Having green energy at home is an excellent method of protecting the environment, while saving money. Purchasing an electric car is not necessary! Look through this article and see how you can learn some easy ways to convert your home into a truly energy efficient place, all on any type of budget.
Cutting back on your daily electricity usage is a simple way to conserve energy. For example, when an appliance is not in use unplug it. When you aren’t using your television, computer equipment or lights, don’t forget to turn them off. This is an excellent way of saving yourself some money.
Use solar heating systems to heat all your water in order to save money. When you heat water with natural gas or electricity, it isn’t as efficient as using a solar alternative. By doing certain upgrades to your home, you can often earn extra incentives and even cut backs on your energy bill.
You can get a grant from the government to help you invest into some renewable energy. Talk to your local government and figure out what programs are in the area. Depending on your local energy programs, you could end up getting a renewable energy system set up for your home for free.
Storm Doors
Homes with storm doors and windows have better airflow than homes without these upgrades. Storm windows and doors prevent cold air drafts filtering into openings. If you use storm doors or windows, you can save at least 45 percent on your electricity bills.
Dressing warmly can help you reduce energy and go green. A thin sweater will provide you with two degrees of additional heat, while a heavier item will add four. It’s not necessary to wear so little at home, so out on a sweatshirt and save some cash!
You can increase the energy efficiency of your home by buying energy saving products. One of the most popular products to increase the energy efficiency of your home are double-pane windows that have received a high energy star rating. When using these types of products you cut down on your heating and cooling costs.
Pay attention to federal and local rebates associated with renewable energy for your house. Some utility companies also provide rebate opportunities for the installation of green technologies. If this is not possible, you can find out if upgrades can be used as tax deductions. You may also be able to get credits from the government, either state or federal. These offers make installing and using a green energy system much more affordable.
Hiring professionals, such as a heating professional or plumber, to come to your home can lay any doubts you have about green energy to rest. They can tell you if your appliances are running efficiently, and if there are changes you can make. They may also be able to offer estimates as to what it would cost to replace or upgrade your existing systems.
Try to communicate to people as much as possible through email rather than traditional means. In other words, choose to go paperless in any way 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. This also keeps the environment in better shape for everyone.
Keep track of your watt usage. If you do not know the formula to figure out the energy each appliance uses, there are tools like a Kill-A-Watt that can give you the information instantly. Plug these gadgets into an appliance to find out how much energy is used in an hour, a month or a year. You can get a real idea of what your appliance is costing you and the environment.
Make sure you remind yourself to be on top of being energy efficient and check into your energy bills on a monthly and annual basis to see what the difference is. You can reduce your energy use just by being aware of what you are spending. Cut down electricity and water consumption so you are likely to turn off appliances.
Less Energy
If you are purchasing new appliances, try to aim for Energy Star rated ones. ENERGY STAR ratings mean that the appliance has met standards of the EPA and is especially crafted to use less energy than older models. Refrigerators and freezers use about 20 percent less energy, while the energy that washing machines use is cut in half.
On-demand water heaters are great energy savers. Instead of constantly heating water, these newer heaters heat it only as necessary so that you don’t waste energy. The on-demand water heater will heat water instantly and save you money on energy.
Don’t overlook your utility company’s resources when it comes to making your home greener. Utility providers often have the option to buy your energy from renewable resources. You may also be able to find rebates or other programs to help you get energy-efficient light bulbs or appliances.
Remember that buying green technology is an investment that will pay off later. Usually, technologies that are green cost more than regular technologies, but in the long run this will pay off in the form of reduced utility costs. It will also have a positive effect on the environment over the long term.
Energy Star
A simple way to locate appliances and products that are energy efficient is to see if they have an Energy Star logo. Appliances that have been ENERGY STAR rated follow energy consumption guidelines promulgated by the U.S. Department of Energy and additionally the Environmental Protection Agency. These products are also often the only ones eligible for tax rebates.
There are a few simple changes you can make to reduce household energy usage, including installing energy-efficient light bulbs and a programmable thermostat, as well as changing your furnace filter regularly. Set forth a good example for the members of your family, and this will teach others to go green as well. Keep these tips in mind and put them to good use today.
