It can be easier to cut back on resources used for running your home than you may think. A couple of small changes (or big ones) and both your environmental footprint and your energy budget will decrease. The article that follows will help you get started.
Solar panels can be easily installed on your home and are used to collect energy from the sun for use in your home. But, you must think about some things prior to doing this. A big consideration is how much sunlight does your home typically receive? When in a shaded area, or city with less sunny days, there won’t be as many benefits from solar power.
If you currently use fuel oil for home heating, ask your local technician how you can switch over to biodiesel fuel. Sometimes you can make the switch to some use of biodiesel fuels without having to purchase new parts or make costly modifications. Biodiesel is cleaner and more efficient to burn than oil, and it has a better affect on the environment.
When determining the economical impact of a PV solar system, be sure to run a calculation using the hours of winter sunlight. This will ensure that you are not caught short during winter, and you have excess during the summer. If you’re using a net-usage plan, in the summer you’ll get cash back from your utility provider.
Don’t use your electric heater when you can avoid it. In order to do this, you need to do two things. First, buy the necessary clothing and slippers, to keep family members warm. Second, use a pellet stove or fireplace for heating. Remember, cooler air during sleep is better for breathing, and keeps the airways from drying out.
Change up the way you dress in your home and warm yourself up to avoid turning on the heater if possible. A thin sweater will provide you with two degrees of additional heat, while a heavier item will add four. You do not have to dress lightly at home, so save money by putting on a sweater and turning down the heat!
Think about using a carpool for work and other activities in order to reduce the amount of fuel you use. Kids can also form carpools to school by alternating parents days. If you are near friends and family, go food shopping together and take turns driving.
Less Energy
Replace old, energy-hogging appliances with new versions that are Energy Star rated. Any Energy Star rated appliance guarantees better energy efficiency than an older one without the rating. For refrigerators and freezers, the rating promises 20% less energy used, for dishwashers 40% less energy used, and for washing machines at least 50% less energy used!
One way to use less energy in the kitchen is to use a microwave oven. Cooking food using the stove or the oven consumes a large amount of power. So, whenever you can “nuke” something in the microwave, take advantage of it and tremendously cut down the energy output.
One easy way to go green is to use an on-demand water heater. Traditional water heaters are always on and heating unused water, which is a tremendous waste of energy. This type of point of use heater warms the water as it is required, and can result in significant cost savings.
As odd as it sounds, the majority of people do not bother to disconnect or turn off lights and electronics when they are not being used. Just this single habit could prevent a lot of unnecessary energy use and save much money. Raise your consciousness about your electricity use in order to save electricity and money. Don’t leave appliances or lights on that nobody is using.
Incorporate the ideas you just read into your daily activities. It is the easiest way to drop your energy costs and more importantly, your energy demands. Work at it bit by bit and before you know it your home will be as green as the greenest!