Taking care of the planet we all live on is very important and each of us has a responsibility to go greener with energy use, whenever possible. There are a variety of methods you can use to be environmentally friendly. How can these technologies be put to work for you? Read the article below for more information.
Choose solar-powered lights when installing outdoor lighting in your yard. These lamps are cheap and don’t require any power besides sun exposure. This saves you a lot of energy. It also means you don’t need to wire your outdoor lights.
Maintaining your refrigerator is an easy way to save energy. Since refrigerators are one of the high-consumption appliances, it’s crucial that you keep it running efficiently. Regularly make sure the heating coils are dust-free. Also, check the door to be sure it is sealed tightly.
Dressing in warm attire can be a great way to cut energy costs while embracing green energy. A light sweater offers 2 degrees of more warmth, and a heavy sweater adds 4 degrees. It’s not necessary to wear so little at home, so out on a sweatshirt and save some cash!
Active Solar Power
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Active solar power is stored so it can be used later, but passive doesn’t need pricey solar panel cells to store power. Installing an active solar system requires more money and work, with panels and an entire system. Passive power, instead, just stores the energy gotten from the sun inside your home.
A laptop is actually a great alternative for consuming less energy as opposed to using a desktop. Making this switch can reduce your power consumption by up to 75%. This is especially true if you are an Internet addict or do heavy word processing. Since laptops are portable, you can use them anywhere.
Hire experts to check your plumbing and heating systems before investing a lot of money in installing new, greener systems. You can be shown where your money is being lost through inefficient products, and some great estimates on upgrades or replacements.
If you are trying to achieve a greener lifestyle, there are many options for you. You might not have the money to invest in a solar panel array, but you can commit to cleaning your furnace filters once per month and setting your thermostat to 60 degrees while you are out. Setting your water heater to 120 F will also be an energy saver. Even the smallest amount of effort can help.
You can actually use biofuels to add heat for your home. Bio-fuels consist of vegetable fat, animal fat, oils and wood. Typically, if your furnace uses propane, professionals can easily provide changes so you use these fuels. This fuel would contain anywhere from 20-99% biodiesel. Always speak with a professional who will guide you in how to properly use this type of fuel.
Share rides with others in your neighborhood to greatly reduce your fuel usage. If you are a parent, carpool with other adults. If you live close to family or friends, carpool for grocery shopping or other errands to save gas.
Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. When cooking in the oven or on the stove, it tends to burn up a lot more energy. So, never shy away from the microwave when using it is an option. You will save time, money, and energy by making this choice.
Consider replacing your wooden products with bamboo when buying new. Bamboo serves as a green replacement for wood. Though it is a grass, it has much more strength and durability than many commercial woods. Many items are now available in bamboo. Try bamboo in your flooring, utensils, or cutting surfaces instead of traditional woods. The products are more affordable due to a reduction in the cost of manufacturing products.
Solar panels can be added to your home as an easy green energy source. This can be a costly option in the beginning but it will pay great economic and environmental dividends over time. Once the panels are in, solar power is free; you might even be able to sell power to local utility companies.
It is extremely important that we begin to transition from traditional forms of energy to forms of energy that are more green. While all energy comes with some risk, green energy will reduce the environmental impact we have. Becoming a green person has become easier than ever, and if you put this information to use, you will be green in no time.
