It’s shocking how easy and cost effective it is to implement different forms of green energy. The information gathered here will get you started on your journey toward using green energy and reaping its many benefits.
Solar water heaters are a great option and can significantly decrease the cost involved with heating all of the water in your home. Both natural gas and electricity are inefficient heating methods, while solar water heaters use the sun to constantly heat your water. 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. Keep blinds closed and curtains drawn. Less heat will be allowed in, and your summer air conditioner costs will be greatly reduced with just these two simply steps In addition to conserving energy, you will be able to save money.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are easy to install. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. One of the main things to consider prior to installing solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home gets. If you live somewhere where the sun doesn’t shine often, or in a shady location, you won’t get as much benefit from solar power.
Do you have a farm? If so, you can rent a portion of it so wind turbines can be installed. You will benefit from the wind turbine’s free energy and it will take up minimal space.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint as well as save some money, do a load of dishwashing only when the dishwasher is filled to capacity. If you only have a couple of dishes, do not put them in the dishwasher and turn it on. You might be surprised by how much you can actually fit in the dishwasher. Experiment with different ways of loading the dishwasher in order to fit in as many dishes as possible.
Make sure when you aren’t using something to turn it off. So, make sure you turn things off like the computer, TV, or lights when you leave a room. Use power strips for your electronics, and make sure to turn it of when you are not using it. If it is in standby it’s still wasting power.
If you prefer to use your dishwasher to wash your dishes, only run it when it is full to capacity. It consumes the exact same amounts of electricity and water even if it’s not full. When the dishwasher is used, it is also important to use the main energy-saving feature, which air-dries the dishes.
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. Make a regular habit of removing dust from the refrigerator’s heating coils. Also, ensure that the door seals tightly and that it is clean.
Switch your boiler to save more energy. Many old boilers were not made with saving energy in mind, whereas new boilers tend to be more energy efficient. They produce much less carbon dioxide that benefits you, and they cut down on energy costs.
Energy Star Rated
Replace your older appliances with the newer, energy-efficient ones that have Energy Star ratings. Any Energy Star rated appliance guarantees better energy efficiency than an older one without the rating. Refrigerators and freezers that are Energy Star rated uses approximately twenty percent less energy. While dishwashers and washing machines can save up to fifty percent on energy bills.
A good green energy tip while cooking at home is to use a microwave whenever you can. When cooking in the oven or on the stove, it tends to burn up a lot more energy. Any time you could perform a task in the microwave without altering the results, such as boiling water, do so. You can conserve a significant amount of energy this way.
Try bamboo products when buying wood items. Bamboo is technically grass, yet it is a lot stronger than a most of the wood you’ll find. It grows very fast and is being made into a variety of products from flooring to hard wood cutting boards for retail purchase. This saves energy on the recycling and production end of manufacturing products.
Install light sensors that are automatic and have motion detection in the rooms with lots of traffic. These sensors will turn lights on and off automatically depending on if someone’s in the room, saving energy and money. Make sure outdoor lighting, such as above your garage, in also included.
Solar panels can be used to help make your home green. While you do make a large investment when you begin, the government offers grants to help you offset the costs, and you’ll make the money back in utility bill reduction or selling the extra energy you create back to the grid. Solar energy is free once panels are installed, and you might even have the opportunity to sell off some of this power to local electric companies.
This article is full of easy, simple tips, which means there is no excuse not to get started. 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.