Green energy has risen in popularity thanks to today’s economy. Green energy is a cheap way to save non-renewable resources and reduce spending in these harsh economic times. Continue reading to get some basic green energy tips.
Be a smarter energy consumer by unplugging your electronic device chargers when they are not in use. Many chargers for various electronics continue to draw electricity even if they are not plugged into a device. The energy usage is not as high, but it wastes electricity and adds up to a considerable amount over time.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Having heated water in your washer can use up to nine-tenths of the energy required to run a washing machine. Most good quality laundry detergents work just as well in cold water. Don’t forget to only wash clothes when you have a full load s you are as efficient with your energy as possible!
Window Coverings
Be sure to cover your windows with drapes or blinds when not at home. Heavy drapes help keep you home cool, resulting in energy savings. Try to close all your window coverings, but it is especially important to cover any south-facing windows. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.
Check what other energy sources are available in your neighborhood. Compare the costs of operating your home using several of these utilities, making sure to take into consideration any legislation with regard to energy costs that has recently been passed. Switching from electricity to gas, or from your city water supply to a well, may save you money.
Take time to make sure to properly maintain the fridge. Since the fridge consumes lots of energy, it’s key to maintain it in working order. Be sure that you’re regularly cleaning the dust that builds up near the heating coils. Inspect the door’s seal for tightness and cleanliness.
Look for rebates for green-energy technology installations. In many cases, the electric company will pay for part of the upgrades. If not, there might be tax credits or deductions available from the federal or state government. These rebates, credits, and other allowances can make it much more affordable to install renewable energy equipment on your property.
Solar Oven
A solar oven can be an easy and free way to bake. Use common household items to make a solar oven. Put a piece of an old window into a box and place foil inside the box to reflect the sun’s rays. These ovens are no slouches. They can be heated up to 300 degrees, consume no energy, and are simple to construct.
There is a lot you can do to change your lifestyle and live in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world. Many of these options will not cost you money, but will instead save you money, like cleaning your furnace filter monthly and turning down your thermostat when you are leaving your home. Reduce your water heat temperature to one hundred twenty degrees to save money as well. Little things like this add up!
Swap your old appliances for newer ones that have an Energy Star rating. This rating is given only to energy efficient appliances that are guaranteed to save energy over standard appliances like the ones you are replacing. The rating promises refrigerators and freezers will use 20 percent less energy, 40 percent less for dishwashers and 50 percent less energy for washing machines.
The easiest and best way to decrease energy expenses in the home is to simply turn off lights and devices when you exit a room. Developing this habit can save you a surprising amount of energy over the long term. You will also save on your electric bill.
Consider changing out a standard toilet for one that is built to save water. Estimates show that about 50% of your home’s water is used by flushing toilets. Older toilets use 5 gallons per flush, whereas new models use less than 2 gallons.
If possible, switch the old windows in your home with newer, energy-efficient ones. The benefits of these windows are numerous. They can reduce your energy bill, reduce the outside noise that disturbs you, lower carbon dioxide levels, and even reduce the amount of condensation that gathers on the glass.
Use light with greater responsibility to make your home greener. In the brighter months, don’t turn lights on until past a certain time. Dimmers along with timers and light sensors can be used to lessen the amount of light you use when not needed.
When doing laundry, there many things you can do to conserve energy. You can begin by using the setting for moisture control that shuts off the dryer when clothes are dry. Use high spin speeds to cut the moisture in laundry; that will cut drying time as well. Every time you start a dryer load, make sure the filter and vents are clear of debris.
While solar energy may not be a whole-house option for your home, consider a partial solar set-up that can offset part of your utility consumption. For instance, you could add panels that will only heat the water in your home, or use panels just to heat your pool.
Make sure the freezer and fridge are located in a place that is cool. They should be kept out of sunlight as well as away from heating vents. Heat from any source will cause these appliances to run longer.
One way to save money on energy costs is to drop the temperature to 120 degrees on the water heater. Doing this can reduce your electric bill by up to 10 percent while keeping temperatures at a safe rate.
Green Energy
The above tips and techniques will help consumers incorporate green energy into their life. Green energy is the perfect way to counteract the present poor economy. And as you have seen in this article, it is not difficult and offers many benefits.
