Because there are a wide variety of green energy technologies available, there is an option for any budget and any schedule. Below, you will find helpful advice on how to start using more environmentally sound energy choices.
Cutting back on your daily electricity usage can save lots of energy over time. Unplug alliances when they are not being used. Turn off the lights and TV when not in the room. This simple suggestion helps cut your electricity bills.
Outdoors, solar-powered lights are very convenient for patios and garden paths. They are inexpensive and don’t require electricity. Not only does this save energy. This saves you money, and it also means you don’t need to wire the outdoor lights.
Use a solar water heat system to lower water and heating costs. When you heat water with natural gas or electricity, it isn’t as efficient as using a solar alternative. Many of these improvements will cost you a bit up front, but the cost savings and tax deductions will usually more than offset that cost.
Shading your windows from direct sunlight can help you use less energy. Shades or curtains can also help. Since your home will become cooler, you will not have to use the air conditioning that much. You will save energy and money as well.
Solar Panels
Solar panels can be easily installed on your home and are used to collect energy from the sun for use in your home. There are several things that should be considered prior to installing solar panels. You should definitely consider how much sun your home is exposed to. If you live in an area with a lot of shade, or worse, a lot of cloudy days, you’ll be unable to make full use of solar panels.
During the summer months, think about using the heat from the sun to dry your clothes instead of utilizing a dryer. The sun can really make your clothes smell incredible. They will be fresher than clothes dried in the dryer. You will also save on your utilities bills by line drying your laundry.
If you are aiming to save energy and money, try running the dishwasher only when the load is completely full. If you only have a couple of dishes, do not put them in the dishwasher and turn it on. Once you learn how to properly fill a dishwasher, you will be amazed at the number of dishes that can be washed in one load. Set up the plates so that you fill it up as much as possible.
If you are considering the installation of home solar energy, make sure you are aware of how much energy you will receive during the winter months. That will help you avoid negative surprises in the winter, and it will give you plenty of leeway during the summer. If your plan is contingent on net usage, you will even get money back from your utility company because of the excess energy you are creating!
Dressing warmly can help you reduce your energy usage. Wearing a sweater can make you feel two to four degrees warmer, depending on the thickness of the sweater. So, wear a sweater to save some money.
Opt out of snail mail where possible, and choose to get bills and notices by email. In other words, choose paperless options anytime you can. This will not only help businesses lower their energy costs, but you as well. Most importantly, it helps to protect the environment.
Unless cold temperatures become a real problem, it is better to keep the heat turned down. Wear sweatpants and a sweater if you are chilly. When you keep the heat unnecessarily high you use far more energy than you need to–and that is expensive!
Solar Oven
A solar oven is a fun and effective way to reduce your energy needs for cooking. Use common household items to make a solar oven. Put a piece of an old window into a box and place foil inside the box to reflect the sun’s rays. Solar ovens can be heated over 300 degrees and only use the sun for energy.
See exactly how many watts of power you are using. Use gadgets like the Watt Minder and the Kill-A-Watt so that you can discover what uses the most energy. When you plug an electrical appliance into the monitor, it displays how much energy it requires each hour, month, or year. This can show what your appliance is costing you.
To cut back on your fuel usage, consider carpooling for more than just work. Ask other parents in the neighborhood if they are interested in carpooling for their children and trade days with them. If you are located close to other families, agree to do your grocery shopping at the same time and rotate who drives each week.
Save energy by installing a new boiler. Many older boilers weren’t made to save energy, whereas the newer ones tend to be much more energy efficient. They have two advantages: reducing your energy bill by a large amount, and producing a lesser amount of CO2, which is much more healthy.
Use an on-demand water heater to save energy. Instead of constantly heating water, these newer heaters heat it only as necessary so that you don’t waste energy. On-demand heaters only heat water when necessary, which greatly reduces energy costs.
Reducing lighting usage should be a top priority. Don’t turn on the lights until a certain time, during the brighter months. Dimmers can cut the amount of energy lights consume. You should also consider sensors that will turn off lights when people exit the room.
Automatic Ice Makers
One way that an energy-conscious consumer can conserve energy is making his own ice. Automatic ice makers tend to use more energy than necessary, and they malfunction frequently. The seals for automatic ice makers are prone to leakage which can increase the temperature of the freezer. By making ice the old fashioned way, you can save yourself money and energy.
The advice you just read is easy to put into action, so stop making excuses and start adding green technology to your home right now. Take time to use green energy so you can have greater piece of mind and enjoy the rewards of your investment later.
