How You Can Go Green With Your Energy
You may have been aware of the positives of updating your home with solar panels like saving money and conserving energy. Read on to find some ideas which will help you should do so.
If you are thinking of designing your outdoor areas with lighting, consider using solar lamps instead of conventional power. They don’t use any energy other than solar energy and they are cost effective. This does more than just save energy. It means you don’t have to wire up outdoor lights.
Shading your windows from sunlight whelps to save energy. You can also try putting up blinds or curtains in. You can save money and energy in the same time.
Lower heating costs with solar heating systems for your pools or hot tubs. When you heat water with natural gas or electricity, it isn’t as efficient as using a solar alternative. Certain upgrades, though expensive, qualify for specific tax deductions.
Be socially responsible, and cut your home energy usage by unplugging your electronic chargers when they are not in use. Chargers for devices like phones, mp3 players, laptops and other devices draw some power when they are plugged in, regardless of whether you are actually charging the device.
One thing you might consider is heating your water with solar water heaters. If you live in a place with normally warm temperatures, try installing a system that uses a solar heater. You still should keep your regular water heater as a backup because there may be times when there isn’t a lot of sun or you have to use a lot of water that’s hot.
Wash your clothes in cold water. Almost 90% of the power you use to do laundry is simply used by a washing machine comes from heating the water for a warm or hot cycle. As long as your detergent is good, using cold water is just as effective.
Don’t run the dishwasher unless it is filled to capacity. The dishwasher uses the same energy when full that it uses when empty, but you’ll have to run it less often. Make sure you are using the energy saving settings on your dishwasher that will air-dry your dishes.
Consider solar water heaters to make your home. If you live in a place with normally warm temperatures, you can purchase systems that circulate water through solar heating systems before pumping it inside for use. 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.
Convert your home into a more efficient place by investing into energy saving products. Insulated double-pane windows and eco-friendly doors are especially effective for saving energy. Using these products is a great way to save money on heating and cooling.
Research the different types of energy sources available in your area. Check to see how much it would cost to run your home with these other utilities, taking into consideration any recent legislation regarding energy costs. You might be able to save money by switching to well water or another may provide a reduction in energy use and cost.
Perhaps you are intimidated by making an large, green energy investment. Seeking the input of a professional, such as a heating/cooling specialist or plumber can educate you on options. These professionals can point out inefficient appliances and systems, and they can also help you determine how much it might cost to upgrade them.
Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer to save electricity and enhance your mobility.Laptops use up to 75% less electricity than desktops, and is ideal for those that use their computer for surfing the Internet or word processing. The laptop is also mobile, so it can be taken anywhere!
Unless cold temperatures become a real problem, it is better to keep the heat turned down. In colder weather, you can make use of warm pajamas, sweat suits and slippers! When your heat is turned to a higher temperature, unnecessary energy is being used too much.
Solar Panels
Watch your watt usage. Try using gadgets like the Kill-A-Watt and the Watt Minder to see what in your home uses too much energy. You can tell how much energy it uses by plugging the appliance into it. This can show what your appliance is costing you.
As you could see, solar panels have a lot of desirable benefits when it comes to home owners, aside from saving energy. Most of these systems can be purchased and installed easily, and are durable and long-lasting. Solar panels are a good way to be green and provide a much needed update for your home.
If you are serious about becoming more green, you should keep track of your energy usage from month-to-month and then year-to-year. Keeping energy usage at the forefront of your mind can motivate you to use less energy in the long run. So when you make true conscious efforts to reduce your electrical or water usage you make up a good habit of turning off appliances or lights which in turn helps your bill and the environment.
