It can be simpler than you thought to cut down on the resources you use in your home. Reduce the carbon footprint of your home and save money through big or small changes to your energy sources. This article will show you how to get started.
Maintain your refrigerator. With the fridge being a top energy consumer in the home, maintenance is important for efficiency. Make sure to clean heating coils often. Also ensure that the rubber seals around the doors are clean and making tight contact.
Replace your older appliances with the newer, energy-efficient ones that have Energy Star ratings. Any Energy Star rated appliance guarantees better energy efficiency than an older one without the rating. The amount of energy saved varies by appliances; you can save a lot of energy on your washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher use if you switch to Energy Star appliances.
Energy Star
The easiest way to find these appliances is to look on them for an Energy Star badge. The ENERGY STAR seal indicates appliances that meet the guidelines which have been established by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and also the EPA. In many cases, you won’t be able to get a tax rebate from any appliance that doesn’t feature these logos.
Frequently check the condition of the seal on your refrigerator and freezer doors. Seals that are broken can cause your appliances to run more than they normally would require. This will waste energy and your money! Check the tightness of your seal by closing the door on a piece of paper. When you pull to try and remove the paper, there should be adequate resistance.
When you plan a solar system for your home, try calculating what the energy generation of your system will be when you use hours worth of sun in the winter. You will avoid unpleasant surprises during winter, and you will also ensure your energy needs are met in summer. And even more exciting, on some plans, you can receive money from utility companies if you use less energy than you generate.
Take into consideration using lighting that is Eco-friendly. There are lots of different light bulbs, one of which is compact fluorescent bulbs, that are a cheaper alternative to the standard incandescent bulbs. They provide enough lighting while using less energy. This can be a great start for becoming environmentally friendly in the home.
Find someone who is qualified to work with. Before buying an expensive alternative energy system, you should find out as much as possible about this system and make sure it will actually help you save money. Be cautious of salesmen who make promises and can not show you evidence to back up their words.
If you plan to purchase lighting for your deck or patio, you should give solar-powered lamps a try. The solar lamps are relatively inexpensive and will not need any additional power other than direct sunlight. This saves a lot of energy! Another added convenience is that they do not require any wiring for you to enjoy outside lighting.
If you want to save on your heat bill, you can start by heating the rooms separately. A floor heating system that allows individual room control is a great investment. That is a great solution, particularly if your home is large.
Be sure to cover your windows with drapes or blinds when not at home. This cools your home’s interior and keeps energy usage down while you’re away. Typically, windows that face south are positioned so that they receive the most sun. When possible, however, cover all of your windows with special shades like roller shades, roman shades or dark, thick curtains.
Write yourself reminders to stay on top of new energy efficiency goals, and check every utility bill against the previous year’s to see if you are making gains. Just being conscious of the energy that you use will help you reduce them significantly. So when you make true conscious efforts to reduce your electrical or water usage you make up a good habit of turning off appliances or lights which in turn helps your bill and the environment.
People who want to save energy should create their own ice. Automatic ice makers often use excess energy and are prone to breaking down. Additionally, the freezer’s temperature will increase if the ice maker’s seal is damaged. Avoid these problems by making your ice yourself.
Heating your water with the power of the sun can be very efficient. Best for locations with a warmer climate, a solar water heater uses the sun’s energy to heat water that circulates through it. However, consider that you may still need a traditional heater if you will be using a great deal of hot water, or if the sun does not come out for some time.
Start using as many of these ideas in your own home as you can. You can reduce your bills and do something positive for the environment. Just take one step at a time. Soon you’ll be running a much greener home than you ever expected.
Come on toATT Systemsfor more details