If you don’t know very much about green energy, this article will help you realize just how helpful green energy is, not only to the environment but to you as well. There are a lot of things you can start doing around the house to use green energy, and here are a few tips for just that purpose.
Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. Solar water heaters tap into the abundant and free energy offered by the sun. Water heated by other methods, like natural gas, propane, or electricity, is not an efficient method. Some of these upgrades, while more expensive up-front, may qualify for green energy tax deductions.
To reduce energy usage, sahe your windows to keep out sunlight. Installing blinds and curtains will also help. When you do these things, you then make your house cooler and reduce the amount of air conditioning you use during the summer. The result is a significant energy savings and money in your pocket!
Instead of turning on the air conditioner, wear fabrics made of natural materials. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw the moisture further from your skin and let it stay cooler. Wear light colors; dark colors tend to make you feel warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.
Solar panels are an easy addition to your home that helps you and your family go green. However, before you do this, there are a few things that you need to take care of. Think about the amount of sunlight that hits your house on an average day. You can’t take as much advantage of solar energy if your house gets a lot of shade rather than sun.
If you have a farm try some energy saving alternatives. If so, you can rent some property to energy companies for installing wind turbines. The wind turbine will provide free energy without taking up much room. Your neighbors will also benefit from this energy source.
Replace or clean your furnace filter at least once every 90 days, and check it once per month for build-up. Also, put filters on vents that dispense warm air. This will help keep debris from clogging up heating ducts and becoming inoperable.
Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, you can purchase a system that can circulate water via a solar heater prior to being pumped to your home. As is true with many solar options, you should keep your traditional water heater for times when there is not enough sun, or in case you need to use a lot of water.
Consider how many hours of sunlight you can expect in the winter as you plan your solar system, so that you know how much energy you can expect it to generate. This will ensure that you are not caught short during winter, and you have excess during the summer. Net usage plans let you receive money for generated energy!
Install batteries very close to cells when you are putting together a solar energy system. By doing so, energy loss through the cable is reduced. This also prevents the long cables from casting shadows over the PV cells.
You can get rid of your old, tank style water heater and switch it out with a new, greener, tankless one. 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 are available in models that supply the entire house or a single faucet with hot water.
Convert your home into a more efficient place by investing into energy saving products. Examples of these include windows, light bulbs, and appliances, all of which have been designed to run efficiently on reduced energy. The use of these types of technologies can drastically reduce both your cooling and heating costs.
Keep the heat as low as you can, unless you absolutely have to raise it. If you feel cold, put on a sweater or blanket instead. When your heat is running it uses more energy than necessary.
There are countless things you can do it you want to live a environmentally friendly lifestyle. Many of these options will not cost you money, but will instead save you money, like cleaning your furnace filter monthly and turning down your thermostat when you are leaving your home. Reduce your water heat temperature to one hundred twenty degrees to save money as well. Every little thing you do helps!
Less Energy
Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home. This is your guarantee that your new appliances will use less energy, and therefore cost you less to run. Appliances like fridges and freezers can use up to 20% less energy, while washing machines can save up to 50%.
Make use of the microwave when possible to cut down on energy usage. Any time you cook something on the stove or in the oven it tends to use up a ton of energy. So, whenever you can “nuke” something in the microwave, take advantage of it and tremendously cut down the energy output.
Turn off the lights when you exit a room. You could save quite a bit of energy if you are diligent about turning off the lights. The money that you will save is an added bonus.
Now that you know a few ways to use green energy in your home, you will soon see how much it benefits you and your family. Green energy is, of course, great for the environment as well. Try some of these tips around your home to see how simple and fast going green can be.
