In this bad economy, people are shining the spotlight on green energy even more than they were before. Not only is green energy a good way to preserve natural resources, but it can also save people tons of money. Keep reading this article for more tips on how start living green.
One way to conserve energy is to make sure your windows aren’t exposed to direct sunlight. Both curtains and blinds will help keep the heat from the sun out of your home during the summer months. Doing these things will let you use less air conditioning in the summer. The result is a significant energy savings and money in your pocket!
The government has grants available to those who are willing to invest in alternative renewable energies. If you are interested in getting free money to improve your home you should contact your local government for more information. You may qualify for wind or solar installation with little cost, or possibly you may be able to use it as deduction on your taxes.
When battery chargers and other electronics are not in use, unplug them. Anytime a charger is plugged in, it is using a bit of energy.
Do you happen to own some farmland? If so, you can rent a portion of it so wind turbines can be installed. You will benefit from the wind turbine’s free energy and it will take up minimal space.
If possible, use cold water in your clothes washer. Having heated water in your washer can use up to nine-tenths of the energy required to run a washing machine. Washing clothes in cold water can be just as effective as a warm cycle, especially with today’s cold water detergents. Furthermore, remember to always wash a full load, as this is more energy efficient.
Be sure to cover your windows with drapes or blinds when not at home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Usually, windows that face south receive the most sunlight. Use dark curtains, roman shades, roller shades or other coverings on all windows.
Heating your water with the power of the sun can be very efficient. If you happen to live in a climate where freezing water isn’t going to affect you then you might want to invest into a system that circulates water through your solar heater before it is pumped into your home. Having a conventional heater as a back up if you expect a surge in hot water use can be wise.
Research different sources of green energy available to your community. Determine which energy source is cheapest for your home. Don’t forget to account for any government incentives that might be in effect. For instance, it might be worth it to switch to gas heat instead of electric, or switch to well water instead of municipal water.
Wait until your dishwasher’s full before running it. It makes use of a fixed amount of energy no matter the amount of dishes it has. Also ensure that it is set to air-dry if you are aiming to reduce your energy consumption.
Hot water can be obtained in a low cost, environmentally friendly manner through solar energy. Purchase a solar water heating system. You may pick between a direct or indirect circulation system. You’re better off with an indirect system if you are worried about pipes freezing during the winter.
The ideas here can save you money, and the environment, at the same time. Green energy can easily be implemented into consumer’s lives using the aforementioned tips and techniques.