It can be overwhelming when you think about making your home greener. It is confusing when trying to decide on a starting point and what are the best ways to benefit yourself and your environment. By reading the following hints you can learn what is best for you when it comes to energy usage.
By cutting back on electricity use, you will save quite a bit of money. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use. Turn off your TV and lights once you leave a room. This simple suggestion helps cut your electricity bills.
If you want to preserve energy, keep your windows so they are shaded from sunlight. You could also try putting in curtains or blinds. Both of these adjustments can help you cut back on using the air conditioner, since your house will remain cooler. You will save energy and money as well.
Natural Fabrics
Wear natural fabrics instead of using the air conditioning in the summer. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, remove moisture from skin so that you stay cool. Also, choose lighter color clothing, which reflects the sun rather than absorbs its heat.
Think about buying solar water heaters for heating your water. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are not a problem, you can purchase a system that heats water through a heater that is solar before it pumps it in your home. But, be sure to keep a regular water heater for a backup should the sun not come out or for times that you need large amounts of hot water.
During the summer months, hang your clothes outside instead of drying them in the dryer. Hanging your clothes outside to dry in the sun will give your clothes an incredible fresh smell. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. You will also have lower utility bills.
If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, don’t run it until it’s completely full. The energy used is the same whether you are washing a small load of dishes, or one that is larger. When you do use the dishwasher, be certain to always use the setting for saving energy, which air-dries your dishes.
If you are planning a solar system for your home, be sure to calculate your potential energy production using the amount of sun to expect in the cloudiest month. This can prevent surprises in the winter, so you ensure your home has proper energy inventory. If you’re using a net-usage plan, in the summer you’ll get cash back from your utility provider.
Fans of green energy should limit their use of electric heaters in the winter. Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, robes and slippers, and heat your living areas with a pellet stove or fireplace. Cooler air is better for sleeping anyway, because it prevents airways from becoming dry.
Desktop Computers
Desktop computers are very power hungry. Try using a laptop as an alternative. You can save a ton of electricity by using a laptop. Both the Internet and most word processing software packages use a lot of energy on desktop computers, so getting a laptop can really save money if you use these features. Plus you can take your laptop anywhere.
Hire experts to check your plumbing and heating systems before investing a lot of money in installing new, greener systems. They can advise you about how much inefficient appliances cause you to lose financially, and they can estimate the price of upgrading or simply replacing your old systems.
Try to get your mail, like bills, sent to you through email. In other words, go paperless as much as possible. This helps businesses you deal with reduce their energy expenses, and it helps you reduce energy expenses, as well. This also keeps the environment in better shape for everyone.
Switch to a low-flow water-saving toilet. Some estimates show that up to half of all the water used in your home is flushed right down the toilet hole. Older toilet models use up to 70 percent more water per year than newer ones.
An on-demand (tankless) water heater is very green. Traditional water heaters constantly keep a full tank of water hot, which sits idle until it is used. Water heaters with on-demand technology heat water instantly when needed and reduce energy expenses.
Try to buy some bamboo models when you want to buy wood products. Bamboo is technically grass but is just as strong as other woods. 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 on recycling energy and the production of manufacturing products.
Your electric company can be a great resource for taking a look at how you can make your house energy-efficient. Many of the utility companies have added website tools that help you review your current energy usage and look for ways to reduce it. Be sure that you take advantage of programs that provide incentives for the purchase of green items like light bulbs or appliances.
Every home has a different layout and is in different areas. With all of the different variables, green energy technology will vary significantly for each area. Some tips are universal and work for everyone, and some are not. Choose the tips that are right for your particular situation, and implement them when you can.
