What will green energy help you accomplish? It can reduce your reliance on the almighty electrical grid, lower your energy bills and reduce your footprint on the planet. How are you able to help? Read on for some simple secrets to help you do your part!
Solar panels are easy to install and can collect sunlight for energy. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. You should definitely consider how much sun your home is exposed to. If you live in a shady place, or a location with a cloudy climate, solar isn’t the choice for you.
Replace or clean your furnace filters yearly, and recheck them monthly. Also install filters on air registers. Debris (and small toys) will not reach the heating ducts to clog the main filter.
Consult a technician for more information about switching to biodiesel heating if your home currently uses oil for heating. You might even find that you can switch your system to partial biodiesel without having to purchase parts or hire a contractor to perform modifications. When you use biodiesel it burns a lot cleaner than conventional petroleum, which reduces the impact your home has on energy during the colder months of the year.
Maybe you can use solar water heaters instead of traditional heating methods. If you live in a place with normally warm temperatures, try installing a system that uses a solar heater. Don’t get rid of your conventional water heater though; you may need it if it’s cloudy when you’re ready to use hot water.
Don’t leave anything on that you aren’t using. For example, if you are not in a certain room, turn off the lights, TV or computer. Put all of your entertainment electronics on a power strip you can turn off, as this will stop appliances from going into a power draining stand-by mode.
In homes with storm doors and windows, air flow is controlled better. The cold air which comes in from drafts can be reduced with proper care for doors and windows. Storm windows and doors boosts energy efficiency as much as 45%, which can cut electricity costs.
A green tankless model of water heater can replace a regular tank styled water heater. While heaters that are tankless still need electricity or gas, they will not heat more water than you need, which is what a water tank heater does. There are various options when it comes to tankless water heaters, from heating enough water for your entire home to ones that only serve one faucet.
Active Solar Power
Be sure to learn more about passive and active solar power. When it comes to active power, the energy is stored for later use, while passive doesn’t need expensive cells in order to store power. Active solar power requires solar panels, cells, and mechanical systems. Passive solar power, on the other hand, just draws heat from the sun and stores it in your walls for heating purposes.
While a lot of people think about implementing green energy choices, most do not take it further than the fleeting thought process. The tips you’ve just learned in this article should illustrate that making the switch to green energy can be simple and affordable.