Green energy is becoming more popular than ever because of the financial problems most people are having. Using sustainable resources is a great way to keep energy costs down and reduce utility bills in hard economic times. Read on for some great ideas on how you can go greener with the use of energy in your home.
Cutting back on your daily electricity usage can save lots of energy over time. Unplug appliances that are not being used. Turn off all lights and televisions when they are not being used. This is an easy, money-saving tip.
Lower the cost of heating your indoor water, pools and hot tubs by switching to solar water heating systems. Solar water heaters tap into the abundant and free energy offered by the sun. Water heated by other methods, like natural gas, propane, or electricity, is not an efficient method. Even though these upgrades can involve considerable expense, some of them might qualify as green energy tax savings.
Wear natural fabrics during the summer in order to avoid wasting energy on air conditioning. Fabrics like cotton naturally draw moisture away from the skin, allowing it to stay cooler. Also, choose lighter color clothing, which reflects the sun rather than absorbs its heat.
Do you own a farm? If you do, or if you are aware of someone that does, you may be able to rent some of the property to a local energy company that will install a type of wind turbine. Not only will the turbine use minimal land, it can provide you with free energy.
When not at home, use window coverings. This allows your home to be kept cool when you aren’t there, and in addition, it helps keep energy costs down. Typically windows on the southern side of the home receive the most sun. Dark, lined curtains, roman shades or roller shades may be something to consider using on your windows.
Consider installing a solar water heating system. If you live in a sunny climate, you can use a solar water heater year-round. Though you can use this system, it’s best to have a regular water heater for backup purposes, just in case there is a day with little sunlight or more water usage than normal.
An easy way to cut energy costs and go green is to dress warm. A sweater that is heavy adds 4 more degrees of warmth, and a lighter sweater adds 2 degrees. You don’t have to worry about wearing too little at home so consider getting a sweater to save money.
Active Power
Take the time to learn about active, and passive solar power. Active power can be stored for later use. Passive power must be utilized more quickly but no expensive storage cells are required. Active power needs solar panels installed, cells, and mechanical systems. Passive energy is using the sun’s thermal energy to heat your house.
You can increase the energy efficiency of your home by buying energy saving products. One of the most popular products to increase the energy efficiency of your home are double-pane windows that have received a high energy star rating. By installing these products, your home is sealed tighter, and you use less energy to heat and cool your home.
Desktop computers are very power hungry. Try using a laptop as an alternative. It can mean a savings of up to seventy-five percent on the electricity if you are a frequent Internet user or if you use word-processing software. The laptop has the added benefit of being portable, so you can use it anywhere!
Use e-mail over snail mail as much as possible. Basically, this means using as little paper as possible. This kills two birds with one stone: you save energy and encourage businesses with whom you correspond to do so, as well. Most importantly, it helps to protect the environment.
Don’t turn up the heat very high. If you find the air a little chilly, put on a sweater or an extra pair of socks. When heat is turned very high, vast amounts of energy are wasted.
Upgrading your home’s boiler is a smart way to save energy. Old boiler units were not designed with energy conservation in mind, yet new boilers are typically more efficient. They create less carbon dioxide, something that can greatly be good for anyone’s health, and it also cuts your electricity bill significantly.
It will pay off over time if you spend more on green efficient products in the future. Oftentimes, green technologies are a bit more expensive than their traditional counterpart; however, investing in green electronics and appliances will pay off with savings from decreased energy consumption. It also pays off in the future for the environment.
Solar Panels
The addition of solar panels on your home will make your home greener. The initial cost of installing solar panels may seem significant, but consider the long term saving when calculating the final cost. 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.
Weatherize your home for more energy efficiency. Ideas to help weatherize your home include adding insulation, sealing furnace ducts and installing energy efficient windows. This will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, thereby, saving you money on your utility bills.
You can save energy while doing laundry, too. For example use the moisture sensor on your dryer; once the laundry is dry the dryer will automatically shut off. Set your washer on high speed spin to remove more moisture from the clothes before they go in the dryer. It is also important to consistently clean your filter and prevent blockage in your vent.
The easy tips in this article about green energy can not only save consumers money, but it also allows the environment to be that much more abundant. You can save money easily–which everyone needs with the economic downturn–without putting in a lot of effort. Try these tips and see how easy it is to use green energy.