Switching to green energy may seem like a lot of work, but it can actually be quite simple. Whether you desire to make simple changes or if you decide to do something big, you will be helping our environment. Use some of the effective tips below to begin the change to green energy in your home.
Using less energy daily means large energy and financial savings. Unplug appliances that are not being used. Try turning off the TV and lights when they’re not in use. This is an excellent way of saving yourself some money.
Installing solar panels is a great way to save electricity. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. What you need to know first is how much of the sun does your home generally receive? You can’t take as much advantage of solar energy if your house gets a lot of shade rather than sun.
Are you a farmer? If so, or if you have family who does, consider renting out some of your land to a company that will install a simple wind turbine. Not only will the turbine use minimal land, it can provide you with free energy.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Almost all of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat the water. Washing your clothing in cold water will get them just as clean as washing them in hot water if you have a good laundry detergent. In addition, remember that a washing machine will be most energy efficient when it is full.
If you use heating fuel, ask a professional if you can convert your system to bio-diesel fuel system. You might even find that you can switch your system to partial biodiesel without having to purchase parts or hire a contractor to perform modifications. Biodiesel is cleaner to burn than petroleum, making it more efficient to use in the wintertime.
If you are not using something, turn it off. Upon leaving a particular room, remember to turn of the lights, television, computer or even the entertainment center. Use power strips for your electronics, and make sure to turn it of when you are not using it. If it is in standby it’s still wasting power.
Solar batteries should be placed close to solar cells when system installation is taking place. This helps to prevent any power loss in the cable. It also prevents the cable covering the cells, which would reduce their generation capability.
Use a laptop rather than a desktop computer to save electricity and enhance your mobility. This can cut up to 75% of your electrical use, especially if you are frequently on the Internet or using word processing software. An added bonus is the portability of a laptop- you can take it anywhere you go!
Take advantage of government rebates on renewable energy installations. Sometimes, your local utility company can give you a rebate based on what the upgrades cost. The federal government offers tax write-offs and other credits in return for your changes. Rebates and tax credits can make it a lot cheaper to upgrade your home, to make it more energy efficient.
Build and use a solar oven to bake outdoors and save energy. You can make this by using a piece of foil, a box, and an old window. Solar ovens can be heated over 300 degrees and only use the sun for energy.
Consider bamboo items when making a wood purchase. Bamboo grows fast and in abundance; it does not have the same negative environmental impact as cutting down trees. Bamboo is becoming very popular and growing to be made for cutting boards for hard wood floors. This saves energy via recycling and manufacturer production.
Don’t overlook your utility company’s resources when it comes to making your home greener. Utility companies provide some powerful tools online to measure and control your electricity usage. You may want to see if some of their programs can provide you with energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
Despite that it may seem to be, implementing environmentally friendly changes shouldn’t feel overwhelming. There are different ways to reduce your energy consumption, save money and find alternative sources of energy. Remember to use what you learned in this article. It might not take a ton of effort, but using green energy can be a positive change.