Going green has more benefits to the home than simply protecting the environment. Changing just a few things in the way your home runs can make it use energy more efficiently and cut your monthly electric bill. Continue on for some helpful green energy tips at home.
In order to conserve energy, try keeping the windows shaded from the sunlight. Adding some window coverings 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. The result is a significant energy savings and money in your pocket!
Government grants are available to help consumers invest in renewable energies. Talk to your local government and figure out what programs are in the area. 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
You can easily get solar panels installed in your home to collect solar energy for your use. Before you do this though, you need to think about a few things first. One major factor to consider with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home receives. If you live in an area that gets few sunny days, or your property is full of shade trees and tall bushes, you will have trouble gaining enough solar power for your needs.
Do you have a farm? If so, or if you have family who does, consider renting out some of your land to a company that will install a simple wind turbine. You and the neighbors can benefit from this free installation and energy which won’t take up much space.
Solar energy is a great way to get hot water at a low cost. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water. You may pick between a direct or indirect circulation system. The best option for you is the indirect one if you might have frozen pipes.
Storm Windows
Storm doors and windows offer better air flow in the home. This is because storm windows and doors prevent drafts, which means less cold air enters the home. Energy efficiency can be increased up to 45% in a home with storm windows and doors.
Try receiving as much messaging as you can via email. This will help you use less paper and help the planet. This helps businesses you deal with reduce their energy expenses, and it helps you reduce energy expenses, as well. In addition, it also protects the environment.
A solar oven can be an easy and free way to bake. Solar ovens can be created with old windows, boxes, and foil. Solar ovens can get hotter than 300 degrees, and doesn’t use any energy source besides the sun, so you are reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
Less Energy
Energy Star appliances help save energy. The Energy Star rated appliance is guaranteed to use appreciably less energy than the older non-rated appliance. 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.
Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. Cooking food using the stove or the oven consumes a large amount of power. If popping items in the microwave can save some energy and time, it is a viable option.
The number of lights that are left on, or appliances that are run half full is astounding. If a person was to practice this daily, it would save them an enormous amount on their energy bills. Before doing something, be sure to remember to turn these things off.
Energy Usage
Try setting your heat at 61 degrees or less when you aren’t home, or when you have retired for the night. Keeping your thermostat on a low temperature will allow you to lower your overall energy usage. If you do this, you can cut down your energy usage and save money at the same time.
Install solar panels on your roof for a greener, more environmentally friendly home. This costs quite a bit of money at the outset, but the savings from using solar energy will make them pay for themselves after several years. Not only will the energy you generate take care of your electric bill, there may even be some left over to sell to your electric company.
As this article previously stated, being green doesn’t need to be time consuming or expensive. A few minor changes can help you save a lot of money on your bills. Apply these tips to your own life, and share them with others, and you can build a better environmental future.
