There are many individuals out there wanting to live a green lifestyle, but really do not know how to start. The number of solutions available and the specifications of each one, can quickly become overwhelming for a consumer who only wants to protect the environment and save money. Read on to find out out how to be more environmentally friendly and save money at the same time.
During the heat of summer, wear natural-fiber fabrics instead of turning on the air conditioner. Natural materials like cotton repel moisture from your skin and allow it to stay cool. Wear lighter colored clothes, as darker colors tend to make you feel hotter, which results in your putting on the AC.
Save on the use of electricity in your home, and become a better consumer of energy by unplugging your electronic devices and gadgets when they are not in use. Cell phone and mp3 chargers draw energy even if they aren’t charging anything.
Your furnace filters should be replaced annually, and inspected for monthly cleanings. You should put filters in registers that are warm-air too. Register filters will help prevent debris increasing efficiency.
Use drapes or curtains in your windows for when you are not home. This cools down your house and lowers energy use. Typically windows on the southern side of the home receive the most sun. Dark drapes, or even energy-efficient lined drapes, are your best bet.
When putting in a new solar energy system, the batteries that store the power should be kept really close together to the cells. No power will be lost during the transfer from the cells to the batteries by doing this. It can also lessen the probability of cable shading, which reduces power-generation capabilities.
If you are building a new home or are in the market for a new water heater, consider a tankless model. Tankless water heaters still use electricity or gas, but they do not run constantly heating a large tank all the time. They heat only the water you need. There are various options when it comes to tankless water heaters, from heating enough water for your entire home to ones that only serve one faucet.
Degrees Warmer
Wearing warmer clothes helps slash energy costs as you go green. If you put on a light sweater, you’ll be two degrees warmer, while a heavy sweater will make you four degrees warmer. So, to save some money, pick up a nice warm sweater and refrain from dressing scantily.
If you are unsure about making big green energy investments in your home, then hire professionals like a plumber or heating expert to come in and give you an overview of your existing systems. They can tell you if your appliances are running efficiently, and if there are changes you can make. They may also be able to offer estimates as to what it would cost to replace or upgrade your existing systems.
Instead of using standard lights for your next holiday season, make sure to use LED lights to decorate your tree and home. There are many studies from the U.S. to back this up. The Department of Energy show that 2,000,000,000 kilowatt hours of electricity could be saved if all Americans switched to LED lights. This is enough energy to power 20,000 houses in one year. But for your own part, this is a great way to cut that power bill down.
You can heat your home using biofuels. These fuels are made up of animal or vegetable fats, oils and wood. If you have a propane furnace, a professional will be able to adjust your system so you can heat your home using a fuel blend. This would change the conversation to around 20-99% biodiesel. Be sure you discuss any new fuel use in your home with a pro before starting.
Save Energy
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. Simply turning off the lights when you aren’t using them can really save energy. There’s also the extra benefit of having a lower electric bill.
You can save energy by setting your heat to 60 degrees at night or when you aren’t home. This setting effectively reduces your energy use while not allowing the temperature to vary too far away from the human comfort level. The rewards include more money in your pocket and a more environmentally sound approach to energy management.
Green Energy
As you have seen, green energy is an increasingly prominent topic in political discussions as oil prices continue to rise. If you have the proper information, it becomes much easier to incorporate green energy into your life. Use the information offered here, and you can start living a greener life.