To protect the environment and decrease energy costs, it is important that you have green energy in your home. It is not necessary to have an electric car in order to do this. The following article will provide you with easy tips to use green energy at a cheap price.
When it’s hot outside, wear clothing made of natural materials rather than running the air conditioner. Fabrics such as cotton draw moisture from the skin, which allows you to stay much cooler. Also, choose lighter colors. Darker colors absorb heat, which makes you feel warmer, meaning you’ll set your thermostat lower.
Be a smarter energy consumer by unplugging your electronic device chargers when they are not in use. Chargers for your electronics, such as an iPod or cell phone, are always using electricity, even when they’re not in use, so unplug them when you can.
Replace and clean furnace filters yearly, and check them monthly. You should also install filters on any warm-air registers included with your furnace. This will help ensure debris doesn’t enter heating ducts, thereby reducing your efficiency.
Do maintenance on your fridge to save money. Refrigerators use a large amount of electricity, and keeping it in good condition ensures this energy footprint is as low as it can be. Make dusting the coils part of your weekly cleaning routine. In addition to that, make the seal near the door clean and tight.
When choosing new windows or doors, consider the energy ratings as you shop. If you install double-glazing on your windows, weather-sealed doors, and other similar products, you can drastically decrease the amount of electricity needed for your home. If you use these products extensively, you will see quite a bit of savings on your energy bills.
Pay attention to any federal or local rebates offered for making alternative-energy updates to your home. In a few cases, local utility companies tend to offer rebates for expenses associated to upgrades. You may also get state and federal tax deductions for making your home more energy efficient. These credits and rebates can cut costs greatly when installing green technology in your dwelling.
If you are apprehensive about what green changes to make to your home, there are many green energy consultants available today. These professionals can point out inefficient appliances and systems, and they can also help you determine how much it might cost to upgrade them.
Whenever possible, keep the heat in your home turned down. If your home is cold, wear warmer clothing, like a sweatshirt and sweatpants. When your heat is turned to a higher temperature, unnecessary energy is being used too much.
Create reminders for yourself in order to stay focused on your energy efficiency goals. Try to check your utility bill occasionally in order to see the progress you are making. The more aware you are of using energy, the easier it is to reduce your energy use. For instance, if your stated goal is to reduce your consumption of electricity and water, you are more apt to remember to turn off the lights and shut off the faucet when not using them.
By making use of light bulbs that are energy-efficient, for example, you can find a lot of great ways to save energy. Show your family how simple it is to live a green lifestyle, and maybe they’ll follow suit! Remember these tips and start using them today.
