
Maybe you’ve heard of green energy, but you do not know what it is all about. If you want to learn more, read this article for some tips. You can use green energy in your home to cut costs!
You can cut your energy consumption by a lot if you just cut back on the electricity you use. When you aren’t using an appliance, unplug it. Turn off lights, television sets and other small appliances when you are done using them. This is an easy, money-saving tip.
If you want to preserve energy, keep your windows so they are shaded from sunlight. Shades or curtains can also help. If you do both of these it will cool your house down so you won’t have to use as much air conditioning in the summer. You will save energy and money.
Rather than using an air conditioner during the summer, wear clothes that are natural. Natural materials like cotton repel moisture from your skin and allow it to stay cool. Also, choose lighter color clothing, which reflects the sun rather than absorbs its heat.
There are government grants available to help people invest in green energy. Do some research with your local authorities and ascertain if they run any types of programs within your district. Who knows, you may qualify for low or no-cost wind or solar installation. Even if you don’t qualify for a grant, you can still use these items as a tax deduction.
Don’t leave anything on that you aren’t using. When you are ready to leave a room, go around and turn off appliances such as computers, televisions, and most importantly, the overhead light. A power strip offers a handy way to shut down multiple devices at once, and it prevents passive electrical use due to standby modes.
Never run a dishwasher that is partly empty. Your dishwasher consumes the same energy and water, even if it is half full. Also, use your dishwasher’s energy-saver setting so that the load will air-dry.
Storm Windows
If you want to save energy on heating and cooling costs, install storm windows and doors. Storm windows and doors prevent cold air drafts filtering into openings. Installing storm windows and doors can increase energy efficiency by up to 45%.
Replace your water heater and get a tankless model. Tankless water heaters do require energy for operation, but since they heat water on demand, power is not wasted by keeping a full tank hot 24/7. There are various options when it comes to tankless water heaters, from heating enough water for your entire home to ones that only serve one faucet.
One way to save energy is to limit the use of electrical heaters in the winter. You can invest in warmer clothes and take advantage of your fireplace or pellet stove in order to heat your living areas. You will breathe better during your sleep if the air is cool.
Solar Oven
Consider using a solar over when you wish to bake. A solar oven is very easy to make. All you need is a window, a piece of foil and a sturdy box. You can reach an oven temperature of 300 degrees or more without using any other source of energy besides the sun. It only takes a few minutes to build a solar oven.
Monitor your electricity consumption watt by watt. There are gadgets out there that will help show you what in your house is using the most energy. Look for brands like Watt Minder and Kill-A-Watt. Plus an appliance into the gadget and it will tell you how much energy it is using. This gives you a much better idea of the real costs associated with each appliance you own.
When purchasing anything made from wood, look for bamboo options. It is a green product and is actually a grass; however, it is quite durable and works well even in high traffic areas. This fast-growing product is used in a wide variety of wood items. Everything from floors to cutting boards can be made with bamboo. This saves energy on the recycling and production end of manufacturing products.
Your electric company can assist you in making your home energy-efficient. Several light and utility companies provide tips and tools on their website to let you know the amount of energy you are using and wasting. You may want to see if some of their programs can provide you with energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
Paying a little more for electronics and appliances that use less energy will pay you back over time. Since you won’t pay as much on utilities, it is worth spending more money on green technologies initially. It also pays off as far as the environment is concerned.
Energy Star Logo
A simple way to locate appliances and products that are energy efficient is to see if they have an Energy Star logo. Any products that have the ENERGY STAR logo are in compliance with the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. Products that meet ENERGY STAR criteria are usually eligible for some form of tax rebate.
Set your home’s thermostat to 60 degrees if you are sleeping or leaving the house for several hours at a time. When your thermostat is set to 60 degrees, your system will use almost no energy. This results in saving money and energy.
Use your lights responsibly to make a greener home. When it is brighter outside, in spring and summer, wait until a certain time to turn on lights indoors. Install dimmers to reduce the amount of energy lights require, and use sensors or timers to prevent lights from staying on when no one is in the room.
Now that you are aware of what exactly is green energy, hopefully you are now ready to incorporate some of these ideas at home. Using the advice from this article will assist you in making your home energy efficient. This technology will have a positive impact of the environment and your pocketbook.