Going green is rightfully becoming a popular movement. Not only does this benefit your environment, but also your wallet. In this article, you’ll learn how to best use green energy and reap the advantages immediately.
Use solar-powered lamps for outdoor lighting. They are not only affordable, but they do not have to be hooked up to any power source, needing only good access to sunlight. This will end up saving you a lot of energy. You also don’t need to hang lights or wires outdoors.
There are government grants available to help people invest in green energy. Talk to your local government and figure out what programs are in the area. Who knows, you may qualify for low or no-cost wind or solar installation. Even if you don’t qualify for a grant, you can still use these items as a tax deduction.
Clean your furnace filters regularly and replace them at least one time a year. It is also recommended to put filters on every register in your home. This not only helps keep debris (and kids’ toys) from entering heating ducts, which reduces efficiency.
When you are away from home, use window coverings. This will keep the house cool and reduce energy costs. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Thermally insulated black-out curtains are the best option, but blinds and shades can also work.
Think about buying solar water heaters for heating your water. If freezing temperatures are never a concern in your area, consider a system that circulates water through solar heaters before sending it into your house. Even though solar water heaters are useful, it is still necessary to have a normal water heater for periods of extended cloudy weather or unusually high hot water use.
During the summer months, think about using the heat from the sun to dry your clothes instead of utilizing a dryer. The sun can give clothing an incredible smell. The smell of sun-dried clothes is much nicer than clothing tumbled in a dryer. You can also save money on your energy bills.
Storm Doors
Homes with storm doors and windows have better airflow than homes without these upgrades. Storm doors and windows will reduce the entrance of drafts and cold air. Homes which have stormed windows and doors increase their energy efficiency by as much as 45% which also ends up costing you a lot less on your utility bills.
Don’t use your electric heater when you can avoid it. Rather, purchase some warmer clothes for your family and use a pellet stove or fireplace to heat up the living areas. Keep in mind that cooler air is better for your breathing while you sleep as it prevents your airways from becoming dry.
Sweater Gives
Change up the way you dress in your home and warm yourself up to avoid turning on the heater if possible. A light sweater gives you 2 extra degrees of warmth, while a heavy sweater gives you 4 degrees. So, to save some money, pick up a nice warm sweater and refrain from dressing scantily.
This information should have been helpful for helping your home become greener. It is useful to use green energy and makes you feel better, too! Put these tips to work, in order to make the technology in your home greener and more efficient.