energy star rated | Green Living | Green living tips and advice

The Benefits Of Using Solar Power Around Your Home

Green Living Advice energy saving, energy star rated, green energy, less energy, solar panels

TIP! Lower the heating costs of your water, hot tubs and pools by changing over to a heating system that is run by solar power. Using natural gas and electricity is certainly the norm, but it’s not very energy efficient.

Many people want to have a greener life but are unsure how to start. There are many green energy technologies available to help save energy and money. This article has great tips to help you use green energy now.

TIP! You can conserve energy by shading your windows from sunlight. Use curtains or blinds as an alternative.

Lower the cost of heating your indoor water, pools and hot tubs by switching to solar water heating systems. Using natural gas and electricity is certainly the norm, but it’s not very energy efficient. By contrast, solar energy is very efficient, and it keeps water temperatures steady just as well as traditional heating methods. While a few of the upgrades are costlier up front, they might be eligible for tax deductions or green energy tax credits.

Solar Panels

TIP! Solar panels can be easily installed on your home and are used to collect energy from the sun for use in your home. But, you must think about some things prior to doing this.

Putting in solar panels in your home for solar energy is easy. There are some things that should be further looked in to before doing this. One major factor to consider with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home receives. If you live in an area with a lot of shade, or worse, a lot of cloudy days, you’ll be unable to make full use of solar panels.

TIP! Start paying attention to your energy consumption. Unplug the charger for your iPod and XBox when they are not in use.

Do you or your family own a farm? Consider renting out a small space where a power company can place a wind turbine. Not only does it take up very little space, both you and the neighbors will greatly benefit from this free energy.

TIP! Do you own a farm? Farms are the perfect place to put a wind turbine. If you don’t have a farm, you might be able to rent from someone.

One way to be environmentally friendly is to only run the dishwasher when it is completely full. Try to refrain from putting small amounts in and running the dishwasher. Dishwashers can usually hold many dishes. Align each dish carefully so that your dishwasher racks can accommodate the largest number of dishes.

TIP! One thing you might consider is heating your water with solar water heaters. If you’re in an area that doesn’t have to worry about freezing temperatures, you can get a system that will circulate the water through a solar heater before pumping it into your home.

Keep a record of your energy efficiency goals. Each month, check your utility bills to check your year-over-year progress with regard to saving energy. By being aware of the energy you use, you can start to reduce that consumption. You can make the effort to reduce water and power consumption, and it will likely become a habit.

Less Energy

TIP! Solar energy is a great way to get hot water at a low cost. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water.

Replace any old major appliances with new Energy Star rated appliances. Appliances that have an Energy Star rating states that the particular appliance being used is made to consume less energy compared to its predecessor that is not rated. Refrigerators and freezers use 20% less energy and dishwashers use 40% less. Energy Star rated washing machines save at least 50% of the energy used by the older styles and also save a lot of water.

TIP! Hiring professionals, such as a heating professional or plumber, to come to your home can lay any doubts you have about green energy to rest. They will be able to tell you how much money you are losing on inefficient appliances, and they can also give you an accurate estimate of what it will cost to upgrade or replace your systems.

A good energy saving tip at home when cooking is to always use a microwave when possible. Cooking food using the stove or the oven consumes a large amount of power. If popping items in the microwave can save some energy and time, it is a viable option.

TIP! Whenever possible, choose to get your communications through email. Eliminate as much paper from companies as you can.

Turn off lights when you exit a room. This is a tried-and-true energy saving trick. You could save quite a bit of energy if you are diligent about turning off the lights. You will also enjoy a lower power bill, saving you money every month.

TIP! If you want to “go green” and do your part to help save the environment, you have a lot of options. Start with the simplest methods, such as setting your heating thermostat to 60 degrees while you are away from home, and cleaning your furnace filters every few months.

Replace your toilet with a water-saving model. It’s estimated that as much as fifty percent of your water usage comes from the toilet. Older toilets use 5 gallons per flush, whereas new models use less than 2 gallons.

