Like others, you probably do not give the environment much thought as you use certain items in your home. However, even if you don’t pay attention to it, the environment is effected by almost everything you do. You can contribute to the environment by taking advantage of the various green energy techniques available for your home. The tips in this article will provide you with ways of using green energy.
Consider installing solar powered lamps for outdoor lighting. These lamps are very cheap, as they require no external power source, just the sun. Not only does this save energy. Another added convenience is that they do not require any wiring for you to enjoy outside lighting.
Whenever possible, you should use cold water to wash your clothes. Almost 90 percent of the consumed energy while washing your clothes is spent on heating up the water. If your laundry detergent is a high quality brand, the use of cold water won’t affect the cleanliness of your clothing. Furthermore, bear in mind that you will get maximum efficiency from washing a load that is full, rather then multiple small loads.
Find out about the various energy sources that are available in your local community. Check to see how much it would cost to run your home with these other utilities, and remember to take into account the government bonuses that are sometimes available. It may be beneficial to switch from electric heat to natural gas heat, or from city water to well water, for example.
If you are thinking of installing a solar power system in your home, you need to calculate the amount of power the system can produce using winter sunshine hours. As winter sunlight is much lower than summer, you will want to be able to plan for higher energy costs in winter. If you have a net usage program you will get money returned to you from your utility company for energy generated by you.
Storm Windows
Help to control the air flow in your own home by installing a storm door and storm windows too. These special storm doors and windows prevent cold air and drafts from entering the home. Storm windows and doors boosts energy efficiency as much as 45%, which can cut electricity costs.
If you are a fan of green living and green energy, try using your electric heaters as little as possible during the winter. Ways to cut down on electricity include wearing warm clothing indoors and using a fireplace to heat your home. Cool air helps sleeping patterns, as well as improving breathing.
If you are someone who is seeking out ways to live green so you can help save the planet’s energy, there’s a lot you can do. Going green doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money, as you can begin simply by setting the thermostat to 60 degrees for those periods when you are not home.
You can also conduct monthly cleanings of your furnace filters. Lowering the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees will save you money too. Every little thing you can do will help.
Think about using a carpool for work and other activities in order to reduce the amount of fuel you use. Kids can also form carpools to school by alternating parents days. Those who live close to friends or family can go grocery shopping together.
You can save energy by switching your boiler. Older boilers are not as energy efficient as new ones because people didn’t worry about the environment when they were made. Newer boilers don’t produce as much carbon dioxide and use less energy, which saves on your energy costs and promotes better health.
A microwave is a more energy efficient appliance than a stove, so consider using it more often. Any time you use the oven or stove, you’re using a lot of energy. Whenever possible, heat things in the microwave to cut energy costs.
It might seem like common sense, but a lot of people don’t turn off their lights, machines and other electronics when they are not being used. Just this single habit could prevent a lot of unnecessary energy use and save much money. Make a conscious effort to ensure your lights and appliances are switched off when not being used.
In rooms that you are frequently in, put automatic light sensors that have motion detectors. These sensors will turn lights on and off automatically depending on if someone’s in the room, saving energy and money. Remember to do the same thing with the lighting over your garage, as well!
Turn your thermostat to 60 when you are away from home and also at bedtime. If you heat is set at 60, you are not using much energy. The resulting effect is energy usage cuts and money saved.
Inspect the seals on your refrigerator and freezer regularly to make sure that they are tight. A seal that’s broken will result in your fridge running more than it needs to. This is a waste of money and energy. To determine whether you need to replace your seal, place a thin sheet of paper in the door and see to it that it doesn’t slide out easily.
You can save a good amount of money on your energy bills by using a programmable thermostat in your home. You can pre-program the settings, so you can have a temperature that is constant. You are also able to program these thermostats to regulate day and night hours temperatures.
You might not have thought extensively on environmental issues, and you’re not alone. Change this! Learn about green energy today. Take just one small action from the tips you’ve learned here, and you’ll be on your way to saving the planet.
