Confused By Green Energy Options? Get Help Here!
by
Filed under Green Energy
Because of all the green energy information online, finding what you need can be hard. In the article below, you will learn a few tips about how to stay green and efficient in your daily life.
Solar Panels
You can easily get solar panels installed in your home to collect solar energy for your use. However, before doing this, you need to consider a few things. The number one to think about is the amount of sun your home gets. If your house is usually in the shade, solar panels will provide limited additional power.
Clothes should always be washed in cold water, if possible. Most of the energy used to wash clothes is actually used in heating up the water. Using a quality detergent means it is unnecessary to use 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.
When away from home, cover the windows. This simple act blocks the sun from entering and heating your house in the summer, while in the winter, it keeps the heat from escaping through drafty windows. More often than not, south-facing windows will let in the most sun due to their positioning. Use coverings on each of your home’s windows, such as roman shades, dark curtains, or roller shades.
Don’t run the dishwasher unless it is filled to capacity. A half load uses the exact same amount of water and energy as a full one. Make use of the air drying, energy-saving option on your washer.
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. This can prevent surprises in the winter, so you ensure your home has proper energy inventory. You may even get rebates from your utility company in summer months if you sign up for net usage and use solar panels.
Swap out your tank water heater for a tankless type. Although they still use gas or electricity, they only heat on demand rather than maintaining an entire tank of hot water at all times. Tankless heaters can be acquired in models that could give the whole house or even just a single water faucet with water that is hot.
Solar Power
When looking at solar power, know the difference between passive solar power and active. Active solar power is stored so it can be used later, but passive doesn’t need pricey solar panel cells to store power. Active power uses solar panels, cells and mechanical systems. Passive energy is about using windows and insulation to keep your home warm and well-lit.
Opt to receive as much correspondence as you can through email. Live a paperless lifestyle whenever possible. This will not only help businesses lower their energy costs, but you as well. That helps the environment for everybody.
Make sure you remind yourself to be on top of being energy efficient and check into your energy bills on a monthly and annual basis to see what the difference is. Just thinking more about your energy usage will help you to change habits that lead you to over-use energy. So when you make true conscious efforts to reduce your electrical or water usage you make up a good habit of turning off appliances or lights which in turn helps your bill and the environment.
Applying these ideas is a lot easier than sorting through all the tips available online. All of these tips are cheap and simple way to bring changes to your home so you can begin using green energy soon. The environment and your family will be thankful you did!