Green energy does several things, including saving our environment. From harnessing the power of wind and solar to biofuels, there are numerous ways to obtain environmentally-friendly electricity. So, you are probably wondering how to make green changes in your life. Continue reading this article.
Shade your windows from the sun to prevent energy usage. Both curtains and blinds will help keep the heat from the sun out of your home during the summer months. Doing these things will let you use less air conditioning in the summer. The result is a significant energy savings and money in your pocket!
During the heat of summer, wear natural-fiber fabrics instead of turning on the air conditioner. Fabrics such as cotton draw moisture from the skin, which allows you to stay much cooler. Also, choose lighter colors. Darker colors absorb heat, which makes you feel warmer, meaning you’ll set your thermostat lower.
Do you have a lot of land? Farms are the perfect place to put a wind turbine. If you don’t have a farm, you might be able to rent from someone. You and those around you can benefit from the free energy. A turbine doesn’t take up much space, either.
Window coverings should remain closed while you are away. This allows your home to be kept cool when you aren’t there, and in addition, it helps keep energy costs down. Usually, the windows facing the south get more sun because of where they are in the house. Try to cover the windows using coverings like roman shades, roller shades, and dark curtains.
Consider switching to solar-powered water heaters for your home. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are unlikely, you can purchase systems that circulate water through solar heating systems before pumping it inside for use. You should still retain traditional water heaters for backup when the sun doesn’t show, or if you use a lot of heated water.
Winter Months
When you consider solar heat for your home calculate potential hours of sunshine for energy generation during the winter months. This prevents any unanticipated effects from a winter months, and it keeps you ahead of the game for summer months. If you’re using a net-usage plan, in the summer you’ll get cash back from your utility provider.
Take time out to properly inspect your refrigerator. Refrigerators use a large amount of energy, so they should be taken care of to work their best. Make a regular habit of removing dust from the refrigerator’s heating coils. It’s important to check that the seal is tight and clean around the refrigerator door.
Keep your home better insulated and control warm and cool air better by installing storm windows and doors. Storm doors and windows dramatically reduce the amount of drafts and cold air that get into your home. Sometimes electric savings can be up to 45 percent on homes that have storm windows as opposed to single pane windows.
Active Solar
Research solar panels to see if an active or passive set-up is right for your needs. Active solar power is stored so it can be used later, but passive doesn’t need pricey solar panel cells to store power. Active solar powers requires solar panels that need installations as well as mechanical systems and cells. Passive power, instead, just stores the energy gotten from the sun inside your home.
Don’t turn the thermostat up higher than needed in your home. If you are cold, put on sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Having your heat turned up too high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.
Create reminders for yourself in order to stay focused on your energy efficiency goals. Try to check your utility bill occasionally in order to see the progress you are making. Just being conscious of the energy that you use will help you reduce them significantly. Cut down electricity and water consumption so you are likely to turn off appliances.
Try and invest in LED lights when you decide to decorate your home for any holiday season. According to one study done by the DOE, the United States could save more than 2 billion hours of power, simply by having everyone make this change. The U.S. would be able to save Two billion kilo watt hours of energy if everyone did this change. That much electricity could power at least 200,000 home for a whole year. You could reduce the amount of your own utility bill as well.
Carpooling doesn’t have to be just for work. Set up carpooling with other parents to get the kids to soccer practice or band camp. You can also schedule grocery shopping and other errands with friends that live near you.
Solar panels can be a great addition for your home, making it more efficient and greener. Do not be discouraged by the initial high investment costs, as you will recoup that money in the form of monthly energy savings. After the panels are installed, solar power is free and excess can often be sold to supplant the grid.
It is more important than ever to increase our use of green energy. It’s true that no source of energy is 100% “clean,” but alternative energy sources are far more clean that what we are using now. By using the ideas in this article, you should be able to start adding more green to your life.
