You will probably be surprised at the range of options available to make your home more energy efficient. The intent of this article is to provide you the information necessary to implement a green energy system in your home or business.
Use solar heating systems to heat all your water in order to save money. Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water resulting in energy savings. These upgrades may cost more, but qualify for tax deductions, too.
Solar Panels
Solar panels that collect solar energy to be used are an easy to install and can collect sunlight for energy. There are some things that should be considered prior to installing solar panels. The most important consideration is how much sun does your home is exposed to sunlight.
During the heat of summer, wear natural-fiber fabrics instead of turning on the air conditioner. Cotton and other natural fibers, draw the moisture away from your skin, and allow you to stay cooler. Wear lighter colors, as warmer colors make you feel warmer and more likely to put on artificial cold air.
Consider switching to solar-powered water heaters to make your home more energy efficient. If you live somewhere where you don’t have to be concerned with temperatures that are freezing, purchase a system that puts the water in a solar heater prior to coming to your home. 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.
Don’t run the dishwasher if it is less than totally full. It consumes the exact same quantity of electricity and water even if one dish is in it. When the dishwasher is used, be certain to always use the setting for saving energy, which will allow your dishes to air-dry.
Do you have a farm? If so, or if you have family who does, consider renting out some of your land to a company that will install a simple wind turbine. You and the neighbors can relish in the free energy and installation, if it doesn’t require too much space.
One of the simplest ways to go green and cut energy costs is by dressing more warmly. A thin sweater will provide you with two degrees of additional heat, and a heavy sweater adds 4 degrees. You don’t have to wear a t-shirt and shorts in your home, so save money by putting on a sweater and turning down the heat!
If you are on the fence about whether to invest money in green energy for your home, have a heating expert or plumber provide an overview of the systems that you currently have in place. They will let you know how costly your appliances are, and they can estimate the price of upgrading or simply replacing your old systems.
Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. If you’re in an area that doesn’t have to worry about freezing temperatures, you can get a system that will circulate the water through a solar heater before pumping it into your home. Though you can use this system, it’s best to have a regular water heater for backup purposes, just in case there is a day with little sunlight or more water usage than normal.
Avoid cranking the heat in your home unless you have to.If you are feeling cold, put sweatpants or a sweatshirt on. You waste a lot of wasted energy when you put the heat on higher than necessary.
A solar oven is a great consideration if you are an easy and free way to bake. You can make one with easy-to-find items like old windows, boxes, and tin foil. These makeshift ovens can achieve temperatures of 300 degrees or more with no help from traditional energy sources, while using no outside energy besides solar.
Solar energy can heat water for a lesser cost. Buy a hot-water system that is solar-powered. You can choose from a direct circulation system or an indirect one. If you have concerns about your pipes freezing when it is cold, you should pick an indirect one.
Write a reminder to remain on top of goals for energy efficiency, and check every utility bill against the previous year’s to see if you are making gains.For example, if you make an effort to lower your electricity or water usage, you going to make the effort to turn off lights and appliances when you leave the room.
If your kids share activities with other children in the neighborhood, organize a carpooling system with your neighbors and trade off driving days among all the participating parents. You can also schedule grocery shopping and other errands with your neighbors.
Write yourself reminders to stay on top of new energy efficiency goals, and check every utility bill against the previous year’s to see if you are making gains. Simply by being aware of your energy costs will help you be more efficient in your energy output. For instance, if your stated goal is to reduce your consumption of electricity and water, you are more apt to remember to turn off the lights and shut off the faucet when not using them.
Energy Consumption
Use the microwave when you can to save on energy consumption. Ovens use much more energy than microwaves. Take advantage of the microwave when you can to cut down on your overall energy consumption.
Use the microwave instead if you’d like to save energy. Ovens and stoves use lots more energy to prepare food than microwaves. So, when you’re microwaving things, remember you are saving on energy.
Try installing a toilet that is built to save water. Some estimates report that up to half of the water consumption in a home is flushed right down the toilet. An older model uses 5 gallons of water per flush, 5 gallons versus 1.6 gallons, almost 70 percent more.
This article is full of easy, simple tips, which means there is no excuse not to get started. Taking a little time now to switch to green energy will pay off big-time in the future, for both your family and your planet.
Energy efficient appliances have Energy Star logos. ENERGY STAR appliances must meet all the guidelines which have been established by the U.S. Department of Energy plus the Environmental Protection Agency Sometimes these products offer tax rebates.