Green Energy Advice Straight From The Experts
You might have been confused when you heard others discussing green energy technology. This article can help you learn more about green energy’s benefits. Read on to learn how to use green energy technology in your home.
Consider outdoor lighting, such as garden or patio lighting, that is solar-powered. These lamps require now power source, except the sun, and are generally inexpensive. This will save a lot of energy. As an added benefit, you are spared the trouble of running an outdoor wiring system.
Switch to solar heating systems for water to lower your cost of indoor water. Using gas or electricity to heat water isn’t efficient. However, solar water heaters use the sun to make water comfortable and reduce energy consumption. In the United States there are many tax deductions for energy efficient green products.
Shade your windows from the sun to prevent energy usage. Another suggestion for window treatments is installing curtains or blinds. By doing these things, you’ll lower the amount you need to run your air conditioner in the summer, as your home will already be cooler. In addition to conserving energy, you will be able to save money.
Wear natural fabrics instead of always using the air conditioning during summer. Fabrics such as cotton draw moisture from the skin, which allows you to stay much cooler. Wear lighter colors, as warmer colors make you feel warmer and more likely to put on artificial cold air.
There are grants that can help you invest in green energy. Check out your local government so that you can see what type of programs are available in your area. You might qualify for a solar or wind installation at no cost, or at least be able to deduct your expenses from your taxes.
Do your best to consume the least amount of energy possible in your home. Do things like unplug any electronic device that you aren’t using that may still be plugged into an outlet. They may not be currently in use, but items such as cell phone chargers, laptops and mp3 players draw energy when left plugged in.
Replace and clean furnace filters yearly, and check them monthly. Adding filters to warm-air registers is also beneficial. This will keep everything out of the air ducts, keeping your energy efficiency high.
Wash clothing in cold water. Almost 90% of the energy you use when you do laundry is due to heating water. Using a quality detergent means it is unnecessary to use hot water. Also, don’t wash your clothes until you can completely fill the washer, as this saves energy over time.
If you have storm windows and doors in your home it helps control air flow. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. Energy efficiency increases by 45% in houses that contain stormed windows and doors, which could save you lots of money when it comes to electricity.
Don’t turn up the heat very high. If you’re chilly, add a layer of clothing, such as a sweatshirt and some sweatpants. You use a lot of wasted energy when you have heat levels turned up too high.
Solar Oven
Think about baking with a solar oven. 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.
Make reminders for yourself to set new energy efficiency targets, and be sure you examine each utility bill that comes in against last year’s bill to see if gains are being made. Simply being more conscious of your energy expenditures can help you to significantly reduce them. You will probably make newer, greener habits such as turning off appliances when not in use if you approach energy reduction consciously.
Think about using a carpool more often than commuting to work if you want to cut the amount of fuel you use. IF you’ve got kids, create a carpool system with other parents in the neighborhood. Join with friends and family to do grocery shopping, visit the mall or even go to the movies.
Energy Star
If you’re in the market for new appliances, make sure they have a high Energy Star rating. This rating is given only to energy efficient appliances that are guaranteed to save energy over standard appliances like the ones you are replacing. You will find that Energy Star rated refrigerators use about 20% less energy, and clothes washing machines use about 50% less.
A common habit that uses energy is not turning off lights, appliances, and other things when they aren’t in use. Just by making some simple mindset alterations, a large amount of money can be saved in energy costs. Always take a few minutes to think before you leave your home and turn off all your appliances.
Green electronics may seem expensive in the beginning; however, the amount of energy saved will pay off over the life of the equipment. Though the newer technologies are often much more expensive than standard items, the up-front investment will often save tons later in the form of lower energy bills. It is also going to ultimately pay off for the environment.
One way to reduce energy consumption is to lower your thermostat in the winter. Consider setting your thermostat to 60 degrees during the night or while you are away. This setting effectively reduces your energy use while not allowing the temperature to vary too far away from the human comfort level. This results in saving money and energy.
Now that you are aware of what exactly is green energy, hopefully you are now ready to incorporate some of these ideas at home. Use these tips to start using green technology in your own home. The environment and your savings will benefit from green technology.
