Many new options exist in the world of green energy, so it might be simpler than you thought to make some changes in your own home. Implementing small changes and perhaps a few major changes can save you money immensely as you reduce your negative impact on the environment. Get a few ideas about how you can do this by checking out the tips in this article.
Putting in solar panels in your home for solar energy is easy. However, before doing this, you need to consider a few things. What you need to know first is how much of the sun does your home generally receive? When in a shaded area, or city with less sunny days, there won’t be as many benefits from solar power.
Be a smarter energy consumer by unplugging your electronic device chargers when they are not in use. Anytime a charger is plugged in, it is using a bit of energy.
It is important to clean your furnace filter on a regular basis to be sure you are using as little energy as possible heating your home. Installing the filters in warm-air registers is also a great idea. This helps keep debris (or Hot Wheels cars) from getting into heating ducts and reducing efficiency.
Check what other energy sources are available in your neighborhood. Find out what the cost would be to switch, how much it would cost to maintain, and whether your government has any legislation regarding its use. You may choose, for example, to go from electric to natural gas for heating, or using a well instead of city water.
Make use of your dishwasher only when you have a full load in order to save energy and money. The machine should not be used when only a few dishes need to be washed. You might be surprised by how much you can actually fit in the dishwasher. When loading the dishwasher, align the dishes in a way that allows you to fit the maximum number of items inside.
Dishwashers that are not full when run, are not making efficient use of your energy. It will use the same quantity of water or energy even if one dish is in it. When you run a dishwasher, use the ‘energy-saver’ setting so dishes can air-dry.
When implementing a solar energy system, put the batteries as close to the cells as possible. Doing this will help prevent power loss within the cable. Additionally, the cable cannot shade the cells, which can cause reduction in generation.
Take time out to properly inspect your refrigerator. A refrigerator uses lots of energy so should be kept in good working condition. Every week, check and see if dust has accumulated near the heating coils. If it has, take the time to remove it. Also ensure that the rubber seals around the doors are clean and making tight contact.
If you are a fan of green living and green energy, try using your electric heaters as little as possible during the winter. Dress more warmly when around the house. Wear slippers and a heavy top, and light up your fireplace or pellet stove for increased warmth at low cost. It helps breathing, and prevents dry airways if you make the air cooler during sleeping.
Energy Efficiency
Increase your energy efficiency by making use of the right products that are designed for a greener environment. One of the most popular products to increase the energy efficiency of your home are double-pane windows that have received a high energy star rating. The use of these types of technologies can drastically reduce both your cooling and heating costs.
Make reminders for yourself. These reminders can help make sure you are doing all you can to conserve energy. When you’re aware of energy expenses, you’re better positioned to reduce them. Your deliberate efforts to reduce your electricity or water consumption will have a significant impact on your ability to form habits out of turning off lights and shutting down appliances.
Replace your old appliances for newer ones that have an Energy Star rating. Any Energy Star rated appliance guarantees better energy efficiency than an older one without the rating. Energy Star ratings promise 40% less energy for dishwashers and 50% less for washing machines.
Buy energy-efficient windows and replace your old ones. There’s a ton of benefits to these windows, such as lower energy costs, a quieter home, less carbon dioxide and reduced condensation on the windows.
When you are sleeping, or not at home, set your thermostat to 60 degrees to save energy. Keeping your home at this low temperature means very little energy is used. You will save money and energy by doing this.
By weatherizing your home, you can improve its energy efficiency. You can greatly reduce your home’s energy by sealing ducts, installing energy efficient windows, and adding insulation. Not only that, you will also have a much lower energy bill!
Ceiling Fans
Don’t forget to use ceiling fans just because it’s wintertime. Putting them clockwise can get rid of the warm air that flows toward your ceiling, which decreases the amount of heating you need. The amount it costs to run ceiling fans is insignificant compared to the amount of energy necessary to run your furnace.
Greener living can come in the form of large home improvements, or ones on the smaller scale like using energy-efficient light bulbs. Completing a few simple projects that don’t require professional assistance can save you a ton of energy, not to mention money. Start with just one project and work your way toward completing them all!
Incorporate the ideas you just read into your daily activities. It is the easiest way to drop your energy costs and more importantly, your energy demands. Take small steps. They will add up over time and you will find you have one of the greenest homes around.
