The current trend in our society is to look for ways to implement green energy into our lives. What does green energy mean? Green energy is the use of renewable resources and technology that is energy-efficient. This energy can be used in any home, and you will find out how in the article below.
Rather than using an air conditioner during the summer, wear clothes that are natural. Fabrics like cotton naturally draw moisture away from the skin, allowing it to stay cooler. Wearing lighter colors will also help, because they tend to reflect light.
Take advantage of government grants if you plan to invest in renewable energy sources. Ask your local authorities what kinds of programs are available in your area. You could qualify for a no-cost wind or solar installation, or at the very least, receive a tax deduction.
Reduce your energy consumption by unplugging anything that is not in use, especially battery chargers. Anytime a charger is plugged in, it is using a bit of energy.
Your furnace filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced yearly. You should also install filters on any warm-air registers included with your furnace. This stops debris from blocking heating ducts.
If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, do not operate before it fills up. The dishwasher uses the same energy when full that it uses when empty, but you’ll have to run it less often. When the dishwasher is used, it is also important to use the main energy-saving feature, which air-dries the dishes.
Using the sun to heat your water is very cost effective. Upgrade your hot water system to one that’s solar-powered. There are direct and indirect circulation systems available. The indirect one is your best option if you have to worry about frozen pipes in the winter.
When thinking about home solar systems, think about how much energy will be produced during winter. This can prevent any nasty surprises during winter, and it can leave you ahead in the summer. 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!
Stormed Windows
When a home has stormed windows and doors, air flows better. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. Energy efficiency increases by 45% in houses that contain stormed windows and doors, which could save you lots of money when it comes to electricity.
One way to participate in the green energy movement is buying products that are specifically designed to save energy. Some green items, like environmentally freindly doors, will reduce your energy usage by a lot. This will reduce both your home’s heating and cooling bills.
Use LED lights on the holidays to save electricity. Research has shown that in the United States alone, more than two billion kilowatt hours worth of power could be saved if everyone made this transition. The Department of Energy says that if everyone did this, the country would conserve more than 2 billion kilowatt power hours. This electricity could power more than 200,000 houses for a year. You can save money on your electric bill.
Trade in your old major appliances for new ones with the Energy Star rating. This rating is given only to energy efficient appliances that are guaranteed to save energy over standard appliances like the ones you are replacing. Refrigerators and freezers use about 20 percent less energy, while the energy that washing machines use is cut in half.
An on-demand hot water heater is a good way to stay green. Regular hot water heaters keep hot water at a constant temperature, even if you aren’t using it. This type of point of use heater warms the water as it is required, and can result in significant cost savings.
If it’s feasible, replace old, leaky windows with energy-efficient models. The benefits of these windows are numerous. They can reduce your energy bill, reduce the outside noise that disturbs you, lower carbon dioxide levels, and even reduce the amount of condensation that gathers on the glass.
Energy Star
One simple way to spot energy-efficient appliances is to check for an ENERGY STAR logo. If the appliance has an ENERGY STAR, it means it meets guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Energy as well as the EPA. Typically, these are the only appliances that one can get a tax rebate for.
You can shave a significant amount from your utility bills by installing a programmable thermostat. These types of thermostats are already programmed, or preset, to adjust temperatures accordingly for colder and warmer months throughout the year. They can also keep regular temperatures during the day and night.
A good tip for saving money and making your life a little greener is to reduce your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees F. This could possibly save a four-person household up to 10 percent each month on the power bill, yet this still offers an adequate amount of water at a safe temperature.
Energy consumption can be reduced by making your own ice. Though automatic ice makers may seem convenient, they often break a lot and waste a lot of energy. Also, their seals tend to leak, which could increase your freezer’s temperature. Avoid having these issues by using ice cube trays to make your ice cubes.
Use rain barrels or collected rainwater around your house to water plants, or use it for your toilet. This can reduce your monthly water bill, and it’s environmentally friendly. Collecting rainwater is actually quite simple; simply place multiple glass jars outside when you know it is going to rain and close the lid once they have filled.
Green Energy
When using green energy, you are doing your part to save the planet. Green energy can be roughly divided into two categories: technology that reduces consumption of traditional energy sources and alternative energy sources. It’s very easy to incorporate green energy into your home, simply by applying the information that you read in this article.
