Have you considered joining the green energy revolution, but don’t know what you need to do to get started? Do you think it’s too difficult or costs too much? Modernize your philosophy and your home today through the use of the tips and advice in this article that will help you change how your home uses energy in a very good way.
Heating Systems
Reduce the price of heating water in pools, hot tubs and inside your home by using solar-powered heating systems. Solar water heaters are much more energy efficient than electric or gas-driven water heating systems. Solar systems use the sun’s energy to stabilize water temperature. Many of these improvements will cost you a bit up front, but the cost savings and tax deductions will usually more than offset that cost.
When not at home, use window coverings. You will lower your energy costs since this will help keep your home nice and cool. Usually the windows with the most sun are the one’s which face south. When possible, however, cover all of your windows with special shades like roller shades, roman shades or dark, thick curtains.
Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full. Don’t run it with just a few dishes. With a little effort, you will be amazed by how much you can fit in one load. Align the dishes so several can fit inside.
It is important that if you take advantage of a dishwasher, that you only use it when you have a full load. The energy used is the same whether you are washing a small load of dishes, or one that is larger. When you run a dishwasher, use the ‘energy-saver’ setting so dishes can air-dry.
Storm Windows
Air flow is controlled best in homes with storm windows and doors. This is because they decrease the amount of cold air circulating through your home. Storm windows and doors boosts energy efficiency as much as 45%, which can cut electricity costs.
Make use of energy-efficient products to save both money and energy. Use products such as double-glazed windows or eco-friendly doors to help reduce your energy usage without sacrificing your home’s needs. With these products, cooling and heating costs are decreased.
Buy a solar oven to provide for the needs of your kitchen. You can make one out of a box, wood, and some foil. These ovens are no slouches. They can be heated up to 300 degrees, consume no energy, and are simple to construct.
Although this may seem like common sense, many people still keep the lights, appliances and electronics on when they are not using them. If everyone did this on a regular basis, an enormous amount of energy could be saved. Before doing something, be sure to remember to turn these things off.
Automatic light sensors including motion detection should be installed. They will turn off lights when people aren’t in the room. Don’t forget to install the outdoor sensor lights in your garage, too!
A great way for saving energy in your house is to turn the heat down to 60 degrees any time you are sleeping or not in the house. At this temperature your home uses very little energy. In this case, you would cut down on energy usage and save cash.
Check your refrigerator and freezer seal on a reguar basis to make sure you are not wasting energy. Broken seals can make your refrigerator run when it does not need to be, which wastes energy and hurts your pocketbook. You can test your seal easily with a piece of paper placed in the door. Be sure that it doesn’t slide out easily.
Responsible light usage should be a top priority in your home. During months that are sunnier, don’t use your lights until later in the evening. You can use dimmers to adjust light usage to a lower amount, and timers or sensors can be used to be sure that lights aren’t left on after someone has left a room.
There are many ways you can conserve energy while doing laundry. Most dryers have a moisture setting that will shut your dryer off when the clothes are dry. Use high spin speeds to cut the moisture in laundry; that will cut drying time as well. Clean the dryer filters regularly.
Thaw your frozen food in the refrigerator to save on energy costs. Thawing frozen foods in the fridge is safer. It also helps save energy by providing extra cold air for your refrigerator as the food thaws.
Solar Panels
If you are unable to completely power your home using solar power, consider installing solar panels to power at least the lighting in your home. One example of this is solar panels that are used specifically to heat water.
You should make ice yourself if you want to reduce the amount of energy you use. Automatic ice makers are convenient, but they also use a ton of energy and aren’t very reliable. The ice maker may not be sealed properly; if the seal leaks, your freezer’s internal temperature will rise. Stay away from these types of problems by simply making ice yourself.
Collect rainwater to use to flush your toilet. This will save you money on your water bill and have a positive impact on the environment. Storing rainwater for later use is easy. Just set a bunch of glass jars outside before the rain begins, and put a lid on them once the water has been collected.
If you want to be green you should invest in a programmable thermostat. You can set these thermostats so that you can use less energy when no one is home or when you are asleep. The latest models will allow you to program different beginning and end times throughout the week.
How can you alter your home so it’s more energy efficient and green? If you’ve read this article, you have the answer to that question, but you have to start changing your habits if you want a greener home. You will love the results you get from going green. They will exceed your wildest hopes.
