Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Appliances To Energy Star
You don’t need an electric car to make a difference!
Lower heating costs with solar heating systems for your pools or hot tubs. Heating water with electricity or natural gas is not very efficient, but solar water heaters harness energy from the sun to keep water at a steady temperature. Some of these upgrades, while more expensive up-front, may qualify for green energy tax deductions.
When designing outdoor lighting for your patio or garden path, think about getting lamps that are solar powered. These lamps are inexpensive and do not require any power besides sun exposure. This does more than just save significant energy. It means that there is no need to run wires outside to hook up outdoor lights.
Whenever possible, you should use cold water to wash your clothes. Almost 90% of energy used for doing laundry is due to heating the water. As long as your detergent is good, cold water washing can be just as effective as warm water. Only wash when you have a full load of clothes to put in the washer.
There are government grants that can help you invest in renewable energy. Check out your local government so that you can see what type of programs are available to you. You can qualify for a free installation of solar power at little to no cost.
When not being used, turn things off. For example, if you are not in a certain room, turn off the lights, TV or computer. Use power strips for your electronics, and make sure to turn it of when you are not using it. If it is in standby it’s still wasting power.
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, music players, laptops and other devices draw some power when they are plugged in, regardless of whether you are actually charging the device.
When you plan a solar system for your home, try calculating what the energy generation of your system will be when you use hours worth of sun in the winter. This prevents any unanticipated effects from a winter months, and it keeps you ahead of the game for summer months. You can actually get money back from your utility company for any energy your generate if you’re on the net usage plan.
Window Coverings
Batteries need to be situated closely to the cells in solar power systems. This can stop power loss in the cable. It will also minimize the possibility of a cable shading out the cells and lowering their generation capability.
Use window coverings when you are not home. This will keep the house cool and reduce energy costs down when you’re not there. Try adding window coverings that block heat, roller shades, lined curtains.
One of the simplest ways that you can go green is by dressing warmly. A light sweater offers 2 degrees of more warmth, and a heavy sweater adds 4 degrees. You do not have to dress lightly at home, so save money by putting on a sweater and turning down the heat!
Find out about various energy sources that are available in your local community. 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.
Pay attention to local and federal rebates for renewable energy updates on your home. There are times when your utility company can offer discounts and rebates for your upgrade costs. If this is not possible, you can find out if upgrades can be used as tax deductions. You may also be able to get credits from the government, either state or federal. You can lower the cost of putting green energy into your home by using these credits or rebates.
Power can be lost in cables this way.
Opt for emails over paper whenever possible; get on no-mail lists for catalogs and junk mail. So, try your best to be as paperless as you possibly can. This helps businesses to save energy as well as consumers. It is also beneficial to our environment.
Take the time out to properly maintain your refrigerator. Refrigerators use a large amount of electricity, so it’s crucial to make sure it is running effectively. Make sure to clean out any dust from around heating coils often. Make sure door seals are clean and also tight.
Write reminders for energy-efficient goals and check your utility bills. Simply being conscious of how much you spend on energy will save you a ton. If you form good habits of cutting your electric or water usage, turning off appliances and lights when not in use becomes automatic.
Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, robes and slippers, or even consider investing in a stove or fireplace.
Heat your house with biofuels. This type of fuel is usually made with a combination of animal fat, vegetable oil and wood. If you are currently using propane to heat your home, adjustments can be made to your system that will allow you to switch to using a blend of fuels. Up to 99% can be biodiesel. Always consult with professionals prior to using this type of fuel in the home.
One of the best ways that you can go green is by dressing warmly. A light sweater offers 2 degrees of more warmth, while a heavy one provides 4. You don’t need to be cold at home, so dress warmly and save money!
Turn off the lights when you exit a room. Turning off the lights will save a surprising amount of energy. An additional advantage is lower electric bills.
Changing your furnace’s filter, using light bulbs that are energy efficient and using programmable thermostat are simple ways to conserve energy at home. Set an example so others will realize how important going green can be! Keep these tips in mind and use them often.
An easy way to use green energy is to install a tankless water heater. Old fashioned heaters run constantly, heating the water even when not needed, therefore wasting energy. The on-demand water heaters will instantly heat the water when it is needed, and save you a bundle in energy cost as well.
