Many people don’t know how to start living the greener life but really have no idea where to start. There are plenty of ways that consumers can use renewable energy solutions that are perfect for consumers to do their part. This article will provide you with tips so you can make greater use of green energy immediately.
Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. Solar water heaters tap into the abundant and free energy offered by the sun. Water heated by other methods, like natural gas, propane, or electricity, is not an efficient method. Certain upgrades, though expensive, qualify for specific tax deductions.
When creating an outdoor light set up for a garden path or patio, think about getting lamps that are solar powered. These lamps aren’t costly and do not need additional power sources other than exposure to the sun. This saves a lot of energy. It also means that you money by not having to wire up outdoor lights to your home.
Use window treatments to shade the inside of your windows for when you are not home. This cools the house and lowers energy costs down when you’re not there. Try adding window coverings that block heat, roller shades, lined curtains.
One way to be environmentally friendly is to only run the dishwasher when it is completely full. Properly loading the dishwasher prior to running it will save both energy and money. Once you learn how to properly fill a dishwasher, you will be amazed at the number of dishes that can be washed in one load. Think carefully about where you place each dish for optimal storage in the washer.
Solar water heaters are an inexpensive and efficient way to heat your home. If your location does not get too cold, consider a system that circulates water through solar heaters before sending it into your house. However, consider that you may still need a traditional heater if you will be using a great deal of hot water, or if the sun does not come out.
The sun will dry your clothing an incredible smell. They will have a much fresher smell than clothes dried in the dryer. You will also save money on your utilities bills by line drying your laundry.
When you consider solar heat for your home calculate potential hours of sunshine for energy generation during the winter months. As winter sunlight is much lower than summer, you will want to be able to plan for higher energy costs in winter. If your plan is contingent on net usage, you will even get money back from your utility company because of the excess energy you are creating!
When thinking about home solar systems, be sure to run a calculation using the hours of winter sunlight. This prevents any unanticipated effects from a winter months, and it will result in a surplus during the summer.
This makes sure power loss in the cable.
Research solar panels to see if an active or passive set-up is right for your needs. 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 solar power uses the heat of the sun to hold thermal energy within your home.
Learn about the difference between passive and active solar power. Passive power uses the sun for thermal energy withing the walls of your home and are significantly cheaper.
Write yourself reminders to stay on top of new energy efficiency goals, and check each bill against last year to see if improvements were made. For instance, if you make a conscious effort to cut down on your water or electricity usage, you going to make the effort to turn off lights and appliances when you leave the room.
Watch watt usage carefully. Use great gadgets such as the Kill-A-Watt or the Watt Minder to find out which fixtures and appliances use up the most energy. Using these devices with your appliances will tell you how much energy is used. This gives you a much better idea of the real costs associated with each appliance you own.
If you are a parent, set up a carpool system in your neighborhood and trade off days with other parents. You can also schedule grocery shopping and other errands with your neighbors.
Less Energy
When you are shopping for items made of wood, consider things made from bamboo. Bamboo is a very green product and is technically a grass, but it is stronger than many commercially available woods. It grows quickly and can be used and sold for a variety of purposes, from cutting boards to flooring. This saves energy used in production and recycling.
Replace any old appliances for newer ones that have an Energy Star rating. Energy Star appliances are technologically built to use less energy than those made previously. For freezers and refrigerators, the rating promises 20% less energy used, for dishwashers 40% less energy used, and for washing machines at least 50% less energy used!
Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy. Ovens use lots more energy than microwaves. Take advantage of the microwave when you can to cut down on your overall energy consumption.
Be sure to check the doors of your refrigerator and freezer to make sure the seal is tight. If the seal is broken it may cause the refrigerator to keep running, which ends up wasting lots of energy, and costs you extra money on utility bills. Check the tightness of your seal by closing the door on a piece of paper. When you pull to try and remove the paper, there should be adequate resistance.
Your electric company is probably eager to help you can make your house energy-efficient. Utility companies often have web site tools that let you see the amount of energy you use and control your electricity usage. You may want to see if some of their programs to help you get energy-efficient light bulbs or appliances.
Use automatic motion detection sensors for lighting in high-traffic rooms. These sensors will automatically turn off the lights of rooms that are currently not in use, saving on energy and, and in the long run, a lot of money! Also remember to do this outside for your garage’s lighting, so that they only turn on when there is someone there.
Make sure the freezer and fridge are located in a place that is cool. If you put your appliances in direct sunlight or on top of a heating vent, the internal temperature can be raised, requiring more electricity to keep your food cool.
A good green energy tip is to regularly inspect the seals on your refrigerator. Broken seals let the cold or hot air escape from your oven and fridge, wasting energy and raising your bills.
As shown in this article, green energy is not only cost efficient, but also environmentally friendly. When you’re knowledgeable, it is easy to go green. Utilize advice found in this article, and you can enjoy a greener life today!
Make your own ice and reduce your energy consumption. Automatic ice maker use lots of extra energy and usually break down. The seals on automatic ice makers are also prone to leaking, which can raise your freezer temperature and cost more to cool. Avoid these problems by making your ice yourself.