You will probably be surprised at the range of options available to make your home greener. Read this article for information about using green energy and start getting benefits!
If you use heating fuel, ask a professional if you can convert your system to bio-diesel fuel system. Many systems allow a switch to biodiesel or biofuel with slight modifications. Biodiesel runs more efficiently, burns more clean, and costs you less during the winter.
Keep drapes drawn when you are not home. This allows your home to be kept cool when you aren’t there, and in addition, it helps keep energy costs down. Usually, the windows facing the south get more sun because of where they are in the house. Thermally insulated black-out curtains are the best option, but blinds and shades can also work.
Discover all the different sources of energy in your community. Compare the costs of operating your home using several of these utilities, making sure to take into consideration any legislation with regard to energy costs that has recently been passed. For example, it may be cheaper for you to heat your home with natural gas as opposed to electricity, or use well water instead of city water.
Turn off electrical items when you’re not using them. When you exit a room, be sure to turn off any unused electronics or lights. Keep your home appliances on a power strip, and switch it off when not in use.
Wait until your dishwasher’s full before running it. It will use the same quantity of water or energy even if one dish is in it. Using the air-dry setting will save energy when you run the dishwasher.
Be sure you maintain your refrigerator properly. Because refrigerators use so much energy, it really pays to keep them working as efficiently as possible. Make sure to clean heating coils often. In addition, be sure your door seal is tight and clean.
Tankless Heaters
Get rid of your old tank-style water heater, and replace it with a modern tankless model. While tankless heaters still require gas or electricity to heat your water, they only heat the amount of water you need, rather than keeping a large tank hot around the clock. Tankless heaters are available in models that supply the entire house or a single faucet with hot water.
One of the best ways to go green and cut energy costs is by dressing more warmly. A sweater that is light can provide 2 degrees of extra warmth, while a heavy one provides 4. Wearing slightly heavier clothes is not any less comfortable and can save you significant money.
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Passive solar power doesn’t require the costly power-storage cells that active power does. Active power is about using solar panels, cells and other installations. Passive energy is using the sun’s thermal energy to heat your house.
Search for available rebates when you use renewable energy. There are times when your utility company can offer discounts and rebates for your upgrade costs. The federal government, or your city or state government, may also offer tax breaks. Rebates and credits will help to offset the cost of implementing green energy technology you want to add to your home.
Create written reminders of your goals regarding energy efficiency, and compare your utility bills to those of the previous year to determine whether you are making positive steps. By being aware of the energy you use, you can start to reduce that consumption. For instance, if you actively attempted to use less water or power, you going to make the effort to turn off lights and appliances when you leave the room.
Use LED lights on the holidays to save electricity. According to a U.S. study. Department of Energy, LED lights over the holidays could save as much as two billion kilowatts of energy consumption annually. That is enough power to run more than 200,000 homes for one whole year. Your holiday power bill will be smaller too!
To cut back on your fuel usage, consider carpooling for more than just work. Parents can trade off driving duties and carpool neighborhood kids to school together. If you live close to family or friends, carpool for grocery shopping or other errands to save gas.
Newer Ones
Purchasing a new boiler can be a good way to save energy. A lot of the old boilers weren’t constructed with energy saving in mind, as opposed to the newer ones which are much more energy efficient. Not only do the newer ones emit less carbon dioxide and are healthier, they will greatly lower your energy bill costs as well.
While cooking, use a microwave if you can to save on energy. Any time you use the oven or stove, you’re using a lot of energy. So, by microwaving instead, you save a lot of energy.
Bamboo is a wonderful option to consider in your home. Bamboo is technically grass, yet it is a lot stronger than a most of the wood you’ll find. It is a fast grower, and can be made into many different products like cutting boards to flooring, which you can purchase. That will save energy in production costs during manufacturing, as well as in recycling.
Green Energy
As you can see, there is no excuse for not using green energy in your home. There are many simple and low-cost options available. Becoming a green energy user allows for some peace of mind and more money in your budget. Implement these ideas today and make tomorrow a little brighter.
