Using the sun, wind or water to generate energy produces fantastic results for the environment and can really reduce the cost of operating a home. If you are a heavy energy user due to the amount of technology used within the home, then these tips will show you how you can reduce your costs while continuing to enjoy the gadgets you love.
Making small adjustments to the way you use energy every day can ultimately reduce your consumption. If you have appliances that are not in use, keep them unplugged until you need them. Turn off the lights and TV when not in the room. This simple tip will save you money as well.
If you plan to purchase lighting for your deck or patio, you should give solar-powered lamps a try. These lamps require now power source, except the sun, and are generally inexpensive. This, of course, will save you a lot of money. It also means you don’t need hard wired outdoor lights.
Clean or replace the filters on your furnace once each year, and check once a month to see if they need to be cleaned. Also install filters on air registers. This will help keep debris or dirt from clogging vents and reducing their overall efficiency.
Wash clothes with cold water. The vast majority of the energy you use for washing clothes is needed to heat the water. Just make sure you don’t harm your clothes in the process; check out the labels on your clothes and make a judgment for yourself. Also, make sure your load is a full one so you do not waste energy washing several small loads.
When a home has stormed windows and doors, air flows better. Storm doors and windows dramatically reduce the amount of drafts and cold air that get into your home. Homes equipped with storm windows and doors can see an increase in energy efficiency of up to 45 percent.
Dressing warmly can help you reduce energy and go green. You can wear a heavy sweater instead of a light one to give yourself more warmth when you’re at home. There is no need to be fashionable while at home watching TV, so put on some layers and put some money back in your pocket!
Passive Systems
If you are interested in solar power learn about the difference between active and passive power. Active systems store the solar energy for use later, while passive systems just use the sun’s heat as energy. Installing an active solar system requires more money and work, with panels and an entire system. Passive systems use the sun’s rays to store energy withing the walls of your home and are significantly cheaper.
If you don’t know whether a green energy system would help you save energy, consult professionals in the plumbing or HVAC fields to assess your current system. They can tell you the amount of money you will save, and quote the cost of a new system.
There is a lot you can do if you want to save energy. You might not have the money to invest in a solar panel array, but you can commit to cleaning your furnace filters once per month and setting your thermostat to 60 degrees while you are out. Reducing the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees could save you a lot of money as well. Each step you take, no matter how small, will count!
Getting green energy means both money saving and a healthier planet. As stated in this article, going green doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.