Tips for finding out about Green Energy
These days, the importance of protecting our environment is stressed everywhere we turn. You can help to take care of your environment and keep some money in your wallet by utilizing clean, green energy to power your home. The following article provides great information on the different ways you can incorporate green energy technology into your home today.
Switch to a solar water heater to heat your pools, showers, hot tubs and kitchen faucets to save money. Using natural gas and electricity is certainly the norm, but it’s not very energy efficient. By contrast, solar energy is very efficient, and it keeps water temperatures steady just as well as traditional heating methods. Some of these upgrades, while more expensive up-front, may qualify for green energy tax deductions.
Olored Clothing
Wear natural fabrics instead of always using the air conditioning during summer. Natural materials like cotton repel moisture from your skin and allow it to stay cool. You may feel warmer when you wear warm-colored clothing, so wear light-colored clothing in order to use the air conditioner less.
When battery chargers and other electronics are not in use, unplug them. Mp3, cell phone, laptop, and various other device chargers draw power when they’re plugged in, no matter if it’s charging or not.
Are you living on a farm? If so, you can rent a portion of it so wind turbines can be installed. Everyone surrounding the area where these turbines are installed are sure to benefit, and the installation doesn’t take up that much space.
Use window treatments to shade the inside of your home when you aren’t home. These help your home remain cool and keep your energy bill down when you are not there. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.
Dry your clothes on a line or rack in the summer instead of a dryer. You’ll love how your clothes smell after being sun-dried. They’ll be smelling much fresher than if they were just dried in a dryer. You can also save money on your energy bills.
Only using the dishwasher when it is full will save you money and energy. Don’t run it when there are a low number of dishes present. You may be shocked to learn the number of dishes that can be loaded into a dishwasher. By properly loading a dishwasher you will ensure that the maximum amount of dishes can be washed using the least amount of energy.
Turn it off. Turn it off. Turn it off. When you leave the room you should think about what is not in use, like the lights, a television or your home theater. Keep your home appliances on a power strip, and switch it off when not in use.
Solar Energy
If you want to have hot water, but at a lower cost, then check into solar energy. You can purchase a hot-water system that is run by solar energy. There are direct and indirect circulation systems available. The best option for you is the indirect one if you might have frozen pipes.
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 will prevent any unpleasant surprises during the winter months, while leaving you safely ahead of your needs during the summer. If you’re using a net-usage plan, in the summer you’ll get cash back from your utility provider.
As you can see, there are many ways to lessen your carbon footprint by making practical changes in the energy efficiency of your home. It will be more than worth the effort when the savings start adding up.