If you want to learn how to use more green energy in your house, continue on for some helpful tips that will show you how to go about accomplishing this.
Outdoors, solar-powered lights are very convenient for patios and garden paths. These lamps aren’t costly and do not need additional power sources other than direct sun exposure. This will save significant energy. Another added convenience is that they do not require any wiring for you to enjoy outside lighting.
Solar water heaters are a great option for your home’s water. If you’re in an area that doesn’t have to worry about freezing temperatures, 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.
The sun will make your clothes smell incredible. They’ll smell so much fresher than if they were just dried in a dryer. You can also have lower utility bills.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Almost 90% of energy consumption during clothes being washed is a result of the hot water usage. Provided you are using the right laundry detergent, you will not see a cleanliness difference by washing in cold water. Also, don’t wash your clothes until you can completely fill the washer, as this saves energy over time.
Storm Doors
Storm doors and windows help control air flow in the home better. Storm doors and windows dramatically reduce the entrance of drafts and cold air. Homes which have stormed windows and doors can see an increase in energy efficiency of up costing you a lot less on your utility bills.
Learn about energy sources within your community. Determine which energy source is cheapest for your home. Don’t forget to account for any government incentives that might be in effect. For instance, it might be worth it to switch to gas heat instead of electric, or switch to well water instead of municipal water.
Learn the differences between passive and active solar power.While passive simply using the sun to store thermal energy inside your walls to heat your house.
Try receiving as much as you can via email. In short, go paperless as much as possible.
On hot, summer days, hang your clothes outside. Your clothing will have a great smell from the sun. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. As well, you save quite a bit on monthly utility costs.
Although this may seem like common sense, usually, most people forget to shut off lights and electronics when not using them. If you do this every day, an enormous amount of energy could be saved.
Energy Star
Make sure when you aren’t using something to turn it off. Make sure that all lights are off when you exit a room, and also consider switching off the power for your television set, computer and stereo. Connect your home electronics to a power strip and unplug it when they are not in use. Phantom power draws from electronics in standby mode is a big problem.
A simple way to identify appliances that are energy efficient is to search for an Energy Star logo. ENERGY STAR appliances are designed to follow guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy plus the Environmental Protection Agency. These appliances are also often the only ones eligible for tax rebates.
Solar panels can be used to help make your home as an easy green energy source. Although you may have to pay a sizeable amount to install these solar panels, they will pay for themselves in just a few years. Once you’ve made the initial investment in solar panels, and with any excess power you gather you can potentially sell that to electric companies.
When using a dishwasher to do the dishes, don’t let it run unless it’s all the way full. The dishwasher uses the same energy when full that it uses when empty, but you’ll have to run it less often. Run your dishwasher using the energy-saving mode so that you can air-dry dishes and save energy.
You can reduce the energy usage of your home by installing energy efficient doors and windows, add in insulation, replacing faulty heat and air conditioners and adding insulation to your home. You will also see real savings on your energy bill!
Heat each individual room separately to save money on heat. This is extremely useful for large homes.
Using solar energy is one good way to heat water. Purchase a hot water system that uses solar energy. You could choose of having an indirect or direct circulation system. If frozen pipes are a concern where you live, the indirect option is probably better.
Don’t stop using ceiling fans just because it’s wintertime. Switch them to go clockwise and they will help push the warm air down, which pushes warm air down.
You can save money by installing a thermostat that is programmable. These types of thermostats have settings to regulate the temperature depending on whether it’s winter or summer. They can also programmable for day and night temperatures.
It’s important to maintain your refrigerator properly. Since the refrigerator is an appliance that consumes a lot of energy, it is important to keep it in top-working order. Use your duster to clean around your heating coils on a regular basis. You should also be sure that the door has a clean and tight seal.
By developing good, environmentally friendly habits, you can start saving money now. Changing to a green energy lifestyle does not have to be expensive and overly complicated, so put the advice received here to good use and embrace these changes today.