If you’d like to help the environment and save some money on your energy bills, there’s no better way to do it than using green energy. Buying an electric car isn’t the only way to reap these rewards! Use this article to come up with ways to save on energy.
Keeping your windows shaded to keep sunlight out of the house will greatly conserve energy. Another suggestion for window treatments is installing curtains or blinds. Less heat will be allowed in, and your summer air conditioner costs will be greatly reduced with just these two simply steps This means that you will save energy as well as money.
When it’s hot outside, wear clothing made of natural materials rather than running the air conditioner. Cotton and similar fabrics will draw moisture from your skin, so you will stay cool. Wearing lighter colors will also help, because they tend to reflect light.
Solar panels are an easy addition to your home that helps you and your family go green. Before you do this though, you need to think about a few things first. A big consideration is how much sunlight does your home typically receive? If you live in a shady place, or a location with a cloudy climate, solar isn’t the choice for you.
When you can, wash your laundry in cold water. Having heated water in your washer can use up to nine-tenths of the energy required to run a washing machine. As long as your detergent is good, cold water washing can be just as effective as warm water. Furthermore, remember to always wash a full load, as this is more energy efficient.
Run the dishwasher when it’s full instead of half-full in order to save energy and money. Avoid running the dishwasher when there isn’t a full load to run. You’ll be shocked at the amount of dishes it can hold. Make sure you take time to place the dishes in properly so as to maximize the space available.
Storm Windows
Keep your home better insulated and control warm and cool air better by installing storm windows and doors. Storm doors and windows stop drafts from letting in so much cold air. Storm windows and doors boosts energy efficiency as much as 45%, which can cut electricity costs.
If you want to live greener and have a greener home, avoid running electric heaters during the winter. Instead, invest in some warm clothing and slippers for family members and use a fireplace or pellet stove to heat living areas. This is good for your health as well as your electric bill. Breathing cooler air at night helps keep your respiratory system healthy; you’ll avoid drying out your airways.
Solar Systems
Spend time in order to learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Passive solar systems are less expensive but cannot store energy like active solar systems do. To use active power it requires mechanical systems, solar panels and cells. While when you use passive they use the thermal energy from the sun in order to store energy inside the walls of your house and heat your household with it.
Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. Your local utility company may be offering green energy rebates to apply updates. In other instances, credit or tax deductions are offered by federal or state governments. These credits and rebates could reduce the cost associated to installing green technology in your house.
If you are one of the many people who desire to live a greener life when it comes to saving our planet’s energy, there is much you can do. Going green doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money, as you can begin simply by setting the thermostat to 60 degrees for those periods when you are not home.
You can also conduct monthly cleanings of your furnace filters. Reduce your water heat temperature to one hundred twenty degrees to save money as well. Every little thing you can do will help.
LED lights should be used during the next holiday season. The use of LED lights reduces the use of electricity according to research. The Department of Energy has shown that the United States could conserve over 2 billion kWh of electricity if all households switched light types. This is enough energy to power 20,000 houses in one year. At a minimum, you will save a little money on your energy bill.
A few examples of energy efficient changes you can make at home are changing your furnace’s filter on schedule, installing CFL bulbs and using a programmable thermostat. Show other people how easy being green is. Take these tips into account and put them into use right away!
