Making these switches to your home can be overwhelming. You may not know where to start and whether or not you will see a decrease in your bills. This article can help you learn how to make your home as green as it can be.
Solar Power
Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. Using natural gas or electricity is not as efficient as solar power, and solar water heaters can keep the water temperature steady. In the United States there are many tax deductions for energy efficient green products.
Wear natural fabrics instead of running your air conditioner during summer months. Cotton and other natural fibers, draw the moisture away from your skin, and allow you to stay cooler. Also, choose lighter color clothing, which reflects the sun rather than absorbs its heat.
The U.S. Government makes grant funds available as an incentive for consumers to start using green energy. If you are interested in getting free money to improve your home you should contact your local government for more information. You can qualify for installation of solar power at little to no cost.
Have solar panels installed on your home for an easy, renewable way to power some or all of your home’s appliances. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. A major factor in choosing if you can use a solar system is the amount of sunlight your home receives on average. 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.
Take the time to clean or replace your furnace every season. Monthly checks will assure your furnace never has to work hard. Adding filters to your warm-air registers is not a bad idea, either. This will help keep debris from clogging up heating ducts and becoming inoperable.
Clothes should always be washed in cold water, if possible. Almost ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine comes from heating the water for a warm or hot cycle. Provided you are using the right laundry detergent, you will not see a cleanliness difference by washing in cold water. Also, don’t wash your clothes until you can completely fill the washer, as this saves energy over time.
Cover your windows if you’re not going to be home. These help your home remain cool and keep your energy bill down when you are not there. Usually the windows with the most sun are the one’s which face south. Try adding window coverings that block heat, such as shades or darker, lined curtains.
A good way to save money is to only turn on your dishwasher when you have a full load ready to go. It’s sacrilege to turn it on with just one or two dishes inside. Your dishwasher can probably hold a lot more dishes than you think. Align each dish carefully so that your dishwasher racks can accommodate the largest number of dishes.
There are products available for purchase that can help you reduce your energy costs. Double or triple glazed windows and well-insulated doors prevent a lot of wasted energy while keeping the inside temperature more comfortable. The use of these types of technologies can drastically reduce both your cooling and heating costs.
Make use of a solar oven for baking needs. These can be made with readily available items like an old window, box, and piece of foil for reflection. These ovens reach temperatures greater than 300 degrees, while using no outside energy besides solar.
A good green energy tip while cooking at home is to use a microwave whenever you can. Stoves and ovens use a lot more energy than microwaves. If it is possible to microwave the item you are considering cooking, do so to reduce your energy consumption.
Do not forget to turn off anything you do not use, including lights, appliances and electronics. If someone did that every day, they would slash their energy bill a great deal. Put the idea in your consciousness and remember to turn them off.
Each and every home is individual in some way. Because of this, green technology can differ. Not every method will be right for every home. Research the different options available to you and then select the one that is a perfect fit for your own home.
Many people are interested in The Power Efficiency Guide, but many also do not have the knowledge necessary on the topic. Thankfully, you came to the right place to help you get started with the learning process. Now you can put the various things that have been gone over here to good use.
