In the world today, there is a lot of excitement about finding various ways to incorporate green energy into a person’s day to day life. So, what exactly is green energy anyway? The accepted definition generally encompasses two points. First are renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. The second facet is technology that uses less energy, thereby having a positive impact on the environment. No matter what type of home you live in, you can use green energy. Read the following article to find out how!
Simply cutting back on the amount of electricity you use on a daily basis can save a lot of energy. When a certain appliance is not in use, unplug it. Lights and televisions should be off when not in use. These simple tips can save you money, as well as saving electricity.
There are grants that can help you invest in green energy. Contact local government and discover the programs that exist locally. You could qualify for a no-cost wind or solar installation, or at the very least, receive a tax deduction.
Solar panels that collect solar energy to be used are easy to have installed at your home. There are some things that should be further looked in to before doing this. The most important thing you need to consider is the amount of sun your home gets regularly. When in a shaded area, or city with less sunny days, there won’t be as many benefits from solar power.
Close the curtains or blinds before you leave the house. This simple act blocks the sun from entering and heating your house in the summer, while in the winter, it keeps the heat from escaping through drafty windows. South facing windows will receive the most sun, and therefore heat. Try to cover the windows using coverings like roman shades, roller shades, and dark curtains.
Don’t leave appliances that aren’t in use, on. When you leave any room, turn off lights, tvs, computers or any other electrical devices. Put all of your entertainment electronics on a power strip you can turn off, as this will stop appliances from going into a power draining stand-by mode.
If you prefer to use your dishwasher to wash your dishes, only run it when it is full to capacity. You will use just as much water and energy to run a half-empty dishwasher as a full one. When you do run the dishwasher, make sure to use the energy saving setting, which will allow your dishes to air-dry.
In winter, save energy and money by turning down the heat and adding a layer of clothes. A thin sweater will provide you with two degrees of additional heat, while a heavier item will add four. The more layers you wear at home, the less energy you will need to use heating your house.
Passive Power
If you are interested in solar power learn about the difference between active and passive power. Passive power is used immediately and is cheaper, but active power has the ability to store energy for later use. Active solar power needs to have cells, mechanical systems, and solar panels installed. Passive power, on the other hand, stores the power in your walls and allows it to radiate outward, heating your home.
Look for federal and local rebates that apply to renewable energy at home. Local utility companies often offer rebates for upgrades. In other cases, there may be tax deductions or credits available from either the state or federal government. Rebates and tax credits can make it a lot cheaper to upgrade your home, to make it more energy efficient.
So to sum it all up, green energy is a popular subject to investigate at the moment. Green energy consists of energy efficient technology and renewable energy, both of which are environmentally friendly. By following the tips found here, you can be friendlier to the planet while saving a bundle on your energy costs at the same time.