It can be easier to cut back on resources used for running your home than you may think. With a combination of some small and big changes, you could lessen your carbon footprint, as well as save money in the process. This article provides several great ideas that you can use to get started.
One way to conserve energy is to make sure your windows aren’t exposed to direct sunlight. Shades or curtains can also help. When you do these things, you then make your house cooler and reduce the amount of air conditioning you use during the summer. This means that you will save energy as well as money.
Do you own a farm? If you or someone you know does, you can rent a piece of your land to a company looking to put in a wind turbine. This will provide you with free energy with only a small space investment.
Keep drapes drawn when you are not home. This cools down your house and lowers energy use. Typically windows on the southern side of the home receive the most sun. Try using coverings on all of the windows, such as dark curtains, roman shades, or some roller shades.
Try to turn off things you are not using. When you leave a room, switch off the lights, computer or T.V. 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.
If green energy is a concept which you embrace, minimize the use of electrical heaters during the winter months. A fireplace for the living area, wearing warmer clothing and purchasing some slippers are all greener ways of keeping the family warm. It helps breathing, and prevents dry airways if you make the air cooler during sleeping.
Solar Panels
Research solar panels to see if an active or passive set-up is right for your needs. Active power is power that is stored to be used for a later time, while passive power doesn’t require power storage cells. You need to install solar panels and systems if you want active solar power. While passive simply uses the sun in storing thermal energy in your walls in order to heat your house.
If you are apprehensive about what green changes to make to your home, there are many green energy consultants available today. They can give you estimates on how much energy you are wasting, as well as how much it costs to upgrade.
Opt to receive as much correspondence as you can through email. Try to use paper as little as possible. This not only helps businesses you communicate with save on energy costs, but it also helps you save on energy costs as well. It is also beneficial to our environment.
Try not to set the heat very high in your home unless it’s an absolute must. In colder weather, you can make use of warm pajamas, sweat suits and slippers! High heat can use too much energy.
While turning your lights off to save energy is old advice, it’s still relevant. Just turning off lights helps to conserve quite a bit of energy. In addition, you will save money on your utility bill.
Consider more efficient home appliances, such as water-saving toilets. Some estimates report that about half of the water consumption in a home is from the toilet. With the older model of toilets, the amount of water consumed each time they are flushed is 5 gallons; however, the newer, water-saving models consume only 1.6 gallons per flush, which will yield a saving of approximately 70 percent in your annual water consumption.
A common habit that uses energy is not turning off lights, appliances, and other things when they aren’t in use. If you do this every day, your energy bills will plummet. Think about what you do before you do it, and turn off those lights and appliances when they are not in use.
A really simple way to begin making your house energy-efficient is to get your electric company to help you. You can look on the company’s website for tool that track your energy consumption and tips for saving energy. You may want to see if some of their programs can provide you with energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
Use the ideas you have read in this article, and start incorporating them into your plan for your household. You’ll see your energy bills drop and be proud of the service you are performing for the environment. Keep at it and soon you will have one of the greenest homes around!
