Lately it seems that you can’t turn on the TV or have a conversation without the topic of green energy being touched on. Proponents claim that it is the only way to go, and that you’ll save money and Mother Earth in tandem. Can this be true? Learn the truth about green energy for yourself by reading and implementing the simple tips that follow.
Reduce the price of heating water in pools, hot tubs and inside your home by using solar-powered heating systems. Using natural gas or electricity is not as efficient as solar power, and solar water heaters can keep the water temperature steady. Many of these improvements will cost you a bit up front, but the cost savings and tax deductions will usually more than offset that cost.
When it’s hot outside, wear clothing made of natural materials rather than running the air conditioner. Cotton and linen wick away moisture from your skin so that you stay cooler. Wear lighter colors since warmer ones can make you warm and cause you to rely on the A/C.
Do you have a lot of land? If you own a farm, consider installing an energy turbine on your property, or renting land to a utility company for that purpose. Not only will the turbine use minimal land, it can provide you with free energy.
You may be able to use solar water heaters, and they can warm your water efficiently. Best for locations with a warmer climate, a solar water heater uses the sun’s energy to heat water that circulates through it. You still should keep your regular water heater as a backup because there may be times when there isn’t a lot of sun or you have to use a lot of water that’s hot.
When you install a solar energy system, place the batteries close to the cells. No power will be lost during the transfer from the cells to the batteries by doing this. You also will not have to worry about the cells being shaded by a cable and not producing as much energy as they could.
If you are a fan of green living and green energy, try using your electric heaters as little as possible during the winter. Buy more warm clothing and use a fireplace to add heat to your home. This is good for your health as well as your electric bill. Breathing cooler air at night helps keep your respiratory system healthy; you’ll avoid drying out your airways.
Degrees Warmer
In winter, save energy and money by turning down the heat and adding a layer of clothes. Even just a lightweight sweater keeps you two degrees warmer, and a heavyweight sweater will keep you four degrees warmer. Since it is pointless to wear very little clothing while indoors, you might as well wear a sweater.
Take the time to learn about active, and passive solar power. Active power can be stored for later use. Passive power must be utilized more quickly but no expensive storage cells are required. Active power will require a large installation process and can cost a great deal more. Passive systems simply use the sun’s energy to heat your house or water.
Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. Sometimes, your local utility company can give you a rebate based on what the upgrades cost. You may also be able to get tax credits or deductions from the government for your upgrades. These credits and rebates will ultimately cut your costs of bringing green energy technology to your house.
Create written reminders of your goals regarding energy efficiency, and compare your utility bills to those of the previous year to determine whether you are making positive steps. Be more conscious of energy usage so you can reduce it. For example, if you make a conscious effort to cut down on your water or electricity usage, then you are more likely to make a habit out of shutting off unused lights or appliances.
You can use biofuels as home heating fuels. Biofuels consist of vegetable or animal fats, wood and oils. If your existing furnace runs on propane, it is quite easy for a professional to make the alterations required so it can perform as efficiently using a fuel blend. Fuels are anywhere from 20-99 percent biodiesel. Professionals should be consulted before any changes are made to your current furnace.
Percent Less Energy
Replace aging major appliances with ENERGY STAR appliances. Energy Star ratings mean that your new appliances are technologically built to use less energy than previous models. The rating promises refrigerators and freezers will use 20 percent less energy, 40 percent less for dishwashers and 50 percent less energy for washing machines.
What is your opinion of green energy now that you’ve read about it? Can you translate the benefits of green energy into your lifestyle? It is through these tips, and others like them, that you will increase your quality of life through green energy methods. Start today, and you will discover the joys of contributing to the environment through using green energy.
