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. There are many ways to use green energy inside your home and these tips can help.
If you are trying to conserve energy in the summer, be sure to keep your shades drawn to block out the sun. Additionally, curtains and blinds can enhance the energy-saving effect you achieve. These actions will reduce the air conditioning usage during the hot summer months, and yet your home will still remain cooler. Energy and money are both saved this way.
Solar Energy
Solar panels can be installed on your roof allowing you to use solar energy. However, before you do this, there are a few things that you need to take care of. A big consideration is how much sunlight does your home typically receive? You can’t take as much advantage of solar energy if your house gets a lot of shade rather than sun.
Be a better consumer of energy, and cut your home energy usage by unplugging your electronic chargers when they are not in use. Anytime a charger is plugged in, it is using a bit of energy.
Do your laundry using cold water, if you can. The vast majority of the energy you use for washing clothes is needed to heat 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. Don’t forget to wait until you have a full load of laundry to wash; that is the energy efficient way.
Consider solar water heaters to make your home more energy efficient. This option is only applicable in areas that do not reach freezing temperatures. If you live in a warm climate, you can use a system that pumps your water through the solar heater before coming out of your pipes. However, consider that you may still need a traditional heater if you will be using a great deal of hot water, or if the sun does not come out for some time.
Try to turn off things you are not using. When exiting rooms, turn off the computer, television or lights. Keep your home appliances on a power strip, and switch it off when not in use.
If you are on a mission to go green, start by keeping electric heaters off or on a very low setting during winter months. Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, robes and slippers, and heat your living areas with a pellet stove or fireplace. Remember, cooler air during sleep is better for breathing, and keeps the airways from drying out.
In winter, save energy and money by turning down the heat and adding a layer of clothes. Light or heavy sweaters will both provide you with additional warmth of up to 4 degrees. Wearing slightly heavier clothes is not any less comfortable and can save you significant money.
Solar Oven
A solar oven can be made to assist you in your baking needs. A solar oven is very easy to make. All you need is a window, a piece of foil and a sturdy box. Ovens like this can be assembled quickly, reach temperatures in excess of 300 degrees, and do not require any energy besides the sun.
A good energy saving tip is to switch your boiler. A lot of the old boilers weren’t constructed with energy saving in mind, as opposed to the newer ones which are much more energy efficient. They are healthier, as they emit less carbon dioxide, and you will reduce your energy bill as well.
Consider switching out your home’s older windows with newer ones that are rated for superior energy efficiency. New windows provide a variety of benefits, including reduced energy bills, less noise pollution from outside, less carbon dioxide in your home, and less window condensation.
You can save on energy costs by checking the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. Refrigerators may use more energy if the seals are broken. This will, of course, cost you more. A good way to test this is to see if a piece of paper can be held in the door or if it slips out easily.
A great way to help save energy is to thaw your frozen foods in the fridge. This is a safe way to that food, but also decreases your fridges temperature. This means less energy is needed.
Keeping your refrigerator and freezer in a cooler spot can save you energy. Do not install your fridge in the sun light or next to a heating vent or more energy will be used to keep your food cold.
Don’t use bottled water anymore. Bottled water is generally tap water for a city’s water supply, and the the whole bottling process uses too much energy. If you don’t want to drink your tap water, buy a re-usable metal bottle for your water and buy a filter which can be replaced every couple of months.
Use rainwater for your toilet and other household items. This will save you money on your water bill and have a positive impact on the environment. The collection of rainwater is very easy. Just place glass jars outside while it is raining, and they are ready for use once they are filled.
Try using a dehumidifier. Air that is humid usually feels warmer. Try running the dehumidifier before turning on an air conditioner. The air conditioner can be more expensive to purchase, and uses more energy. You might avoid using your A/C for longer than you thought.
Green Energy
The benefits of green energy should be easy to see now that these tips have been shown to you. Of course, green energy is good for the environment, too. Use the advice you learned here to put green energy to use in your home.