It does not have to be difficult, expensive or take a lot of time to go green. Simply making a few changes to your home can cut electricity costs, and offer numerous benefits to the environment. Keep reading to discover how green energy can be used for your advantage, as well as making a permanent positive impact on the environment.
When creating lightning outdoors for a garden path or patio, consider using solar-powered lamps. They don’t use any energy other than solar energy and they are cost effective. This not only reduces energy costs, You also don’t need to hang lights or wires outdoors.
Use solar heating systems to heat all your water in order to save money. Traditional gas and electricity are not that efficient, but solar-powered water heaters glean the sun’s natural energy to maintain even temperatures. Some of these upgrades, while more expensive up-front, may qualify for green energy tax deductions.
You can conserve energy by shading your windows from sunlight. Shading the windows with curtains and blinds will keep out the sun in summer and keep the heat from escaping in winter. 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.
If your home is heated with fuel oil, ask a technician if you can switch to biodiesel. You might even find that you can switch your system to partial biodiesel without having to purchase parts or hire a contractor to perform modifications. Biodiesel is a better fuel because it has a cleaner burn and is more efficient.
When not at home, use window coverings. This keeps your home cooler naturally, reducing the strain on your air conditioner and saving energy. Windows that face south tend to get more sun due to their orientation. When possible, however, cover all of your windows with special shades like roller shades, roman shades or dark, thick curtains.
Consider solar water heaters to make your home more energy efficient. Best for locations with a warmer climate, a solar water heater uses the sun’s energy to heat water that circulates through it. Though you can use this system, it’s best to have a regular water heater for backup purposes, just in case there is a day with little sunlight or more water usage than normal.
During the hot summer months, hang clothes outside rather than tossing them in the dryer. The smell of clothes dried in the fresh air cannot be topped. Your clothes will smell fresher when dried naturally rather than in the dryer. You will also have lower utility bills.
Take time to maintain your fridge properly. Refrigerators take up lots of energy, so making sure they’re in working order is always good to know. Vacuum the coils frequently to remove the dust that can build up and reduce efficiency. It’s important to check that the seal is tight and clean around the refrigerator door.
Degrees Warmer
Dress more warmly to be green and reduce energy costs. You will feel 2 degrees warmer with a light sweater, and 4 degrees warmer with a heavy one. Add a hat, scarf and gloves for even more warmth. The more layers you wear at home, the less energy you will need to use heating your house.
Buy energy saving materials to help save energy in your home. Insulated double-pane windows and eco-friendly doors are especially effective for saving energy. You will also cut down on the cost to heat and cool your home by implementing these products into your life.
A solar oven is a great consideration if you are an avid baker. A solar oven is very easy to make. All you need is a window, a piece of foil and a sturdy box. Solar ovens can get hotter than 300 degrees, and doesn’t use any energy source besides the sun, so you are reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
There is a lot you can do to change your lifestyle and live in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world. While you might not have much money to spend on going green, you can begin by cleaning up furnace filters every month and set the heat to 60 degrees when you aren’t home. Keep the water heater temperature around 120 degrees and save energy costs. Even the smallest amount of effort can help.
Switch your toilets to one of the newer, water-saving varieties. Toilets account for approximately 50 percent of water usage in the average home. An older model toilet uses a lot more water than a water-saving one, 5 gallons versus 1.6 gallons, almost 70 percent more.
Green energy can benefit anyone, whether they think global warming is real or not. Simple changes, like turning off the overhead lights when leaving a room, can add up to huge utility bill savings.
