It’s simple to reduce the amount of energy your home is using, or make it more green. After making some small, and larger, changes to your home, you will drop your environmental impact and save money. Get great ideas on how to start as you read the article below.
When drawing up the landscaping plans for a garden path or patio, incorporate solar-powered lamps. 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. You also won’t have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.
Switch to solar heating systems for water to lower your cost of indoor water. Solar water heaters use solar energy in an efficient way to heat your water. Although these upgrades could cost a lot, they also might qualify for energy tax deductions.
Save Energy
A simple way to save energy is to close the curtains. Another suggestion for window treatments is installing curtains or blinds. Since this will make your house cooler, you will use the air conditioner less. By blocking the sun’s rays, you will save energy and money.
You could easily have solar panels in your house to collect energy from the sun for you to use. Before you do this though, you need to think about a few things first. A major factor in choosing if you can use a solar system is the amount of sunlight your home receives on average. If you live in a shady place, or a location with a cloudy climate, solar isn’t the choice for you.
Run the dishwasher when it’s full instead of half-full in order to save energy and money. Running it with half loads is wasteful. You’ll be shocked at the amount of dishes it can hold. When loading the dishwasher, align the dishes in a way that allows you to fit the maximum number of items inside.
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. Using the air-dry setting will save energy when you run the dishwasher.
You can obtain hot water for a cheap cost with solar energy. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water. Two types are available, direct and indirect. If your pipes freeze when it’s cold, the best option is the indirect system.
Take time out to properly inspect your refrigerator. Since the fridge consumes lots of energy, it’s key to maintain it in working order. Regularly make sure the heating coils are dust-free. In addition to that, make the seal near the door clean and tight.
Storm Doors
Storm doors and windows can make air flow in the home better. They will help prevent cold air drafts in your home. Storm doors and windows can help save as much as 45 percent on energy costs.
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. Tankless heaters can supply the entire home or certain faucets.
If green energy is a concept which you embrace, minimize the use of electrical heaters during the winter months. Instead, wear multiple layers, slippers and socks, or even consider investing in a stove or fireplace. In addition, this is beneficial to your health, as cooler air keeps your airways from getting too dry, allowing you to breathe easier while sleeping.
Buy energy saving materials to help save energy in your home. Use products such as double-glazed windows or eco-friendly doors to help reduce your energy usage without sacrificing your home’s needs. You cut your cooling and heating costs when you use these items as well.
If you are uncertain with regard to expensive green energy updates for your home, have a heating expert or plumber provide an overview of the systems that you currently have in place. They will let you know how much you can save by upgrading to more efficient appliances and systems, and also give you a good idea of how much it will cost.
Remember the tips in this article so you can use them in your house. You’ll see your energy bills drop and be proud of the service you are performing for the environment. If you work toward meeting your green goals slowly and over a period of time, your home will eventually be at it’s greenest potential!