It is a daunting thought when considering making a home-wide change to greener energy use. You might be confused by the many different choices, or even feel anxious about where to begin making your own transitions. Take the time to read through the following tips to find the things that are best for your home.
When you’re coming up with a design for your outdoor lighting project, think about getting lamps that are solar powered. These lamps aren’t costly and do not need additional power sources other than direct sun exposure. This not only saves money. You also won’t have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.
Changing your heating to solar water can reduce the price to heat your water, hot tub and pool. Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water resulting in energy savings. These types of upgrades, while more costly at first, may qualify you for a green energy deduction on your taxes.
Do you have a farm? Consider renting out a small space where a power company can place a wind turbine. You will reap the benefits of this energy and the space needed is minimal.
Replace or clean your furnace filters yearly, and recheck them monthly. Also, you may want your warm-air registers to have filters. This stops debris from blocking heating ducts.
Washing Machine
When you can, wash your clothes using cold water. If you use warm or hot water in your washing machine, almost 90% of your energy use goes towards heating the water. If your detergent is decent, cold water will be as effective as hot when cleaning your laundry. In addition, remember that a washing machine will be most energy efficient when it is full.
When not at home, use window coverings. This allows your home to be kept cool when you aren’t there, and in addition, it helps keep energy costs down. Typically, windows that face south are positioned so that they receive the most sun. Dark curtains, roller or roman shades can cover windows well.
During summer, try drying clothes on a clothesline instead of the dryer. Your clothing will have a great smell from the sun. Sun-drying clothes gives them a fresh smell. Additionally, you will save both money and energy.
Make use of your dishwasher only when you have a full load in order to save energy and money. Do not simply place a few dishes into it and run it. If you do this, you’ll become used to filling the dishwasher with as many dishes as you can. Experiment with different ways of loading the dishwasher in order to fit in as many dishes as possible.
Active Solar
Learn about the differences between passive and active solar power. Active power is energy that gets stored and is used later. Passive is energy that can be used without expensive cells. Installing an active solar system requires more money and work, with panels and an entire system. Passive solar power is more basic and simply uses your home in its existing state as heat storage.
Look for rebates for green-energy technology installations. Sometimes your utility company may offer additional rebates which will help pay for the expense of the systems. In some cases, there could be credits or tax deductions either from the federal or state government. These credits and rebates can cut costs greatly when installing green technology in your dwelling.
Carpooling doesn’t have to be just for work. Talk with other parents and try to arrange a carpool schedule so that you all take turns driving your kids to school. Plan your shopping days to correspond with those of your friends. That way you can share a vehicle and the costs of fuel.
Energy Star
Replace your older appliances with the newer, energy-efficient ones that have Energy Star ratings. This rating is given only to energy efficient appliances that are guaranteed to save energy over standard appliances like the ones you are replacing. Refrigerators and freezers that are Energy Star rated uses approximately twenty percent less energy. While dishwashers and washing machines can save up to fifty percent on energy bills.
The type of green energy technology that will work for your home can depend on the location and orientation of your house. Because of these differences, not every home is well-suited for all types of green technology. Some technologies can work in any location, while others are site-specific. Research the different options available to you and then select the one that is a perfect fit for your own home.
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