Having green energy in your house is a great way to protect the environment, while reducing energy costs. You don’t need to spend a fortune to do this, so there is no need for an electric car. Continue on for some simple tips that will show you how to turn your home into one that is energy efficient on any type of budget.
You can save a phenomenal amount of energy just by using less electricity every day. For example, when an appliance is not in use unplug it. Television sets and lights should never be left on when not in use. This simple tip will save you money as well.
In order to conserve energy, try keeping the windows shaded from the sunlight. Another suggestion for window treatments is installing curtains or blinds. Utilizing both of these methods will decrease you need for an air conditioner unit, since your home will not be as warm. You will save both money and energy in the process.
The government has grants available to those who are willing to invest in alternative renewable energies. Contact your local government for more information of programs near you. You could qualify for a no-cost wind or solar installation, or at the very least, receive a tax deduction.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Almost 90% of the power you use to do laundry is simply used to heat the water. Most good quality laundry detergents work just as well in cold water. It is also better to clean a full load, not smaller loads.
Biodiesel fuel might be an option if your current heat source is fuel oil. Sometimes you can make the switch to some use of biodiesel fuels without having to purchase new parts or make costly modifications. Biodiesel burns more cleanly and will improve your carbon footprint.
If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, don’t run it until it’s completely full. The energy used is the same whether you are washing a small load of dishes, or one that is larger. When you run the dishwasher, see to it that you are using its energy-saving setting; that will allow the dishes to dry using air.
Solar Hot
Solar hot water heaters are an excellent way to have lower costs on your hot water energy use. Solar hot-water systems can reduce your energy bills significantly. There are systems available that circulate the heat both directly and indirectly. The indirect one is your best option if you have to worry about frozen pipes in the winter.
Solar batteries should be placed close to solar cells when system installation is taking place. This makes sure power is not lost somewhere in the cable. It also lowers the risk of the cable casting a shadow over the cells, which reduces their ability to generate power.
Use a laptop computer instead of desktop, which uses much more energy. You can reduce your energy use by three-quarters if you use the internet a lot or do a lot of word processing. The other benefit to using laptop over a desktop is that it is portable, so it can be taken anywhere!
Unless cold temperatures become a real problem, it is better to keep the heat turned down. If you find the air a little chilly, put on a sweater or an extra pair of socks. Turning the heat all the way up will use a lot of unneeded energy.
You can heat your home using biofuels. Biofuels contain wood, oil and fat. Many times, furnaces that are propane can be changed by a pro so that you can heat using this blend of fuels. This could be anywhere up to 99% of biodiesel. If you decide that you want to use this type of fuel to heat your home, make sure that you talk to a professional first.
A good green energy tool is a tankless water heater. Traditional water heaters waste a lot of energy because they heat water constantly, even when no hot water is needed. A on-demand water heater will only heat your water when you need it, which saves a ton of money and energy.
Energy Star Logo
You should find an Energy Star logo or seal right on the product, so be sure to look for it. Any products that have the ENERGY STAR logo are in compliance with the U.S. Department of Energy plus the Environmental Protection Agency Additionally, they are generally more likely to have a tax rebate.
Weatherizing your home can help make it more energy efficient. A few of the most important things to do include sealing ducts, replacing windows, installing a modern water heater and adding insulation to your attic and walls. You will also love the financial benefits that these simple changes can bring!
Check your refrigerator and freezer seal on a reguar basis to make sure you are not wasting energy. Seals that are broken can cause your appliances to run more than they normally would require. This will waste energy and your money! To determine whether or not the seal needs to be replaced, close a piece of paper in the door and ensure that it doesn’t slide out too easily.
Ceiling Fans
Don’t neglect your ceiling fans in the winter. Switch them to rotate in a clockwise position, which pushes warm air back down where you need it, and reduces your overall heating needs. The amount it costs to run ceiling fans is insignificant compared to the amount of energy necessary to run your furnace.
There are a few simple changes you can make to reduce household energy usage, including installing energy-efficient light bulbs and a programmable thermostat, as well as changing your furnace filter regularly. Set an example so others will realize how important going green can be! Use the advice you’ve learned here and start saving money and the planet today!
