Sometimes green energy options just feel overwhelming. With so many choices on the market, it can be challenging to know how to start and how to make the best selections. Take time to read the following guidelines to determine the things that could greatly benefit your house.
A solar water heating system can help lower energy costs. Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water resulting in energy savings. These upgrades may cost more, but qualify for tax deductions, too.
Are you a farm owner? If so, you can rent some property to energy companies for installing wind turbines. The energy generated can benefit your entire area without taking up much room.
Replace or clean your furnace filter at least once every 90 days, and check it once per month for build-up. Also install filters on air registers. Having filters prevents debris from building up inside your heating ducts, which would hinder the energy efficiency of your heating system.
Learn about energy sources within your community. Calculate the expense of using these types of utilities while noting any recent legislation pertaining to energy costs. You might find that you could save money by switching from an electric furnace to a natural gas one, for instance, or from using municipal water to your own well water.
When not using things, turn them off. For example, if you are not in a certain room, turn off the lights, TV or computer. Connect your home electronics to a power strip and unplug it when they are not in use. Phantom power draws from electronics in standby mode is a big problem.
Use energy saving products throughout your home to increase efficiency. Double or triple glazed windows and well-insulated doors prevent a lot of wasted energy while keeping the inside temperature more comfortable. With these products, cooling and heating costs are decreased.
Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer. This could possibly reduce your electrical use by 75 percent, especially if the Internet is used frequently or there is heavy use of word processing software. Since laptops are portable, you can use them anywhere.
Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. There are times when your utility company can offer discounts and rebates for your upgrade costs. Other times, you may be eligible for credits or tax deductions from the federal or state government. These offers make installing and using a green energy system much more affordable.
If you are serious about becoming more green, you should keep track of your energy usage from month-to-month and then year-to-year. You can reduce your energy use just by being aware of what you are spending. For instance, if your stated goal is to reduce your consumption of electricity and water, you are more apt to remember to turn off the lights and shut off the faucet when not using them.
Turn off lights when you exit a room. This is a tried-and-true energy saving trick. Just turning off lights helps to conserve quite a bit of energy. You will also see a decrease in your power bill.
Install a toilet that uses less water. People have estimated that you flush about 50% of the water from your house down the toilet. An older model of toilet might use up to 5 gallons per flush, as compared to a lean 1.6 gallons for a water-saving model.
If you spend the additional money to purchase green appliances and electronics, over a period of time it will pay off. Green technology appliances can cost a bit more up front, but you will be paid back through lower energy bills for the life of the appliances. It also results in long-lasting environmental benefits.
Energy Efficient
Weatherizing your home is a great way to make it energy efficient. Ideas to help weatherize your home include adding insulation, sealing furnace ducts and installing energy efficient windows. Also, you will greatly reduce your energy bill.
Heat each room separately to save heating costs. Certain floor heating solutions allow you to set a different temperature for each room on a main board. If you happen to own a larger home, this will be especially beneficial.
Ceiling fans can help keep your home warm during the winter months. Run fans clockwise to help circulate warm air throughout the house and reduce the need to use external heaters. It is much less costly to run your ceiling fans than it is to run your furnace.
Frozen Foods
A great way to help save energy is to thaw your frozen foods in the fridge. This is a better way to thaw food, and the cold air that comes from your frozen foods will make your refrigerator cooler, thereby, cutting the energy consumption from your fridge.
One smart way to save money and be green is to keep your water heater temperature at 120 degrees maximum. A standard family can save a lot on their bill, up to 10 percent monthly and still have enough hot water to use.
A programmable thermostat is a wonderful tool for green energy. Programmable thermostats can regulate temperature for you so you can control the temperature when you are asleep or not at home; this way, your units do not cool and heat for nothing. The best models will even allow you to have specific settings for different days of the week, which will make it so you do not have to adjust it unless your routines change.
Use a dehumidifier. Air that contains more moisture generally feels warmer. Try using a dehumidifier before resorting to an air conditioner. Air conditioners are one of the most power intensive appliances in the home. You may not even have to use your air conditioner.
All homes are built differently and are located in different areas. Green energy offers solutions for many homes, though it can vary. Many are conducive to all homes, but others will be based on specific needs. Determine which of the preceding tips are right for your home, and put them to use to save the planet.
