Alternative energy, like solar, wind, or hydro, is a great way to decrease home costs while helping the environment. If you want to learn how to go green with your energy usage around the house, read on for some tips that can help you consume energy wisely.
You can reduce your energy usage by just reducing your electricity usage. For example, when an appliance is not in use unplug it. When you aren’t using your television, computer equipment or lights, don’t forget to turn them off. This is an easy way to save cash as well.
Do you currently own a farm? If you do happen to own some farmland, try renting some of the land to a power company that specializes in wind energy solutions. This will provide you with free energy with only a small space investment.
Discover all the different sources of energy in your community. Check to see how much it would cost to run your home with these other utilities, and remember to take into account the government bonuses that are sometimes available. For example, you might see a savings if you switch from electricity to natural gas, or even switch from electricity to solar or wind power.
If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, don’t run it until it’s completely full. The energy used is the same whether you are washing a small load of dishes, or one that is larger. When you do operate your dishwasher, be sure to make use of the energy-saving feature, which air-dries your dishes.
Active Solar Power
When looking at solar power, know the difference between passive solar power and active. Active solar power is stored so it can be used later, but passive doesn’t need pricey solar panel cells to store power. Active solar power requires solar panels, cells, and mechanical systems. Passive power uses the simple sun to generate thermal energy to heat your house.
Hiring professionals, such as a heating professional or plumber, to come to your home can lay any doubts you have about green energy to rest. These professionals can explain how efficient your systems are, and how much it will probably cost to change or replace them.
Try not to turn the heat up too high in your home, unless it is absolutely necessary for you to do so. If you’re chilly, add a layer of clothing, such as a sweatshirt and some sweatpants. If you turn the heat up to 75 degrees, you are using a ton of unnecessary energy.
Percent Less Energy
If you are purchasing new appliances, try to aim for Energy Star rated ones. This is your guarantee that your new appliances will use less energy, and therefore cost you less to run. For freezers and refrigerators the rating guarantees 20 percent less energy utilized, dishwashers 40 percent, and washing machines as much as 50 percent less energy used!
Turn off lights when you exit a room. This is a tried-and-true energy saving trick. Just turning off lights helps to conserve quite a bit of energy. In addition, you will save money on your utility bill.
An easy way to start making your home energy-efficient is to talk to your electricity company. Utility companies provide some powerful tools online to measure and control your electricity usage. Also see if they offer discounts for purchasing certain energy-efficient items, such as appliances or light bulbs.
Starting your focus on green energy in your household today translates into savings for you and your planet tomorrow. As you can see from this article, being green does not mean that things have to cost a lot or be complicated. You can have an environmentally friendly house today.