It probably seems like a hassle to go green, but it’s much more simple than you think. It doesn’t matter if you make drastic big changers or smaller ones, every little bit helps the environment. This article will give some great tips for making the switch to green energy.
Use natural fabrics in the summer instead of turning up the AC. Moisture-wicking athletic fabrics pull moisture away from your skin, creating a cooling sensation. Also, choose lighter colors. Darker colors absorb heat, which makes you feel warmer, meaning you’ll set your thermostat lower.
Clean or replace the filters on your furnace once each year, and check once a month to see if they need to be cleaned. Adding filters to warm-air registers is also beneficial. This will help ensure debris doesn’t enter heating ducts, thereby reducing your efficiency.
Biodiesel fuel might be an option if your current heat source is fuel oil. Switching to biodiesel is often doable without system modification. The bonus of doing this is a cleaner burning fuel that is generally also more efficient, and you’ll lessen your impact on the environment also.
Close the curtains or blinds before you leave the house. Heavy drapes help keep you home cool, resulting in energy savings. Southern facing windows receive the most sunlight. Think about covering all of your windows with different types of shades and curtains.
Think about getting solar heaters to heat up your water at home. 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. Having a conventional heater as a back up if you expect a surge in hot water use can be wise.
Dry clothes on a clothelines during the summer. The smell of clothes dried in the fresh air cannot be topped. They’ll be smelling much fresher than if they were just dried in a dryer. You will also be saving money on your utility bills.
Keep your refrigerator well maintained. Since refrigerators are one of the high-consumption appliances, it’s crucial that you keep it running efficiently. Be sure that you’re regularly cleaning the dust that builds up near the heating coils. In addition, be sure your door seal is tight and clean.
Solar Power
Find out more about active and passive forms of solar power. Activer solar power lets stored energy be used later, while passive power doesn’t require expensive storage cells. To use active power, you must install mechanical systems, cells and solar panels. Passive solar power is simply making use of the sun to keep thermal energy in your walls so you can heat your home.
Pay careful attention to rebates that may help you save money on renewable energy. Sometimes, the local electric company will provide rebates to cover the cost of upgrading. You may also get state and federal tax deductions for making your home more energy efficient. The combination of rebates and tax credits will make it much more affordable to install green energy systems.
Buy a solar oven to provide for the needs of your kitchen. You can make these with simple items, such as boxes, an old window, and some foil for reflection. These makeshift ovens can achieve temperatures of 300 degrees or more with no help from traditional energy sources, and they are simple to produce.
You can use biofuels as home heating fuels. Biofuels contain wood, oil and fat. Many times, furnaces that are propane can be changed by a pro so that you can heat using this blend of fuels. Fuels are anywhere from 20-99 percent biodiesel. Just be sure to consult with a professional before attempting to use this fuel in your home.
Energy Star Rated
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. Fridges and freezers with the rating use at least 20% less energy, dishwashers use 40% less, and washing machines use at least half the energy of non-rated models.
Your electric company can assist you in making your home energy-efficient. Utility providers often have the option to buy your energy from renewable resources. Also look into any rebate programs which can help offset the cost of purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
It can be surprisingly easy to go green. As you can see from the advice above, the thing you can do to make your home just a bit greener are easily found. Remember to use what you have read here today. Although the effort isn’t considerable, going green does have some tremendously great effects.