If you’d like to help the environment and save some money on your energy bills, there’s no better way to do it than using green energy. You do not have to invest into things like electric cars to help the environment. Read this article for some simple ways to make your home more energy efficient on any budget.
Choose solar-powered lights when installing outdoor lighting in your yard. These lamps are inexpensive and do not require any kind of power source other than exposure to the sun. This will save you a ton of energy. You will not have to hook up the lights to an electrical source.
Instead of using your air conditioner in the summer, try to wear fabrics that are natural. Fabrics such as cotton draw moisture from the skin, which allows you to stay much cooler. You can also try wearing lighter colors, they help you feel cooler, lessening your need for artificial cold air.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. If you use warm or hot water in your washing machine, almost 90% of your energy use goes towards heating the water. If your detergent is of good quality, you should have no problems using cold water. Only wash when you have a full load of clothes to put in the washer.
Cover your windows when no one is at home. This helps to keep your house at a cooler temperature and lower the amount of energy used. Try to close all your window coverings, but it is especially important to cover any south-facing windows. Try using coverings on all of the windows, such as dark curtains, roman shades, or some roller shades.
Think about getting solar heaters to heat up your water at home. If you live somewhere where you don’t have to be concerned with temperatures that are freezing, you can use a system that circulates water through the solar heater before it gets pumped into your home. You should still retain traditional water heaters for backup when the sun doesn’t show, or if you use a lot of heated water.
Dry your clothes on a line or rack in the summer instead of a dryer. You’ll love how your clothes smell after being sun-dried. Laundry will smell fresher and cleaner, much more so than when they were in the dryer. You can also save money on your energy bills.
One way to be environmentally friendly is to only run the dishwasher when it is completely full. Try to refrain from putting small amounts in and running the dishwasher. A dishwasher can surprisingly hold a lot of dishes. Align each dish carefully so that your dishwasher racks can accommodate the largest number of dishes.
Plan out and calculate your energy consumption rates for your home solar system for the winter months so that you know what you can consumer on a daily basis. You will avoid unpleasant surprises during winter, and you will also ensure your energy needs are met in summer. If you generate excess energy during the summer, with the right plan, your utility company will send you a check!
Take time to make sure to properly maintain the fridge. Because refrigerators use so much energy, it really pays to keep them working as efficiently as possible. Be sure to regularly clean out the dust around the heating coils. Make sure the door seal is clean and also tight.
Upgrading your water heater to a tankless style saves a lot of energy. While heaters that are tankless still need electricity or gas, they will not heat more water than you need, which is what a water tank heater does. You can purchase tankless heaters that supply the whole house, or ones that supply just one faucet.
There are many ways to lower your energy bills and be more environmentally friendly. Use the tips here, both small and large, and you are on your way to becoming “green.” Be an example for family members so others will see how simple it is to live a greener life! Use these tips right away!
