To reduce energy costs and positively impact the environment, it is wise to use wind, water of the sun to create energy. If you are a heavy energy user due to the amount of technology used within the home, then these tips will show you how you can reduce your costs while continuing to enjoy the gadgets you love.
Changing your heating to solar water can reduce the price to heat your water, hot tub and pool. Solar water heaters tap into the abundant and free energy offered by the sun. Water heated by other methods, like natural gas, propane, or electricity, is not an efficient method. While some upgrades cost more initially, they can qualify you for deductions on your tax return for using green energy.
Check your furnace and air conditioning filters monthly. Clean or replace them as needed. It is also recommended to put filters on every register in your home. These filters keep children’s toys, dirt or dust from clogging the heating ducts.
Consider installing a solar water heating system. If you live in a sunny climate, you can use a solar water heater year-round. But, be sure to keep a regular water heater for a backup should the sun not come out or for times that you need large amounts of hot water.
Don’t run the dishwasher unless it is filled to capacity. The energy used is the same whether you are washing a small load of dishes, or one that is larger. When you do run the dishwasher, make sure to use the energy saving setting, which will allow your dishes to air-dry.
An easy way to cut energy costs and go green is to dress warm. You can wear a heavy sweater instead of a light one to give yourself more warmth when you’re at home. Since it is pointless to wear very little clothing while indoors, you might as well wear a sweater.
Active Power
Take time to read about passive and active solar power. 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. Active power will require a large installation process and can cost a great deal more. Passive systems simply use the sun’s energy to heat your house or water.
Use energy saving products throughout your home to increase efficiency. Examples of these include windows, light bulbs, and appliances, all of which have been designed to run efficiently on reduced energy. Your heat and cooling costs can drop dramatically by using these products.
Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. In many cases, the electric company will pay for part of the upgrades. Other companies may offer tax deductions from your local or federal government. Rebates and tax credits can make it a lot cheaper to upgrade your home, to make it more energy efficient.
Don’t set your thermostat to over 68 degrees if you can help it. If your home is cold, wear warmer clothing, like a sweatshirt and sweatpants. High levels of heat use too much energy.
If you are someone who is seeking out ways to live green so you can help save the planet’s energy, there’s a lot you can do. For example, cleaning your furnace filters every month and turning down the heat when you aren’t at home will greatly increase the efficiency of your furnace. Another way to save energy, and money, is to set the water heater’s temperature at 120 degrees. Little things like this add up!
The next time you decorate your home or tree for the holiday season, use LED lights instead of standard light strands. Research has shown that in the United States alone, more than two billion kilowatt hours worth of power could be saved if everyone made this transition. The Department of Energy estimates that everyone can save well over 2 billion kilowatts including hours of power and energy if everyone did this type of change. This amount of electricity would provide power for 200,000 homes for a year. You could reduce the amount of your own utility bill as well.
Purchasing a new boiler can be a good way to save energy. Older boilers weren’t built to be energy efficient, and they’re costing you an arm and a leg compared to a newer unit. Newer boilers help by producing less carbon dioxide as well as cut down the cost of your energy bill.
When you begin to save energy through greener methods, you save money today and the planet as well. As you’ve read, it doesn’t take a lot of work or money to make your life greener. Take advantage of what you’ve learned, and strive to make your life more environmentally friendly.
Many people wish to become more knowledgeable about DIY Solar Cells, but they may not know how to do that. This material will give you some great info about DIY Solar Cells. Take this information, and start using it right away.
