Converting to a green home does not have to be a difficult or expensive venture. In a few simple steps, you can reduce your energy use and help improve the environment. Follow this article’s tips to learn how you can use green sources of energy to cut costs and reduce your environmental impact.
Switch to a solar water heater to heat your pools, showers, hot tubs and kitchen faucets to save money. Solar water heaters are much more energy efficient than electric or gas-driven water heating systems. Solar systems use the sun’s energy to stabilize water temperature. You may get tax deductions to offset the expense of installing some of this technology.
There are grants that can help you invest in green energy. Talk to your local government and figure out what programs are in the area. You may qualify to have wind or solar power installed at no cost to you. At a minimum they may allow you to deduct the charges from your taxes.
Take the time to clean or replace your furnace every season. Monthly checks will assure your furnace never has to work hard. Adding filters to warm-air registers is also beneficial. This will help ensure debris doesn’t enter heating ducts, thereby reducing your efficiency.
Use window coverings when you’re not at home. This cools the house and cuts energy costs. Usually the windows with the most sun are the one’s which face south. Dark drapes, or even energy-efficient lined drapes, are your best bet.
Check out all the different resources your community has available for energy. Compare the costs of operating your home using several of these utilities, making sure to take into consideration any legislation with regard to energy costs that has recently been passed. Switching from electricity to gas, or from your city water supply to a well, may save you money.
Turn things off when not in use. When exiting rooms, turn off the computer, television or lights. Use power strips for home electronics. As well, turn this off when you’re not using your electronics. Products in standby mode still waste power.
When planning the solar system used in the home, use winter sunshine hours to determine what potential energy generation will be. This will ensure that you are not caught short during winter, and you have excess during the summer. An even better benefit is that you can sell your energy back to the grid in the sunniest of times!
Maintain your refrigerator. Refrigerators use a large amount of electricity, and keeping it in good condition ensures this energy footprint is as low as it can be. Use your duster to clean around your heating coils on a regular basis. It’s important to check that the seal is tight and clean around the refrigerator door.
When a home has stormed windows and doors, air flows better. The cold air which comes in from drafts can be reduced with proper care for doors and windows. Storm doors and windows can help save as much as 45 percent on energy costs.
Even people who don’t believe in global warming can see real benefits from green energy. A lot of money can be saved on electric bills if you make some changes.