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. From solar to wind power, there’s lots of ways to get eco-friendly energy. So the question is, what exactly can you do to green up your life? Keep reading to find out.
Making small adjustments to the way you use energy every day can ultimately reduce your consumption. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use. Turn off all lights and televisions when they are not being used. This simple tip will save you money as well.
Shading windows from sunlight whelps to save energy. Additionally, curtains and blinds can enhance the energy-saving effect you achieve. Since this will make your house cooler, you will use the air conditioner less. Not only does this conserve energy, but it lowers your utility bills.
Solar Panels
Have solar panels installed on your home for an easy, renewable way to power some or all of your home’s appliances. However, there are several things to consider before making any decisions. One major factor to consider with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home receives. If your house is usually in the shade, solar panels will provide limited additional power.
Check whether your furnace filters need to be replaced each month. Make sure that you actually replace these filters at least once each year. Install filters for your warm-air registers, too. This can prevent anything from getting caught in the ducts.
Do your research when it comes to the available energy sources where you live. Determine which energy source is cheapest for your home. Don’t forget to account for any government incentives that might be in effect. You may find that natural gas will be better for your home than electric, or that well water is an available alternative to city water.
Storm doors and windows help control air flow into a home. Storm doors and windows will reduce the entrance of drafts and cold air. Homes equipped with storm windows and doors can see an increase in energy efficiency of up to 45 percent.
Pay careful attention to rebates that may help you save money on renewable energy. In many cases, the electric company will pay for part of the upgrades. In other instances, credit or tax deductions are offered by federal or state governments. Credits and rebates will make it easier to afford green technology.
Solar Oven
Consider using a solar oven to bake with. A solar oven can be made by using an old window, a box and for reflection, a piece of foil. The internal temperature of these easy-to-build ovens can top 300 degrees, and they do not require any energy besides the sun’s rays.
When you put up lights during the holidays, avoid the normal light strands and hang LED lights instead. According to one study done by the DOE, the United States could save more than 2 billion hours of power, simply by having everyone make this change. The Department of Energy estimates that everyone can save well over 2 billion kilowatts including hours of power and energy if everyone did this type of change. This electricity could power more than 200,000 houses for a year. At a minimum, you will save a little money on your energy bill.
Share rides with others in your neighborhood to greatly reduce your fuel usage. If your kids share activities with other children in the neighborhood, there’s no reason not to carpool to them. If you are located close to other families, agree to do your grocery shopping at the same time and rotate who drives each week.
Save energy by installing a new boiler. Old boilers weren’t manufactured with energy-savings in mind. New ones, however, are made to be energy efficient. Not only do the newer ones emit less carbon dioxide and are healthier, they will greatly lower your energy bill costs as well.
Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. Your stove and your oven use a significantly higher amount of energy than does your microwave. Microwaves have a bed reputation because they tend to produce lackluster food and emit radiation, but the fact of the matter is that making use of them can greatly reduce your energy costs.
A good, old common sense tip for saving energy is turning off the lights as you leave the room. It is amazing how the energy savings add up once you get into this habit. You will also save on your electric bill.
When you are shopping for items made of wood, consider things made from bamboo. Bamboo grows fast and in abundance; it does not have the same negative environmental impact as cutting down trees. Many items are now available in bamboo. Try bamboo in your flooring, utensils, or cutting surfaces instead of traditional woods. This saves energy on the recycling and production end of manufacturing products.
You can increase the energy efficiency of your home with proper weatherization procedures. By making some simple improvements like adding a bit of foam insulation or sealing drafty windows, you can improve the comfort level of your home and decrease your energy usage. You may also see real savings on your energy bill!
Now more than before, it’s key to keep up with green tech. Green energy offers us the chance to lower our negative impact on the environment, and it really is the best alternative available today. Becoming a green person has become easier than ever, and if you put this information to use, you will be green in no time.
