Has green energy been something you’ve thought about but have never had the chance to learn about? Do you feel that “going green” is just too expensive? No worries! The tips in this article will prove that using green energy can be simple and inexpensive.
Powered Lamps
When designing outdoor lighting for your patio or garden path, consider solar-powered lamps. Solar-powered lamps are usually inexpensive, and they don’t need any power source besides the sun. This not only saves energy. It also means that you avoid having to go outside and wire up outdoor lights.
Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. This is also a very efficient way to heat water and keep it at the proper temperature. You may get tax deductions to offset the expense of installing some of this technology.
There are numerous grants available for home owners to increase the use of renewable energy. Contact your local government for more information of programs near you. Who knows, you may qualify for low or no-cost wind or solar installation. Even if you don’t qualify for a grant, you can still use these items as a tax deduction.
It is important to clean your furnace filter on a regular basis to be sure you are using as little energy as possible heating your home. You should also install filters on any warm-air registers included with your furnace. This helps keep debris (or Hot Wheels cars) from getting into heating ducts and reducing efficiency.
When doing laundry, try to use cold water. Almost 90% of the energy you use when you do laundry is due to heating water. Good detergents wash clothes even in cold water. Be sure to always do a full load of clothes when you wash.
Think about getting solar heaters to heat up your water at home. This option is only applicable in areas that do not reach freezing temperatures. If you live in a warm climate, you can use a system that pumps your water through the solar heater before coming out of your pipes. Though you can use this system, it’s best to have a regular water heater for backup purposes, just in case there is a day with little sunlight or more water usage than normal.
During the summer months, hang your clothes outside instead of drying them in the dryer. The sun gives your clothes a great smell. They’ll smell so much better than if you shoved them into a dryer! Also, using your dryer less will save you money in energy costs on your utility bills each month.
Never run a dishwasher that is partly empty. You will use just as much water and energy to run a half-empty dishwasher as a full one. When running the dishwasher, ensure that you are using the energy-saving option, which allows the air-drying of your dishes.
Storm Doors
Storm doors and windows offer better air flow in the home. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. Energy efficiency can be increased up to 45% in a home with storm windows and doors.
Upgrading your water heater to a tankless style saves a lot of energy. Tankless versions still need electricity or gas to heat water, but they are more effective in heating solely the water necessary instead of a huge tank of water constantly. Tankless heaters come in various models that either supply a single faucet or the whole house with hot water.
Opt for emails over paper whenever possible; get on no-mail lists for catalogs and junk mail. Going paperless can help the environment in many ways. Businesses will have a much easier time communicating with you, and they will be saving energy. In addition, it will help protect the environment for all.
Use LED lights on the holidays to save electricity. A study conducted by the United States If everyone were to switch to LED lights, the country as a whole would save 2 billion kwh per year. That much electricity could power at least 200,000 home for a whole year. At the very least, you can shave some money from your own power bill!
Now you should see how you can make use of green energy technology in your home. You have the necessary information, now it’s time to put it to use in your life. Once you do it, you will find that the results are amazing.
