There’s an abundance of information available relating to green energy, so it’s tough to know where to look and what to trust. This article will give you important information that will help you start using green technology in your home today.
Consider outdoor lighting, such as garden or patio lighting, that is solar-powered. These lamps are very cheap, as they require no external power source, just the sun. This not only reduces energy costs, You also don’t need to hang lights or wires outdoors.
Furnace filters should be replaced annually, and check them monthly for cleanliness. Also install filters on air registers. These filters keep debris or toys from entering the duct-work, which could reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Investigate all of the energy sources your community has to offer. 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.
If you’re not using an appliance, turn it off. Whenever you leave a room, get into the habit of turning off lights, televisions, and computers. When you can, plug your electronics into a power strip and when you are not using it, turn it off. Energy is still being used when something is in standby mode.
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. It also lowers the possibility of shading the cable cells and lessening their output capacity.
Take the time to properly maintain your refrigerator. Keep your refrigerator in tip-top shape, and running at maximum efficiency, with minimal effort. Vacuum the coils frequently to remove the dust that can build up and reduce efficiency. It’s important to check that the seal is tight and clean around the refrigerator door.
Storm Windows
Help to control the air flow in your own home by installing a storm door and storm windows too. Storm windows and doors prevent cold air drafts filtering into openings. Homeowners will see a significant savings on their electric bill and will benefit from an increase in the energy efficiency of their home by up to 45 percent once stormed windows and doors are installed in their homes.
Swap out your tank water heater for a tankless type. These heaters only heat water when you need it rather than heating the tank constantly. This saves you on your gas or electricity costs. Tankless heaters can be acquired in models that could give the whole house or even just a single water faucet with water that is hot.
Take the time to learn about active, and passive solar power. Passive solar systems are less expensive but cannot store energy like active solar systems do. Installing an active solar system requires more money and work, with panels and an entire system. Passive solar power, on the other hand, just draws heat from the sun and stores it in your walls for heating purposes.
Opt to receive as much correspondence as you can through email. Specifically, go paperless whenever you can. Not only will the business save on the cost of paper, but you will be saving energy from the production of that paper as well. You also help others by protecting the environment as well.
Green Energy
While sifting through all the green energy information isn’t exactly fun, utilizing the tips offered here can make it easier for you. There are many affordable and simple changes you can incorporate in your own life and home to help you take advantage of all the green energy out there today. Your family, wallet and environment will all thank you for going green!
