Solar panels help to save money and conserve energy. There are a lot of great reasons on why you should use solar panels, from various government incentives to being eco-friendly. The following article gives information about the benefits of installing solar panels, as well as information about where you can purchase them.
Outdoors, solar-powered lights are very convenient for patios and garden paths. These lamps require now power source, except the sun, and are generally inexpensive. This will save significant energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.
A simple way to save energy is to close the curtains. Installing blinds and curtains will also help. Since your home will become cooler, you will not have to use the air conditioning that much. You will save both energy and money.
The U.S. Government makes grant funds available as an incentive for consumers to start using green energy. Contact your local government in order to see the different programs available in your area. You could qualify for a no-cost wind or solar installation, or at the very least, receive a tax deduction.
Solar Panels
Putting in solar panels in your home for solar energy is easy. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. Think about how much sun your house typically gets. If you home is shaded, the amount of energy collected from solar panels will be greatly reduced.
Wash clothing in cold water. Almost 90% of energy used for doing laundry is due to heating the water. Provided you are using the right laundry detergent, you will not see a cleanliness difference by washing in cold water. Be sure to always do a full load of clothes when you wash.
Close the curtains or blinds before you leave the house. Heavy drapes help keep you home cool, resulting in energy savings. Generally, the south-facing windows get the most sun because of their position. Dark, lined curtains, roman shades or roller shades may be something to consider using on your windows.
Heating your water with the power of the sun can be very efficient. Best for locations with a warmer climate, a solar water heater uses the sun’s energy to heat water that circulates through it. Make sure you own traditional water heaters for backup during cold days.
Calculate potential energy generation during the planning of buying home solar systems. This can prevent any nasty surprises during winter, and it can leave you ahead in the summer. You can actually get money back from your utility company for any energy your generate if you’re on the net usage plan.
Tankless Heaters
Use a green and tankless model as opposed to a tank-style water heater. While tankless heaters still require gas or electricity to heat your water, they only heat the amount of water you need, rather than keeping a large tank hot around the clock. Tankless heaters come in various models that either supply a single faucet or the whole house with hot water.
One way to save energy is to limit the use of electrical heaters in the winter. Dress more warmly when around the house. Wear slippers and a heavy top, and light up your fireplace or pellet stove for increased warmth at low cost. You will breathe better during your sleep if the air is cool.
Energy Star
Use Energy Star rated appliances instead of your old appliances. To receive an Energy Star rating from the government, appliances must meet minimum efficiency standards, unlike the non-rated appliances you may currently own. The amount of energy saved varies by appliances; you can save a lot of energy on your washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher use if you switch to Energy Star appliances.
Install a toilet that uses less water. Up to half of the water that your household uses is when flushing the toilet. Older models used 5 or more gallons of water to flush; today’s water saving models uses a little over 1.5 gallons per flush. That is a 70 percent water savings.
Although turning off lights or electrical equipment that is not being used seems like an obvious change to make, many people don’t remember to do this. If a person put this practice into action, he or she would save a huge amount on the electric bill. Think in advance about what you need to do, and make it a habit to turn off anything that you are no longer using.
You should seek out help from your electric company as you begin to make your home energy-efficient. Many power companies have websites with tools that allow you to calculate your hourly energy consumption and tips for reducing your bill. Electric companies can also show you how to get the best green-energy appliances and light bulbs.
If possible, switch the old windows in your home with newer, energy-efficient ones. These have many benefits, such as reduced spending on energy bills, a quieter home, and less condensation on the interior of your windows.
Solar Panels
Add solar panels to the roof for an immediately greener, and more energy efficient, home. Adding solar panels does require a significant investment amount up front, but the cost savings of using solar power over several years will more than make up for it. Once solar panels are in place the energy is free, and you might have the chance to sell some of the power to your electric company.
Solar panels have numerous benefits, as you are now aware. They’re easy to buy, install, and are durable also. Having solar panels installed is a good way to go green, it is a good way to update your home as well.