TIP! The next time you decorate your home or tree for the holiday season, use LED lights instead of standard light strands. A U.

Again, going green is a political hotspot right now, especially because there is no longer any such thing as a cheap source of oil. With the proper information, you will find it much easier to implement green energy properly into your home. By using this article’s advice, you can start being greener today!

Interested In Green Energy? This Is For You

Green Living Advice energy star rated, environmental impact, green energy, less energy, rated appliance

TIP! You can cut your energy consumption by a lot if you just cut back on the electricity you use. When not using a certain appliance, unplug it from the outlet.

Caring for our planet is important, which is why using green energy is crucial. There are many different types of green energy available, we just have to make use of them. How can you start using green energy? Keep on reading and find out.

TIP! Saving energy and money is as simple as closing your curtains. Additionally, curtains and blinds can enhance the energy-saving effect you achieve.

Use a solar water heater to keep your pools, tubs and plumbing full of piping hot, but cheap, water. Using natural gas or electricity is not as efficient as solar power, and solar water heaters can keep the water temperature steady. Making some of these changes will cost you some money up front, but you can recoup some of these costs with tax deductions for using green energy.

TIP! Purchase a solar water heater to warm up your water. 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.

Instead of using your air conditioner in the summer, try to wear fabrics that are natural. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, remove moisture from skin so that you stay cool. Wear light colors; dark colors tend to make you feel warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.

TIP! Find out about various energy sources that are available in your area. Compare costs and look up regulations on green energy and tax incentives.

If you have a farm try some energy saving alternatives. If you do happen to own some farmland, try renting some of the land to a power company that specializes in wind energy solutions. You and your neighbors will benefit from free energy and this installation will not take a lot of space.

TIP! During the summer, you should try drying your clothes out in the sun instead of using a dryer. You’ll love how your clothes smell after being sun-dried.

Biodiesel fuel might be an option if your current heat source is fuel oil. Some systems can easily be changed to biodiesel without having to make major modifications or installing extra parts. Biodiesel burns cleaner and more efficiently than conventional petroleum, reducing your home’s environmental impact during the winter.

TIP! Turn things off when not in use. When you leave any room, turn off lights, tvs, computers or any other electrical devices.

Learn about energy sources within your community. Check how much these utilities cost and any tax breaks or laws before making a decision. For instance, you may save on energy costs by heating your home with gas instead of with electricity or by using well water instead of city water.

TIP! Solar hot water heaters are an excellent way to have lower costs on your hot water energy use. Upgrade your hot water system to one that’s solar-powered.

One way to be environmentally friendly is to only run the dishwasher when it is completely full. Don’t run it with only a few things. Pack your dishwasher full, and you may be surprised at the amount it can hold. Strategically load your dishwasher so that you fit in as many dishes as possible.

TIP! Storm doors and windows can make air flow in the home better. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts.

Take time to maintain your fridge properly. Since the fridge consumes lots of energy, it’s key to maintain it in working order. Keep heating coils dust free. Check the door seal for dirt, debris and leaks.

Less Energy

TIP! Heat your house with biofuels. What these fuels are composed of are wood, oil and vegetable or animal fats.

Trade in your old major appliances for new ones with the Energy Star rating. The Energy Star rated appliance is guaranteed to use appreciably less energy than the older non-rated appliance. Refrigerators and freezers that are Energy Star rated uses approximately twenty percent less energy. While dishwashers and washing machines can save up to fifty percent on energy bills.

TIP! Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. The stove and oven use a lot more energy to cook foods.

An often-repeated, yet useful tip for anyone who wants to start saving energy today, is to flip off the light when they leave the room. You can actually save a lot of energy if you just take the time to turn off all the lights in your house when you aren’t using them. Another benefit of turning lights off is that you can save money.

TIP! Consider bamboo items when making a wood purchase. Bamboo is a green alternative to wood products and very strong.

In today’s world, it is more important than ever to make the switch to green energy. While all energy comes with some risk, green energy will reduce the environmental impact we have. Now that you’ve read this article, you know what you can do to make your life a little more green.