What do you think green energy could do for you? It will bring your utility bills down significantly and help you contribute to a cleaner environment. What can you do to help? Read the article below to find some of the best ways to go green.
Making small adjustments to the way you use energy every day can ultimately reduce your consumption. If there is an appliance you aren’t using, then unplug it. Turn off lights and the television when you are finished using them. This simple tip can go a long way in saving you money.
Solar panels are an easy addition to your home that helps you and your family go green. However, before doing this, you need to consider a few things. A major factor in choosing if you can use a solar system is the amount of sunlight your home receives on average. Shade is valuable in some respects, but when you are considering solar energy it can be a complicating factor.
Are you the owner of a farm? If you have a farm or know the owner of a farm, you may be able to rent some land to a utility company for installing a wind turbine. You could take advantage of the energy offered and the space requirements are minimal.
Replace and clean furnace filters yearly, and check them monthly. Warm-air registers can also benefit from filters. This stops debris from blocking heating ducts.
Use window treatments to shade the inside of your home when you aren’t home. This helps to keep your house at a cooler temperature and lower the amount of energy used. Typically windows on the southern side of the home receive the most sun. Dark, lined curtains, roman shades or roller shades may be something to consider using on your windows.
Heating your water with the power of the sun can be very efficient. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are not a problem, you can purchase a system that heats water through a heater that is solar before it pumps it in your home. Having a conventional heater as a back up if you expect a surge in hot water use can be wise.
During the hot summer months, hang clothes outside rather than tossing them in the dryer. The sun can give clothing an incredible smell. Line-dried items will be just as clean and dry as they would be if you used the dryer, but they will also smell so much fresher. Additionally, you will save both money and energy.
Make sure when you aren’t using something to turn it off. So, make sure you turn things off like the computer, TV, or lights when you leave a room. Try using a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at once, instead of letting power be wasted in standby mode.
Use electric heaters minimally in the winter. In order to do this, you need to do two things. First, buy the necessary clothing and slippers, to keep family members warm. Second, use a pellet stove or fireplace for heating. It is better to sleep in cooler air, it helps you breathe, and keeps your airways moist.
Active Power
When looking at solar power, know the difference between passive solar power and active. Active power is stored for use at a later time, passive does not require expensive cells to store the power. To use active power, you must install mechanical systems, cells and solar panels. Passive solar power uses the heat of the sun to hold thermal energy within your home.
Make use of energy-efficient products to save both money and energy. Examples of these include windows, light bulbs, and appliances, all of which have been designed to run efficiently on reduced energy. Using these products is a great way to save money on heating and cooling.
If you are trying to achieve a greener lifestyle, there are many options for you. Going green doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money, as you can begin simply by setting the thermostat to 60 degrees for those periods when you are not home.
You can also conduct monthly cleanings of your furnace filters. Reducing the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees could save you a lot of money as well. Each little bit makes a difference!
Lots of people think about green energy, but less people are taking the steps necessary to implement it. Use some of the ideas from the article above, and kick your green-energy efforts into high-gear.