Read this article for great tips on conserving the energy technology in your own home.
You might be able to get a government grant to finance your green energy installation. Check with the local government and see what programs are available to you. You could qualify for a no-cost wind or solar installation, or at the very least, receive a tax deduction.
Shading windows from direct sunlight can help you use less energy. You could also try putting up blinds or curtains. You will save money and energy in the same time.
During the summer, you should try drying your clothes out in the sun instead of using a dryer. Using the sun can make clothes smell a lot better. They will be fresher than clothes dried in the dryer. You will also have lower utility bills.
Wear natural fabrics instead of running your air conditioner. Wear light colors; dark colors since warmer ones can make you warm and cause you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.
Don’t leave anything on that you aren’t using. Upon leaving a room, turn off such things as the lights, computer, television or entertainment center. When you can, plug your electronics into a power strip and when you are not using it, turn it off. Energy is still being used when something is in standby mode.
Be socially responsible, and cut your home energy usage by unplugging your electronic chargers when they are not in use. Chargers for cell phones, music players, computers and others use small amounts of power any time they are in an outlet, even if you aren’t charging anything.
You can get rid of your old, tank style water heater and switch it out with a new, greener, tankless one. These heaters only heat water when you need it rather than heating the tank constantly. This saves you on your gas or electricity costs. Tankless heaters can be acquired in models that could give the whole house or even just a single water faucet with water that is hot.
Are you lucky enough to own a farm owner? If you own a farm, consider installing an energy turbine on your property, so they can install an energy-generating wind turbine.
Change up the way you dress in your home and warm yourself up to avoid turning on the heater if possible. Wearing a sweater can make you feel two to four degrees warmer, depending on the thickness of the sweater. Wearing slightly heavier clothes is not any less comfortable and can save you significant money.
Turn off when not in use. Upon leaving a particular room, remember to turn of the lights, computer, computer or even the entertainment center. A power strip is an easy way to turn off multiple appliances at once, and it prevents passive electrical use due to standby modes.
One way to participate in the green energy movement is buying products that are specifically designed to save energy. If you install double-glazing on your windows, weather-sealed doors, and other similar products, you can drastically decrease the amount of electricity needed for your home. When using these types of products you cut down on your heating and cooling costs.
Take time out to properly maintain the fridge. Refrigerators take lots of energy to run, so they should be taken care of to work their best. Make certain to clean out any dust that surrounds heating coils. Make sure the door seals are clean and tight.
Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer. You can reduce your energy use by three-quarters if you use the internet a lot or do a lot of word processing. Plus, you can take your laptop with you anywhere you go!
Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, slippers and socks, and heat your living areas with a pellet stove or fireplace.
Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. In a few cases, local utility companies tend to offer rebates for expenses associated to upgrades. Additionally, it may be possible to take advantage of tax rebates offered by state and federal governments. All of these rebates will add up, potentially covering the cost of your renovation!
One of the best ways to go green and cut energy costs is by dressing warmly. A light sweater gives you 2 extra degrees of warmth, while a heavy one provides 4. You do not have to wear a small amount of clothing at home, so save money by putting on a sweater and turning down the heat!
Another great idea would be to use bio-fuels for house heating. These fuels use fats, wood or oil to create energy. If you have a propane furnace, a professional can usually make changes that allow you to use this blend of fuels. Up to 99% can be biodiesel. Just be sure to consult with a professional before attempting to use this fuel in your home.
Avoid turning the heat in your home unless you have to. If you’re cold, put on sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Having the heat turned up high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.
A good tip is to always microwave when cooking in order to save energy. Any time you cook something on the stove or in the oven it tends to use up a ton of energy. So when you can “nuke” your food, do so to cut down on energy usage.
A tankless water heater that provides hot water on-demand is a wonderful appliance for green energy. Traditional water heaters constantly keep a full tank of water hot, wasting energy because they heat water when it isn’t needed.
Try using a toilet that is built to save water. It has been estimated that as much as 50 percent of the water which is used in one’s home is flushed down the toilet. An older model uses 5 gallons of water per flush, whereas a water-saving model only uses 1.6 gallons, saving about 70 percent on your yearly water use.
A simple way to start going green energy bandwagon is through your utility provider. Utility companies often have web site tools online to measure and control your electricity usage. You may also be able to find rebates or other programs to help you with energy-efficient light bulbs or appliances.
Although this may seem like common sense, many people still keep the lights, appliances and electronics on when they are not using them. If everyone did this, a lot of energy and money could be saved. Consider what you are doing before it is done, and turn those appliances and lights off when you are finished using them.
Replace your windows with weather-sealed efficient ones. These windows reduce energy costs, makes your home quieter, a quieter home, and your windows will acquire less condensation.
Try bamboo products when buying wood items. Bamboo grows fast and in abundance; it does not have the same negative environmental impact as cutting down trees. It grows quickly and can be used and sold for a variety of purposes, from cutting boards to flooring. That will save energy in production costs during manufacturing, as well as in recycling.
Solar Panels
Keep an eye out for Energy Star labels when shopping for energy-efficient appliances. If the appliance has an ENERGY STAR, it means it meets guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. The products with this distinction are often the only eligible ones that can be used for tax rebates.
Solar panels can be added to your home green.Although you may have to pay a sizeable amount to install these solar panels, they will save money on electricity costs. Once you have the panels installed solar energy then becomes free, and you might have the chance to sell some of the power to your electric company.
Attach solar panels to the roof of your home to make it greener. Although you may have to pay a sizeable amount to install these solar panels, you will make this money back within a few years via power savings. Once you have the solar panels hooked up to your home’s energy system, your solar energy will be free, and can even earn you money if you sell the surplus to your local energy company.
You can reduce the energy needs of your home with energy efficient windows, sealing ducts, and by adding insulation and sealing ducts. You may also help reduce the cost of your energy bill in the process.
To maximize energy efficiency, you should plan to weatherize your home. By sealing ducts, adding insulation, and putting in more energy efficient windows, heaters, and cooling systems, you are reducing the amount of energy needed to run your home. You will also help reduce the cost of your energy bill in the process.
The tips in this article show that you do not have to spend a lot of money or waste a lot of time going green. Oftentimes, just a few simple changes around the home will save energy and money. Keep these tips in mind and forward them to a friend, so everyone can someday see the environment improve.
You can shave a significant amount from your utility bills by installing a programmable thermostat. They have certain setting that allow you to regulate the temperature during any time of the year. You could also make them regulate temperatures during day and night hours.