Many people do not know where to start with going green. It is easy to feel like going green is just too complicated and too expensive. Forget the past and move into the future today, by reading this article and the simple tips within, so you can change your home for the better.
When drawing up the landscaping plans for a garden path or patio, incorporate solar-powered lamps. These lamps require now power source, except the sun, and are generally inexpensive. This will end up saving you a lot of energy. Another added convenience is that they do not require any wiring for you to enjoy outside lighting.
Try wearing natural fabrics in the summer as opposed to using the air conditioner. Fabrics like cotton naturally draw moisture away from the skin, allowing it to stay cooler. Wear lighter colored clothes, as darker colors tend to make you feel hotter, which results in your putting on the AC.
The U.S. Government makes grant funds available as an incentive for consumers to start using green energy. Check out your local government so that you can see what type of programs are available in your area. You could qualify for a no-cost wind or solar installation, or at the very least, receive a tax deduction.
If you use fuel to heat your home, ask a professional about using biodiesel instead. Many systems can use biodiesels without any modification. Bio-diesel fuels burn more efficiently and cleaner than conventional petroleum- based fuel oil.
Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are not a problem, you can purchase a system that heats water through a heater that is solar before it pumps it in your home. 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.
Energy Sources
Check what other energy sources are available in your neighborhood. Consider the expense of energy use in your home utilizing these energy sources while noting recent legislation about energy costs. It might be good to switch to natural gas or well water, as an example.
Turn it off. Turn it off. Turn it off. Upon leaving a particular room, remember to turn of the lights, television, computer or even the entertainment center. When you can, plug your electronics into a power strip and when you are not using it, turn it off. Energy is still being used when something is in standby mode.
Storm Windows
Air flow is controlled best in homes with storm windows and doors. These kinds of doors and windows reduces the amount of cold air that comes into the home. Homes equipped with storm windows and doors can see an increase in energy efficiency of up to 45 percent.
When looking at solar power, know the difference between passive solar power and active. While active power requires storage cells, passive power doesn’t. Active power is about using solar panels, cells and other installations. Passive systems simply use the sun’s energy to heat your house or water.
When doing any updates to your home, look for energy-efficient products. There are a variety of products, including eco-friendly doors and double-glazed windows that will make your home run far more efficiently. With these products, cooling and heating costs are decreased.
Choose a laptop instead of a desktop PC to save energy. Making this switch can reduce your power consumption by up to 75%. This is especially true if you are an Internet addict or do heavy word processing. Laptops are also portable which makes them much more functional and handy in times of need.
Pay attention to the watts used in your home. Choose an energy monitor like the Kill-A-Watt or the Watt Minder to help you determine which devices and appliances consume the most energy. Using these devices with your appliances will tell you how much energy is used. You can get a real idea of what your appliance is costing you and the environment.
Switch to a low-flow water-saving toilet. Estimates show that 50% of water used in a home is to flush the toilet. With the older model of toilets, the amount of water consumed each time they are flushed is 5 gallons; however, the newer, water-saving models consume only 1.6 gallons per flush, which will yield a saving of approximately 70 percent in your annual water consumption.
What steps should you take to help you take advantage of green energy at home? The answers lie in the above article, but the onus is on you to begin utilizing the techniques that you have read. You will love the results you get from going green. They will exceed your wildest hopes.
If you know all you can, you will win in the end. Read through this article a few times to absorb all the information. After you comprehend the article, search other avenues for information.
