winter sunlight | Green Living | Green living tips and advice

TIP! Shade your windows from the sun to prevent energy usage. Another suggestion for window treatments is installing curtains or blinds.

Using water, wind, and sun to produce energy can dramatically reduce the costs of running a home, and creates great results in the environment, as well. For those who seek to make green energy changes within your home, read on and gather some great knowledge that will help you make those changes and reap the rewards.

TIP! Are you a farmer? If you do, or if you are aware of someone that does, you may be able to rent some of the property to a local energy company that will install a type of wind turbine. Your home and the surrounding residences will get some free power.

A solar water heating system can help lower energy costs. Using gas or electricity to heat water isn’t efficient. However, solar water heaters use the sun to make water comfortable and reduce energy consumption. Some of these upgrades, while more expensive up-front, may qualify for green energy tax deductions.

TIP! Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. Using a solar water heater to warm your water with the energy of the sun works to save money and energy.

Keep your windows shaded when trying to conserve energy. Keep blinds closed and curtains drawn. Utilizing both of these methods will decrease you need for an air conditioner unit, since your home will not be as warm. You will save energy and money.

Stay Cooler

TIP! Replace a water heater that is tank-style, with a model that is green and has no tank. Tankless heaters still use electricity or gas to provide hot water, but they only heat the water you actually need.

Wear natural fabrics during the summer in order to avoid wasting energy on air conditioning. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw the moisture further from your skin and let it stay cooler. Lighter colored fabrics will help you stay cooler without needing to turn on the air conditioner.

TIP! If you are a fan of green living and green energy, try using your electric heaters as little as possible during the winter. You can wear warmer clothing instead, and warm up your home with your fireplace.

Are you a farm owner? 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. Not only will the turbine use minimal land, it can provide you with free energy.

TIP! Don’t turn the thermostat up higher than needed in your home. If you find the air a little chilly, put on a sweater or an extra pair of socks.

Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full. Avoid running the dishwasher when there isn’t a full load to run. Once you learn how to properly fill a dishwasher, you will be amazed at the number of dishes that can be washed in one load. Experiment with different ways of loading the dishwasher in order to fit in as many dishes as possible.

TIP! Watch watt usage carefully. If you do not know the formula to figure out the energy each appliance uses, there are tools like a Kill-A-Watt that can give you the information instantly.

When determining the economical impact of a PV solar system, be sure to run a calculation using the hours of winter sunlight. As winter sunlight is much lower than summer, you will want to be able to plan for higher energy costs in winter. 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!

TIP! If you are purchasing new appliances, try to aim for Energy Star rated ones. This rating will guarantee than your appliance is using less energy! Appliances like fridges and freezers can use up to 20% less energy, while washing machines can save up to 50%.

Take time to make sure to properly maintain the fridge. You have to ensure it is in great working condition, as it sucks up energy like a sponge. Make certain to clean the dust that surrounds heating coils periodically. Make sure door seals are clean and tight.

TIP! A microwave is a more energy efficient appliance than a stove, so consider using it more often. The stove uses a good bit of energy.

If green energy is a concept which you embrace, minimize the use of electrical heaters during the winter months. You can wear warmer clothing instead, and warm up your home with your fireplace. It is better to sleep in cooler air, it helps you breathe, and keeps your airways moist.

TIP! Many people forget to turn off machines and lights that they aren’t using, even though it seems obvious. If a person was to practice this daily, it would save them an enormous amount on their energy bills.

If you dress warmer, you will help cut energy costs, which helps you to go green. Lighter sweaters can add 2 more degrees of warmth, while heavy sweaters increase warmth by 4 degrees. You don’t need to dress lightly inside, so wear a sweater!

TIP! Don’t overlook your utility company’s resources when it comes to making your home greener. A lot of utility companies, on their websites, provide tools to assist you in seeing what energy you use, in some cases down to an hour; they also offer ways to reduce costs and consumption.

Make use of energy-efficient products to save both money and energy. Look into different green products like eco-friendly doors, double glazed windows, or anything of the sort as they can help reduce the required amount of energy it takes to operate your home. You will also cut down on the cost to heat and cool your home by implementing these products into your life.

TIP! Replace your old windows with newer, energy-efficient windows. These types of windows will lower your energy bills as well as protect your home from outside noise and carbon dioxide.

Using green energy now means a better future for the planet and future generations. As you’ve read, it doesn’t take a lot of work or money to make your life greener. Take advantage of what you’ve learned, and strive to make your life more environmentally friendly.