There are two forms of energy savings which can be brought to bear upon any property. While the subject matter is wide ranging, in this context it generally applies to electrical optimisation, grid and storage. One aspect is pretty much a lifestyle change ethos especially when considering smart meters. The other, storage systems are either long term or short term solutions which affect your inbound electricity current requirements.
What Are The Different Types Of Energy Saving Systems And How Do They Work?
Often supplied by energy companies and local authorities for those on benefits, a smart meter is more about information provision rather than enabling any energy savings automatically on your behalf. By reading the calculations and info graphs presented, you can assess your historic and real time energy usage, allowing you to make lifestyle changes. These may include:
- Using washing machines, dryers and dishwashers at off peak times. When electricity is cheaper to access. The purchase of a timer plug can significantly increase cost savings even when you’re out of the house.
- You will be able to assess boiler and heating systems and figure out how best to warm water when it is needed.
- Ideally in the summer, you could power the boiler to heat the water very late at night and it would still be warm in the morning, only requiring additional heating for full effect during the peak hours.
- You will also instantly see the effect of changing to more efficient power options such as energy saving light bulbs.
Within electricity storage systems there are two forms. The appliance which you will use to store electricity either home generated via solar power, thermal power or wind for later use during peak times. Or a utility which acts a breaker between the imported national grid electricity supply and that of your household current.
In some cases reducing the voltage entering the property to that required by the exacting appliances – in essence importing the required amount of energy and not overspending on that which is not and a higher voltage. The technology in both instances is new and more growth in the sector will allow more efficient installations. Even in its infancy there can be savings.
What Are The Benefits Of Electricity Storage And Smart Meters?
- In both instances you can draw on your knowledge of best use of appliances and time when electricity will be cheaper or more freely available.
- You can also switch between stored electricity which you have generated through your own means when electricity is at a premium off of the National Grid.
- Smart meters require a lifestyle change, however understanding a technology that has been around several decades, enables you to better choose new appliances and household electrical goods which draw less energy to power themselves but are more efficient.
What Are The Costs And How Much Can Be Saved Or Earned?
An accredited energy assessor will be able to supply you more information on approximate energy savings related directly to your property. Any estimate are simply that when over viewing other property case studies on the internet. Smart meters can be obtained for less than £50 and require installation at source. The savings however are reliant on your lifestyle changes and how much you understand the readings.
A so called voltage optimiser can be around a few hundred pounds and the same again for installation. As it relates to your electricity supply, a certified electrical engineer will be required to undertake the work. Savings are judged on a per site basis depending on your appliance use. Each household appliance draws different amounts of energy and voltage during its processes. That said, manufacturers claim you can save up to 10% on electricity bills after installation.
Electricity storage units is where the situation starts to get a little more expensive. Off grid systems involve electricity generators which offer electricity all year round or simply when power is cut. In both instances, you can use electricity storage deep-cycle batteries which store this energy until it is required. This can also be used in association with wind turbines and solar panels. The entry cost is high and not always worthwhile for small households where reselling to the National grid would be more beneficial.
Is There Much Maintenance With lll And Are There Any Other Issues?
The equipment in both voltage optimisers and smart meters need minimum maintenance, simply a check up every few years. Generators and deep cycle batteries are a little more technical and require observation and recording to ensure levels of storage are maintained and that batteries last. All of these items tend to come with adequate guarantees and warranties on performance and lifetime.
Are These Products The Right Resource For You And Your Home Or Business?
If you are happy with changing your lifestyle to enact cheaper energy bills then smart meters are a smart move. Calculating your energy usage and using appliances at times when electricity is cheaper is common sense. Voltage optimisers are currently splitting opinion. There are different factors involved in appliances when drawing upon the grid. However mathematical calculations do show a decrease in energy bills, though this may not be as high as the manufacturer states.
If you are off the grid and total reliant on solar power or wind turbines, then an electricity generator, powered by either by deep cycle batteries or another storage device will be essential. If you can gets on the gas mains, this may be a more efficient way if you are within a small property.
For larger businesses and properties, storing electricity when creating your own is sheer common sense and is still far cheaper in the long term than buying in at peak hours off the national grid. You can always release energy from storage onto the National Grid if connected and profit from what you no longer require, maintaining adequate levels for yourself bit benefiting from the Feed In tariff.