The web is awash with information about environmentally-friendly technologies. This information overload can make it difficult to determine which green technology is best suited for your living situation. Using this article will start you out on the road to a greener home.
Shade the windows from sunlight to conserve energy in summer. You could also try putting in curtains or blinds. Keeping your home cool in the summer means you will not be tempted to use the air conditioning as much. You will save energy, as well as money.
Do you have a farm? If so, or if you have family who does, consider renting out some of your land to a company that will install a simple wind turbine. This will provide you with free energy with only a small space investment.
Check your furnace and air conditioning filters monthly. Clean or replace them as needed. Install filters for your warm-air registers, too. This will help keep debris or dirt from clogging vents and reducing their overall efficiency.
Clothes should always be washed in cold water, if possible. Almost 90 percent of energy consumed by washing machines is used when heating the water. Using a quality detergent means it is unnecessary to use hot water. Also, don’t wash your clothes until you can completely fill the washer, as this saves energy over time.
Make use of your dishwasher only when you have a full load in order to save energy and money. Don’t run it with only a few things. You might be surprised by the number of items that you can fit in your dishwasher. Make sure you take time to place the dishes in properly so as to maximize the space available.
Solar Energy
If you want to have hot water, but at a lower cost, then check into solar energy. You can purchase a hot-water system that is run by solar energy. You have the choice for an indirect or direct circulation system. The indirect system is best if you don’t want to worry about your pipes freezing in the winter.
Always be consistent in maintaining your fridge. Since refrigerators are one of the high-consumption appliances, it’s crucial that you keep it running efficiently. Regularly make sure the heating coils are dust-free. Also, ensure that the door seals tightly and that it is clean.
Stormed Windows
When a home has stormed windows and doors, air flows better. This is because storm windows and doors prevent drafts, which means less cold air enters the home. You can increase the energy efficiency in your house by up to 45 percent with stormed windows and doors.
Understand the difference between passive and active solar power. Passive solar power is power on demand and does not require cells for power storage. Active solar power has plenty of power storing ability so you will have energy ready anytime you may need it. Active systems are what you would normally think of when you think of solar–PV cells, mechanical parts, and storage devices. Passive is just used via the sun for storing the thermal energy in the walls of your home to heat it.
Trying to find the right information online can be a pain, which is why these tips are so useful. The tips listed above are easy to understand, accurate, and best of all, they can help save the planet and while saving you some serious money. So, not only will your bank account be happy, but your children’s children can live on a better planet.