Leading a greener lifestyle doesn’t mean spending a lot more time and money. If you make a few simple changes, you can cut utility costs and improve the environment at the same time. Learn how to get the most out of green energy by reading this article.
Furnace filters should be replaced annually, and check them monthly for cleanliness. Also, put filters on vents that dispense warm air. This reduces debris and small toys from falling into the ducts, which will make them less efficient.
Be sure to cover your windows with drapes or blinds when not at home. This cools down your house and lowers energy use. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Dark, lined curtains, roman shades or roller shades may be something to consider using on your windows.
Find out about the various energy sources that are available in your local community. Check how much these utilities cost and any tax breaks or laws before making a decision. For example, it may be cheaper for you to heat your home with natural gas as opposed to electricity, or use well water instead of city water.
During the summer months, hang your clothes outside instead of drying them in the dryer. The sun can give clothing an incredible smell. They will have a much fresher smell than drying them with an appliance will provide. Additionally, you will end up saving lots of money each month on utility bills.
Try to turn off things you are not using. Upon leaving a particular room, remember to turn of the lights, television, computer or even the entertainment center. Try using a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at once, instead of letting power be wasted in standby mode.
Think about how much sun your home gets during winter months to help you figure out how much solar energy you need to power your home. This will ensure that you are not caught short during winter, and you have excess during the summer. Also, if you make use of the net usage plan from your electric company, you will get returns from your utility company for generating energy during summer.
If you try to promote living sustainably then use your heater as little as you can during winter. Wrap up your family in warmer clothes and make use of your fireplace for added warmth. It helps breathing, and prevents dry airways if you make the air cooler during sleeping.
Putting on a few more layers can help you save money in the winter. A sweater that is light can provide 2 degrees of extra warmth, while a heavy one provides 4. It’s not necessary to wear so little at home, so out on a sweatshirt and save some cash!
Search for available rebates when you use renewable energy. Local utility companies may even offer rebates or other assistance with upgrades. In some cases, there could be credits or tax deductions either from the federal or state government. These credits and rebates can cut costs greatly when installing green technology in your dwelling.
Try to get your mail, like bills, sent to you through email. Eliminate as much paper from companies as you can. This will not only help businesses lower their energy costs, but you as well. In addition, going paperless helps the environment, something that everyone benefits from.
Consider carpooling for different occasions to save on fuel costs. Ask other parents in the neighborhood if they are interested in carpooling for their children and trade days with them. You can even carpool to the supermarket with your neighbors.
Try to buy some bamboo models when you want to buy wood products. Although bamboo is technically a grass, it has more strength than most commercial woods. It grows fast and is made for several products like furniture or flooring. That will save energy in production costs during manufacturing, as well as in recycling.
The extra money that you may spend will quickly come back to you. Green tech products are a bit more pricey than conventional products, but you will save money long term through greater energy efficiency and lower utility bills. It is also going to ultimately pay off for the environment.
Ceiling Fans
You can use ceiling fans in the winter. A ceiling fan spinning clockwise will push warmer air downward from the ceiling, reducing the amount of heat your home needs to produce. The amount it costs to run ceiling fans is insignificant compared to the amount of energy necessary to run your furnace.
Installing a programmable thermostat can save you a lot of cash on your utility bills. These thermostats are programmed to regulate temperature inside your house both during the winter and summer months. They are also programmable for day and night temperatures.
Consumers can help lower the cost of green technology by demanding energy efficient and environmentally friendly products. As a consumer you have the right and the power to demand environmentally friendly technologies. As demand increases for green products, costs will begin to reduce. It also motivates other inventors to continue the green trend by producing more items like this.
While many people do not see global warming as a threat, everyone can benefit from indoor green energy. It saves a lot of money when it comes to the electric bill, and this could be done by making small changes such as turning the lights off when not in a room.
