You might have heard people talking about green energy technology, and you may have not been sure what they’re talking about. If you want to learn more, read this article for some tips. See the tips presented here to help the planet and save money at the same time.
Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. Heating water with electricity or natural gas is not very efficient, but solar water heaters harness energy from the sun to keep water at a steady temperature. By doing certain upgrades to your home, you can often earn extra incentives and even cut backs on your energy bill.
Government grants are available to help consumers invest in renewable energies. Check with the local government and see what programs are available to you. You may be eligible for free wind or solar installation, or at the very least be allowed to deduct your costs when you do your taxes.
You can reduce the amount of electricity that you use, and be a better energy user by removing chargers that power your devices from outlets when they are not in use. Chargers for your electronics, such as an iPod or cell phone, are always using electricity, even when they’re not in use, so unplug them when you can.
If you use heating fuel, ask a professional if you can convert your system to bio-diesel fuel system. Many systems will take a switch to some level of biodiesel without any extra parts or modifications. Bio-diesel is more efficient and burns cleaner than conventional petroleum, which in turn, reduces the environmental impact from your home during the winter.
Tankless Heaters
If you are building a new home or are in the market for a new water heater, consider a tankless model. Although tankless heaters require electricity or gas to heat water, they only do this on the amount you need as opposed to storing it in a large tank that is kept hot all the time. You can purchase tankless heaters that supply the whole house, or ones that supply just one faucet.
Use electric heating sparingly in the winter. You can wear warmer clothing instead, and warm up your home with your fireplace. It helps breathing, and prevents dry airways if you make the air cooler during sleeping.
When choosing new windows or doors, consider the energy ratings as you shop. Certain green items, such as eco-friendly windows and doors and double glazed windows, cut down on energy you need to keep your home going efficiently. Using these products is a great way to save money on heating and cooling.
If you’re unsure about green investments, get an expert to provide a consultation that will optimize your energy usage. They will be able to tell you how much money you are losing on inefficient appliances, and they can also give you an accurate estimate of what it will cost to upgrade or replace your systems.
Closely monitor how many watts you are using. A gadget like Watt Minder or Kill-A-Watt will help you discover which appliances are your prime energy consumers. Plug your appliances in to these devices to find out what amount of energy is required each year, month or hour to run it. This is helpful in showing you exactly what each appliance costs to run.
Use biofuels as a heat source. These fuels come from vegetable or animal fats, wood, and oils. Propane furnaces can be changed to use multiple fuels. You would want to use roughly 20-99 percent bio-fuel, depending on your house size and what a professional thinks is right. Make sure you ask a professional before you attempt to utilize this type of fuel inside your household.
Energy Star
Get rid of your old appliances and replace them with Energy Star-certified appliances. To receive an Energy Star rating from the government, appliances must meet minimum efficiency standards, unlike the non-rated appliances you may currently own. The rating promises refrigerators and freezers will use 20 percent less energy, 40 percent less for dishwashers and 50 percent less energy for washing machines.
If you are in the market for wooden items, try bamboo wood. Bamboo is technically grass and is a “green product”, but it is often much stronger than other available woods. Since bamboo grows quite fast it is one of the best renewable choices you can make. You can find a variety of bamboo products, from floors to furniture to cutting boards for the kitchen. This saves on recycling energy and the production of manufacturing products.
Replace your windows with more energy-efficient ones. You’ll not only see a reduction in your energy bill, but you will also reduce carbon dioxide, condensation on the inside of your windows and a reduction of outside noise in your home.
Green Energy
Having some good information about green energy should be the catalyst you need to start converting in your home. Use the ideas here to get started today with green energy in your own home. The earth, as well as your pocketbook will be thanking you for years to come!
