Tips And Hints On Reducing The Amount Of Fossil Fuel Your Family Uses
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Filed under Green Energy
It probably seems like a hassle to go green, but it’s much more simple than you think. No matter how small the changes you make are, they will quickly add up to something big to help the environment. Keep reading to learn more about how to switch to green energy.
You can reduce your energy usage by just reducing your electricity usage. When a certain appliance is not in use, unplug it. When you are no longer using them, turn off lights and the television. This simple tip can go a long way in saving you money.
Changing your heating to solar water can reduce the price to heat your water, hot tub and pool. Solar water heaters are much more energy efficient than electric or gas-driven water heating systems. Solar systems use the sun’s energy to stabilize water temperature. While some upgrades cost more initially, they can qualify you for deductions on your tax return for using green energy.
Solar panels are easy to install and can collect sunlight for energy. Consider some things before you do this, as you will benefit from the thought process. The biggest thing to consider is how much sun does your house get on average? You can’t take as much advantage of solar energy if your house gets a lot of shade rather than sun.
Be socially responsible, and unplug electric chargers for all devices that don’t need immediate charging. Charging devices for several common types of electronics, including laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players all draw “phantom power” if you keep them plugged in while they are idle.
Washing Machine
Use cold water in your washing machine. Almost 90% of energy used for doing laundry is due to heating the water. Washing clothes in cold water can be just as effective as a warm cycle, especially with today’s cold water detergents. In addition, remember that a washing machine will be most energy efficient when it is full.
Biodiesel is a great alternative to the standard oil used to heat a home. Sometimes you can make the switch to some use of biodiesel fuels without having to purchase new parts or make costly modifications. Biodiesel is cleaner and more efficient to burn than oil, and it has a better affect on the environment.
A solar energy array can be the cheapest way to getting your hot water. Consider a solar water heater. Indirect or direct circulation systems are both available. The indirect one is your best option if you have to worry about frozen pipes in the winter.
If you are considering the installation of home solar energy, make sure you are aware of how much energy you will receive during the winter months. This way, you aren’t beyond your capacity in the winter, and you have plenty of excess power in the summer. If you’re using a net-usage plan, in the summer you’ll get cash back from your utility provider.
Storm Doors
Keep your home better insulated and control warm and cool air better by installing storm windows and doors. Storm windows and storm doors reduce the amount of cold air entering the home in the form of drafts. Storm doors and windows can help save as much as 45 percent on energy costs.
Going green does not have to be hard. As you can see from the advice above, the thing you can do to make your home just a bit greener are easily found. Make use of what you have learned from this article. Green energy benefits the environment.