your doors are flush to the frames. Installing small seal pads along the inside of the doorstops can make a major difference because they cut off air flow. Of course, the downside is the door doesn’t make much noise when you slam it in anger, but you will just have to tough it out.

Upgrading your envelope can make a major difference in your utility bill. If you can save $100 a month, you will save $1,200 a year. If you live in the home for 10 years, that is an easy $12,000.