Green energy from the sun, wind, and water has a huge positive impact on your utility bills and the planet. If you are a heavy energy user due to the amount of technology used within the home, then these tips will show you how you can reduce your costs while continuing to enjoy the gadgets you love.
Consider bamboo as an option over wood products. Bamboo is very green and strong and is technically considered a grass. Bamboo grows quickly and it used for several products including flooring. This saves energy on the recycling and production end of manufacturing products.
When you are away from home, use window coverings. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Usually the windows with the most sun are the one's which face south. Think about covering all of your windows with different types of shades and curtains.
Demand legislation that encourages green energy usage. Awareness is a great tool that is not often utilized. If people were aware that certain companies tend to avoid green energy efforts in order to make a higher profit, they probably would end up losing business. By having companies be forced to publicize what they are doing, they would be more likely to start practicing green technology.
For greener summer living, raise your air conditioner thermostat just 5 degrees. This will save you up to 20% in cooling costs. To help get your home cooler you can run some fans to lower temperatures while avoiding the high costs to air condition your home.
Buy rechargeable batteries for all of your gadgets instead of using the disposable version. Traditional batteries end up in landfills. Save money and help the environment by purchasing rechargeable alternatives. If you really get a lot of use out of a set of rechargeable batteries, the savings can easily get into the three figures.
A great way to conserve energy at home is by setting your thermostat to 60 degrees if you are not at your house or if you are sleeping. Your home uses the least energy possible when the heat is set to 60 degrees. As stated, lowering your thermostat will minimize the energy needed to heat your home.
If possible, use cold water in your clothes washer. Almost 90 percent of energy consumed by washing machines is used when heating the water. Modern laundry detergent does just as well with cold water as hot water. Another great tip is to always fill up the washer with a full load so that you're being as efficient as possible.
Many people forget to turn off machines and lights that they aren't using, even though it seems obvious. By doing this on a daily basis, a person's energy bill can be greatly reduced. Resolve to turn off lights and equipment when you are not using them.
When designing your solar PV system, try to locate the battery storage system as close to the PV cells as possible. Doing so removes the chance of lost energy. It can also reduce the chance of a cable shading a cell, and reducing its generation capability.
Before considering solar energy to power your home, do a detailed analysis of you home energy usage. Be thorough and mark everything. This list will help determine a more accurate quote from the solar panel expert you will choose to install the solar panels, as it will provide them with exactly the amount of power you will need to run your home.
Use a toilet designed to conserve water. Some estimates show that toilets account for 50 percent of the water use in a home. With the older model of toilets, the amount of water consumed each time they are flushed is 5 gallons; however, the newer, water-saving models consume only 1.6 gallons per flush, which will yield a saving of approximately 70 percent in your annual water consumption.
It's so important to ensure your oven is sealed properly whenever it's on. Check the seal on your oven because if it is broken, then it may cause the oven to utilize as much as 50 percent more energy.
Do you have a large plot of land? 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. Everyone surrounding the area where these turbines are installed are sure to benefit, and the installation doesn't take up that much space.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Almost ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine comes from heating the water for a warm or hot cycle. Washing clothes in cold water can be just as effective as a warm cycle, especially with today's cold water detergents. Only wash when you have a full load of clothes to put in the washer.
When the season changes, adjust the settings on your thermostat. In the colder months, consider lowering your thermostat a few degrees, and in warmer months, raise the thermostat a few degrees. If you do this in conjunction with adding or removing clothing when necessary, you can stay comfortable while using less energy.
Try using a dehumidifier as an option. Humid air often feels warmer. When it gets too hot, use a dehumidifier prior to using the air conditioner since this costs less and can make a difference. You might avoid using your A/C for longer than you thought.
Use window treatments to shade the inside of your home when you aren't home. This keeps your home cooler naturally, reducing the strain on your air conditioner and saving energy. Typically, the south facing windows are the ones that get the most amount of sun due to their location. Cover all of these windows with curtains, blinds or roller shades.
Purchasing a new boiler can be a good way to save energy. Older boilers are not as energy efficient as new ones because people didn't worry about the environment when they were made. They can reduce your energy bill and they don't produce as much carbon dioxide.
When weather is good, skip the energy-hogging dryer and dry your clothes on an outdoor clothesline. You'll love how your clothes smell after being sun-dried. It is a fresher smell than you would get from the dryer. You will also have lower utility bills.
Hopefully, this article's information is useful to you and your home. There are many benefits to using green energy and doing so will give you a positive feeling. Use the tips in this article to make your home as green and energy efficient as possible
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