Because of the economic climate, green energy is becoming even more well known. Green energy is cheaper, allowing people to spend a lot less while protecting natural resources. Continue reading to get some basic green energy tips.
When designing outdoor lighting for your patio or garden path, consider solar-powered lamps. These lamps are inexpensive and do not require any kind of power source other than exposure to the sun. This will save significant energy. It also means you don’t need to wire your outdoor lights.
Wash clothes with cold water, as much as you can. Almost 90 percent of energy consumed by washing machines is used when heating the water. Provided you are using the right laundry detergent, you will not see a cleanliness difference by washing in cold water. Another great tip is to always fill up the washer with a full load so that you’re being as efficient as possible.
Consider installing a solar water heating system. If freezing temperatures are never a concern in your area, consider a system that circulates water through solar heaters before sending it into your house. Don’t get rid of your conventional water heater though; you may need it if it’s cloudy when you’re ready to use hot water.
Maintain your refrigerator well. Refrigerators use a large amount of energy, so they should be taken care of to work their best. It is important to wipe off the dust from heating coils on a regular basis. You should also be sure that the door has a clean and tight seal.
Passive Solar Power
Take the time to learn about active, and passive solar power. Passive solar power is power on demand and does not require cells for power storage. Active solar power has plenty of power storing ability so you will have energy ready anytime you may need it. Active power uses solar panels, cells and mechanical systems. Passive power, on the other hand, stores the power in your walls and allows it to radiate outward, heating your home.
Look for federal and local rebates that apply to renewable energy at home. In a few cases, local utility companies tend to offer rebates for expenses associated to upgrades. In some cases, there could be credits or tax deductions either from the federal or state government. These rebates, credits, and other allowances can make it much more affordable to install renewable energy equipment on your property.
If you are unsure about making big green energy investments in your home, then hire professionals like a plumber or heating expert to come in and give you an overview of your existing systems. They can give you estimates on how much energy you are wasting, as well as how much it costs to upgrade.
Decide to receive your correspondence through email by opting out of receiving monthly statements. This will help you use less paper and help the planet. This doesn’t only help you communicate and save electricity, it will lower your bills as well. An added bonus is that everyone benefits by the protection of our environment.
See exactly how many watts of power you are using. Use gadgets such as Kill-A-Watt or Watt Minder and figure out what your consumption is and where it is coming from. If you connect an appliance to either of these devices, it can calculate the energy savings you could realize over a given period of time if you switched to green power, from an hour to a year. This lets you know how much it costs to operate an appliance.
You can use biofuels as home heating fuels. These fuels are made up of animal or vegetable fats, oils and wood. If you have a propane furnace, you may be able to have a professional retrofit your furnace to work with biofuel blend. Fuels are anywhere from 20-99 percent biodiesel. Talk to a professional before you use these types of fuels so you can do it safely.
Save Energy
Energy Star appliances help save energy. This rating is given only to energy efficient appliances that are guaranteed to save energy over standard appliances like the ones you are replacing. This rating guarantees 20% less energy for freezers and refrigerators, 40% difference for dishwashers, and 50% for washing machines!
The simple advice from this article covering green energy will not only be a money saver for consumers, it will also help sustain the environment. Going green can be a great way to lower your costs, and by utilizing the tips from this article, you can see how helpful and easy green energy really is.
Find out as much as you can about The Power Efficiency Guide to become a real pro. Using this information as a springboard, move forward to gain an even greater understanding. It’ll be clear to you that with more information comes more of a sense of confidence. You’ll be a pro!
