Simple tips and Techniques to make Green Energy work for you
You may be surprised at the range of options available to make your home greener. The tips in this article will give you with different methods to use green energy system in your home or business.
The are several simple techniques to conserve energy. Unplug appliances that are not being used. Turn off all lights and televisions when they are not being used. This can save you money and it’s simple.
When you’re coming up with a design for your outdoor lighting project, consider solar-powered lamps. These lamps are cheap and do not require any kind of power besides sun exposure. This saves you a ton of energy. It will also means that you money by not having to wire the outdoor lights to your home.
Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. Using natural gas and electricity is certainly the norm, but it’s not very energy efficient. By contrast, solar energy is very efficient, and it keeps water temperatures steady just as well as traditional heating methods. Certain upgrades, though expensive, qualify for specific tax deductions.
Wear natural fabrics instead of cranking up the air conditioner during summer months. Wear lighter colors since warmer ones can make you warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.
Instead of blasting the air conditioner to keep cool in summer, wear clothes made from naturally cooling fabrics. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, remove moisture from skin so that you stay cool. You may feel warmer when you wear warm-colored clothing, so wear light-colored clothing in order to use the air conditioner less.
There are government grants available to help you invest in green energy. Contact your city or county government and ask about energy conservation programs that exist locally. You may qualify for installation of solar power at little to no cost.
There are many government incentive programs you can take advantage of when it comes to green energy. Contact local government and discover the programs that exist locally. You may be eligible for free wind or solar installation, or at the very least be allowed to deduct your costs when you do your taxes.
Solar Panels
Are you the owner of a farm? If so, you can rent some property to energy companies for installing wind turbines. Your home and the surrounding residences will get some free power. Don’t worry, wind turbines don’t take up a lot of room.
Solar panels can collect sunlight for the typical homeowner. There are a few things to consider before installing solar panels. The biggest thing you have to consider is how much sun does your home gets over the course of a day.
If possible, use cold water in your clothes washer. Almost 90% of energy used for doing laundry is due to heating the water. Cold water will do the job just as well; all you need is an effective clothes washing detergent. Also, make sure your load is a full one so you do not waste energy washing several small loads.
Do you or your family own farm? If you own your farm property, consider installing an energy turbine on your property, or renting land to a utility company for that purpose.
Be sure to cover your windows with drapes or blinds when not at home. You will lower your energy costs since this will help keep your home nice and cool. Generally, the south-facing windows get the most sun because of their position. Install window coverings like heavy curtains, drapes, roman or roller shades, or blinds on all windows.
It is also recommended to put filters on warm-air registers. This will help keep debris from getting into heating ducts and reducing efficiency.
Air flow is controlled best in homes with storm windows and doors. Storm’s windows and doors cut down on the cold air that drafts can let in. Storm doors and windows can increase a home’s energy efficiency by up to 45%, which can have great impacts on utility bills.
Wash your clothes in cold water. Almost ninety percent of the consumed energy while washing your clothes is spent on heating up the water. If your detergent is decent, the use of cold water won’t affect the cleanliness of your clothing.
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Active power is power that is stored to be used for a later time, while passive power doesn’t require power storage cells. Active power is about using solar panels, cells and other installations. While passive is simply using the sun to store thermal energy inside your walls to heat your home with.
Turn off appliances if you aren’t using them. Upon leaving a room, remember to turn of the lights, television, computer or even the entertainment center. A power strip is an easy way to turn off multiple appliances at once, since the standby mode is still utilizing power.
Look for rebates for green-energy technology installations. Some utility companies also provide rebate opportunities for the installation of green technologies. You may also qualify for tax credits or deductions from your state or from the federal government. These rebates, credits, and other allowances can make it much more affordable to install renewable energy equipment on your property.
Don’t run your dishwasher unless it is filled to capacity.It will use the same amounts of electricity and water or energy even if it’s not full. When you do run the dishwasher, ensure that you are using the energy-saving option, which air-dries your dishes.
Don’t turn the thermostat up higher than needed in your home. If you find the air a little chilly, put on a sweater or an extra pair of socks. When the heat is turned up to a high level, a lot of unnecessary energy is used.
Solar power can heat water for a lesser cost. Consider investing in a solar energy.You can choose from direct circulation system or an indirect one. Indirect is the best if you have pipes during the winter.
A home heating alternative to be considered is biofuel. This type of fuel is usually made with a combination of animal fat, vegetable oil and wood. Typically, if your furnace uses propane, professionals can easily provide changes so you use these fuels. These changes would let you use biofuels is between 20 percent and 90 percent of the fuel used in the furnace. Make sure you consult an energy professional before using biofuels in your home.
Dressing in warm attire can help you reduce energy and go green.A light sweater offers 2 degrees of more warmth, while a heavy one provides 4. You do not have to dress lightly at home, get yourself some nice warm clothes you can use in your house today!
Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. Ovens and stoves use lots more energy to prepare food than microwaves. If you can cook things in the microwave instead, do it! This will help save a lot of energy.
You can use biofuel to heat for your home using biofuels. These fuels are comprised of vegetable or animal fats, oils and wood. This fuel would change the conversation to around 20-99% biodiesel. Talk to a professional before using this fuel inside your house.
Look into bamboo products when purchasing wood items. It is a green product and is actually a grass; however, it is quite durable and works well even in high traffic areas. It grows quickly and can be used and sold for a variety of purposes, from cutting boards to flooring. This can save energy in the manufacturing process, as well as saving in recycling costs later.
If you are a parent, set up a carpool system in your neighborhood and trade off days with other parents. You can also schedule grocery shopping and other errands with your neighbors.
One of the easiest ways to get started with making your home more energy-efficient is to enlist the help of your electric company. Most electric companies’ websites contain general information on how to save energy, as well as calculators that tell you how much energy making specific upgrades can save you. Check out the appliances and light bulbs that they recommend, as well as special programs to help you purchase them.
Replace your old toilet with a water-saving model.Some estimates show that about half of the water used in a home is from the toilet hole. An older model toilet uses a lot more water than a water-saving one, 5 gallons versus 1.6 gallons, saving about 70 percent on your yearly water use.
The initial cost of green technology is overshadowed by the long term savings. Since you won’t pay as much on utilities, it is worth spending more money on green technologies initially. It will also make a big difference for the environment.
Although this may seem like common sense, many people still keep the lights, most people forget to shut off lights and electronics when not using them. If you were to get in the habit of turning them off, he or she would save a huge amount on the electric bill.
An easy way to identify energy efficient appliances and products is to look for the ENERGY STAR logo. The ENERGY STAR seal indicates appliances that meet the guidelines which have been established by the U.S. Energy Department and those of the EPA. These products are also often the only ones eligible for tax rebates.
Green tech products are a bit more pricey than conventional products, but you will be paid back through lower energy bills for the life of the appliances. It is also pays off as far as the long run for the environment.
You may want to install solar panels on the roof to create a more eco-friendly home. This can be a costly option in the beginning but it will pay great economic and environmental dividends over time. Solar energy becomes free when the panels are installed and you may be able to sell power to some local electric companies.
Energy Star
There are several ways to save energy as you do your laundry. For example use the moisture sensor on your dryer; once the laundry is dry the dryer will automatically shut off. Use a higher speed for the spin cycle to reduce the drying time. Clean the dryer filters regularly.
One simple way to recognize products and appliances is to check for an ENERGY STAR logo. ENERGY STAR appliances are designed to follow guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPAThese appliances are also often the only ones eligible for tax rebates.
Try out one of many available home energy monitors so you can see your energy usage as it happens. These devices get real-time measurements associated to your energy usage, and it estimates how much your bill would be. Research has shown that consumers can reduce their consumption when they see what they’re paying to run appliances and other home necessities.
In the months with more sunshine and longer days, don’t turn your lights on until a certain time. Try installing timers and dimmers to reduce the usage of lights.
Get a green job — plenty of new jobs are being created in the growing “green energy” employment sector. If you need to make a change in your career or advise your children about their own choices, you should think about this sector. Do some research on green energy jobs, like being a wind or solar technician.
The more you and others purchase these products, more products will be manufactured utilizing these technologies reducing the price of such items. It also works to encourage manufacturers to change their practices.
Try a dehumidifier. Humid air will typically make your space feel warmer. Run a dehumidifier in your home first before switching to run the air conditioner, because running an air conditioner will cost more in energy bills. You may not need to run your air conditioner after all.
Bottled water is rarely anything more than tap water, bottling water wastes lots of energy. If your tap water’s taste or safety is unreliable, buy a re-usable metal bottle for your water and buy a filter which can be replaced every couple of months.
If you are looking to use green energy technology, it is prudent you think about getting a washing machine that is front loading. These machines are far more efficient at washing your clothes than regular machines. In addition to using less energy, you will also save money.
Use rainwater for your toilet.This will reduce your utility bills while helping keep more clean water for drinking.
Make sure your solar panels face the sun. For example, homes in the northern part of the world should have panels facing southwards at your latitudinal location plus fifteen degrees. This way, you will be able to take full advantage of the solar power.
Pick a small project and get started right away.
Use a water-saving shower head in your restrooms. Water-saving shower heads work just as well as their traditional counterparts, but use significantly less water. You’ll not only have lower water bills, but you will also help the environment by saving water.
Turn off lights when you don’t need them. For example, only use lights at night when they’re absolutely necessary, and shut them off anytime you leave any room. Don’t forget to also turn off your porch lights or other unnecessary lights on when not using them. This reduces the amount of energy you use.
Everything you’ve read here is easy to get started with, so make sure you take the initiative and put them to use. Going green will help you sleep better at night, so change your life today and see how much better your feel tomorrow.
