Using the sun, wind or water to generate energy produces fantastic results for the environment and can really reduce the cost of operating a home. People who want to have a greener home, should continue reading this article.
The government has set up several incentive programs to help consumers switch to renewable energy sources. Check with the local government and find out about any possible programs you may be eligible for. You could possibly qualify for wind or solar installation at little or no cost, or you can deduct these kind of expenses from taxes.
Dry clothes on a clothelines during the summer. Your laundry will smell fantastic after a day in the sun. They’ll smell so much better than if you shoved them into a dryer! Additionally, you will save both money and energy.
Don’t keep things turned on all the time. When you leave a room, shut off the lights, TV, computer, game systems, etc. Try using a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at once, instead of letting power be wasted in standby mode.
Solar hot water heaters are an excellent way to have lower costs on your hot water energy use. Purchase a hot water system that uses solar energy. You can choose from a direct circulation system or an indirect one. The indirect system is best if you don’t want to worry about your pipes freezing in the winter.
Storm Windows
Air flow is controlled best in homes with storm windows and doors. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. Energy efficiency can be increased up to 45% in a home with storm windows and doors.
An easy way to cut energy costs and go green is to dress warm. Even just a lightweight sweater keeps you two degrees warmer, and a heavyweight sweater will keep you four degrees warmer. You don’t have to wear a t-shirt and shorts in your home, so dress warmly and save money!
Power Uses
Find out more about active and passive forms of solar power. Active power is the power stored for later use and passive doesn’t require pricey cells for storing power. Active power uses solar panels, cells and mechanical systems. Passive solar power uses the heat of the sun to hold thermal energy within your home.
Desktop computers require a lot of energy, so why not opt for a laptop? Making this switch can reduce your power consumption by up to 75%. This is especially true if you are an Internet addict or do heavy word processing. Another benefit of the laptop is that it’s portable, so it can be used anywhere.
If you don’t know what changes to make, consider having a heating expert or plumber come to your home and give you a list of changes you can make to cut your energy costs. You can be shown where your money is being lost through inefficient products, and some great estimates on upgrades or replacements.
Getting green energy means both money saving and a healthier planet. 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.