The following article will provide you with information about how essential green energy is, both for the environment and you. Options abound–large and small–for ways to use green energy in your home. Follow the tips in this article to get started.
Consider installing solar powered lamps for outdoor lighting. These lamps require now power source, except the sun, and are generally inexpensive. This not only reduces energy costs, Another added convenience is that they do not require any wiring for you to enjoy outside lighting.
Shading your windows from direct sunlight can help you use less energy. Curtains or blinds can also be used to do this. Keeping your home cool in the summer means you will not be tempted to use the air conditioning as much. You’ll save money as well as energy.
Solar Panels
Putting in solar panels in your home for solar energy is easy. There are several things that should be considered prior to installing solar panels. 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.
Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. If you live somewhere where you don’t have to be concerned with temperatures that are freezing, you can use a system that circulates water through the solar heater before it gets pumped into your home. You still should keep your regular water heater as a backup because there may be times when there isn’t a lot of sun or you have to use a lot of water that’s hot.
Don’t leave appliances that aren’t in use, on. When you leave the room you should think about what is not in use, like the lights, a television or your home theater. 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.
When you plan a solar system for your home, try calculating what the energy generation of your system will be when you use hours worth of sun in the winter. This will guarantee you energy no matter the weather, and it will have you entering the summer safely without energy concerns as well. Combining this method with a net utilities plan will mean getting back money from the electric company during the summer, too.
Storm Windows
Air flow is controlled best in homes with storm windows and doors. Storm doors and windows will reduce the entrance of drafts and cold air. Installing storm windows and doors can increase energy efficiency by up to 45%.
Putting on a few more layers can help you save money in the winter. Lighter sweaters can add 2 more degrees of warmth, while heavy sweaters increase warmth by 4 degrees. You don’t have to worry about wearing too little at home so consider getting a sweater to save money.
If you are interested in solar power learn about the difference between active and passive power. Active power is stored for use at a later time, passive does not require expensive cells to store the power. Active power will require a large installation process and can cost a great deal more. Passive power, on the other hand, stores the power in your walls and allows it to radiate outward, heating your home.
Make use of a solar oven for baking needs. You can make one using supplies you may already have on-hand like old window panes, boxes, and pieces of aluminum foil. 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.
A tankless water heater that heats water on-demand is a great energy saving device. The old-fashioned water heaters run constantly, even running when not needed and that wastes energy. Water heaters that use on-demand, will heat water instantly when needed, which ends up saving you a lot in energy costs.
Now that you have some tips to start using green energy, you will soon be able to see how beneficial it is to you. Of course, the environment will also be a benefactor of your efforts. Use the advice from this article to see how going green can be simple.
Good information on The Power Efficiency Guide, like the information provided here, is appreciated by many. Since you are one of those who happen to be lucky enough to get their hands on this, make sure you do not waste it. Do whatever is in your power to use this knowledge.
