Simple Green Energy Solutions Every Home Can Use

In the past, we tended to use resources without thinking about the future impact on the environment. However, we, as a society, have become more aware of the impact we’re having on the planet. Leading the way with smart green energy choices will help you save money and demonstrate your commitment to a healthier environment. You will learn many ways to apply green energy techniques in your home by reading this article.

Solar water heaters are a great option and can significantly decrease the cost involved with heating all of the water in your home. Using natural gas and electricity is certainly the norm, but it’s not very energy efficient. By contrast, solar energy is very efficient, and it keeps water temperatures steady just as well as traditional heating methods. These upgrades may cost more, but qualify for tax deductions, too.

Lower the cost of heating your indoor water, pools and hot tubs by switching to solar water heating systems. 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. You may get tax deductions to offset the expense of installing some of this technology.

Use drapes or curtains in your windows for when you are not home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. More often than not, south-facing windows will let in the most sun due to their positioning. Make sure that all the windows are covered with dark curtains, blinds, roman shades, or whatever shade you choose.

Do your best to keep your windows shaded from any sunlight. Use curtains or blinds as an alternative. By using heavy window covering you house will remain cooler which will decrease the amount of air conditioning needed. You will save energy and money as well.

Dry clothes outdoors instead of in the dryer during the summer. The sun can dry clothes quickly without using any power, with the added benefit of making your clothes smell extra-fresh. It is a fresher smell than you would get from the dryer. You can also save money on your energy bills.

Are you a farmer? Consider renting out a small space where a power company can place a wind turbine. You and those around you can benefit from the free energy. A turbine doesn’t take up much space, either.

Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it if you want to save energy. Properly loading the dishwasher prior to running it will save both energy and money. You’ll be shocked at the amount of dishes it can hold. Carefully align your dishes so that you can place as many dishes into it as possible.

Whenever possible, use cold water to wash your clothing. Almost 90% of energy used for doing laundry is due to heating the water. As long as you have reliable clothes washing detergent, using cold water is just as effective. Also, be as energy efficient as possible by only washing full loads of clothing.

Air flow can be better controller when stormed windows and doors are installed in a home. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. If you use storm doors or windows, you can save at least 45 percent on your electricity bills.

Window Coverings

Replace your water heater and get a tankless model. Although tankless heaters require electricity or gas to heat water, they only do this on the amount you need as opposed to storing it in a large tank that is kept hot all the time. 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.

When you are away from home, use window coverings. This cools the house and cuts energy costs. More often than not, south-facing windows will let in the most sun due to their positioning. Therefore, it is especially important to use heavy window coverings on these windows.

Switch over to getting information through email. In other words, go paperless as much as possible. You and the businesses you deal with can both save energy and money by going paperless. This also keeps the environment in better shape for everyone.

Know the available energy options in your community. Find out what the cost of using these utilities to run your home would be. It may be beneficial to switch from electric heat to natural gas heat, or from city water to well water, for example.

Look around for ways to “go green;” if you want to help conserve natural resources, there are many options available. Even though you may not have too much money, there are little things you can do, such as lowering your heat to 60 when you aren’t home and cleaning your furnace filters monthly. Setting your water heater’s temperature to a maximum 120 degrees will also save money. Just little changes can help.

When not being used, turn things off. When you leave a room, take the time to turn off lights, the tv or the computer. Use a power strip for your home electronics, and turn it off when you aren’t using the equipment. If something is left in standby mode, it is still wasting power.

To save energy during cooking, use your microwave whenever it’s feasible. Cooking food using the stove or the oven consumes a large amount of power. So when you can “nuke” your food, do so to cut down on energy usage.

Storm Doors

When purchasing anything made from wood, look for bamboo options. Although bamboo is technically a grass, it has more strength than most commercial woods. This fast-growing product is used in a wide variety of wood items. Everything from floors to cutting boards can be made with bamboo. Thanks to this, energy is saved when it comes to production and recycling.

Storm doors and storm windows help to better control air flow in the home. These kinds of doors and windows reduces the amount of cold air that comes into the home. Storm doors and windows can increase a home’s energy efficiency by up to 45%, which can have great impacts on utility bills.

Your electric company is probably eager to help you start saving energy today. Most electric companies’ websites contain general information on how to save energy, as well as calculators that tell you how much energy making specific upgrades can save you. Electric companies can also show you how to get the best green-energy appliances and light bulbs.

As you can see, there are many ways to lessen your carbon footprint by making practical changes in the energy efficiency of your home. The money you save alone makes it worth it.

Green electronics may seem expensive in the beginning; however, the amount of energy saved will pay off over the life of the equipment. Though the newer technologies are often much more expensive than standard items, the up-front investment will often save tons later in the form of lower energy bills. It can also have a beneficial impact on the environment in the long term.