This planet is the only one we have, so it is essential that we care for it by using green energy when possible. From solar to wind power, there’s lots of ways to get eco-friendly energy. How can these technologies be put to work for you? Read on to discover how.
A solar water heating system can help lower energy costs. Using natural gas and electricity is certainly the norm, but it’s not very energy efficient. By contrast, solar energy is very efficient, and it keeps water temperatures steady just as well as traditional heating methods. Many of these improvements will cost you a bit up front, but the cost savings and tax deductions will usually more than offset that cost.
Shade your windows from the sun to prevent energy usage. You can also try putting blinds or curtains in. Doing these things will let you use less air conditioning in the summer. In addition to conserving energy, you will be able to save money.
The U.S. Government makes grant funds available as an incentive for consumers to start using green energy. Talk to your local representative to see if programs operate in your neighborhood. You could possibly qualify for wind or solar installation at little or no cost, or you can deduct these kind of expenses from taxes.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are easy to install. However, before you do this, there are a few things that you need to take care of. One major factor to consider with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home receives. You can’t take as much advantage of solar energy if your house gets a lot of shade rather than sun.
Be a better consumer of energy, and cut your home energy usage by unplugging your electronic chargers when they are not in use. Chargers used for cell phones, laptops, mp3 players and other electronic devices use power when they’re plugged in, even if they aren’t charging your device.
Consider switching to solar-powered water heaters for your home. The heater uses solar energy to heat water before sending it to your home. This can be useful if your home isn’t located in an area with cold temperatures. Having a conventional heater as a back up if you expect a surge in hot water use can be wise.
A good benchmark to use when determining how much power a new solar system is likely to generate is the number of hours of sunlight in the winter. This way, you aren’t beyond your capacity in the winter, and you have plenty of excess power in the summer. However, you should also include any refunds you will get from your utility company for excess energy generated in summer!
Sweater Gives
If you’d like to be more environmentally friendly and cut down on your energy costs, try wearing warmer clothing. A light sweater gives you 2 extra degrees of warmth, while a heavy sweater gives you 4 degrees. It’s not necessary to dress good at home, so grab a sweater to save money.
Find out more about active and passive forms of solar power. Passive power is used immediately and is cheaper, but active power has the ability to store energy for later use. To use active power it requires mechanical systems, solar panels and cells. Passive solar power, on the other hand, just draws heat from the sun and stores it in your walls for heating purposes.
Buy products that save energy so that your home is more energy efficient. There are a variety of products, including eco-friendly doors and double-glazed windows that will make your home run far more efficiently. You will also cut down on the cost to heat and cool your home by implementing these products into your life.
Use a solar oven when baking. You can make these with boxes, old windows or old pieces of foil that can be used for reflection. Solar ovens can get hotter than 300 degrees, and doesn’t use any energy source besides the sun, so you are reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
When you are shopping for items made of wood, consider things made from bamboo. Bamboo serves as a green replacement for wood. Though it is a grass, it has much more strength and durability than many commercial woods. Its rate of growth is very high and is being utilized for everything from wood flooring to cutting boards. This saves energy used in production and recycling.
Green Energy
More than ever before, it’s crucial to start using more green energy. Green energy and environmentally friendly habits can have a significant impact on the planet. Thinking green is a win-win. After reading this article, you can go green!