A great way to make sure the environment is protected, while slashing energy costs, is to use green energy in your home. You do not have to purchase a car that is electric in order to make this work! Keep reading to find out how to make your household more energy efficient, no matter your budget.
The U.S. Government makes grant funds available as an incentive for consumers to start using green energy. Get in touch with your local government to find out what kind of programs exist in your area. You can qualify for installation of solar power at little to no cost.
Getting solar panels put in at home is simple and easy to attain energy from this source. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. You should definitely consider how much sun your home is exposed to. If you live in an area that gets few sunny days, or your property is full of shade trees and tall bushes, you will have trouble gaining enough solar power for your needs.
Find out what energy options your community has available. Determine which energy source is cheapest for your home. Don’t forget to account for any government incentives that might be in effect. You may choose, for example, to go from electric to natural gas for heating, or using a well instead of city water.
Storm doors and windows offer better air flow in the home. This will reduce drafts, make your home more comfortable, and reduce your energy usage. Energy efficiency increases by 45% in houses that contain stormed windows and doors, which could save you lots of money when it comes to electricity.
If you would like to save the environment, remember that it can be done in small steps as well as big ones. You don’t have to invest a lot of time or money; simply clean out your furnace filters and adjust your thermostat while you’re gone. Lowering the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees will save you money too. Just little changes can help.
It might be a good idea to leave yourself notes to remind you to conserve energy when ever you can. Check the power bill each month to see the gains you have made. When you’re more conscious of the energy you consume you can help to reduce costs in all areas of your life. For example, making a decision to reduce electricity usage will help you develop a habit to turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
Save money and fuel by carpooling for errands as well as work and school. If you live in a neighborhood with lots of children, try setting up a ride-sharing service, where you trade rides with other parents in the neighborhood. Plan your shopping days to correspond with those of your friends. That way you can share a vehicle and the costs of fuel.
Make use of the microwave when possible to cut down on energy usage. Heating up your oven will use far more energy than a quick trip through the microwave. Take advantage of the microwave when you can.
It may be common sense, but most people do not turn off machines, lights, and other equipment when not in use. If you make this a habit, your energy bills could be greatly reduced. Consider the possible impacts on your own bills and be sure to shut off lights and gadgets when not in use.
You may want to get bamboo items when you’re in the market for something made out of wood. Scientifically speaking, bamboo is a grass, but it is just as strong as many woods. Bamboo is an excellent green product. It grows very fast and is being made into a variety of products from flooring to hard wood cutting boards for retail purchase. This saves on recycling energy and the production of manufacturing products.
Check your freezer and fridge seals to avoid wasting any energy. A damaged seal will cause your fridge to use more energy than necessary, wasting both energy and money. In your door, place a piece of paper. If it easily slides out, your seal probably needs to be replaced.
Energy Efficient
From switching to energy efficient bulbs to changing out your furnace’s filter, there are a number of simple ways you can make your home more energy efficient. Set the example for those around you, and you will see that they quickly follow suit once they see how simple it is to be green. Utilize the tips in this article and put them in place today.
