Many people don’t know how to start living the greener life they desire. There are a myriad of solutions available to help customers protect the environment through the use of alternative, renewable energy sources. If you want to start using green energy, read the tips in this article.
Switch to solar heating systems for water to lower your cost of indoor water. This is also a very efficient way to heat water and keep it at the proper temperature. Certain upgrades, though expensive, qualify for specific tax deductions.
Shade your windows from excessive amounts of sunlight to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Installing blinds and curtains will also help. Doing both these things will decrease your usage of the air conditioning during the summer because your house will be cooler. You will save energy, as well as money.
Some government money is available to assist consumers with switching to renewable energy. Talk to your local representative to see if programs operate in your neighborhood. For example you may be able to qualify for a grant for the installation of solar or wind powered technologies.
Consult a technician for more information about switching to biodiesel heating if your home currently uses oil for heating. Switching to biodiesel is often doable without system modification. Biodiesel burns cleaner and more efficiently than conventional petroleum, reducing your home’s environmental impact during the winter.
Use windows covering for when you’re not home. The result will be a cooler house because the window’s admit less heat. Usually the windows with the most sun are the one’s which face south. Thermally insulated black-out curtains are the best option, but blinds and shades can also work.
When weather is good, skip the energy-hogging dryer and dry your clothes on an outdoor clothesline. Your clothing will have a great smell from the sun. The smell of sun-dried clothes is much nicer than clothing tumbled in a dryer. You can also save money on your energy bills.
A solar energy array can be the cheapest way to getting your hot water. Solar hot-water systems can reduce your energy bills significantly. You could choose of having an indirect or direct circulation system. The best option for you is the indirect one if you might have frozen pipes.
Active Power
Spend time in order to learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Active power is power that is stored to be used for a later time, while passive power doesn’t require power storage cells. If you use active power, you will need to install mechanical systems, solar panels and cells. Passive solar power is more basic and simply uses your home in its existing state as heat storage.
Look for rebates at the local and federal levels for updating your home to renewable energy sources. Sometimes your utility company may offer additional rebates which will help pay for the expense of the systems. Other companies may offer tax deductions from your local or federal government. These credits and rebates can cut costs greatly when installing green technology in your dwelling.
If you are unsure about making big green energy investments in your home, then hire professionals like a plumber or heating expert to come in and give you an overview of your existing systems. They will let you know how much you can save by upgrading to more efficient appliances and systems, and also give you a good idea of how much it will cost.
A solar oven is a great consideration if you are an avid baker. You can make these with simple items, such as boxes, an old window, and some foil for reflection. Ovens like this can be assembled quickly, reach temperatures in excess of 300 degrees, and do not require any energy besides the sun.
If you are trying to achieve a greener lifestyle, there are many options for you. You might not have the capacity to invest all of the money to go green immediately, but one can clean furnace filters and adjust the heat at home to be more green. Reduce water heater temperatures to 121 degress or less to save money. Just little changes can help.
Make reminders for yourself to set new energy efficiency targets, and be sure you examine each utility bill that comes in against last year’s bill to see if gains are being made. When you’re aware of energy expenses, you’re better positioned to reduce them. 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.
Green Energy
As stated above, green energy is a political topic that is getting more and more important since cheap oil is being phased out. With the right information, it’s easy to use green energy daily. Use this article’s advice, and live a green life now!
