Transforming your home into an energy efficient one is a great way to help the environment, while saving you money at the same time. You don’t have to buy an electric car to make this happen! Read here to find some ways to lower your electric bills as well as make the environment cleaner.
Olored Clothing
Wear natural fabrics instead of using the air conditioning in the summer. Moisture-wicking athletic fabrics pull moisture away from your skin, creating a cooling sensation. 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 numerous grants available for home owners to increase the use of renewable energy. Check with the local government and find out about any possible programs you may be eligible for. You might qualify for a solar or wind installation at no cost, or at least be able to deduct your expenses from your taxes.When you can, wash your laundry in cold water. Almost all of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat the water. As long as you have reliable clothes washing detergent, using cold water is just as effective. Additionally, always wash with a full load of laundry, as this helps to lower the amount of energy you use.If you use fuel to heat your home, ask a professional about using biodiesel instead. Many systems can use biodiesels without any modification. Biodiesel burns much cleaner, is more efficient than petroleum, and will lessen the impact your home has on the environment in wintertime.If you aren’t using an appliance, turn it off. Make sure that all lights are off when you exit a room, and also consider switching off the power for your television set, computer and stereo. Power strips are handy, because you can turn a number of devices off with the flip of one switch.If you are on a mission to go green, start by keeping electric heaters off or on a very low setting during winter months. You can wear warmer clothing instead, and warm up your home with your fireplace. It is better to sleep in cooler air, it helps you breathe, and keeps your airways moist.
Active Solar
Do some research and learn about passive and active solar powers. Active power is energy that gets stored and is used later. Passive is energy that can be used without expensive cells. Active solar power requires solar panels, cells, and mechanical systems. Passive power, instead, just stores the energy gotten from the sun inside your home.A solar oven can be made to assist you in your baking needs. You can make one out of a box, wood, and some foil. These types of oven can become very hot with adequate sunlight, and cook some foods without any additional energy source.Create written reminders of your goals regarding energy efficiency, and compare your utility bills to those of the previous year to determine whether you are making positive steps. When you’re more conscious of the energy you consume you can help to reduce costs in all areas of your life. If you are specifically focusing on reducing your electricity and water consumption, then you are going to be more conscious of lights left on, or dripping taps.
Energy Star
Trade in your old major appliances for new ones with the Energy Star rating. An appliance that has Energy Star uses less energy than an appliance that doesn’t have it. Refrigerators and freezers that are Energy Star rated uses approximately twenty percent less energy. While dishwashers and washing machines can save up to fifty percent on energy bills.When you exit a room, make it a habit to flip off the light switch. You will be surprised at the amount of energy you save over a certain period of time by turning your lights off when they are not being used. An additional benefit is the money you save on your monthly power bill.The extra money that you may spend will quickly come back to you. Even though green technology may be costlier, it pays off in the long run when you see cheaper utility bills. It also pays off as far as the environment is concerned.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 forth a good example for the members of your family, and this will teach others to go green as well. Utilize the tips in this article and put them in place today.