Implementing a green lifestyle has many benefits for you and the environment you live in. Making some simple changes can slash your utility costs in half or more while saving electricity. This article teaches you how to quickly use less energy at home.
Cutting back on your daily electricity usage is a simple way to conserve energy. For example, when an appliance is not in use unplug it. Turn off lights and the television when you are finished using them. This is easy to do and saves a lot of energy.
Outdoors, solar-powered lights are very convenient for patios and garden paths. These inexpensive lamps require no external power source and can run entirely on solar power. You will not only reduce the energy you use. It also ensures that there is no need to wire lights outdoor.
Replace or clean your furnace filter at least once every 90 days, and check it once per month for build-up. If your air intakes and registers do not have filters, take the time to install them. This will help keep debris or dirt from clogging vents and reducing their overall efficiency.
Do your laundry using cold water, if you can. Hot water takes up 90% of energy used to wash clothing. Provided you are using the right laundry detergent, you will not see a cleanliness difference by washing in cold water. Additionally, it is more energy-efficient if you are washing full loads instead of small ones.
Solar energy can provide cheap hot water. Install a water heating system that uses solar power. You can choose from a direct circulation system or an indirect one. The indirect system is a a great thing to have and you do not have to think about having frozen pipes during the winter.
Make sure your refrigerator is properly maintained. Your fridge consumes a ton of energy, so make sure it’s in good shape. Make dusting the coils part of your weekly cleaning routine. Also, ensure that the door seals tightly and that it is clean.
Replace your water heater and get a tankless model. These heaters only heat water when you need it rather than heating the tank constantly. This saves you on your gas or electricity costs. There are tankless heaters designed to not only provide one area with hot water, but also to heat entire houses.
Electric heaters should only be used when necessary in order to be more green. In order to do this, you need to do two things. First, buy the necessary clothing and slippers, to keep family members warm. Second, use a pellet stove or fireplace for heating. It is better to sleep in cooler air, it helps you breathe, and keeps your airways moist.
As you can see, it really can be quite simple and inexpensive to go green. Making changes in your home now can end up saving you money in the long run. Apply the tips laid out here and share them, so you can start to see improvements to the environment.