Due to the economic environment, green energy is getting less prominent than before. Switching over to green energy is a simple way to conserve resources and spend less money on energy, which is attractive in these tough times. Read on to find out how you can make green energy a part of your life.
Use a solar water heat system to lower water and heating costs. Solar water heaters are much more energy efficient than electric or gas-driven water heating systems. Solar systems use the sun's energy to stabilize water temperature. Some of these upgrades, while more expensive up-front, may qualify for green energy tax deductions.
Try heating your home with a wood pellet stove. The pellets burned in a pellet stove are made of highly compact sawdust. They burn so cleanly than they are not required to get an EPA certification for emissions. Be aware, however, that the cost of the pellets may be high in some areas.
Keep drapes drawn when you are not home. The result will be a cooler house because the window's admit less heat. Typically windows on the southern side of the home receive the most sun. Dark, lined curtains, roman shades or roller shades may be something to consider using on your windows.
If you are interested in alternative energy sources, you can start by contacting your current energy provider to see if they have anything to offer. Many companies are now able to harness power from solar and wind power. This may cost you more, as there is a price for the extra work involved in tapping these sources, but you will be doing the environment a favor!
You can take advantage of solar power without investing in costly installation. Paying attention to window placement, insulation and landscaping is enough. Get http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ rid of any trees that cast a shadow on your home, add more windows if a room is too dark and add insulation in the walls to retain the solar heat.
The average washing machine uses a lot of hot water. It can use over 30 gallons each load. Cut down on its hot water usage by washing in cold water. Many people struggle with this because they insist on having the water warm. If you're one of them, try replacing your machine with an Energy Star unit. Many modern detergents clean clothes really well at low temperatures.
Heat your home with a pellet stove. Pellets are basically made of compressed sawdust: they burn without any emanation and are much easier to store and transport than a pile of wood. Before investing in a pellet stove, you should find a place where you can get affordable pellets first.
Try switching to CFLs. The compact fluorescent bulbs tend to use about 75 percent less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs do, plus they last around 10 times longer. They are pricier than the traditional bulbs, but it takes only a few months to make up for it in energy savings.
Take shorter showers to get greater advantage of green energy in your home! Heating hot water accounts http://my-led-lighting-guide.tumblr.com/post/144244834483/8-steps-to-retrofit-your-existing-hid-fixture for nearly 14% of the average household's energy use and that can really add up. Cutting down on the time you spend in the shower will be better on the environment and your energy bills!
Remember to unplug appliances when they are not being utilized. A lot of appliances will continue to consume a significant amount of energy passively even when they are turned off. The reason for this is that energy is required to power features such as LED status lights, and clocks. Completely unplugging the appliance at the wall outlet will help you save energy.
Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. Ovens use much more energy than the microwave for cooking. If popping items in the microwave can save some energy and time, it is a viable option.
If you are still using a more traditional source of energy, invest in a programmable thermostat. This will let you pre-set your temperatures for both day and night times. This leads to savings in both money and energy as during the night many people allow their homes to cool down via the natural decrease in temperature.
Make energy efficiency a sure thing in your home by installing a programmable thermostat and putting other appliances on timers. Set your thermostat for different temperatures at different times of the day, depending on who is or is not home. Likewise, set appliances on timers that shut them off regardless of whether or not anyone is home.
Know when your appliances need to be replaced. If you have a major appliance, such as a furnace or air conditioner that is over 10 years old, you should replace them with newer, more energy-efficient models. Buying the newer, Energy Star appliances can save you a lot in the years to come.
Don't use your dishwasher until you have a full load. Make sure your dishwasher is full before using it, hecause it takes the same amount of water and energy to wash a full load as it does half a load. Use the shortest cycle possible, if you can, turn the dishwasher off prior to the drying cycle, opening the door. This allows the dishes to air dry.
A great way to help save energy when using a dishwasher is to avoid using the dry cycle. The heat generated during this cycle uses lots of energy and can be completely avoided if you just leave your dishwasher open and letting them dry naturally in the open air.
Deciduous Trees can come in handy when trying to save energy in your home. Place them in both your front and backyard if possible. This will help to shade your home, meaning that it will not get so hot. In turn, you will not have to use your air conditioning as much.
As stated before, many forms of energy can be found on earth that we use. Many are harmful to the environment, but there are some which are not. The information outlined here should have given you a clearer understanding of these green energy sources and how they can be utilized in place of other energy sources.
