Using less of what is needed to run your homestead may be much easier than you think. With some small changes you can decrease your carbon footprint and save money. The article you are reading will provide you with many ideas that you can carry out in your daily life.
When battery chargers and other electronics are not in use, unplug them. Unplug your electronic devices when they are not being used or fully charged. This wastes energy otherwise.
A solar water heater may be a viable option in your home. The heater uses solar energy to heat water before sending it to your home. This can be useful if your home isn’t located in an area with cold temperatures. Make sure you own traditional water heaters for backup during cold days.
Energy Sources
Check what other energy sources are available in your neighborhood. Compare costs, and keep in mind that new legislation exists which will sometimes reward you for using renewable energy sources. You may find that natural gas will be better for your home than electric, or that well water is an available alternative to city water.
Consider how many hours of sunlight you can expect in the winter as you plan your solar system, so that you know how much energy you can expect it to generate. This will guarantee that you will have energy no matter what the weather brings, and it will result in a surplus during the summer. If your plan is contingent on net usage, you will even get money back from your utility company because of the excess energy you are creating!
Storm Windows
Help to control the air flow in your own home by installing a storm door and storm windows too. Storm windows are good at cutting down on the cool air that tries to get in. Homes equipped with storm windows and doors can see an increase in energy efficiency of up to 45 percent.
A green tankless model of water heater can replace a regular tank styled water heater. Tankless water heaters still use electricity or gas, but they do not run constantly heating a large tank all the time. They heat only the water you need. There are tankless heaters designed to not only provide one area with hot water, but also to heat entire houses.
Desktop computers require a lot of energy, so why not opt for a laptop? Making this switch can reduce your power consumption by up to 75%. This is especially true if you are an Internet addict or do heavy word processing. Plus you can take your laptop anywhere.
Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. Sometimes, the local electric company will provide rebates to cover the cost of upgrading. Other companies may offer tax deductions from your local or federal government. These rebates and credits can substantially reduce the cost of installing green energy technology in your home.
If you are not sure about making improvements to your home, hire professionals that can look over your systems and offer you ideas of what you can do to make your home more green. You can be shown where your money is being lost through inefficient products, and some great estimates on upgrades or replacements.
Use the helpful ideas provided here to find ways to incorporate green energy resources in your home. You will see your energy use diminish and you will be helping the planet. Work on it a little at a time, and you will find that you have a greener home in no time.