Green energy offers many environmental benefits, but it also offers economic benefits to you the homeowner. If you’re looking for more green sources of power for the technology that is in your house, read on for more tips on how you can do that today.
You may be able to use solar water heaters, and they can warm your water efficiently. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, you can purchase a system that can circulate water via a solar heater prior to being pumped to your home. As is true with many solar options, you should keep your traditional water heater for times when there is not enough sun, or in case you need to use a lot of water.
Run the dishwasher when it’s full instead of half-full in order to save energy and money. Properly loading the dishwasher prior to running it will save both energy and money. Your dishwasher can probably hold a lot more dishes than you think. Just make sure to align the dishes in an orderly manner to maximize the available space.
During the winter, keep using ceiling fans. If you set them to rotate clockwise, it will push air that has risen to the ceiling downward, which means your furnace or space heater has to do less work. It does take a small amount of power to run your fans, but that is covered by the savings you get from heating your house a little less often.
Use window coverings when you’re not at home. Your house will stay cool and you won’t use as much energy this way. Typically windows on the southern side of the home receive the most sun. Dark, lined curtains, roman shades or roller shades may be something to consider using on your windows.
Your electric company can be a great resource for taking a look at how you can make your house energy-efficient. Many utility companies have tools on their websites that will help you see how much energy you use, right down to the hour, as well as, ways to reduce your electric consumption and energy costs. Investigate the programs they have available to assist you in buying appliances and other items that are energy-efficient.
Weatherizing your home can help make it more energy efficient. Sealing ducts, using energy-efficient windows, and adding insulation can reduce energy consumption. Also, with these changes, your monthly energy bill will be significantly reduced!
Make a list that includes the appliances your home uses as well as the watts they use, then check with someone before you decide to put solar panels into your home. Your consultant will be able to give you a much more accurate quote by knowing the exact amount of power the system will need to produce.
Rather than using an energy-hogging desktop computer, switch to a laptop. This can cut up to 75% of your electrical use, especially if you are frequently on the Internet or using word processing software. Plus you can take your laptop anywhere.
Energy Star
A simple way to identify appliances that are energy efficient is to search for an ENERGY STAR logo. The guidelines that ENERGY STAR appliances must meet are set by the U.S. Department of Energy in addition to those of the Environmental Protection Agency. The products with this distinction are often the only eligible ones that can be used for tax rebates.
If you are interested in solar power learn about the difference between active and passive power. Passive solar systems are less expensive but cannot store energy like active solar systems do. Active solar power requires a lot of involvement in the form of installation, mechanics, and power cells. While passive simply uses the sun in storing thermal energy in your walls in order to heat your house.
As seasons change, adjust your thermostat accordingly. In the colder months, consider lowering your thermostat a few degrees, and in warmer months, raise the thermostat a few degrees. You can adjust your clothing choices a bit to accommodate the changes, but your home will maintain an ambient temperature more easily.
When you put up lights during the holidays, avoid the normal light strands and hang LED lights instead. A US study shows If everyone were to switch to LED lights, the country as a whole would save 2 billion kwh per year. That much electricity could power at least 200,000 home for a whole year. At least you will be saving money on your power bill.
Not only does green energy save you money, but it’s gentler on earth as well. As this article has shown, it is not necessarily difficult or expensive to go green. Use the tips you’ve read here to make your home greener and more efficient today.
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