Converting to greener sources of energy is not nearly as difficult as it may first seem. Whether you are looking to make minor changes or something a lot bigger, either way, you are still helping the environment. Use some of the effective tips below to begin the change to green energy in your home.
Government grants are available to help consumers invest in renewable energies. Contact local government and discover the programs that exist locally. You may qualify for a free installation or a tax deduction.
Your furnace filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced yearly. Adding filters to warm-air registers is also beneficial. Register filters will help prevent debris increasing efficiency.
If you aren’t home, use a window covering. This keeps your home cooler naturally, reducing the strain on your air conditioner and saving energy. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Install window coverings like heavy curtains, drapes, roman or roller shades, or blinds on all windows.
If you have a dishwasher, do not turn it on until it is full. No matter how many dishes you have in there, it still uses the same level of energy. When the dishwasher is used, it is also important to use the main energy-saving feature, which air-dries the dishes.
Storm Windows
Air flow is controlled best in homes with storm windows and doors. This is because they decrease the amount of cold air circulating through your home. Homes equipped with storm windows and doors can see an increase in energy efficiency of up to 45 percent.
Trade out your older, tank-style water heater for a tankless model that is more green. Tankless versions still need electricity or gas to heat water, but they are more effective in heating solely the water necessary instead of a huge tank of water constantly. You can get a tankless water heater to heat your entire home’s water supply or you can get a smaller one that heats only water that comes out of a particular faucet.
One way to save energy is to limit the use of electrical heaters in the winter. Use a fireplace in place of the heater and wear warm layers of clothing. Keep in mind that cooler air is better for your breathing while you sleep as it prevents your airways from becoming dry.
Keep track of your watt usage. Use gadgets like the Watt Minder and the Kill-A-Watt so that you can discover what uses the most energy. You can tell how much energy it uses by plugging the appliance into it. This way, you will know how much that appliance costs you, and you can adjust your usage or settings accordingly.
It can be surprisingly easy to go green. As you have learned from this article there are a lot of ways you can green up your life for the better. Make sure you use the advice given here today. This doesn’t take a ton of effort and has several benefits.
