You probably hear friends and TV personalities extolling the virtues of green energy, but just what is this green energy stuff? This article can help you learn more about green energy’s benefits. Read this article to learn how you can use green energy in your home.
You can get a grant from the government to help you invest into some renewable energy. Check with the local government and find out about any possible programs you may be eligible for. It may be possible for you to get wind or solar installation for free, or you may be able to get a deductions on your taxes.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Almost 90% of energy used for doing laundry is due to heating the water. As long as the washing detergent you use is reliable, using cold water instead of hot water will wash your clothes just as well. Additionally, it is more energy-efficient if you are washing full loads instead of small ones.
Turn things off when not in use. Whenever you leave a room, get into the habit of turning off lights, televisions, and computers. Try using a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at once, instead of letting power be wasted in standby mode.
Using solar energy is one good way to heat water. Upgrade your hot water system to one that’s solar-powered. It is possible to chose between direct and indirect circulation systems. The indirect one is your best option if you have to worry about frozen pipes in the winter.
Get rid of your old water heater and put in a green, tankless one. Tankless water heaters still require power to heat the water, but they heat only the water that you want to use, rather than heating a tank of water that you’re not always using. There are tankless heaters that can supply just one single faucet with water that is hot, but there are also models which supply the whole home.
If you’d like to be more environmentally friendly and cut down on your energy costs, try wearing warmer clothing. A sweater that is light can provide 2 degrees of extra warmth, while a heavy one provides 4. There is no need to be fashionable while at home watching TV, so put on some layers and put some money back in your pocket!
Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. Sometimes your utility company may offer additional rebates which will help pay for the expense of the systems. In other cases, there may be tax deductions or credits available from either the state or federal government. Credits and rebates will make it easier to afford green technology.
Use e-mail over snail mail as much as possible. Live a paperless lifestyle whenever possible. This will save the businesses you deal with a great deal on energy costs and mailing expenses. This also keeps the environment in better shape for everyone.
Explore the possibility of using a solar-powered oven for some of your baking needs. You can make these with boxes, old windows or old pieces of foil that can be used for reflection. Solar ovens can get hotter than 300 degrees, and doesn’t use any energy source besides the sun, so you are reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
If you would like to make your life greener like many people do, there are plenty of steps you can take. Going green doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money, as you can begin simply by setting the thermostat to 60 degrees for those periods when you are not home.
You can also conduct monthly cleanings of your furnace filters. Reducing the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees could save you a lot of money as well. Each little bit makes a difference!
The easiest and best way to decrease energy expenses in the home is to simply turn off lights and devices when you exit a room. It is amazing how the energy savings add up once you get into this habit. Additionally, it decreases your electrical spending.
Energy Star
Appliances with the Energy Star certification bear a distinctive logo that makes them easy to identify. Appliances with an ENERGY STAR designation meet the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Energy plus those of Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to this, only ENERGY STAR appliances can be used for tax rebates.
There are a number of ways to conserve energy when you do laundry. First, turn on any moisture control settings, so the dryer powers down when laundry has dried. The high-spin feature can work to reduce the amount of moisture in the laundry, thus limiting drying time. Always make sure that the dryer filters are clean and that there are no clogs in the vent.
Have your frozen foods thawing in the refrigerator if you want to save energy. This is the safest and FDA-recommended method for thawing out food. Plus, the cool air produced by the frozen item will help make your fridge more efficient.
If your home isn’t suitable for full solar paneling or other sources of renewable energy, maybe you can power some areas using this type of technology. For example, you can use a solar water heater.
Help keep the costs of green or renewable energy technologies lower by demanding them. It is your right to demand that your elected officials find new green technologies and help you use them. As demand and consumption of products made from environmentally green companies rises, the availability of these products will increase. Manufacturers will have to use greener practices if they want to make money.
Now that you have seen what green energy is all about, you are ready to start using it in your own home. If you want to make your home more eco-friendly, try some of the tips you just read. Your finances, as well as the environment, will be improved as a result of going green.