There are so many different types of green energy, from solar to wind to water, that they are readily available for use in your own home. If you’d like to make the energy that you use to power your house’s technology a little bit greener, just keep on reading. You’ll find some excellent suggestions on how you can get started.
Use solar-powered lamps for outdoor lighting. They are not only affordable, but they do not have to be hooked up to any power source, needing only good access to sunlight. This will save significant energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.
If you want to save money and energy, only run your dishwasher when it is completely full of dishes. Don’t run it with just a few dishes. With a little effort, you will be amazed by how much you can fit in one load. Set up the plates so that you fill it up as much as possible.
Take advantage of solar energy to heat your home’s water without breaking the bank. Upgrade your hot water system to one that’s solar-powered. You can select from direct circulation systems or indirect varieties. Indirect systems are the best option for those who have frozen pipes during the winter.
Replace your water heater and get a tankless model. Although they still use gas or electricity, they only heat on demand rather than maintaining an entire tank of hot water at all times. Tankless heaters come in various models that either supply a single faucet or the whole house with hot water.
Passive Solar Power
When looking at solar power, know the difference between passive solar power and active. Passive solar power doesn’t need expensive cells in order to store power, although active is stored for later use. Installing an active solar system requires more money and work, with panels and an entire system. Passive energy is about using windows and insulation to keep your home warm and well-lit.
Make your home more energy efficient by purchasing energy saving products to help you save energy. Installing efficient windows and doors, window coverings, and insulation are just some of the ways to save big. You will also cut down on the cost to heat and cool your home by implementing these products into your life.
Instead of using a desktop computer, which sucks up more electricity, buy a laptop. These portable machines will reduce your electrical use by 75% while you do everyday tasks. You can also bring your computer anywhere if you have a laptop.
Heat your house with biofuels. This type of fuel is usually made with a combination of animal fat, vegetable oil and wood. In many cases, if your furnace is propane, a professional can make the necessary changes that will allow you to heat with a blend of fuels. Your fuel choices are likely to be between 20 and 99 percent biofuel. However, it is important that you seek professional advice before any attempt is made to utilize this fuel.
A microwave is a more energy efficient appliance than a stove, so consider using it more often. The stove and oven use a lot more energy to cook foods. Microwaves have a bed reputation because they tend to produce lackluster food and emit radiation, but the fact of the matter is that making use of them can greatly reduce your energy costs.
A water heater that provides hot water on demand is a wonderful appliance for green energy. Traditional water heaters run constantly, heating the water when it’s completely unnecessary. On-demand models provide hot water instantly when necessary, instead of continuously throughout the day, saving you money and energy.
Upgrade your home’s electronics and appliances to save yourself some cash in the future. Green technology appliances can cost a bit more up front, but you will be paid back through lower energy bills for the life of the appliances. It is also one more positive impact on the environment that compounds.
Energy Star
The easiest way to find these appliances is to look on them for an Energy Star badge. If your appliance has an ENERGY STAR logo, then it falls within the guidelines set by both the U.S. Department of Energy as well as the Environmental Protection Agency Sometimes these products offer tax rebates.
To cut your energy use, set your heater to 60 degrees when away from home and while you sleep. Your home uses the least energy possible when the heat is set to 60 degrees. This helps greatly reduce your energy consumption and saves you money.
Check your refrigerator and freezer regularly for broken seals to avoid wasting electricity. Broken seals can make your refrigerator run when it does not need to be, which wastes energy and hurts your pocketbook. To check for a faulty seal, a paper can be inserted inside the fridge door in order to ensure it does not slip out easy.
Use your ceiling fan in the winter. Switching them to the clockwise rotation lets them push the warm air from your ceiling where it collects, which reduces use of your heating appliances. Running the heater less frequently will more than compensate for any electricity used by the fan.
A simple way to save energy is by thawing all your frozen items in the refrigerator. This is a safe way for thawing food that reduces energy consumption of the refrigerator.
Step Towards
When you take a small step towards using more green energy, you take a big step towards saving yourself money and protecting Earth. As you have seen, it does not take a great deal of effort to go green, so start using the tips from this article to make your home more sustainable and efficient.