
Lessening the amount of energy sources that run your home can be a lot simpler than you think. Implementing small changes and perhaps a few major changes can save you money immensely as you reduce your negative impact on the environment. For some simple ideas, continue reading.
A solar water heating system can help lower energy costs. Using natural gas or electricity is not as efficient as solar power, and solar water heaters can keep the water temperature steady. Although some of these systems cost more initially, many qualify for tax credits or deductions.
Rather than using an air conditioner during the summer, wear clothes that are natural. Natural fibers like cotton can absorb moisture from your skin, helping you feel cooler. You may feel warmer when you wear warm-colored clothing, so wear light-colored clothing in order to use the air conditioner less.
If you have a farm try some energy saving alternatives. You could rent a small portion of your property to an energy company willing to install a wind turbine. The energy generated can benefit your entire area without taking up much room.
Your furnace filters should be replaced annually, and inspected for monthly cleanings. Also, put filters on vents that dispense warm air. Register filters will help prevent debris increasing efficiency.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Almost 90 percent of the consumed energy while washing your clothes is spent on heating up the water. If you are using good quality washing detergent, cold water is effective. It is also better to clean a full load, not smaller loads.
Be sure to cover your windows with drapes or blinds when not at home. This helps to keep your house at a cooler temperature and lower the amount of energy used. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.
Maybe you can use solar water heaters instead of traditional heating methods. If you live in a sunny climate, you can use a solar water heater year-round. However, consider that you may still need a traditional heater if you will be using a great deal of hot water, or if the sun does not come out for some time.
Find out what energy options your community has available. Find out what the cost would be to switch, how much it would cost to maintain, and whether your government has any legislation regarding its use. You might find that you could save money by switching from an electric furnace to a natural gas one, for instance, or from using municipal water to your own well water.
One way to be environmentally friendly is to only run the dishwasher when it is completely full. Don’t run it when there are only a few dishes there. It will likely surprise you how much you can actually put into your dishwasher when you load it properly. Align the dishes so several can fit inside.
If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, don’t run it until it’s completely full. It makes use of a fixed amount of energy no matter the amount of dishes it has. When running the dishwasher, turn on the setting for energy conservation.
Energy Star
If you are purchasing new appliances, try to aim for Energy Star rated ones. If you buy an Energy Star-rated appliance, it is guaranteed to use far less energy than the one it replaced. This rating can promise anywhere from a 20-50% difference in energy costs, depending on the brand and the specific appliance.
Consider changing out your old windows and replacing them with newer, more energy-efficient models. These types of windows will lower your energy bills as well as protect your home from outside noise and carbon dioxide.
One way to reduce energy consumption is to lower your thermostat in the winter. Consider setting your thermostat to 60 degrees during the night or while you are away. If you heat is set at 60, you are not using much energy. The resulting effect is energy usage cuts and money saved.
Use some of the information you read in the preceding paragraphs to make your household a greener one. Green energy helps protect our environment but also pays you back in household savings. Take small steps. They will add up over time and you will find you have one of the greenest homes around.