Options such as sun, water or wind are great producers of energy without negative impacts to the environment. They also offer cost effective solutions for your home. Read this article for some great tips on going green in your home.
Shading your windows from direct sunlight can help you use less energy. Another option is installing darkening shades. Utilizing both of these methods will decrease you need for an air conditioner unit, since your home will not be as warm. Energy and money are both saved this way.
Feel Cooler
During the heat of summer, wear natural-fiber fabrics instead of turning on the air conditioner. Natural fibers like cotton can absorb moisture from your skin, helping you feel cooler. You can also try wearing lighter colors, they help you feel cooler, lessening your need for artificial cold air.
Do you have a farm? If so, you can rent some property to energy companies for installing wind turbines. Your home and the surrounding residences will get some free power. Don’t worry, wind turbines don’t take up a lot of room.
Wash clothes with cold water, as much as you can. Almost 90% of energy consumption during clothes being washed is a result of the hot water usage. If you are using good quality washing detergent, cold water is effective. Another great tip is to always fill up the washer with a full load so that you’re being as efficient as possible.
Solar water heaters are an inexpensive and efficient way to heat your home’s water. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are unlikely, you can purchase systems that circulate water through solar heating systems before pumping it inside for use. It’s a good idea to use a supplemental water heater, however, if you cannot count on constant sunshine or if your hot water consumption is high.
Try drying your laundry outside in the sun whenever possible, rather than using a dryer. Hanging your clothes outside to dry in the sun will give your clothes an incredible fresh smell. The smell of sun-dried clothes is much nicer than clothing tumbled in a dryer. In addition, you will save a lot of money on your monthly utility bills.
If you want to save money and energy, only run your dishwasher when it is completely full of dishes. Running it with half loads is wasteful. The amount of dishes that can be placed in a washer is astounding. Align each dish carefully so that your dishwasher racks can accommodate the largest number of dishes.
If you utilize a dishwasher, avoiding using it until it’s filled up. It uses the same amount of energy and water, no matter how full it is. When you do run the dishwasher, make sure to use the energy saving setting, which will allow your dishes to air-dry.
Calculate potential energy generation during the planning of buying home solar systems. When you do this, you understand how much you should be consuming on a daily basis during winter, and you won’t become surprised one day. Also, if you make use of the net usage plan from your electric company, you will get returns from your utility company for generating energy during summer.
One way to save energy is to limit the use of electrical heaters in the winter. Wrap up your family in warmer clothes and make use of your fireplace for added warmth. Remember, cooler air during sleep is better for breathing, and keeps the airways from drying out.
Going green with energy use in your home now will equate to savings financially and environmentally in the future. As this article shows, going green isn’t all that difficult and costly. Put this excellent advice to use and build a more environmentally friendly and efficient home today.