If you are unfamiliar with green energy concepts, read on to find some great information that is simple to understand and simple to implement. It will help you make a difference in the environment, as well as to your home’s energy usage. These following tips will make you more aware of some of the many energy saving things you can practice in your home.
You can get a grant from the government to help you invest into some renewable energy. Contact local government and discover the programs that exist locally. For instance, you might find that installation of wind or solar structures is free, or you might see a tax benefit by installing a tankless water heater.
Solar panels can be an excellent investment for the typical homeowner. However, before you do this, there are a few things that you need to take care of. A major factor in choosing if you can use a solar system is the amount of sunlight your home receives on average. If you live in an area that gets few sunny days, or your property is full of shade trees and tall bushes, you will have trouble gaining enough solar power for your needs.
You can reduce the amount of electricity that you use, and be a better energy user by removing chargers that power your devices from outlets when they are not in use. Anytime a charger is plugged in, it is using a bit of energy.
Storm Windows
Air flow is controlled best in homes with storm windows and doors. This is because storm windows and doors prevent drafts, which means less cold air enters the home. Storm doors and windows can increase a home’s energy efficiency by up to 45%, which can have great impacts on utility bills.
Don’t use a lot of heat during the winter if it’s not absolutely necessary. If it is a little chilly, simply put on a sweatshirt, and pair of sweatpants. Having your heat turned up too high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.
Think about baking with a solar oven. You can create a solar over using common household items, including aluminum foil and a clean box. Solar ovens can be heated over 300 degrees and only use the sun for energy.
Instead of using standard lights for your next holiday season, make sure to use LED lights to decorate your tree and home. According to research by the United States The Department of Energy says that if everyone did this, the country would conserve more than 2 billion kilowatt power hours. That amount of electricity could power 200,000 homes for an entire year. At a minimum, you will lower your energy bill.
While cooking, use a microwave if you can to save on energy. Whenever you use your stove or oven, you use a significant amount of energy. So, whenever you can “nuke” something in the microwave, take advantage of it and tremendously cut down the energy output.
Try installing a toilet that saves water. Some estimates show that up to half of all the water used in your home is flushed right down the toilet hole. The older models of toilets use about 5 gallons every time you flush. A water saving model will only use about 1.6 gallons which means you save close to 70 percent of you water per year.
Consider switching out your home’s older windows with newer ones that are rated for superior energy efficiency. The benefits to new windows will be seen in lower energy bills, less outside noise, less carbon dioxide, and less condensation on the windows.
Energy Star
Energy efficient appliances have Energy Star logos. In order for appliance to be labeled with the ENERGY STAR logo, they must meet certain guidelines established by the United States Department of Energy plus the EPA. These products are also often the only ones eligible for tax rebates.
Automatic light sensors including motion detection should be installed. The sensors will make sure that there is no light in rooms that aren’t being used, and that will save energy and a great deal of money! Also try this on your outdoor lights, so that they only turn on when there is someone there.
Energy Usage
An excellent way to save energy in your home is to set the heat at 60 degrees when you are not home or during the night while you’re asleep. Keeping your thermostat on a low temperature will allow you to lower your overall energy usage. If you do this, you can cut down your energy usage and save money at the same time.
The addition of solar panels on your home will make your home greener. While solar panels are a bit of an investment, they save a ton of money in the long run. Solar energy is free once panels are installed, and you might even have the opportunity to sell off some of this power to local electric companies.
There are a few different ways to reduce your energy consumption when doing laundry. Use moisture control settings so the dryer shuts off when your clothes are dry. The high-spin feature can work to reduce the amount of moisture in the laundry, thus limiting drying time. Clean the dryer filters regularly.
This advice on how to use green energy will soon yield great benefits to you. As a bonus, greener energy is great for the environment as well. Once you use these tips, being green will seem like a piece of cake.