Green Energy Advice You Really Need To Know
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Filed under Green Energy
It is a daunting thought when considering making a home-wide change to greener energy use. If could be really hard to determine where to start and the changes that will greatly benefit you. Read the following tips and you can find ways to make your home a greener place.
Consider installing solar powered lamps for outdoor lighting. Solar-powered lamps are usually inexpensive, and they don’t need any power source besides the sun. This not only saves energy. You will not have to hook up the lights to an electrical source.
There are government grants available for investing in renewable energy. Contact your local government in order to see the different programs available in your area. You could possibly qualify for wind or solar installation at little or no cost, or you can deduct these kind of expenses from taxes.
Are you lucky enough to own a farm? You could rent a small portion of your property to an energy company willing to install a wind turbine. Not only will the turbine use minimal land, it can provide you with free energy.
If possible, use cold water in your clothes washer. Almost 90% of energy used for doing laundry is due to heating the water. Modern laundry detergent does just as well with cold water as hot water. Don’t forget to only wash clothes when you have a full load s you are as efficient with your energy as possible!
If you heat your home with fuel, talk to a technician about using biodiesel. Some systems do not need any modifications in order to use biodiesels. Biodiesel is great because it is more efficient and produces less pollution that standard oil, which will reduce your carbon footprint.
Keep covers on your windows when not in your home. This helps to keep your house at a cooler temperature and lower the amount of energy used. More often than not, south-facing windows will let in the most sun due to their positioning. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.
Drying Clothes
During summer, try drying clothes on a clothesline instead of the dryer. The sun can really make your clothes smell incredible. Sun-drying clothes gives them a fresh smell. In addition, you will save a lot of money on your monthly utility bills.
When not using things, turn them off. When you are ready to leave a room, go around and turn off appliances such as computers, televisions, and most importantly, the overhead light. Use power strips for your electronics, and make sure to turn it of when you are not using it. If it is in standby it’s still wasting power.
Keep your refrigerator well maintained. Refrigerators take lots of energy to run, so it’s crucial to make sure it is running effectively. Clean the dust off of the heating coils on a regular basis. Also, ensure that the door seals tightly and that it is clean.
Storm Doors
Homes with storm doors and windows have better airflow than homes without these upgrades. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. Homes equipped with storm windows and doors can see an increase in energy efficiency of up to 45 percent.
Whenever possible, choose to get your communications through email. This will help you use less paper and help the planet. This helps businesses to save energy as well as consumers. It also helps save the planet, of course.
Homes greatly vary in layout and geographical area. Since each home has its own characteristics, what will work for one, may not work for another. Some work for all homes, while others work for only some. Research the different options available to you and then select the one that is a perfect fit for your own home.