There is such an overwhelming amount of information regarding green energy online so locating reliable information is quite challenging. By way of this article, you can begin to build a solid foundation of knowledge for making your home a green energy environment.
Natural Fabrics
Wear natural fabrics instead of running your air conditioner during summer months. Cotton and other natural fabrics actually remove moisture from the skin, resulting in a cooler feel. You can also try wearing lighter colors, they help you feel cooler, lessening your need for artificial cold air.
Install solar panels and reap the benefits easily. Before undertaking this project however, there are a few things to consider. The most important thing you need to consider is the amount of sun your home gets regularly. 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.
Check monthly to determine if your furnace’s filters need cleaning and replace them yearly. It’s a good call to add filters to warm air registers. Having filters prevents debris from building up inside your heating ducts, which would hinder the energy efficiency of your heating system.
Find out about the various energy sources that are available in your local community. Investigate costs for using those utilities, and be aware of any legislation about energy costs. For instance, it might be worth it to switch to gas heat instead of electric, or switch to well water instead of municipal water.
Solar Energy
Hot water can be obtained in a low cost, environmentally friendly manner through solar energy. Purchase a hot water system that uses solar energy. You could choose of having an indirect or direct circulation system. The indirect one is your best option if you have to worry about frozen pipes in the winter.
Plan out and calculate your energy consumption rates for your home solar system for the winter months so that you know what you can consumer on a daily basis. You will have more than enough energy during the summer months, while avoiding falling short during the winter. If you’re using a net-usage plan, in the summer you’ll get cash back from your utility provider.
Use electric heating sparingly in the winter. Instead, wear multiple layers, slippers and socks, or even consider investing in a stove or fireplace. Keep in mind that cooler air is better for your breathing while you sleep as it prevents your airways from becoming dry.
If you are serious about becoming more green, you should keep track of your energy usage from month-to-month and then year-to-year. Just being conscious of the energy that you use will help you reduce them significantly. For instance, if you actively attempted to use less water or power, you going to make the effort to turn off lights and appliances when you leave the room.
Energy Star
Replace old appliances with those labeled Energy Star. ENERGY STAR ratings mean that the appliance has met standards of the EPA and is especially crafted to use less energy than older models. This rating can promise anywhere from a 20-50% difference in energy costs, depending on the brand and the specific appliance.
Try to resort to your microwave whenever possible. Stoves and ovens use a lot more energy than microwaves. Take advantage of the microwave whenever you can to cut down on your overall energy consumption.
When you exit a room, turn off the lights. Developing this habit can save you a surprising amount of energy over the long term. You will also save on your electric bill.
A common habit that uses energy is not turning off lights, appliances, and other things when they aren’t in use. If everyone did this, a lot of energy and money could be saved. By thinking about the costs involved and how much extra energy you use, should get you to shut off those appliances and lights when not in use.
Get started with some great tips in this article for implementing the use of green energy in your home. Not only are they very easy, but they are affordable changes that you can start making today. Your family, friends and environment will all appreciate the effort.