After you reduce the energy that you use around your home, you will realize that it is much easier than you were lead to believe. With a few simple changes you can save money and reduce your impact on the world. Get great ideas on how to start as you read the article below.
In order to conserve energy, try keeping the windows shaded from the sunlight. Curtains or blinds can also be used to do this. Since your home will become cooler, you will not have to use the air conditioning that much. Not only will you save energy, but you will also save money.
Speak to a technician to find out if your fuel oiled heating can be changed to an alternative fuel, such as biodiesel. Depending on your system, you may be able to switch to biodiesel without having to make any modifications to your system. Biodiesel is a clean choice when it comes to fuel, and using it will reduce the impact that your family has on the environment.
During summer, try drying clothes on a clothesline instead of the dryer. As well as drying your clothes, the sun can also help your clothes smell nice. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. Additionally, you will see a noticeable decrease in your utility bills.
When you calculate the solar panel needs of your home, figure out the hours of sun you get in the winter. This will guarantee you energy no matter the weather, and it will have you entering the summer safely without energy concerns as well. If you are on a net usage plan, during the summer, you’ll receive money back from the utility company for the energy you generate!
There are active and passive options for solar energy systems. Active solar power is stored so it can be used later, but passive doesn’t need pricey solar panel cells to store power. Active power requires the installation of solar panels, mechanical systems, and cells. Passive power uses the sun for thermal energy in the home.
If you are apprehensive about what green changes to make to your home, there are many green energy consultants available today. They can give you estimates on how much energy you are wasting, as well as how much it costs to upgrade.
Keep track of your watt usage. A gadget like Watt Minder or Kill-A-Watt will help you discover which appliances are your prime energy consumers. Plus an appliance into the gadget and it will tell you how much energy it is using. This will make you realize what a given appliance costs you over the long run.
Another great idea would be to use bio-fuels for house heating. The biofuel is produced using fats, wood and oils. If you have a propane furnace, sometimes a technician can make modifications to enable you to use a blend of different fuels. Up to 99% can be biodiesel. Talk to a professional before you use these types of fuels so you can do it safely.
Consider carpooling for different occasions to save on fuel costs. If you have children, you can have a neighborhood carpool and switch with the other parents every day. If you live near another family and friends, then synchronize your grocery shopping days and take turns being the driver.
A microwave is a more energy efficient appliance than a stove, so consider using it more often. Cooking in the oven or on the stove top uses a lot of energy. If popping items in the microwave can save some energy and time, it is a viable option.
On-demand water heaters work great as a green device. Instead of constantly heating water, these newer heaters heat it only as necessary so that you don’t waste energy. These heaters only heat water when necessary, which will increase your energy savings.
Many people forget to turn off machines and lights that they aren’t using, even though it seems obvious. If someone did that every day, they would slash their energy bill a great deal. Think in advance about what you need to do, and make it a habit to turn off anything that you are no longer using.
Paying a little more for electronics and appliances that use less energy will pay you back over time. Since you won’t pay as much on utilities, it is worth spending more money on green technologies initially. It is also one more positive impact on the environment that compounds.
60 Degrees
One way to conserve energy at home is setting your furnace to 60 degrees during the night and while you are out of the house. 60 degrees uses the smallest amount of possible energy. As stated, lowering your thermostat will minimize the energy needed to heat your home.
Inspect the seals on your refrigerator and freezer regularly to make sure that they are tight. Broken or compromised seals allow cold air to leak, causing your appliance to run more often, and your energy bills to increase. To see whether your seal needs replacing, insert a sheet of paper in your door and make sure that it does not slide out easily.
Take the ideas from this article and find a way to incorporate them into your household. As you protect the environment more, your monthly energy bills will decrease. If you make incremental improvements, you will have one of the greenest homes in the country in no time!
