Use wind, water or sun power to create energy and you can reduce your home energy costs in the process. If you would like to know more about the ways you can put green energy to work in your home, read on for some valuable advice and interesting tips.
You can reduce your energy usage by just reducing your electricity usage. Unplug appliances that aren’t in use. Turn off the lights and TV when not in the room. This can save you money and it’s simple.
There are government grants available for investing in renewable energy. Contact your local government for more information of programs near you. You may qualify to have wind or solar power installed at no cost to you. At a minimum they may allow you to deduct the charges from your taxes.
Solar panels are easy to install. Before undertaking this project however, there are a few things to consider. A big consideration is how much sunlight does your home typically receive? If your home is mostly in the shade, or if you live in a location that receives little sun, your power gain may be minimal.
Whenever possible, you should use cold water to wash your clothes. If you use warm or hot water in your washing machine, almost 90% of your energy use goes towards heating the water. Washing your clothing in cold water will get them just as clean as washing them in hot water if you have a good laundry detergent. Additionally, do not run the washer until it is full so as to maximize your energy use.
If you aren’t home, use a window covering. The result will be a cooler house because the window’s admit less heat. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Cover all of these windows with curtains, blinds or roller shades.
When using a dishwasher to do the dishes, don’t let it run unless it’s all the way full. The same amounts of water and energy are used every time. Make sure you are using the energy saving settings on your dishwasher that will air-dry your dishes.
Using solar energy is one good way to heat water. Buy a hot-water system that is solar-powered. It is possible to use either a direct or indirect circulation system. Indirect systems are the best if you have frozen pipes during the winter.
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. Using this metric means you will meet your energy needs in the winter, while greatly exceeding them in the summer. If you’re using a type of net usage plan, you’ll receive money back during the summer from your utility company for energy you’re generating!
Take time to make sure to properly maintain the fridge. You have to ensure it is in great working condition, as it sucks up energy like a sponge. Clean heating coils regularly to get rid of dust. Also, make sure that the seal around the door is clean and tight.
Renewable Energy
There are many renewable energy rebates offered by the government, so be aware of them. Sometimes, you will find that a local utility company can give a rebate for the total price of the upgrades. Additionally, it may be possible to take advantage of tax rebates offered by state and federal governments. These rebates, credits, and other allowances can make it much more affordable to install renewable energy equipment on your property.
Explore the possibility of using a solar-powered oven for some of your baking needs. It’s fairly easy to make a solar oven using a discarded window box lined with foil to reflect the heat. The temperature in these ovens can heat up to 300 degrees, they can be put together in a few minutes, and the only energy they use is the sun.
Use LED holiday lights to help with green energy use. A U.S. Department of Energy study shows that people waste a lot of energy on traditional Christmas lights. We could save at least a couple billion kilowatt hours if each person would make this change. That much electricity could power at least 200,000 home for a whole year. At least you will be saving money on your power bill.
Getting green energy means both money saving and a healthier planet. As was demonstrated in the article, green living isn’t that tough or complex. So, use this article’s advice and energy efficiency is just around the corner.