Just thinking about major changes in the home to accommodate sources of greener energy is really overwhelming to most homeowners. It can be very tough to know which changes will make the biggest environmental impact. Read the following tips and you can find ways to make your home a greener place.
Wind Turbine
Do you have a farm? If you do, then you probably own property. This might be an opportunity to rent a portion of that property to a company that will build a wind turbine on it. The wind turbine will provide free energy without taking up much room. Your neighbors will also benefit from this energy source.
Find out about the various energy sources that are available in your local community. Compare costs, and keep in mind that new legislation exists which will sometimes reward you for using renewable energy sources. You might find savings by switching from electric to natural gas for heating, or to well water from city water.
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. This will guarantee you energy no matter the weather, and it will have you entering the summer safely without energy concerns as well. And even more exciting, on some plans, you can receive money from utility companies if you use less energy than you generate.
If you’re installing a solar energy system, be sure to place the batteries in close proximity to the cells. This helps prevent power loss in the cables. The cable will also be less likely to shade the cells, something that can lessen their capability of generating energy.
When a home has stormed windows and doors, air flows better. These kinds of doors and windows reduces the amount of cold air that comes into the home. Your home’s energy efficiency will increase by as much as 45% if you install storm windows and doors!
Tankless Heaters
Use a green and tankless model as opposed to a tank-style water heater. Tankless heaters require less energy to heat water, as they only heat it as needed. You can find tankless heaters that either supply an entire house, or just a single faucet.
If green energy is a concept which you embrace, minimize the use of electrical heaters during the winter months. Wrap up your family in warmer clothes and make use of your fireplace for added warmth. Cool air helps sleeping patterns, as well as improving breathing.
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Active power is stored for use at a later time, passive does not require expensive cells to store the power. Active power is about using solar panels, cells and other installations. Passive solar power is more basic and simply uses your home in its existing state as heat storage.
Rather than using an energy-hogging desktop computer, switch to a laptop. You can reduce your energy use by three-quarters if you use the internet a lot or do a lot of word processing. Because laptops are portable, you can also enjoy the convenience of taking your computer anywhere.
Professionals can help to analyze your home and give you tips on making it more green. These professionals can inform you of how much you are wasting by using appliances that are not energy efficient. That can also provide you with an estimate of how much it will be to replace your systems.
Try not to turn the heat up too high in your home, unless it is absolutely necessary for you to do so. If your home is cold, wear warmer clothing, like a sweatshirt and sweatpants. This saves you from using energy that would be required to sustain heat at that high level.
A solar oven is an energy efficient way of baking. Solar ovens can be created with old windows, boxes, and foil. Ovens like this can be assembled quickly, reach temperatures in excess of 300 degrees, and do not require any energy besides the sun.
If you want to live a life that is greener, there are many things that can be done to save the planet’s energy. You do not have to spend money to help, but you can clean your furnace filters once each month and set your heat to 60 degrees if you are not home. Cutting your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees is another way to conserve energy and see smaller utility bills. Even the smallest amount of effort can help.
In order to keep up with energy efficiency goals, compare all your energy bills to previous year to see how much progress you are making. Increasing your consciousness of your energy consumption can help you cut back. If you are specifically focusing on reducing your electricity and water consumption, then you are going to be more conscious of lights left on, or dripping taps.
Carpool so you can use less fuel. Set up carpooling with other parents to get the kids to soccer practice or band camp. If you live near another family and friends, then synchronize your grocery shopping days and take turns being the driver.
Spending a little more on green appliances and electronics generally pays off over time. Using energy efficient gadgets and appliances will save you money on your energy bill, which adds up from month to month to equal greater savings for you. It will also have a positive effect on the environment over the long term.
Green Energy
Of course, no home’s energy usage is exactly the same. When you consider the many different characteristics present in homes, it can be difficult to determine which green energy source will work best in your particular home. Some types of green energy work for every type of home, yet others don’t as much. Figure out what tips work for your household and make sure you utilize them.
