People are often overwhelmed by the thought of all they’d have to do to have a greener home. It can be very tough to know which changes will make the biggest environmental impact. This article can help you learn how to make your home as green as it can be.
Do you have a farm? If you do, or if you are aware of someone that does, you may be able to rent some of the property to a local energy company that will install a type of wind turbine. You will benefit from the wind turbine’s free energy and it will take up minimal space.
Cover your windows if you’re not going to be home. This helps to keep your house at a cooler temperature and lower the amount of energy used. South-facing windows get maximum sun. Make sure that all the windows are covered with dark curtains, blinds, roman shades, or whatever shade you choose.
Properly Loading
Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it if you want to save energy. Properly loading the dishwasher prior to running it will save both energy and money. Dishwashers can usually hold many dishes. By properly loading a dishwasher you will ensure that the maximum amount of dishes can be washed using the least amount of energy.
Professionals can help to analyze your home and give you tips on making it more green. They can let you know how much money inefficient appliances are costing you, and they can also provide you with an idea of the amount of money you would have to spend to make upgrades to your systems.
Decide to receive your correspondence through email by opting out of receiving monthly statements. Basically, this means using as little paper as possible. You will save valuable energy and help the businesses you use to save also. This protects the environment, too.
Solar Oven
A solar oven is an energy efficient way of baking. A solar oven is very easy to make. All you need is a window, a piece of foil and a sturdy box. Ovens like this can be assembled quickly, reach temperatures in excess of 300 degrees, and do not require any energy besides the sun.
Use LED lights for home and tree decorations at the holidays. LED’s have been shown to save a significant amount of energy. The Department of Energy has shown that the United States could conserve over 2 billion kWh of electricity if all households switched light types. That is enough electricity to power 200 thousand homes for a whole year. You could reduce the amount of your own utility bill as well.
You can use biofuel to heat your own home. These fuels are comprised of vegetable or animal fats, wood and oils. You can find a professional to change your furnace if it is propane so that it can heat with the blend of fuels. The blend you would use could be made up of 20%-99% biodiesel. Schedule a consultation with a professional prior to making the switch to biofuels in your home.
In order to cut down on fuel usage, you should consider using carpooling not only for work, but for other activities too. If you are a parent, set up a neighborhood carpool and take turns with the other parents. Plan your shopping days to correspond with those of your friends. That way you can share a vehicle and the costs of fuel.
An often-repeated, yet useful tip for anyone who wants to start saving energy today, is to flip off the light when they leave the room. You can actually save a lot of energy if you just take the time to turn off all the lights in your house when you aren’t using them. You not only save a lot of energy but you save money, as well.
Replace your toilet with a water-saving model. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of a home’s water use is literally flushed down the toilet. Older toilets use around five gallons of water for every flush. This is about 3 times the amount of a green toilet.
Energy Star
The easiest way to find these appliances is to look on them for an Energy Star badge. ENERGY STAR appliances must meet all the guidelines which have been established by the U.S. Department of Energy plus those of the Environmental Protection Agency. Products that meet ENERGY STAR criteria are usually eligible for some form of tax rebate.
Installing solar panels onto your roof is a great way to start making your home a greener one. Adding solar panels does require a significant investment amount up front, but the cost savings of using solar power over several years will more than make up for it. You don’t have to pay for solar energy each month; you only have to pay to install solar panels. You may also be able to sell solar power to your local electricity company.
Weatherizing your home is a great way to make it more energy efficient. Weatherizing simply means to ensure that all ducts are sealed, install energy-saving windows and doors, and add extra insulation in your walls, basement, and attic. On top of that, you won’t have to spend as much money on energy!
Each home has a unique floor plan and has different geographical characteristics. It is important to find out which technologies best suit your particular situation. Some of these ideas and technologies will work in all homes, but some might not. Use the tips in this article to determine which technologies will work for you.
