installing solar panels | Green Living | Green living tips and advice

TIP! Switch to solar heating systems for water to lower your cost of indoor water. Using electricity or gas to heat water is not terribly efficient, but water heaters that use solar power maintain water temperatures using only the sun’s rays by way of solar panels.

Using environmentally friendly energy is a great way to improve your home life and helps save the environment, too. Simple changes in your home can make it energy-efficient and reduce your electricity bill. Continue on for some helpful green energy tips at home.

TIP! If you would like to reduce the cost of your hot water, use solar energy. Check into investing in a water system that is solar-powered.

Reduce the price of heating water in pools, hot tubs and inside your home by using solar-powered heating systems. Using electricity or gas to heat water is not terribly efficient, but water heaters that use solar power maintain water temperatures using only the sun’s rays by way of solar panels. These upgrades may cost more, but qualify for tax deductions, too.

TIP! It’s important to maintain your refrigerator properly. You have to ensure it is in great working condition, as it sucks up energy like a sponge.

Installing solar panels is a great way to save electricity. There are several things that should be considered prior to installing solar panels. The most important consideration is how much your home is exposed to sunlight. When in a shaded area, or city with less sunny days, there won’t be as many benefits from solar power.

TIP! When a home has windows and doors stormed air flow is actually better in that household. These special storm doors and windows prevent cold air and drafts from entering the home.

Conserve energy by unplugging chargers when you aren’t using them. Chargers for laptops, mp3 players, cell phones and other devices use power when they’re plugged in. This happens regardless of whether you’re using the device or not.

TIP! If you are on a mission to go green, start by keeping electric heaters off or on a very low setting during winter months. You can wear warmer clothing instead, and warm up your home with your fireplace.

Check what other energy sources are available in your neighborhood. Compare the costs of various utilities, and take current or pending energy legislation into consideration. You might be able to save money by switching to well water or natural gas heat.

TIP! Try not to set the heat very high in your home unless it’s an absolute must. If you feel a small chill, instead of turning up the heat, put on a sweatshirt or sweatpants.

Turn you appliances off when you are not using them. When you exit a room, be sure to turn off any unused electronics or lights. Use power strips for your electronics, and make sure to turn it of when you are not using it. If it is in standby it’s still wasting power.

TIP! While cooking, use a microwave if you can to save on energy. The stove uses a good bit of energy.

If you utilize a dishwasher, avoiding using it until it’s filled up. The dishwasher uses the same energy when full that it uses when empty, but you’ll have to run it less often. When it is time to do a load of dishes, use the dishwasher’s energy-saving mode. This makes it so that the dishes air-dry rather than being dried by heat.

Solar Energy

TIP! Buy products made of bamboo when buying wooden items. Bamboo is technically grass, yet it is a lot stronger than a most of the wood you’ll find.

Use solar energy to provide hot water cheaply. Simply put, all you need is a hot water system that uses solar energy. There are direct circulation systems and also direct ones. If frozen pipes are a concern where you live, the indirect option is probably better.

TIP! Appliances with the Energy Star certification bear a distinctive logo that makes them easy to identify. Appliances that have been ENERGY STAR rated follow energy consumption guidelines promulgated by the U.

A solar oven is an energy efficient way of baking. A solar oven is very easy to make. All you need is a window, a piece of foil and a sturdy box. These ovens are no slouches. They can be heated up to 300 degrees, consume no energy, and are simple to construct.

TIP! Set your home’s thermostat to 60 degrees if you are sleeping or leaving the house for several hours at a time. Having the heat set at 60 degrees uses the minimum quantity of energy possible.

Make sure you remind yourself to be on top of being energy efficient and check into your energy bills on a monthly and annual basis to see what the difference is. The more aware you are of using energy, the easier it is to reduce your energy use. If you form good habits of cutting your electric or water usage, turning off appliances and lights when not in use becomes automatic.

TIP! Weatherizing your home can help make it more energy efficient. If you seal ducts, install energy saving windows and add insulation, you will be able to cut down on the energy your home uses.

As you can now see, you do not have to spend a lot of money to go green. Usually this can be accomplished with just a few simple changes that can save you money on electricity costs. Keep what you’ve read here in mind, and consider sharing this article with friends and family so they can benefit from green energy along with you.