Converting to greener sources of energy is not nearly as difficult as it may first seem. Whether your change is small or large, you’ll be doing good for the environment. The next few paragraphs will give you information on green energy sources that might work for you.
Choose solar-powered lights when installing outdoor lighting in your yard. These lamps are inexpensive and do not require any kind of power source other than exposure to the sun. This will save you a ton of energy. It also means you don’t need to wire your outdoor lights.
Do you have your own farm? If you do happen to own some farmland, try renting some of the land to a power company that specializes in wind energy solutions. You and those around you can benefit from the free energy. A turbine doesn’t take up much space, either.
Check your furnace and air conditioning filters monthly. Clean or replace them as needed. Warm-air registers can also benefit from filters. This will help keep debris from clogging up heating ducts and becoming inoperable.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Almost all of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat the water. If your laundry detergent is a high quality brand, the use of cold water won’t affect the cleanliness of your clothing. Also, don’t wash your clothes until you can completely fill the washer, as this saves energy over time.
Window Coverings
When not at home, use window coverings. This cools the house and cuts energy costs. Usually, the windows facing the south get more sun because of where they are in the house. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.
Solar power can heat water for a low cost. Check into investing in a water system that is solar-powered. Indirect or direct circulation systems are both available. If you have been plagued by frozen or broken pipes in the past, an indirect one could be for you.
If you are planning a solar system for your home, be sure to calculate your potential energy production using the amount of sun to expect in the cloudiest month. This can prevent any nasty surprises during winter, and it can leave you ahead in the summer. Net usage plans let you receive money for generated energy!
Don’t use electric heaters unless you have to during the winter months. You can save electricity by avoiding these devices. Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, robes and slippers, and heat your living areas with a pellet stove or fireplace. Keep in mind, cooler air while sleeping makes your breathing better, and keeps your airways from getting too dry.
Degrees Warmer
An easy way to cut energy costs and go green is to dress warm. If you put on a light sweater, you’ll be two degrees warmer, while a heavy sweater will make you four degrees warmer. You do not have to wear a small amount of clothing at home, so put on a sweater and increase your savings.
Before you decide on large energy-saving projects for your home, get a professional evaluation of your existing appliances, windows and insulation and your heating and cooling systems. They can tell you the amount of money you will save, and quote the cost of a new system.
Keep an eye on the wattage you are using. Get a watt monitor such as the Watt Minder or the Kill-A-Watt to find out which appliances use too much energy. When you plug an electrical appliance into the monitor, it displays how much energy it requires each hour, month, or year. This can let you see how much your devices really cost you.
Programmable thermostats are one of the easiest ways to save money on energy costs. They include automatic programs to keep your heating and cooling use low. In addition to seasonal control, you can also use them to regulate the temperature at certain hours of the day.
Use lighting more responsibly to reduce your electricity consumption. Don’t turn on any of your lights before it gets dark, especially during months where you get a lot of sunlight. Try using dimmers to reduce the usage of lights.
There’s lots of ways to reduce energy when you do laundry. You can begin by using the setting for moisture control that shuts off the dryer when clothes are dry. Also, turn on the high-spin speed in order to get rid of the moisture in your clothing. This reduce the drying time. Be sure to clean dryer filters and check for blockages in the dryer vent.
If you can’t get renewable energy like solar to do your whole house, see if it’ll power one room. For instance, you could add panels that will only heat the water in your home, or use panels just to heat your pool.
If you lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees you can save money and be green together. Contrary to popular belief, this temperature is both safe and comfortable, and more importantly, it can reduce your electricity bill by up to 10%.
Ice Makers
Making your own ice is a good way to reduce energy. Most ice makers use way too much energy and aren’t reliable. Ice makers generally increase the temperature in your freezer if they develop a leaky seal. Avoid having these issues by using ice cube trays to make your ice cubes.
Despite that it may seem to be, implementing environmentally friendly changes shouldn’t feel overwhelming. As this article has shown, there are plenty of easy ways to make your life a little bit greener. Make sure you use the advice given here today. It isn’t hard to go and get positive results from it.