What are the benefits of green energy? It lowers utility bills and lets you help out the environment. What ways are there for you to be involved? Read on for some simple secrets to help you do your part!
When creating an outdoor light set up for a garden path or patio, think of solar powered lamps as an option. These lamps are cheap and don’t require any power besides sun exposure. Not only does this save energy. It also means you don’t need to wire your outdoor lights.
Rather than using an air conditioner during the summer, wear clothes that are natural. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, remove moisture from skin so that you stay cool. Light colored clothing can also help you to feel cooler.
Government grants help customers purchase these eco-friendly technologies. Contact your city or county government and ask about energy conservation programs available in your area. For example you may be able to qualify for a grant for the installation of solar or wind powered technologies.
Replace and clean furnace filters yearly, and check them monthly. Adding filters to your warm-air registers is not a bad idea, either. This will prevent a reduction in efficiency, which occurs when the heating ducts get clogged with debris.
Make use of your dishwasher only when you have a full load in order to save energy and money. Don’t run it with just a few dishes. Once you learn how to properly fill a dishwasher, you will be amazed at the number of dishes that can be washed in one load. Think carefully about where you place each dish for optimal storage in the washer.
It is beneficial to maintain your refrigerator to keep it working efficiently. You have to ensure it is in great working condition, as it sucks up energy like a sponge. Make dusting the coils part of your weekly cleaning routine. Make sure door seals are clean and tight.
Help to control the air flow in your own home by installing a storm door and storm windows too. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. When homes have windows and doors that are stormed, 45 percent less energy is used, which can decrease electric bills.
Use electric heating sparingly in the winter. Dress more warmly when around the house. Wear slippers and a heavy top, and light up your fireplace or pellet stove for increased warmth at low cost. Keep in mind that cooler air is better for your breathing while you sleep as it prevents your airways from becoming dry.
If you are uncertain with regard to expensive green energy updates for your home, have a heating expert or plumber provide an overview of the systems that you currently have in place. They can give you estimates on how much energy you are wasting, as well as how much it costs to upgrade.
Closely monitor how many watts you are using. There are many items on the market you can buy to track your energy use, such as the Kill-a-Watt. You can tell how much energy it uses by plugging the appliance into it. You’ll be able to calculate how much each appliance costs you in electricity and replace those which are power hogs.
Switch out an old boiler. Older boilers are not as energy efficient as new ones because people didn’t worry about the environment when they were made. They produce much less carbon dioxide that benefits you, and they cut down on energy costs.
Energy Star
Replace old, energy-hogging appliances with new versions that are Energy Star rated. An Energy Star appliance is built to use less energy than non-Energy Star appliances. Refrigerators and freezers use about 20 percent less energy, while the energy that washing machines use is cut in half.
A good, old common sense tip for saving energy is turning off the lights as you leave the room. It’s surprising how much energy is conserved after turning the lights off. Another benefit of turning lights off is that you can save money.
A simple way to start going green is to talk to your power company. Most gas and electric companies offer web-based tools to help you monitor your consumption, and they also provide suggestions for reducing your energy usage and utility bills. Check out the appliances and light bulbs that they recommend, as well as special programs to help you purchase them.
Green Energy
Lots of people think about green energy, but less people are taking the steps necessary to implement it. Now that you have read this article, you should be more aware of the different ways you can include green energy technology at home as quickly as possible.
