Lessening the amount of energy sources that run your home can be a lot simpler than you think. With a few simple changes and perhaps some bigger ones, you can lower your carbon footprint while cutting down on energy costs. The article that follows will help you get started.
Changing your heating to solar water can reduce the price to heat your water, hot tub and pool. Solar water heaters are much more energy efficient than electric or gas-driven water heating systems. Solar systems use the sun’s energy to stabilize water temperature. You may be eligible for tax deductions for using energy efficient upgrades.
Your furnace filters should be replaced annually, and inspected for monthly cleanings. Warm-air registers should also have filters installed on them. Doing so will prevent debris in heating ducts and it reduces energy.
Speak to a technician to find out if your fuel oiled heating can be changed to an alternative fuel, such as biodiesel. Many heating systems are able to change over to some biodiesel use without needing modifications or extra parts. Biodiesel can assist you in cutting your environmental impact when it is cold, because it burns more efficiently and cleaner than petroleum.
Think about heating your water with solar water heaters. If you’re in an area that doesn’t have to worry about freezing temperatures, you can get a system that will circulate the water through a solar heater before pumping it into your home. Don’t get rid of your conventional water heater though; you may need it if it’s cloudy when you’re ready to use hot water.
When designing your solar PV system, try to locate the battery storage system as close to the PV cells as possible. This way, you won’t lose power in the cable. The cable also is less likely to block power generation by providing shade if you do this.
Keep your refrigerator well maintained. Your fridge consumes a ton of energy, so make sure it’s in good shape. Use your duster to clean around your heating coils on a regular basis. In addition to that, make the seal near the door clean and tight.
Storm Doors
Storm doors and storm windows help to better control air flow in the home. These special storm doors and windows prevent cold air and drafts from entering the home. Homes which have stormed windows and doors increase their energy efficiency by as much as 45% which also ends up costing you a lot less on your utility bills.
Swap out your tank water heater for a tankless type. Tankless water heaters still require power to heat the water, but they heat only the water that you want to use, rather than heating a tank of water that you’re not always using. Tankless heaters are available in models that supply the entire house or a single faucet with hot water.
There are active and passive options for solar energy systems. Passive power is used immediately and is cheaper, but active power has the ability to store energy for later use. Active power will require a large installation process and can cost a great deal more. Passive is just used via the sun for storing the thermal energy in the walls of your home to heat it.
Look for ways to include the tips discussed here in your own home. You will soon start saving a lot of money and help save the environment at the same time. 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!