We should all use green energy, as much as possible, to protect the environment. Green energy like wind or solar power can benefit the environment in many ways! So, what can you do to make your own life more green? Read on and learn more.
Solar Energy
Solar panels that collect solar energy to be used are easy to have installed at your home. Consider some things before you do this, as you will benefit from the thought process. What you need to know first is how much of the sun does your home generally receive? Shade is valuable in some respects, but when you are considering solar energy it can be a complicating factor.
You can reduce the amount of electricity that you use, and be a better energy user by removing chargers that power your devices from outlets when they are not in use. Charging devices for several common types of electronics, including laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players all draw “phantom power” if you keep them plugged in while they are idle.
It is important to clean your furnace filter on a regular basis to be sure you are using as little energy as possible heating your home. Adding filters to warm-air registers is also beneficial. This stops debris from blocking heating ducts.
Research different sources of green energy available to your community. Calculate the expense of using these types of utilities while noting any recent legislation pertaining to energy costs. For instance, you may save on energy costs by heating your home with gas instead of with electricity or by using well water instead of city water.
During the summer months, hang your clothes outside instead of drying them in the dryer. The smell of clothes dried in the fresh air cannot be topped. You clothes will smell clean and fresh when line dried. You can save a significant amount on your utility bills, too, because the dryer uses energy and heats up the air, causing the air conditioner to run more often.
Don’t run the dishwasher unless it is filled to capacity. No matter how many dishes you have in there, it still uses the same level of energy. Also ensure that it is set to air-dry if you are aiming to reduce your energy consumption.
Using the sun to heat your water is very cost effective. Purchase a solar water heating system. 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.
If you would like to live your life green, stay away from excess electric heater usage. Instead, start wearing warmer clothing indoors and use a pellet stove or fireplace to keep main living areas heated. This is good for your health as well as your electric bill. Breathing cooler air at night helps keep your respiratory system healthy; you’ll avoid drying out your airways.
Increase your energy efficiency by making use of the right products that are designed for a greener environment. Look into different green products like eco-friendly doors, double glazed windows, or anything of the sort as they can help reduce the required amount of energy it takes to operate your home. When using these types of products you cut down on your heating and cooling costs.
Avoid turning the heat up in your home unless you have to. If you’re cold, put on a warm sweatshirt and some cozy socks. If you turn the heat up to 75 degrees, you are using a ton of unnecessary energy.
A solar oven can be made to assist you in your baking needs. You can make these with simple items, such as boxes, an old window, and some foil for reflection. Solar ovens can be heated over 300 degrees and only use the sun for energy.
It might be a good idea to leave yourself notes to remind you to conserve energy when ever you can. Check the power bill each month to see the gains you have made. By being aware of the energy you use, you can start to reduce that consumption. Cut down electricity and water consumption so you are likely to turn off appliances.
Install a water-saving toilet. You can save a lot of water from being flushed away if you upgrade to an energy efficient model. Older toilets use around five gallons of water for every flush. This is about 3 times the amount of a green toilet.
The initial cost of green technology is overshadowed by the long term savings. You usually have to pay a bit more upfront for green technologies, but you will save far more than the difference over time with reduced energy costs. It also results in long-lasting environmental benefits.
Energy Star
All energy efficient products will include the Energy Star designation and logo. Appliances that designate themselves as being ENERGY STAR compliant are those that have met guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy plus the Environmental Protection Agency If you want to claim a green energy tax rebate, you’ll likely need to buy one of these products to qualify.
Use motion detection sensors on lights in the most popular rooms of your house. The sensors will make sure that there is no light in rooms that aren’t being used, and that will save energy and a great deal of money! Don’t forget to install the outdoor sensor lights in your garage, too!
Putting the heat to 60 degrees in the middle of the night, or when you’re gone, is a great way to conserve energy. Keeping your home at this low temperature means very little energy is used. This helps you minimize the amount of energy that you use and helps you save money as well.
Green Energy
Transitioning to green energy sources is a move everyone should work towards. Every source of power has some sort of effect on the environment, but green energy has the least impact. After reading this article, you can go green!
