Using the sun, water or wind to create energy helps the environment, as well as the cost of energy in your home. If you’re interested in green energy for your house, keep reading so you can learn how to get it done today.
Use a solar-solar powered system to heat water. Heating your water with natural gas or electricity is inefficient. However, solar water is inexpensive and more efficient. These types of upgrades, while more costly at first, may qualify you for a green energy deduction on your taxes.
Do your research when it comes to the available energy sources where you live. Compare the costs of operating your home using several of these utilities, making sure to take into consideration any legislation with regard to energy costs that has recently been passed. You might find savings by switching from electric to natural gas for heating, or to well water from city water.
Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full. Try to refrain from putting small amounts in and running the dishwasher. Dishwashers can usually hold many dishes. Try your best to align your dishes properly so that you maximize your space in your dishwasher, play Tetris with your dishwasher.
If you aren’t using something, turn it off. Whenever you leave a room, get into the habit of turning off lights, televisions, and computers. When you can, plug your electronics into a power strip and when you are not using it, turn it off. Energy is still being used when something is in standby mode.
Buy energy saving materials to help save energy in your home. Use products such as double-glazed windows or eco-friendly doors to help reduce your energy usage without sacrificing your home’s needs. With these products, cooling and heating costs are decreased.
Don’t set your thermostat to over 68 degrees if you can help it. If you feel a small chill, instead of turning up the heat, put on a sweatshirt or sweatpants. When the heat is turned up to a high level, a lot of unnecessary energy is used.
The next time you decorate your home or tree for the holiday season, use LED lights instead of standard light strands. According to a study by the U.S. A study by the Department of Energy needs everyone to make this change. That’s a large amount of electricity–it would power 200,000 homes over the course of the year. At least, you can save money on your electricity!
Energy Star
Replace old, energy-hogging appliances with new versions that are Energy Star rated. An appliance that has Energy Star uses less energy than an appliance that doesn’t have it. Energy Star ratings promise 40% less energy for dishwashers and 50% less for washing machines.
A good, old common sense tip for saving energy is turning off the lights as you leave the room. Turning off lights habitually will add up to great energy savings over time. There’s also the extra benefit of having a lower electric bill.
Switch to a low-flow water-saving toilet. Some estimates show that toilets account for 50 percent of the water use in a home. Older toilet models use up to 70 percent more water per year than newer ones.
Many people forget to turn off machines and lights that they aren’t using, even though it seems obvious. Most people could probably save a ton on utility bills by getting in this habit. Consider the possible impacts on your own bills and be sure to shut off lights and gadgets when not in use.
Consider bamboo as an option over wood products. Although bamboo is technically a grass, it has more strength than most commercial woods. 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 energy via recycling and manufacturer production.
Start making your house more green by talking to your local electric company. A lot of them have the option on their website that will show you how much energy your household is using. They may also show ways you can lower your energy usage. You may want to see if some of their programs can provide you with energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
Use automatic motion detection sensors for lighting in your rooms. These sensors automatically turn the lights off in rooms that aren’t being used, which saves energy, and in the long run, lots of money. Also remember to do this outside for your garage’s lighting, too.
Solar Energy
Making use of solar energy will take your current green home plans to the next level. Adding solar panels does require a significant investment amount up front, but the cost savings of using solar power over several years will more than make up for it. Solar energy becomes free when the panels are installed and you may be able to sell power to some local electric companies.
There are lots of ways to save electricity while you are doing your laundry. Use the correct setting to turn your dryer off once the laundry is dry. Using the high-spin speed will reduce the moisture in clothing and decrease the time needed for drying. Clean the dryer filters regularly.
Place your fridge in a cool room to save energy. They should be kept out of sunlight as well as away from heating vents. Heat from any source will cause these appliances to run longer.
Those looking to reduce their energy consumption would be wise to make their own ice. Automatic ice makers are convenient, but they also use a ton of energy and aren’t very reliable. They often have leaky seals which mean more energy has to be used. You can make your own ice to avoid this.
By developing good, environmentally friendly habits, you can start saving money now. As was demonstrated in the article, green living isn’t that tough or complex. So, use this article’s advice and energy efficiency is just around the corner.
