Being environmentally conscious is one great way to save money. Energy costs in today’s world are significant. You can also help the planet. Doing this won’t require you to purchase an electric car! This article has some great, simple ways to improve energy efficiency.
Shading windows from sunlight whelps to save energy. Keep blinds closed and curtains drawn. Doing these things will let you use less air conditioning in the summer. You will save both energy and money.
When you can, wash your laundry in cold water. Having heated water in your washer can use up to nine-tenths of the energy required to run a washing machine. If you are using good quality washing detergent, cold water is effective. Also, make sure your load is a full one so you do not waste energy washing several small loads.
Consider solar water heaters to make your home more energy efficient. 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. Yet make sure that you also have a regular water heater as well just in case the sun decides to not come out for awhile.
When thinking about home solar systems, think about how much energy will be produced during winter. That way you won’t run out of energy during winter months, and you will have more than enough in the summer. If your electric company bills on net usage, you will actually make money because yu generate more power than you consume.
Storm doors and windows offer better air flow in the home. This is because they decrease the amount of cold air circulating through your home. Storm windows and doors boosts energy efficiency as much as 45%, which can cut electricity costs.
Solar Power
If you are interested in solar power learn about the difference between active and passive power. Active power can be stored for later use. Passive power must be utilized more quickly but no expensive storage cells are required. Active solar power needs to have cells, mechanical systems, and solar panels installed. While passive simply uses the sun in storing thermal energy in your walls in order to heat your house.
Before you decide on large energy-saving projects for your home, get a professional evaluation of your existing appliances, windows and insulation and your heating and cooling systems. They can advise you about how much inefficient appliances cause you to lose financially, and they can estimate the price of upgrading or simply replacing your old systems.
Whenever possible, keep the heat in your home turned down. If you find the air a little chilly, put on a sweater or an extra pair of socks. If you turn the heat up to 75 degrees, you are using a ton of unnecessary energy.
Use biofuels to heat up your home. These fuels are made up of animal or vegetable fats, oils and wood. If you have a propane furnace, sometimes a technician can make modifications to enable you to use a blend of different fuels. The blend you would use could be made up of 20%-99% biodiesel. Talk to a professional before using biofuel in the home.
Carpooling doesn’t have to be just for work. If you have children that you take to school or sporting activities, try setting up a carpool with other parents, and trade off the days you will drive. If you are near friends and family, go food shopping together and take turns driving.
Energy Usage
Use Energy Star rated appliances instead of your old appliances. Energy Star appliances are guaranteed to use less energy than those made previously. For your refrigerator/freezer, Energy star appliances promise to cut energy usage by 20%, and you will see 40% and 50% energy usage, respectively, in Energy Star dishwashers and washing machines.
Switch your toilets to one of the newer, water-saving varieties. Estimates show that 50% of water used in a home is to flush the toilet. An older model of toilet might use up to 5 gallons per flush, as compared to a lean 1.6 gallons for a water-saving model.
If you spend the money on green appliances and electronics now, you’ll save over time. Green technology may be more expensive at first, but your utility bills will be reduced. It also pays off as far as the environment is concerned.
Changing the filter in your furnace, using energy efficient light bulbs, and installing a programmable thermostat are easy ways to conserve energy in your home. Set forth a good example for the members of your family, and this will teach others to go green as well. Use these tips right away!