Making the switch to green energy can be a little overwhelming, but it can be pretty simple. Whether you are looking to make minor changes or something a lot bigger, either way, you are still helping the environment. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find tips that will help you switch to sources of green energy.
Rather than using an air conditioner during the summer, wear clothes that are natural. By wearing natural fabrics, such as cotton, you will keep moisture away from your skin and help it stay cooler. Wear light colors; dark colors tend to make you feel warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.
Think about buying solar water heaters for heating your water. The heater uses solar energy to heat water before sending it to your home. This can be useful if your home isn’t located in an area with cold temperatures. It’s a good idea to use a supplemental water heater, however, if you cannot count on constant sunshine or if your hot water consumption is high.
Turn off appliances if you are not using them. When you leave a room, switch off the lights, computer or T.V. Keep your home appliances on a power strip, and switch it off when not in use.
Storm Windows
If you want to save energy on heating and cooling costs, install storm windows and doors. Storm doors and windows stop drafts from letting in so much cold air. Energy efficiency can be increased up to 45% in a home with storm windows and doors.
One of the simplest ways that you can go green is by dressing warmly. 2 degrees of warmth is added by wearing a light sweater, and 4 degrees with a heavy one. So, wear a sweater to save some money.
One way to participate in the green energy movement is buying products that are specifically designed to save energy. Insulated double-pane windows and eco-friendly doors are especially effective for saving energy. These products can assist you in reducing cooling and heating costs.
Use a laptop computer instead of desktop, which uses much more energy. That can reduce up to two-thirds of your power usage; that is especially true if you frequently use word processing or the internet. Because laptops are portable, you can also enjoy the convenience of taking your computer anywhere.
Try receiving as much messaging as you can via email. In other words, choose paperless options anytime you can. This helps businesses to save energy as well as consumers. Not to mention, it protects the environment for everyone.
Try not to turn the heat up too high in your home, unless it is absolutely necessary for you to do so. Put on a sweater and sweatpants when it’s cold. You waste a lot of energy if you put the heat on higher than necessary.
Write a reminder to remain on top of goals for energy efficiency, and check each bill against last year to see if improvements were made. Being conscious when it comes to your energy expenditures could help significantly reduce them. For instance, if your stated goal is to reduce your consumption of electricity and water, you are more apt to remember to turn off the lights and shut off the faucet when not using them.
Replacing an old boiler can save energy. Old boilers were created without considering energy consumption, and new boilers are more efficient. They can reduce your energy bill and they don’t produce as much carbon dioxide.
Less Energy
Replace old appliances with those labeled Energy Star. The Energy Star rated appliance is guaranteed to use appreciably less energy than the older non-rated appliance. For freezers and refrigerators the rating guarantees 20 percent less energy utilized, dishwashers 40 percent, and washing machines as much as 50 percent less energy used!
An old, yet good tip, for those looking to save on energy is to turn off your lights whenever you leave a room. It is amazing how the energy savings add up once you get into this habit. In addition, you will save money on your utility bill.
Consider changing out a standard toilet for one that is built to save water. It has been estimated that as much as 50 percent of the water which is used in one’s home is flushed down the toilet. A traditional toilet uses up to 5 gallons for each flush of the toilet, but the newer models use as little at 1.6 gallons, which is a savings of 3.4 gallons with each flush.
You may want to install solar panels on the roof to create a more eco-friendly home. This can be a costly option in the beginning but it will pay great economic and environmental dividends over time. Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate lots of free power. It’s also possible to sell some of your excess power to nearby electric companies.
There is no need for going green to be difficult. As you have just read in the above article, there are a lot of simple ways of making your life greener. Make use of the information you’ve learned in this article. You may have to make some major changes to your life, but the payoff from going green is very much worth it.
