There are so many different ways to use green energy in your home that you’ll be shocked by how simple and cost-effective it can be. This article provides you with the information needed to make your own home more green.
Instead of using A/C in the summer, wear natural fabrics. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw moisture naturally from the skin, making it cooler. Wear lighter colors, as warmer colors make you feel warmer and more likely to put on artificial cold air.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are easy to install and can collect sunlight for energy. There are a few things to consider before installing them. The number one to think about is the amount of sun your home gets. If you home is shaded, the amount of energy collected from solar panels will be greatly reduced.
Are you a farmer? If you own your farm property, you could allow an energy company to rent a small plot of your land, so they can install an energy-generating wind turbine. You will reap the benefits of this energy and the space needed is minimal.
Wash clothing in cold water. Having heated water in your washer can use up to nine-tenths of the energy required to run a washing machine. Just make sure you don’t harm your clothes in the process; check out the labels on your clothes and make a judgment for yourself. Furthermore, bear in mind that you will get maximum efficiency from washing a load that is full, rather then multiple small loads.
If you heat your home with fuel, talk to a technician about using biodiesel. Many systems can use biodiesels without any modification. Biodiesel is great because it is more efficient and produces less pollution that standard oil, which will reduce your carbon footprint.
Cover your windows if you’re not going to be home. Your house will stay cool and you won’t use as much energy this way. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Install window coverings like heavy curtains, drapes, roman or roller shades, or blinds on all windows.
Every community offers different energy sources, so research the ones that are available to you. Find out what the cost of using these utilities to run your home would be. It might be good to switch to natural gas or well water, as an example.
Use a tankless water heater instead of one that uses a tank. Tankless heaters require less energy to heat water, as they only heat it as needed. You can purchase a tankless heater for a faucet or your whole home.
Use a laptop for your computing needs rather than a power hungry desktop. This can cut up to 75% of your electrical use, especially if you are frequently on the Internet or using word processing software. In addition, the laptop is portable and be used anywhere in the house.
Green Tech
Watch for state and federal tax incentives for upgrading your home to use renewable energy sources. In some instances, the local company gives rebates for upgrading to green tech. Tax deductions are also available from the government, sometimes. These credits and rebates reduce the price you will pay to install green tech products at home.
Think about baking with a solar oven. Use common household items to make a solar oven. Put a piece of an old window into a box and place foil inside the box to reflect the sun’s rays. This oven uses only solar energy and can reach cooking temperatures in excess of 300 degrees.
If you aspire to live a green, environmentally friendly lifestyle, there are many options for you. You might not have the money to invest in a solar panel array, but you can commit to cleaning your furnace filters once per month and setting your thermostat to 60 degrees while you are out. Reduce your water heater to 120 degrees, this can save you a lot of money. No matter how small, everything helps!
Consider carpooling for different occasions to save on fuel costs. If you have children organize carpooling with other parents in your neighborhood. Those who live close to friends or family can go grocery shopping together.
Heat each room separately rather than all at once to save money. In order to do this, you will need to add a central control to your heating system that will allow you to select the temperature for each room. If you happen to own a larger home, this will be especially beneficial.
Green Energy
As this article has shown there are many ways to incorporate green energy into your life. Using green energy will make you feel better and begin providing benefits quickly.