There’s an abundance of information available relating to green energy, so it’s tough to know where to look and what to trust. Here are the basics so that you can start using more green energy yourself.
Shade your windows from the sun to prevent energy usage. Both curtains and blinds will help keep the heat from the sun out of your home during the summer months. Keeping your home cool in the summer means you will not be tempted to use the air conditioning as much. Not only will you save energy, but you will also save money.
Have solar panels installed on your home for an easy, renewable way to power some or all of your home’s appliances. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. The most important consideration is how much your home is exposed to sunlight. If you live somewhere where the sun doesn’t shine often, or in a shady location, you won’t get as much benefit from solar power.
Research the different energy sources available in your community. Find out what the cost of using these utilities to run your home would be. For example, it might be wise to use natural gas instead of electric heat or water from the well rather than city water.
During the summer months, hang your clothes outside instead of drying them in the dryer. Using the sun can make clothes smell a lot better. Sun-drying clothes gives them a fresh smell. You can also save money on your energy bills.
When you install a solar energy system, place the batteries close to the cells. Doing this will help prevent power loss within the cable. It also lowers the possibility of shading the cable cells and lessening their output capacity.
Maintain your refrigerator. Since the fridge consumes lots of energy, it’s key to maintain it in working order. Be sure to regularly clean out the dust around the heating coils. You also want to make sure the door seal is tight and clean.
If you’d like to be more environmentally friendly and cut down on your energy costs, try wearing warmer clothing. If you wear a light sweater, you’ll feel two degrees warmer. A thicker sweater adds about four degrees. You do not have to wear a small amount of clothing at home, so put on a sweater and increase your savings.
Think about baking with a solar oven. You can make one using supplies you may already have on-hand like old window panes, boxes, and pieces of aluminum foil. You can reach an oven temperature of 300 degrees or more without using any other source of energy besides the sun. It only takes a few minutes to build a solar oven.
Energy Star Rated
Replace old appliances with those labeled Energy Star. The Energy Star rated appliance is guaranteed to use appreciably less energy than the older non-rated appliance. Refrigerators and freezers that are Energy Star rated uses approximately twenty percent less energy. While dishwashers and washing machines can save up to fifty percent on energy bills.
Although turning off lights or electrical equipment that is not being used seems like an obvious change to make, many people don’t remember to do this. By being more conscious and vigilant, they can help save both the planet and money on their electric bills. Resolve to turn off lights and equipment when you are not using them.
Paying a little more for electronics and appliances that use less energy will pay you back over time. Green technologies are often a little more expensive than traditional items but the investment will pay off in the money that you save on decreased utilities. It will also have a positive effect on the environment over the long term.
The addition of solar panels on your home will make your home greener. Even though a significant cost is involved when you install solar panels, your investment cost will be recouped within several years. After the panels are installed, solar energy is pretty much free. You may even be able to sell some of this energy to your local electric company.
Heat each room separately to save money. The best way to accomplish this is to get a floor heating solution with a main board that allows you to monitor different areas and choose a specific temperature. This is a wonderful solution for larger homes.
Trying to find the right information online can be a pain, which is why these tips are so useful. These tips are easy and affordable means of incorporating simple changes to your house that will yield great results for both you and the environment. The environment will appreciate it, and so will your family!