A great way to make sure the environment is protected, while slashing energy costs, is to use green energy in your home. This doesn’t mean you must purchase an electric car. The following article contains commonsense strategies you can use to “green” your home right now, even if you’re poor.
There are government grants available to help people invest in green energy. Ask at your local municipality office to research what types of programs might be available to you. 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.
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. The most important consideration is how much your home is exposed to sunlight. 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.
Window Coverings
When not at home, use window coverings. You will lower your energy costs since this will help keep your home nice and cool. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Try adding window coverings that block heat, such as shades or darker, lined curtains.
Know the available energy options in your community. Check how much these utilities cost and any tax breaks or laws before making a decision. You may find that switching to one or another may provide a reduction in energy use and cost.
Plan out and calculate your energy consumption rates for your home solar system for the winter months so that you know what you can consumer on a daily basis. As winter sunlight is much lower than summer, you will want to be able to plan for higher energy costs in winter. Net usage plans let you receive money for generated energy!
If you’re installing a solar energy system, be sure to place the batteries in close proximity to the cells. Power can be lost over long cables so this will lessen the impact. This also prevents long cables from casting shadows over the PV cells.
Save energy by buying products that conserve energy. One of the most popular products to increase the energy efficiency of your home are double-pane windows that have received a high energy star rating. This type of product is perfect for reducing AC costs.
Hire professionals to talk to you about installing new systems. They can give you estimates on how much energy you are wasting, as well as how much it costs to upgrade.
Solar Oven
Try using a solar oven for your baking needs. It’s fairly easy to make a solar oven using a discarded window box lined with foil to reflect the heat. These ovens can reach temperatures of over 300 degrees, and use no outside energy other than the sun. They can be made in minutes.
Closely monitor how many watts you are using. There are devices like Watt Minder or Kill-A-Watt that can monitor your wattage and help you see what is consuming energy. Plug these gadgets into an appliance to find out how much energy is used in an hour, a month or a year. This is a good way to find out how much your appliances are really costing you.
Use energy efficient lightbulbs, change your furnace filer, and get a programmable thermostat to easily conserve energy inside your house. Set and be a great example for your friends and family, when you do this they’ll see how simple it is to convert and go green. Keep these tips in mind and apply them!
Are you intersted in DIY Solar Cells? Then this piece is for you. You have found great information that uses life application. All the facts, useful tips and solid advice will give you a real edge in all you do.
