We have come to realize how important it is to take better care of our environment. Every time you use green energy around your house, you contribute to a healthier environment and also save yourself some money. In this article, you will find great ideas that will make green energy a way of life.
Use solar-powered lamps for outdoor lighting. The solar lamps are relatively inexpensive and will not need any additional power other than direct sunlight. This, of course, will save you a lot of money. It also means you don’t need hard wired outdoor lights.
Changing your heating to solar water can reduce the price to heat your water, hot tub and pool. Heating your water with natural gas or electricity is inefficient. However, solar water is inexpensive and more efficient. You may get tax deductions to offset the expense of installing some of this technology.
Natural Fabrics
Wear natural fabrics instead of always using the air conditioning during summer. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, remove moisture from skin so that you stay cool. Wearing lighter colors will also help, because they tend to reflect light.
When using a dishwasher to do the dishes, don’t let it run unless it’s all the way full. It uses the same amount of energy and water, no matter how full it is. When you run a dishwasher, use the ‘energy-saver’ setting so dishes can air-dry.
When thinking about home solar systems, think about how much energy will be produced during winter. This can prevent any nasty surprises during winter, and it can leave you ahead in the summer. If you generate excess energy during the summer, with the right plan, your utility company will send you a check!
Storm Windows
Homes with storm doors and windows have better airflow than homes without these upgrades. Storm windows and doors prevent cold air drafts filtering into openings. Installing storm windows and doors can increase energy efficiency by up to 45%.
Get rid of your old tank-style water heater, and replace it with a modern 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 tankless heaters that can supply just one single faucet with water that is hot, but there are also models which supply the whole home.
If you love green energy and green living, consider using electric heaters less during the winter months. Use a fireplace in place of the heater and wear warm layers of clothing. It helps breathing, and prevents dry airways if you make the air cooler during sleeping.
Desktop computers require a lot of energy, so why not opt for a laptop? Laptops use about 75% less electricity than desktops, especially if the desktop is being used for the Internet or software programs. Laptops are also portable which makes them much more functional and handy in times of need.
Hire professionals to talk to you about installing new systems. They will be able to tell you how much money you are losing on inefficient appliances, and they can also give you an accurate estimate of what it will cost to upgrade or replace your systems.
Solar Oven
Build and use a solar oven to bake outdoors and save energy. It’s fairly easy to make a solar oven using a discarded window box lined with foil to reflect the heat. You can reach an oven temperature of 300 degrees or more without using any other source of energy besides the sun. It only takes a few minutes to build a solar oven.
If you are someone who is seeking out ways to live green so you can help save the planet’s energy, there’s a lot you can do. You do not have to spend money to help, but you can clean your furnace filters once each month and set your heat to 60 degrees if you are not home. Reducing the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees could save you a lot of money as well. Every little thing you can do will help.
If a priority in your life is caring for the environment, you will hopefully find some tips you have learned today and find ways to use them in your home. This action minimizes the carbon footprint and makes your home much more energy efficient. It will be more than worth the effort when the savings start adding up.