Switching to green sounds onerous, but it’s easier than you think. No matter if the changes you make are small or big, you are positively impacting the environment. Below are tips that will get you on the path to using green energy sources.
Consider outdoor lighting, such as garden or patio lighting, that is solar-powered. Solar-powered lamps are usually inexpensive, and they don’t need any power source besides the sun. This not only reduces energy costs, You also don’t need to hang lights or wires outdoors.
Solar water heating is a great way to decrease the expense of heating water used for showers and swimming pools. Both natural gas and electricity are inefficient heating methods, while solar water heaters use the sun to constantly heat your water. You may be eligible for tax deductions for using energy efficient upgrades.
Try wearing natural fabrics in the summer as opposed to using the air conditioner. Cotton and other fabrics draw sweat from the skin and make you cool. Wearing lighter colors will also help, because they tend to reflect light.
Window Coverings
When you are away from home, use window coverings. This simple act blocks the sun from entering and heating your house in the summer, while in the winter, it keeps the heat from escaping through drafty windows. Try to close all your window coverings, but it is especially important to cover any south-facing windows. Try adding window coverings that block heat, such as shades or darker, lined curtains.
Turn off electrical items when you’re not using them. When you exit a room, be sure to turn off any unused electronics or lights. Try using a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at once, instead of letting power be wasted in standby mode.
If you have a dishwasher make sure you only run it when it is full. You will use just as much water and energy to run a half-empty dishwasher as a full one. Make use of the air drying, energy-saving option on your washer.
When planning out your solar PV system, try to locate the battery storage system as close to the cells as possible. This helps to prevent any power loss in the cable. The cable also is less likely to block power generation by providing shade if you do this.
It is beneficial to maintain your refrigerator to keep it working efficiently. Since the refrigerator is an appliance that consumes a lot of energy, it is important to keep it in top-working order. Clean heating coils regularly to get rid of dust. Make sure door seals are clean and tight.
Tankless Heaters
Use a model which is tankless and more green instead of a tank style heater. Tankless heaters require less energy to heat water, as they only heat it as needed. You can find tankless heaters that either supply an entire house, or just a single faucet.
Fans of green energy should limit their use of electric heaters in the winter. Wear several layers of warm clothes instead, and heat main rooms with a pellet stove or fireplace. Cooler air is better for sleeping anyway, because it prevents airways from becoming dry.
Green Energy
Pay attention to any federal or local rebates offered for making alternative-energy updates to your home. Ask your utility company if they offer rebates for green energy upgrades. If this is not possible, you can find out if upgrades can be used as tax deductions. You may also be able to get credits from the government, either state or federal. These credits and rebates will ultimately cut your costs of bringing green energy technology to your house.
Try not to set the heat very high in your home unless it’s an absolute must. If it’s a bit chilly, put sweatpants or a sweatshirt on. When you keep the heat unnecessarily high you use far more energy than you need to–and that is expensive!
Watch your watt usage. Try using gadgets like the Kill-A-Watt and the Watt Minder to see what in your home uses too much energy. You can tell how much energy it uses by plugging the appliance into it. You can get a real idea of what your appliance is costing you and the environment.
You can use biofuel to heat your house. These fuels are comprised of vegetable or animal fats, wood and oils. If you have a propane furnace, you may be able to have a professional retrofit your furnace to work with biofuel blend. Most furnaces use between 20 to 99% bio-diesel fuels. Make sure you consult an energy professional before using biofuels in your home.
You may want to install solar panels on the roof to create a more eco-friendly home. There is of course an initial investment that is not cheap, however, long term use and the resulting savings, will far outweigh the up-front cost. Not only will the energy you generate take care of your electric bill, there may even be some left over to sell to your electric company.
Look at the seals on your freezer and refrigerator often to save energy. If the seal is loose or broken, your refrigerator will run more often than it should, which will run up your energy bill and harm the environment. In your door, place a piece of paper. If it easily slides out, your seal probably needs to be replaced.
Thawing frozen food in the refrigerator is an unexpected way to save energy. Using the fridge is a very safe method for thawing food. The extra benefit is that the thawing food will be releasing cold and helping to reduce the ambient temperature in the fridge, which reduces cycling.
Changing to greener ways does not need to be difficult. As shown in this article, there are many ways to incorporate green energy into your life. Make sure you use the advice given here today. You do not have to put in much effort to see great results.