If you are interested in protecting the environment and keep your cost of living to a minimum, you will get great results by using energy from the sun, water and wind. If you want to learn how to use more green energy in your house, keep reading and discover some great tips about what to do and how you can start today.
The are several simple techniques to conserve energy. If an appliance is not in use, unplug it. Turn off the TV and lights when they aren’t in use. This is easy to do and saves a lot of energy.
Do your best to keep your windows shaded from any sunlight. Do this by installing blinds or curtains. Doing these things will let you use less air conditioning in the summer. You will save both energy and money.
Replace or clean your furnace filter at least once every 90 days, and check it once per month for build-up. Adding filters to your warm-air registers is not a bad idea, either. Doing so will prevent debris in heating ducts and it reduces energy.
Do your laundry using cold water, if you can. Almost 90 percent of the consumed energy while washing your clothes is spent on heating up the water. Using a quality detergent means it is unnecessary to use hot water. Additionally, it is more energy-efficient if you are washing full loads instead of small ones.
You may be able to use solar water heaters, and they can warm your water efficiently. This option is only applicable in areas that do not reach freezing temperatures. If you live in a warm climate, you can use a system that pumps your water through the solar heater before coming out of your pipes. As is true with many solar options, you should keep your traditional water heater for times when there is not enough sun, or in case you need to use a lot of water.
Turn off appliances you aren’t using. When you leave a room, take the time to turn off lights, the tv or the computer. Try using a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at once, instead of letting power be wasted in standby mode.
Don’t run the dishwasher unless it is filled to capacity. You will use just as much water and energy to run a half-empty dishwasher as a full one. When you run the dishwasher, see to it that you are using its energy-saving setting; that will allow the dishes to dry using air.
If you love green energy and green living, consider using electric heaters less during the winter months. You can wear warmer clothing instead, and warm up your home with your fireplace. Cooler air is better for sleeping anyway, because it prevents airways from becoming dry.
Make energy efficiency a priority by buying products to assist you to reduce energy. There are many options for green products, such as double-glazed windows or doors that are energy conscious. These products offer much more efficiency to your home. These products can assist you in reducing cooling and heating costs.
Desktop computers require a lot of energy, so why not opt for a laptop? This can significantly lower the amount of electricity you use, especially if the computer is on the Internet a lot or uses word processing software. Plus you can take your laptop anywhere.
Seek out local and federal rebates offered for making energy upgrades to your home. In some situations, your local utility company may provide rebates to offset some of the cost of such upgrades. You may also be able to get tax credits or deductions from the government for your upgrades. These rebates and credits can substantially reduce the cost of installing green energy technology in your home.
Perhaps you are intimidated by making an large, green energy investment. Seeking the input of a professional, such as a heating/cooling specialist or plumber can educate you on options. These professionals can inform you of how much you are wasting by using appliances that are not energy efficient. That can also provide you with an estimate of how much it will be to replace your systems.
Check your utility bills against previous years’ bills to see how you’re doing in your efforts to go green. You should also write down your goals for energy efficiency and reminders to help you stay on track. Keeping energy usage at the forefront of your mind can motivate you to use less energy in the long run. If you form good habits of cutting your electric or water usage, turning off appliances and lights when not in use becomes automatic.
You can save money and protect the environment with green energy. As this article shows, going green isn’t all that difficult and costly. Put this excellent advice to use and build a more environmentally friendly and efficient home today.
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