Do you know the advantages of green energy? It can lower your bills by reducing your family’s reliance on the city’s electrical grid and it can help you to give back to the earth. What are some ways that you can help? Keep reading for some tips on how to help out.
Just start using less energy every day. When you aren’t using an appliance, unplug it. Be diligent about switching off the television or lighting if you aren’t using them. This helps to save money without much effort.
Instead of turning on the air conditioner, wear fabrics made of natural materials. Natural fibers like cotton can absorb moisture from your skin, helping you feel cooler. Wear lighter colors, as warmer colors make you feel warmer and more likely to put on artificial cold air.
Are you a farmer? If you or someone you know does, you can rent a piece of your land to a company looking to put in a wind turbine. You will reap the benefits of this energy and the space needed is minimal.
Maintain your furnace to save energy. Replace filters annually and clean them once a month. Also, put filters on vents that dispense warm air. Debris (and small toys) will not reach the heating ducts to clog the main filter.
If you’d like to cut down your hot water bill, look into using solar energy. Purchase a solar water heating system. It is possible to chose between direct and indirect circulation systems. Indirect systems are the best option for those who have frozen pipes during the winter.
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. You will avoid unpleasant surprises during winter, and you will also ensure your energy needs are met in summer. Combining this method with a net utilities plan will mean getting back money from the electric company during the summer, too.
If you love green energy and green living, consider using electric heaters less during the winter months. Instead, wear multiple layers, slippers and socks, or even consider investing in a stove or fireplace. Also, it has been shown that people sleep better in cooler temperatures.
Putting on a few more layers can help you save money in the winter. If you wear a light sweater, you’ll feel two degrees warmer. A thicker sweater adds about four degrees. There is no need to be fashionable while at home watching TV, so put on some layers and put some money back in your pocket!
Active Solar Power
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. 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.
Keep an eye on the wattage you are using. Use gadgets such as Kill-A-Watt or Watt Minder and figure out what your consumption is and where it is coming from. Gadgets can be set to give you the energy-usage amounts for hours, months or years. This gives you a much better idea of the real costs associated with each appliance you own.
The next time you decorate your home or tree for the holiday season, use LED lights instead of standard light strands. A study conducted by the United States Two billion KWh if everyone made the change, to be exact! That’s enough to power a quarter of a million houses for a year! Saving money on your electric bill is the least that can happen.
Heat your house with biofuels. Biofuels consist of vegetable or animal fats, wood and oils. If your existing furnace runs on propane, it is quite easy for a professional to make the alterations required so it can perform as efficiently using a fuel blend. This would be about 20-99 percent biodiesel. Make sure you talk with a professional first before you try this fuel out.
Turn off lights when you exit a room. This is a tried-and-true energy saving trick. You might be amazed at the amount of energy savings you can gain over time, simply by making it a point to turn off lights. You will also see a decrease in your power bill.
One of the easiest ways to get started with making your home more energy-efficient is to enlist the help of your electric company. Many utility companies have tools on their websites that will help you see how much energy you use, right down to the hour, as well as, ways to reduce your electric consumption and energy costs. Check out the appliances and light bulbs that they recommend, as well as special programs to help you purchase them.
60 Degrees
An excellent way to save energy in your home is to set the heat at 60 degrees when you are not home or during the night while you’re asleep. When your thermostat is set to 60 degrees, your system will use almost no energy. You can minimize energy usage and save money.
You can save energy while doing laundry, too. You can use a moisture control setting to turn off the dryer when laundry has dried. Use high spin speeds to cut the moisture in laundry; that will cut drying time as well. Be certain that you use clean filters for your dryer and also check for a blockage in dryer vents.
Many people consider using green energy, but few actually take the time to learn how to implement it in their own lives. The tips you’ve just learned in this article should illustrate that making the switch to green energy can be simple and affordable.