Going green does not always require big changes; sometimes it’s the little things that matter. Whether your change is small or large, you’ll be doing good for the environment. Use some of the effective tips below to begin the change to green energy in your home.
You can make a difference and save energy simply by taking steps to use less energy every day. When a certain appliance is not in use, unplug it. Turn off the TV and lights when they aren’t in use. This simple tip will save you money as well.
Use solar-powered lamps for outdoor lighting. Not only are these lamps cheap, but they only need power from the sun. This saves you a lot of energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.
Furnace filters should be replaced annually, and check them monthly for cleanliness. Installing the filters in warm-air registers is also a great idea. Register filters will help prevent debris increasing efficiency.
Clothes should always be washed in cold water, if possible. Almost ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine comes from heating the water for a warm or hot cycle. If your detergent is decent, cold water will be as effective as hot when cleaning your laundry. In addition, remember to wash full loads to maximize energy efficiency.
If you use heating fuel, ask a professional if you can convert your system to bio-diesel fuel system. Switching to biodiesel is often doable without system modification. Bio-diesel is more efficient and burns cleaner than conventional petroleum, which in turn, reduces the environmental impact from your home during the winter.
If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, do not operate before it fills up. The dishwasher cycle uses the same amounts of water and energy, whether it is full or not. Also ensure that it is set to air-dry if you are aiming to reduce your energy consumption.
If you are planning a solar system for your home, be sure to calculate your potential energy production using the amount of sun to expect in the cloudiest month. That will help you avoid negative surprises in the winter, and it will give you plenty of leeway during the summer. You may even get rebates from your utility company in summer months if you sign up for net usage and use solar panels.
Maintain your refrigerator well. With the fridge being a top energy consumer in the home, maintenance is important for efficiency. Make certain to clean the dust that surrounds heating coils periodically. Also, make sure that the seal around the door is clean and tight.
Degrees Warmer
In winter, save energy and money by turning down the heat and adding a layer of clothes. Even just a lightweight sweater keeps you two degrees warmer, and a heavyweight sweater will keep you four degrees warmer. You don’t have to wear a t-shirt and shorts in your home, so dress warmly and save money!
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Active power is the power stored for later use and passive doesn’t require pricey cells for storing power. If you use active power, you will need to install mechanical systems, solar panels and cells. Passive power, instead, just stores the energy gotten from the sun inside your home.
When doing any updates to your home, look for energy-efficient products. Certain green items, such as eco-friendly windows and doors and double glazed windows, cut down on energy you need to keep your home going efficiently. These products will help you reduce the costs of heating and cooling.
A solar oven can be an easy and free way to bake. You can make one with easy-to-find items like old windows, boxes, and aluminum foil to reflect light. Solar ovens can get hotter than 300 degrees, and doesn’t use any energy source besides the sun, so you are reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
Embracing green energy isn’t as hard as you might think. There are many ways to live a green life, as you can clearly see from this article. Be sure to use what you’ve read here today. Although the effort isn’t considerable, going green does have some tremendously great effects.
