Are you the type of person who wants their impact on the environment to be minimized? Does it seem like it would be a personal or financial hardship to go green? Move your home into the future by applying the great tips within this article.
Using less energy daily means large energy and financial savings. When a certain appliance is not in use, unplug it. Be diligent about switching off the television or lighting if you aren’t using them. This simple tip can go a long way in saving you money.
Take advantage of government grants if you plan to invest in renewable energy sources. To find out which programs are available in your area contact your local government. Some areas provide rebates for green energy product installation, or provide tax relief as an incentive.
Install solar panels and reap the benefits easily. Before undertaking this project however, there are a few things to consider. A major factor in choosing if you can use a solar system is the amount of sunlight your home receives on average. You are not going to get much solar power if your home has too much shade.
When away from home, cover the windows. This cools the house and cuts energy costs. Typically, the south facing windows are the ones that get the most amount of sun due to their location. When possible, however, cover all of your windows with special shades like roller shades, roman shades or dark, thick curtains.
During the summer, you should try drying your clothes out in the sun instead of using a dryer. The sun will make your clothing smell great. They’ll smell so much better than if you shoved them into a dryer! Also, your utility bills will be greatly decreased.
A good way to save money is to only turn on your dishwasher when you have a full load ready to go. Don’t run it with only a few things. You might be surprised by the number of items that you can fit in your dishwasher. Just make sure to align the dishes in an orderly manner to maximize the available space.
A solar energy array can be the cheapest way to getting your hot water. Install a water heating system that uses solar power. Your choices include an indirect or direct circulation system. The indirect system is best if you don’t want to worry about your pipes freezing in the winter.
Storm Windows
Storm doors and storm windows help to better control air flow in the home. They will help prevent cold air drafts in your home. Your home’s energy efficiency will increase by as much as 45% if you install storm windows and doors!
Be sure to learn more about passive and active solar power. Passive solar power is power on demand and does not require cells for power storage. Active solar power has plenty of power storing ability so you will have energy ready anytime you may need it. Active power requires the installation of solar panels, mechanical systems, and cells. While when you use passive they use the thermal energy from the sun in order to store energy inside the walls of your house and heat your household with it.
Try not to set the heat very high in your home unless it’s an absolute must. When the temperature drops, reach for a sweater instead of the thermostat. Having your heat turned up too high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.
See exactly how many watts of power you are using. Get a watt monitor such as the Watt Minder or the Kill-A-Watt to find out which appliances use too much energy. Plus an appliance into the gadget and it will tell you how much energy it is using. You can get a real idea of what your appliance is costing you and the environment.
Energy Star
All energy efficient products will include the Energy Star designation and logo. The ENERGY STAR seal indicates appliances that meet the guidelines which have been established by the U.S. Department of Energy and additionally the Environmental Protection Agency. Some of these products have tax rebates from the government for being green appliances.
Weatherizing your home is a great way to make it energy efficient. 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. In addition to the energy saved you will also receive a lower energy bill.
There are a lot of things you can do to save energy when you wash your laundry. Use the setting on your dryer that will turn it off when clothes are dry. If your dryer has a higher spin speed, utilize this feature to cut drying time. Every time you start a dryer load, make sure the filter and vents are clear of debris.
So now you should be able to understand what it truly takes to alter your home to become more green and environmentally friendly. You now have an arsenal of tips at your disposal! Once you begin, you’ll be surprised by the great results.
