If you are interested in protecting the environment and keep your cost of living to a minimum, you will get great results by using energy from the sun, water and wind. If you are interested in greener sources of energy for the technology in your home, keep reading for some useful tips on what you can do and how to do it today.
Reduce the price of heating water in pools, hot tubs and inside your home by using solar-powered heating systems. When you heat water with natural gas or electricity, it isn’t as efficient as using a solar alternative. While many of these upgrades have high up-front costs, they may qualify for tax credits or other rebates.
When battery chargers and other electronics are not in use, unplug them. Many chargers for various electronics continue to draw electricity even if they are not plugged into a device. The energy usage is not as high, but it wastes electricity and adds up to a considerable amount over time.
Do your laundry using cold water, if you can. Hot water takes up 90% of energy used to wash clothing. As long as your detergent is good, cold water washing can be just as effective as warm water. Also, make sure your load is a full one so you do not waste energy washing several small loads.
Never run a dishwasher that is partly empty. Dishwashers do not allow for minimizing water or power consumption. It is the same, full or not. When the dishwasher is used, it is also important to use the main energy-saving feature, which air-dries the dishes.
Using the sun to heat your water is very cost effective. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water. It is possible to chose between direct and indirect circulation systems. Most individuals will find the indirect option to be their best choice, as this option has methods in place to alleviate the problem of pipes freezing in the coldest months of winter.
When you install a solar energy system, place the batteries close to the cells. This can stop power loss in the cable. It also prevents the cable covering the cells, which would reduce their generation capability.
One of the simplest ways that you can go green is by dressing warmly. Lighter sweaters can add 2 more degrees of warmth, while heavy sweaters increase warmth by 4 degrees. So, to save some money, pick up a nice warm sweater and refrain from dressing scantily.
Convert your home into a more efficient place by investing into energy saving products. Certain green items, such as eco-friendly windows and doors and double glazed windows, cut down on energy you need to keep your home going efficiently. If you use these products extensively, you will see quite a bit of savings on your energy bills.
Use a laptop rather than a desktop computer to save electricity and enhance your mobility. This can significantly lower the amount of electricity you use, especially if the computer is on the Internet a lot or uses word processing software. Another benefit of the laptop is that it’s portable, so it can be used anywhere.
There are many renewable energy rebates offered by the government, so be aware of them. In some instances, the local company gives rebates for upgrading to green tech. You may also be able to get tax credits or deductions from the government for your upgrades. These tax savings can reduce the net cost of installing alternative energy technology considerably.
Hire professionals to talk to you about installing new systems. They can let you know how much money inefficient appliances are costing you, and they can also provide you with an idea of the amount of money you would have to spend to make upgrades to your systems.
A microwave is a more energy efficient appliance than a stove, so consider using it more often. Ovens use much more energy than the microwave for cooking. Microwaves have a bed reputation because they tend to produce lackluster food and emit radiation, but the fact of the matter is that making use of them can greatly reduce your energy costs.
One easy, common sense tip to save energy is to shot off all the lights when you exit a room. Do this at all times. If you establish a habit of extinguishing your lights, you will be amazed at the amount of energy you can save in the long run. There’s also the extra benefit of having a lower electric bill.
Using green energy now means a better future for the planet and future generations. As this article states, going green isn’t something that is expensive or complicated. Use the advice you find here in working to create an environmentally friendly house today.