Having green energy in your house is a great way to protect the environment, while reducing energy costs. It is not necessary to have an electric car in order to do this. This article has some great, simple ways to improve energy efficiency.
Do your best to keep your windows shaded from any sunlight. Use curtains or blinds as an alternative. Doing both these things will decrease your usage of the air conditioning during the summer because your house will be cooler. This means that you will save energy as well as money.
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.
Every community offers different energy sources, so research the ones that are available to you. Find out what the cost would be to switch, how much it would cost to maintain, and whether your government has any legislation regarding its use. Think about switching to natural gas or well water as examples of simple changes.
Dry Clothes
Dry clothes on a clothelines during the summer. The sun will make your clothing smell great. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. Additionally, you will have substantial savings on your utility bills every month that you dry clothes outside.
Run the dishwasher when it’s full instead of half-full in order to save energy and money. Don’t run it when there are a low number of dishes present. The dishwasher can actually fit a lot of dishes when loaded correctly. Just make sure to align the dishes in an orderly manner to maximize the available space.
When you are not using something, turn it off. When you leave a room, switch off the lights, computer or T.V. The easiest way to do this is to plug everything into a power strip and then just switch that power strip to the off position whenever you need to.
Keep your refrigerator well maintained. Refrigerators use a large amount of energy, so they should be taken care of to work their best. Make dusting the coils part of your weekly cleaning routine. Check frequently to ensure that the door seals tightly.
Don’t use electric heaters unless you have to during the winter months. You can save electricity by avoiding these devices. Use a fireplace in place of the heater and wear warm layers of clothing. By inhaling cooler air during the sleeping hours, your breathing will be better as your airways are less likely to get dry.
Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. Your local utility company may be offering green energy rebates to apply updates. If not, there might be tax credits or deductions available from the federal or state government. These rebates, credits, and other allowances can make it much more affordable to install renewable energy equipment on your property.
Don’t turn up the heat very high. If you find the air a little chilly, put on a sweater or an extra pair of socks. Having your heat turned up too high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.
In order to cut down on fuel usage, you should consider using carpooling not only for work, but for other activities too. Set up carpooling with other parents to get the kids to soccer practice or band camp. You could also start doing your grocery shopping with neighbors or friends and switch on and off with who does the driving.
Changing your furnace’s filter, using light bulbs that are energy efficient and using programmable thermostat are simple ways to conserve energy at home. Set an example so others will realize how important going green can be! Remember these tips and start using them today.
