Many people want to go green but have no idea how to go about it. The good news is that if you want to go green, you can choose from many alternative energy sources to help you and the environment. The following article illustrates many of these technologies and other ways to have a positive impact on the environment.
Consider outdoor lighting, such as garden or patio lighting, that is solar-powered. These inexpensive lamps require no external power source and can run entirely on solar power. You save a lot of energy in the process. It will also mean you can avoid installing underground wiring.
There are government grants available to help people invest in green energy. To find out which programs are available in your area contact your local government. You could possibly qualify for wind or solar installation at little or no cost, or you can deduct these kind of expenses from taxes.
Use a solar-solar powered system to heat water. When you heat water with natural gas or electricity, it isn’t as efficient as using a solar alternative. Some of these upgrades, while more expensive up-front, may qualify for green energy tax deductions.
Electronic Devices
Save on the use of electricity in your home, and become a better consumer of energy by unplugging your electronic devices and gadgets when they are not in use. Chargers used for cell phones, laptops, mp3 players and other electronic devices use power when they’re plugged in, even if they aren’t charging your device.
If you currently use fuel oil for home heating, ask your local technician how you can switch over to biodiesel fuel. Many systems will take a switch to some level of biodiesel without any extra parts or modifications. Biodiesel is great because it is more efficient and produces less pollution that standard oil, which will reduce your carbon footprint.
It is fairly simple to have solar panels installed to tap into solar energy to use in your home. However, before you do this, there are a few things that you need to take care of. Think about the amount of sunlight that hits your house on an average day. If your home is mostly in the shade, or if you live in a location that receives little sun, your power gain may be minimal.
If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, don’t run it until it’s completely full. It consumes the exact same amounts of electricity and water even if it’s not full. When the dishwasher is used, it is also important to use the main energy-saving feature, which air-dries the dishes.
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. You will have more than enough energy during the summer months, while avoiding falling short during the winter. Combining this method with a net utilities plan will mean getting back money from the electric company during the summer, too.
Always be consistent in maintaining your fridge. Since the fridge consumes lots of energy, it’s key to maintain it in working order. Make sure you clean out any dust from around heating coils. In addition, be sure your door seal is tight and clean.
Instead of using the dryer, dry your laundry outdoors when weather permits. The sun can dry clothes quickly without using any power, with the added benefit of making your clothes smell extra-fresh. They will be fresher than clothes dried in the dryer. Additionally, you will end up saving lots of money each month on utility bills.
When choosing new windows or doors, consider the energy ratings as you shop. Ecologically friendly windows and doors can minimize the energy you need to operate your home efficiently. Utilizing these kinds of products permits you to reduce the costs of cooling and heating your home.
Consider using a solar oven to bake with. You can make these with simple items, such as boxes, an old window, and some foil for reflection. These ovens are no slouches. They can be heated up to 300 degrees, consume no energy, and are simple to construct.
If you are someone who is seeking out ways to live green so you can help save the planet’s energy, there’s a lot you can do. While you might not have much money to spend on going green, you can begin by cleaning up furnace filters every month and set the heat to 60 degrees when you aren’t home. Lowering the temperature of your water heater can save energy as well. Just little changes can help.
Watch watt usage carefully. Use great gadgets such as the Kill-A-Watt or the Watt Minder to find out which fixtures and appliances use up the most energy. When you plug an electrical appliance into the monitor, it displays how much energy it requires each hour, month, or year. This lets you know how much it costs to operate an appliance.
If you really want to take a bit out of your fuel consumption, try making more extensive use of carpools, even to destinations other than the office. If you have kids, set up a carpool system in your neighborhood and trade off days with other parents. Also, create a joint grocery shopping day with friends or family.
One easy way to go green is to use an on-demand water heater. The older models are constantly running, which ends up wasting energy. These tankless water heaters instantly heat water as you need it, which saves a significant amount on your utility bills.
60 Degrees
Energy Star appliances help save energy. ENERGY STAR ratings mean that the appliance has met standards of the EPA and is especially crafted to use less energy than older models. This rating guarantees 20% less energy for freezers and refrigerators, 40% difference for dishwashers, and 50% for washing machines!
One way to reduce energy consumption is to lower your thermostat in the winter. Consider setting your thermostat to 60 degrees during the night or while you are away. When your thermostat is set to 60 degrees, your system will use almost no energy. This is a good way to reduce your heating bill considerably.
It is more important than ever to focus on green energy, especially as oil prices continue to rise. When armed with the proper information, you can make informed decisions about green energy technologies. Take this article’s tips to begin your green life right away!
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