Going green is becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. There is much money to be saved when you go green, and you help out the environment as well. Learn how to immediately begin using green energy, simply by reading this article.
Use a solar water heater to keep your pools, tubs and plumbing full of piping hot, but cheap, water. Heating your water with natural gas or electricity is inefficient. However, solar water is inexpensive and more efficient. You may get tax deductions to offset the expense of installing some of this technology.
Natural Fabrics
Instead of using A/C in the summer, wear natural fabrics. Cotton and other natural fabrics actually remove moisture from the skin, resulting in a cooler feel. Also, choose lighter color clothing, which reflects the sun rather than absorbs its heat.
The government has set up several incentive programs to help consumers switch to renewable energy sources. Get in touch with your local government to find out what kind of programs exist in your area. You may qualify for wind or solar installation with little cost, or possibly you may be able to use it as deduction on your taxes.
Reduce your energy consumption by unplugging anything that is not in use, especially battery chargers. Whether you are charging your device or not, chargers for laptops, mp3 players, cellphones and other electronics keep drawing electrical power as long as they stay plugged in.
Check with a technician and see if switching to biodiesel for your home instead of fuel oil is a viable option for you. Sometimes you can make the switch to some use of biodiesel fuels without having to purchase new parts or make costly modifications. Biodiesel is a clean choice when it comes to fuel, and using it will reduce the impact that your family has on the environment.
Use drapes or curtains in your windows for when you are not home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Southern facing windows receive the most sunlight. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.
If you prefer to use your dishwasher to wash your dishes, only run it when it is full to capacity. The dishwasher cycle uses the same amounts of water and energy, whether it is full or not. When you do operate your dishwasher, be sure to make use of the energy-saving feature, which air-dries your dishes.
Sweater Gives
Dressing warmly can help you reduce energy and go green. A light sweater gives you 2 extra degrees of warmth, while a heavy sweater gives you 4 degrees. You don’t have to wear a t-shirt and shorts in your home, so dress warmly and save money!
Turn the heat down in your house. When the temperature drops, reach for a sweater instead of the thermostat. When your heat is turned to a higher temperature, unnecessary energy is being used too much.
Think about baking with a solar oven. These can even be made yourself using items such as a box, a discarded window, and some tin foil. These ovens reach temperatures greater than 300 degrees, while using no outside energy besides solar.
Monitor how many watts you’re using. Gadgets like the Kill-A-Watt and Watt Minder can help you determine exactly which appliances account for the majority of your energy usage. You can tell how much energy it uses by plugging the appliance into it. You can get a real idea of what your appliance is costing you and the environment.
Make reminders for yourself to set new energy efficiency targets, and be sure you examine each utility bill that comes in against last year’s bill to see if gains are being made. The more aware you are of using energy, the easier it is to reduce your energy use. Taking the time to use less resources will help you get into a habit of preventing energy waste through unattended appliances.
Hopefully, you have found the information in this article of great use for your home. Green energy is a great way to help your environment and feel good about your contribution! Use the tips in this article to make your home as green and energy efficient as possible.