Reconfiguring your home to use less energy is easier than it has ever been before. A few thoughtful changes can minimize your carbon footprint, as well as save money in your bills. Continue on for some great ideas on how you can go about doing this.
Outdoors, solar-powered lights are very convenient for patios and garden paths. These lamps are inexpensive and do not require any kind of power source other than exposure to the sun. Not only does this save energy. It also means you don’t need hard wired outdoor lights.
Instead of blasting the air conditioner to keep cool in summer, wear clothes made from naturally cooling fabrics. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, remove moisture from skin so that you stay cool. Also, choose lighter color clothing, which reflects the sun rather than absorbs its heat.
You could easily have solar panels in your house to collect energy from the sun for you to use. However, before doing this, you need to consider a few things. Think about how much sun your house typically gets. If you’re in a shady area, or a place that doesn’t have many sunny days, you won’t be able to gain as much power.
Instead of using a clothes dryer, hang your clothes in the sun to dry in the summer months. The sun can give clothing an incredible smell. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. Also, using your dryer less will save you money in energy costs on your utility bills each month.
Hot water can be obtained in a low cost, environmentally friendly manner through solar energy. Look into hot water systems that run by solar power. You may pick between a direct or indirect circulation system. Indirect systems are the best option for those who have frozen pipes during the winter.
Electric heaters should only be used when necessary in order to be more green. Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, robes and slippers, and heat your living areas with a pellet stove or fireplace. You will breathe better during your sleep if the air is cool.
Degrees Warmer
Dressing warmly can help you reduce energy and go green. If you put on a light sweater, you’ll be two degrees warmer, while a heavy sweater will make you four degrees warmer. There is no need to be fashionable while at home watching TV, so put on some layers and put some money back in your pocket!
Keep a record of your energy efficiency goals. Each month, check your utility bills to check your year-over-year progress with regard to saving energy. The more aware you are of using energy, the easier it is to reduce your energy use. For instance, if you actively attempted to use less water or power, you going to make the effort to turn off lights and appliances when you leave the room.
Use biofuels as a heat source. Biofuel consists of vegetable or animals fats, wood and oils. Many times, furnaces that are propane can be changed by a pro so that you can heat using this blend of fuels. That would be around 20-99% biodiesel. Make sure you talk with a professional first before you try this fuel out.
Switching your boiler is a great energy saving tip. Old boilers were created without considering energy consumption, and new boilers are more efficient. They create less carbon dioxide, something that can greatly be good for anyone’s health, and it also cuts your electricity bill significantly.
Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home. This rating is given only to energy efficient appliances that are guaranteed to save energy over standard appliances like the ones you are replacing. This rating guarantees 20% less energy for freezers and refrigerators, 40% difference for dishwashers, and 50% for washing machines!
A good tip is to always microwave when cooking in order to save energy. Whenever you use your stove or oven, you use a significant amount of energy. So, whenever you can “nuke” something in the microwave, take advantage of it and tremendously cut down the energy output.
An on-demand (tankless) water heater is very green. Older water heaters are always running and always heating water whether it is needed or not, which is a waste of energy. These tankless water heaters instantly heat water as you need it, which saves a significant amount on your utility bills.
Energy Star
Look for appliances that have the Energy Star sticker or logo. The ENERGY STAR guidelines are set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA as well. You will find tax rebates available for these types of products, specifically.
Think about the ideas provided in this article, and try to come up with a way to implement them in your home. Green energy helps protect our environment but also pays you back in household savings. Even small changes can set you on a path toward a greener lifestyle.
