Taking care of the planet we all live on is very important and each of us has a responsibility to go greener with energy use, whenever possible. Wind power and solar energy are ways to use energy that comes from and is sustained by the environment. So, what can you do to make your own life more green? Reading on will help you learn more.
Solar powered outdoor lighting is a wonderful enhancement to your outdoor living areas. These lamps aren’t costly and do not need additional power sources other than direct sun exposure. This will save significant energy. You will not have to hook up the lights to an electrical source.
Shade your windows from the sun to prevent energy usage. Keep blinds closed and curtains drawn. By utilizing these ideas, you will drop your AC costs dramatically as your house remains cooler during the summer. You will save energy and money.
Maintain your furnace to save energy. Replace filters annually and clean them once a month. Filters can also be installed in every warm-air register. This helps keep debris (or Hot Wheels cars) from getting into heating ducts and reducing efficiency.
Think about getting solar heaters to heat up your water at home. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, you can purchase a system that can circulate water via a solar heater prior to being pumped to your home. Even though solar water heaters are useful, it is still necessary to have a normal water heater for periods of extended cloudy weather or unusually high hot water use.
If you have a dishwasher make sure you only run it when it is full. You will use just as much water and energy to run a half-empty dishwasher as a full one. When you do operate your dishwasher, be sure to make use of the energy-saving feature, which air-dries your dishes.
Maintain your refrigerator well. Since refrigerators are one of the high-consumption appliances, it’s crucial that you keep it running efficiently. Be sure to regularly clean out the dust around the heating coils. In addition to that, make the seal near the door clean and tight.
If you are apprehensive about what green changes to make to your home, there are many green energy consultants available today. They can tell you the amount of money you will save, and quote the cost of a new system.
Avoid cranking the heat in your home unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you are cold, put on sweatpants and a sweatshirt. High heat can use too much energy.
Use a solar oven when baking. You can create a solar over using common household items, including aluminum foil and a clean box. These types of oven can become very hot with adequate sunlight, and cook some foods without any additional energy source.
In order to keep up with energy efficiency goals, compare all your energy bills to previous year to see how much progress you are making. By being aware of the energy you use, you can start to reduce that consumption. For instance, if you actively attempted to use less water or power, you going to make the effort to turn off lights and appliances when you leave the room.
Try using a toilet that is built to save water. Toilets account for approximately 50 percent of water usage in the average home. Older models typically waste 5 gallons to flush, whereas newer models that are water-saving use about 10.6 gallons. This can save 70% of your water usage each year.
Use an on-demand water heater to save energy. Instead of constantly heating water, these newer heaters heat it only as necessary so that you don’t waste energy. These tankless water heaters instantly heat water as you need it, which saves a significant amount on your utility bills.
Many people don’t turn off appliances when not using them. Just this single habit could prevent a lot of unnecessary energy use and save much money. Think about your actions and turn off things you are not using.
Replace your old windows with newer, energy-efficient windows. These new types of windows cut energy bills, keep outside noises quiet, reduce carbon dioxide in your home and keep condensation to a minimum.
60 Degrees
Putting the heat to 60 degrees in the middle of the night, or when you’re gone, is a great way to conserve energy. Having the heat set at 60 degrees uses the minimum quantity of energy possible. You will save money and energy by doing this.
You can increase the energy efficiency of your home with proper weatherization procedures. Weatherizing simply means to ensure that all ducts are sealed, install energy-saving windows and doors, and add extra insulation in your walls, basement, and attic. You will also love the financial benefits that these simple changes can bring!
In today’s world of high energy coats and environmental worries, “going green” is more important than ever. Green energy offers us the chance to lower our negative impact on the environment, and it really is the best alternative available today. After reading this article, you can go green!
