Have you considered green energy before but find that you’re unsure of where to start? Do you think it’s too difficult and costly?
Using less electricity saves a lot of money and energy. Unplug your electrical appliances from outlets when not in use. Turn off all lights and televisions when they are not being used. This is an excellent way of saving yourself some money.
Solar Panels
Solar panels can be an excellent investment for energy. There are some things to consider before installing them. The biggest thing you have to consider before going ahead with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home gets over the course of a day.
Lower heating costs with solar heating systems for your pools or hot tubs. Solar water heaters use solar energy in an efficient way to heat your water. Although some of these systems cost more initially, many qualify for tax credits or deductions.
Do you currently own some farmland? If you have a lot of land, you can rent a portion of it so wind turbines can be installed.
Wash clothing in cold water whenever possible. Almost 90 percent of the power you use to do laundry is simply used to heat the water. As long as the washing detergent you use is reliable, using cold water is just as effective.
If you are trying to conserve energy in the summer, be sure to keep your shades drawn to block out the sun. Another suggestion for window treatments is installing curtains or blinds. By utilizing these ideas, you will drop your AC costs dramatically as your house remains cooler during the summer. The result is a significant energy savings and money in your pocket!
Use drapes or curtains in your windows for when you’re not home. This cools down your house and lower the amount of energy use. Try adding window coverings that block heat, such as shades or darker, and dark curtains.
Find out about the different energy solutions in your local community. Compare costs, and take current or pending energy legislation into consideration.You might be able to save money by switching to one or natural gas heat.
Take advantage of government grants if you plan to invest in renewable energy sources. Check with the local government and see what programs are available to you. You might qualify for a solar or wind installation at no cost, or at least be able to deduct your expenses from your taxes.
Storm Doors
Storm doors and windows help to better control air flow in the home. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air drafts filtering into openings. Homes equipped with storm windows and doors increase their energy efficiency by as much as 45% which also ends up to 45 percent.
If you use fuel to heat your home, ask a professional about using biodiesel instead. A lot of the existing systems can be modified with minimal parts or alterations. Biodiesel runs more efficiently, burns more clean, and costs you less during the winter.
Use a tankless and more green instead of a tank style heater. Tankless versions still need electricity or gas to heat water, as they only heat it as needed. Tankless heaters can supply the whole house or even just a single water faucet with water that is hot.
Pay careful attention to federal and local rebates associated with renewable energy. Local utility companies may even offer rebates for upgrades. You may also be able to get tax deductions for making your upgrades. These credits and rebates will ultimately cut your costs of installing alternative energy technology to your house.
Cover your windows when you are away from home. This will help save energy. This cools down your house and lowers energy use. More often than not, south-facing windows will let in the most sun due to their positioning. Use coverings on each of your home’s windows, such as roman shades, dark curtains, or roller shades.
Try receiving as much as possible through email rather than traditional means. In other words, try to be paperless all the time.
A solar oven is an avid baker. You can make one with easy-to-find items like old windows, wood, and an old window. These types of oven can become very hot with adequate sunlight, while using no outside energy besides solar.
Don’t leave appliances that aren’t in use, on. When you leave a room, take the time to turn off lights, the tv or the computer. Power strips are handy, because you can turn a number of devices off with the flip of one switch.
There are a lot of things you can do if you want to save energy. Setting your water heater’s temperature to a maximum 120 F will also save money. Every little thing you can do helps!
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 example, if you actively attempted to use less water or power, you are also likelier to turn off appliances or unused lights.
One very easy way to save money on your heating bills is to dress more warmly around the house during the winter months. A thin sweater will provide you with two degrees of additional heat, while a heavier item will add four. Wearing slightly heavier clothes is not any less comfortable and can save you significant money.
If you live in a neighborhood with lots of children, try setting up a ride-sharing service, and trade off the days you will drive.You can even carpool to the supermarket with friends that live near you.
5 Gallons
Buy a solar oven to provide for the needs of your kitchen. You can make one using supplies you may already have on-hand like old window panes, boxes, and pieces of aluminum foil. These ovens reach temperatures greater than 300 degrees, while using no outside energy besides solar.
Replace your toilet with a water-saving one. Some estimates show that up to half of the water consumption in a home is flushed right down the toilet hole. An older model uses 5 gallons of water per flush, 5 gallons versus 1.6 gallons, almost 70 percent more.
How can you alter your home so it’s more energy efficient and green? You now have the answers but it is up to you to take initiative and use the knowledge you gained from this article. You’ll be surprised by the results you see.
Make sure you remind yourself to be on top of being energy efficient and check into your energy bills on a monthly and annual basis to see what the difference is. If you are more conscious of what your energy expenditures are, this could help to lower them. For example, making a decision to reduce electricity usage will help you develop a habit to turn off lights and appliances when not in use.