Green Energy: The Energy Alternative That Is Going Mainstream
by
Filed under Green Energy
Do you know the advantages of green energy? Green energy will reduce your energy consumption, lower your bills, reduce your impact on the electrical grid, and help you save the planet. Are you concerned as to just how to achieve this? Keep reading for some tips on how to help out.
Cutting back on your daily electricity usage is a simple way to conserve energy. Unplug appliances whenever you are not going to be using them for awhile. Always turn off the television and lights when you are not using them. This may be a simple tip, but it does save you money.
Consider how many hours of sunlight you can expect in the winter as you plan your solar system, so that you know how much energy you can expect it to generate. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises during the winter months, while leaving you safely ahead of your needs during the summer. Net usage plans let you receive money for generated energy!
If you love green energy and green living, consider using electric heaters less during the winter months. Instead, invest in some warm clothing and slippers for family members and use a fireplace or pellet stove to heat living areas. Also, it has been shown that people sleep better in cool environments.
Solar Power
When looking at solar power, know the difference between passive solar power and active. While active power requires storage cells, passive power doesn’t. Active solar power needs to have cells, mechanical systems, and solar panels installed. While passive simply uses the sun in storing thermal energy in your walls in order to heat your house.
If you can afford it, invest in a laptop rather than using a desktop as they tend to use more energy. This can lower your electrical use by as much as 75%, particularly if you are someone who stays on the Internet for long periods of time. Since laptops are portable, you can use them anywhere.
Pay attention to local and federal rebates for renewable energy updates on your home. Ask your utility company if they offer rebates for green energy upgrades. You may also qualify for tax credits or deductions from your state or from the federal government. Receiving these kinds of credits and rebates can make installing the updates much less expensive for you.
Closely monitor how many watts you are using. Choose an energy monitor like the Kill-A-Watt or the Watt Minder to help you determine which devices and appliances consume the most energy. Gadgets can be set to give you the energy-usage amounts for hours, months or years. This is a good way to find out how much your appliances are really costing you.
If you would like to save the environment, remember that it can be done in small steps as well as big ones. Start with the simplest methods, such as setting your heating thermostat to 60 degrees while you are away from home, and cleaning your furnace filters every few months. Another way to save energy, and money, is to set the water heater’s temperature at 120 degrees. Even small steps that you take can add up to a big difference!
A lot of people think about utilizing green energy; however, there are very few who make an effort to figure out how to incorporate it into their lives. As you have seen here, there are many ways you can start to make your home greener without spending a large amount of time or money doing it!