Some homeowners may be uncertain how to convert their energy usage into more environmentally friendly forms. It is tough to understand where to start and how to improve the environment (and your life) the most. This article can help you learn how to make your home as green as it can be.
Instead of turning on the air conditioner, wear fabrics made of natural materials. Cotton and other natural fibers, draw the moisture away from your skin, and allow you to stay cooler. Wear lighter colored clothes, as darker colors tend to make you feel hotter, which results in your putting on the AC.
Solar Panels
Solar panels can be an excellent investment for the typical homeowner. There are a few things to consider before installing them. How much sun is your house getting on average? If your house is usually in the shade, solar panels will provide limited additional power.
If you use fuel oil to heat your home, ask a professional if you can use biodiesel. Some systems do not need any modifications in order to use biodiesels. The bonus of doing this is a cleaner burning fuel that is generally also more efficient, and you’ll lessen your impact on the environment also.
Use windows covering for when you’re not home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Usually, the windows facing the south get more sun because of where they are in the house. Think about covering all of your windows with different types of shades and curtains.
There are active and passive options for solar energy systems. Active power is stored for use at a later time, passive does not require expensive cells to store the power. Active power will require a large installation process and can cost a great deal more. Passive solar power uses the heat of the sun to hold thermal energy within your home.
Desktop computers are very power hungry. Try using a laptop as an alternative. Laptops use up to 75% less electricity than desktops, especially during non-demanding tasks like surfing the web or word processing. Not to mention, it can be taken anywhere thanks to its portability.
Keep your heat on at a moderate level. Don’t increase it unless it is a necessity. If you feel cold, put on a sweater or blanket instead. When your heat is turned to a higher temperature, unnecessary energy is being used too much.
Buy a solar oven to provide for the needs of your kitchen. You can make these with boxes, old windows or old pieces of foil that can be used for reflection. These ovens can be quickly assembled, and reach 300 degrees in temperature simply using the sun.
Keep track of your watt usage. If you do not know the formula to figure out the energy each appliance uses, there are tools like a Kill-A-Watt that can give you the information instantly. Plus an appliance into the gadget and it will tell you how much energy it is using. This gives you a much better idea of the real costs associated with each appliance you own.
An on-demand hot water heater is a good way to stay green. The old-fashioned water heaters run constantly, even running when not needed and that wastes energy. On-demand models provide hot water instantly when necessary, instead of continuously throughout the day, saving you money and energy.
Try bamboo products when buying wood items. Bamboo is technically grass and is a “green product”, but it is often much stronger than other available woods. It is a fast grower, and can be made into many different products like cutting boards to flooring, which you can purchase. The products are more affordable due to a reduction in the cost of manufacturing products.
Energy Star
One simple way to recognize products and appliances that are energy efficient is to locate those with the ENERGY STAR designation. ENERGY STAR appliances are designed to follow guidelines from the U.S. Department of Energy as well as the Environmental Protection Agency In order to receive a tax rebate, the product must meet these guidelines.
Thaw your food in the refrigerator to save energy. This is not only a safer way in which food can be thawed, the cold air coming from the frozen food would help cool your refrigerator, reducing its energy consumption.
If you are unable to completely power your home using solar power, consider installing solar panels to power at least the lighting in your home. For example, you can use a solar water heater.
Every home has a different layout and is in different areas. Depending upon your homes different areas, there are different green technologies that work in various ways. There are some green solutions that one homeowner may implement but that may not work for another. Research and focus on tips and ideas that work for your particular home and then make use of them.