Are you confused about how to save money on your energy bills and be more environmentally conscious? Do you think it’s too difficult or costs too much? Let go of your past difficulties with green energy; instead, follow the tips you’re about to read so you can improve your home now and in the future.
Take advantage of government grants if you plan to invest in renewable energy sources. Contact your city or county government and ask about energy conservation programs available in your area. For instance, you might find that installation of wind or solar structures is free, or you might see a tax benefit by installing a tankless water heater.
Do you live on a farm? If you have a lot of land, energy companies will pay you for the right to set up a wind turbine on it. You could take advantage of the energy offered and the space requirements are minimal.
Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible. Most of the energy used to wash clothes is actually used in heating up the water. As long as your detergent is good, cold water washing can be just as effective as warm water. Be sure to always do a full load of clothes when you wash.
Turn off electrical items whenever you aren’t using them. When you leave a room, take the time to turn off lights, the tv or the computer. Put all of your entertainment electronics on a power strip you can turn off, as this will stop appliances from going into a power draining stand-by mode.
Take the time to properly maintain your refrigerator. The refrigerator hogs energy, so it should work well. Be sure to regularly clean out the dust around the heating coils. In addition, be sure your door seal is tight and clean.
Solar Power
When looking at solar power, know the difference between passive solar power and active. Using active power means storing energy for later use, while passive energy is about benefiting from the warmth or light of the sun rays right away. If you use active power, you will need to install mechanical systems, solar panels and cells. Passive power uses the simple sun to generate thermal energy to heat your house.
Keep up-to-date with tax rebates for making your home more energy-efficient. Some utility companies also provide rebate opportunities for the installation of green technologies. You may also get state and federal tax deductions for making your home more energy efficient. You can lower the cost of putting green energy into your home by using these credits or rebates.
Opt to receive as much correspondence as you can through email. To put it more simply, use paper as little as you can. This will help the businesses you deal with cut down on energy costs, and it will also save you a lot of money on energy costs too. That helps the environment for everybody.
Consider using a solar over when you wish to bake. You can create a solar over using common household items, including aluminum foil and a clean box. These ovens reach temperatures greater than 300 degrees, while using no outside energy besides solar.
Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. When cooking, stoves and ovens often use lots of energy, usually more than is needed. If popping items in the microwave can save some energy and time, it is a viable option.
Install a water-saving toilet. Up to 50% of your home’s water is used by the toilets in your home. Older models typically waste 5 gallons to flush, whereas newer models that are water-saving use about 10.6 gallons. This can save 70% of your water usage each year.
When buying wood, think about buying bamboo. Bamboo is technically grass, yet it is a lot stronger than a most of the wood you’ll find. It grows quickly and can be used and sold for a variety of purposes, from cutting boards to flooring. This can save energy for by way of recycling and less manufacturing of parts.
Energy Efficient
Weatherizing your home can help make it more energy efficient. Weatherization involves retrofitting the heating and cooling systems for energy efficiency, upgrading the insulation, sealing ducts, and installing energy-efficient windows. All of these things make your home more energy efficient. You will also help reduce the cost of your energy bill in the process.
Check your refrigerator and freezer seal on a reguar basis to make sure you are not wasting energy. If the seal is broken it may cause the refrigerator to keep running, which ends up wasting lots of energy, and costs you extra money on utility bills. If you want to know if the seal needs to be replaced, put a piece of paper between the door and the fridge and see if it slides out easily.
What does it take to change your home so that you can use green energy to your advantage? Hopefully this article has answered your many questions, and it is up to you now to implement the tips and techniques into your own home and life. Start now and you’ll see the positive effects in no time!
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