Leading a greener lifestyle doesn’t mean spending a lot more time and money. Making some changes to the home can lower electricity bills and benefit the environment. Learn how to harness green energy to help the environment and yourself by reading this article.
Wear natural fabrics instead of always using the air conditioning during summer. Cotton and linen wick away moisture from your skin so that you stay cooler. Wear lighter colors since warmer ones can make you warm and cause you to rely on the A/C.
There are government grants available to help people invest in green energy. Check with the local government and see what programs are available to you. 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.
Use cold water for laundry, whenever you can. Almost 90% of the power you use to do laundry is simply used to heat the water. As long as your detergent is good, cold water washing can be just as effective as warm water. In addition, remember to wash full loads to maximize energy efficiency.
One thing you might consider is heating your water with solar water heaters. Best for locations with a warmer climate, a solar water heater uses the sun’s energy to heat water that circulates through it. It’s a good idea to use a supplemental water heater, however, if you cannot count on constant sunshine or if your hot water consumption is high.
Rather than using a dryer, dry your clothes outside, as long as the weather permits. The sun gives your clothes a great smell. They will smell a lot fresher than if you were to use a dryer. You can save a significant amount on your utility bills, too, because the dryer uses energy and heats up the air, causing the air conditioner to run more often.
If you’re installing a solar energy system, be sure to place the batteries in close proximity to the cells. Power is less likely to be lost in cables this way. This also prevents long cables from casting shadows over the PV cells.
Passive Power
Try to learn about passive and active solar power. While active power requires storage cells, passive power doesn’t. Active solar power requires solar panels, cells, and mechanical systems. Passive power, instead, just stores the energy gotten from the sun inside your home.
Buy products that save energy so that your home is more energy efficient. Some green products such as eco-friendly doors, windows, and double-glazed windows can help you save energy and run the home efficiently. Using this type of product will cut down on heating and cooling energy costs.
Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer. This can significantly lower the amount of electricity you use, especially if the computer is on the Internet a lot or uses word processing software. In addition, the laptop is portable and be used anywhere in the house.
Find out about federal and local rebates for updates about renewable energy for your home. Ask your utility company if they offer rebates for green energy upgrades. Other times, you may be eligible for credits or tax deductions from the federal or state government. All of these rebates will add up, potentially covering the cost of your renovation!
Everyone can enjoy the benefits of going green. It saves a lot of money on energy costs, just by making easy changes, like turning lights off when you leave a room.