There are many individuals out there wanting to live a green lifestyle, but really do not know how to start. There are so many ways that renewable and alternative energy sources can protect the environment. The article below discusses some great ways to go green.
Using less energy daily means large energy and financial savings. When not using a certain appliance, unplug it from the outlet. Turn off lights and the television when you are finished using them. This simple tip can go a long way in saving you money.
Cut down on air conditioning by wearing natural fibers in the summer. Moisture-wicking athletic fabrics pull moisture away from your skin, creating a cooling sensation. Wear lighter colors, as warmer colors make you feel warmer and more likely to put on artificial cold air.
Are you a farmer? If so, you can rent a portion of it so wind turbines can be installed. You and those around you can benefit from the free energy. A turbine doesn’t take up much space, either.
Use windows covering for when you’re not home. This keeps your house cool and your energy costs down when you’re not there. Usually the windows with the most sun are the one’s which face south. Thermally insulated black-out curtains are the best option, but blinds and shades can also work.
Check out all the different resources your community has available for energy. Compare costs and look up regulations on green energy and tax incentives. 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 summer, try drying clothes on a clothesline instead of the dryer. The sun will make your clothing smell great. They will have a much fresher smell than drying them with an appliance will provide. Additionally, you will have substantial savings on your utility bills every month that you dry clothes outside.
To help prevent drafts, install storm doors and storm windows. The cold air which comes in from drafts can be reduced with proper care for doors and windows. Energy efficiency increases by 45% in houses that contain stormed windows and doors, which could save you lots of money when it comes to electricity.
Pay attention to local and federal rebates for renewable energy updates on your home. In some situations, your local utility company may provide rebates to offset some of the cost of such upgrades. If this is not possible, you can find out if upgrades can be used as tax deductions. You may also be able to get credits from the government, either state or federal. The combination of rebates and tax credits will make it much more affordable to install green energy systems.
Use e-mail over snail mail as much as possible. Go paperless with any company that has the option. This helps to lower the energy costs of businesses as they communicate, and you can save energy as well. It also helps save the planet, of course.
If you are trying to achieve a greener lifestyle, there are many options for you. You don’t have to invest a lot of time or money; simply clean out your furnace filters and adjust your thermostat while you’re gone. Lowering the temperature of your water heater can save energy as well. Each step you take, no matter how small, will count!
Use a toilet designed to conserve water. Some estimates report that about half of the water consumption in a home is from the toilet. Five gallons is the typical amount used by older models, while low-flow toilets consume about 1.6 gallons per flush.
Energy Star
One simple way to spot energy-efficient appliances is to check for an ENERGY STAR logo. ENERGY STAR appliances have been approved by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and also the EPA. Sometimes these products offer tax rebates.
There are lots of ways to save electricity while you are doing your laundry. For example use the moisture sensor on your dryer; once the laundry is dry the dryer will automatically shut off. High-spin speeds reduce moisture and shorten drying time. You should also keep the dryer lint traps clean and look for any blockages in dryer vents.
If you want to save energy, think about putting your freeze and fridge in a relatively cold location. Placing them in a sunny location or directly in front of heating vents can increase the time that they need to run.
Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees to save energy and money. That can save you almost 10% on your power bill if your family size is 4, and will provide you with a safe and adequate temperature for your hot water.
Use rain barrels or collected rainwater around your house to water plants, or use it for your toilet. Your water bill will decrease and this also benefits the environment. There are many ways to collect rainwater, including sitting glass jars outside to collect rain. Once the jars are filled, simply close the lids.
Programmable Thermostat
One green energy device you can use is a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to customize your heating and cooling system to use less energy when you will not home for a while and while you are sleeping. The newer devices permit programs to be used so you can start and stop power at various times throughout the day.
You have likely read a lot of different articles that espouse a more green lifestyle. As energy costs have skyrocketed, you may want to learn how to save on your energy bills. If you have good information, it becomes simpler to include green energy technology into your life. Remember this advice, and go green today!
