Looking For Green Energy Information? Start Here!
Green energy technology is a popular buzzword today. A lot of people agree that green energy is superior because it helps the earth, while saving money. Is this actually true? Here are some straightforward tips for introducing green energy to your life, so you can find out for yourself its benefits.
Lower the heating costs of your water, hot tubs and pools by changing over to a heating system that is run by solar power. Solar water heaters use solar energy in an efficient way to heat your water. Certain upgrades, though expensive, qualify for specific tax deductions.
A simple way to save energy is to close the curtains. Shades or curtains can also help. Since your home will become cooler, you will not have to use the air conditioning that much. You will save both money and energy in the process.
Are you a farm owner? Farms are the perfect place to put a wind turbine. If you don’t have a farm, you might be able to rent from someone. The turbine will provide free energy to you and close neighbors, and won’t take up much space.
Find out about various energy sources that are available in your area. Compare the costs of various utilities, and take current or pending energy legislation into consideration. For instance, it might be worth it to switch to gas heat instead of electric, or switch to well water instead of municipal water.
Turn things off when not in use. Any rooms in the home that are vacant should not have any electronics or lights left on. Connect your home electronics to a power strip and unplug it when they are not in use. Phantom power draws from electronics in standby mode is a big problem.
Take time to maintain your fridge properly. Refrigerators take up lots of energy, so making sure they’re in working order is always good to know. Make sure to clean heating coils often. Don’t forget to be certain to keep the seal surrounding the door tight and clean.
Storm Windows
If you have storm windows and doors in your home it helps control air flow. This will reduce drafts, make your home more comfortable, and reduce your energy usage. Sometimes electric savings can be up to 45 percent on homes that have storm windows as opposed to single pane windows.
Try to communicate to people as much as possible through email rather than traditional means. Don’t use paper whenever you can afford to do so. You will save valuable energy and help the businesses you use to save also. In addition, it will help protect the environment for all.
Unless you’re freezing to death, don’t turn the heat all the way up. Put on a sweater and sweatpants when it’s cold. Having your heat turned up too high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.
You can use biofuel to heat your house. This type of fuel is made of oils, wood and vegetable or animal fats. If you have a propane furnace, a professional will be able to adjust your system so you can heat your home using a fuel blend. Up to 99% can be biodiesel. Be sure you discuss any new fuel use in your home with a pro before starting.
Carpool so you can use less fuel. If you are a parent, carpool with other adults. Those who live close to friends or family can go grocery shopping together.
Energy Star Rated
Replace old, energy-hogging appliances with new versions that are Energy Star rated. Appliances that have an Energy Star rating states that the particular appliance being used is made to consume less energy compared to its predecessor that is not rated. Refrigerators and freezers use 20% less energy and dishwashers use 40% less. Energy Star rated washing machines save at least 50% of the energy used by the older styles and also save a lot of water.
Use automatic motion or sound sensors on the lights in high-traffic rooms. These devices automatically detect when there is no longer anyone in a room and turns the lights off. The savings from these devices can really add up! Don’t forget to use this with outdoor lighting!
If you plan to create a greener home, put solar panels on the roof. The cost of installing solar panels is small compared to the amount you will save over the years on energy bills. After the panels are installed, solar power is free and excess can often be sold to supplant the grid.
To help make your home more energy efficient you should weatherize your home. Sealing ducts, using energy-efficient windows, and adding insulation can reduce energy consumption. The biggest benefit next to helping the environment is the money that you will save on energy costs.
You can save energy while doing your laundry in several ways. Start by using the moisture control setting that turns the dryer off when laundry is dry. When you wash your clothes, choose the fastest spin cycle, which reduces the amount of moisture the dryer needs to evaporate. Make sure to regularly clean lint from dryer filters and vents.
Solar Energy
If you cannot use solar energy or a green energy source to power your entire house, attempt to use green energy for some of the house. You may be able to use solar energy to heat hot water or meet some of your other needs without heating your whole home this way.
Now that you have read this information, what are your thoughts? Are you convinced that green energy is the way forward? Use this article’s tips and see how good your life can be when it’s green. Start using them today to start seeing the benefits of green energy.