Some homeowners may be uncertain how to convert their energy usage into more environmentally friendly forms. There are many things that you can easily do to help protect the environment. The advice in this article will allow you to find exactly what works for your living situation.
Making small adjustments to the way you use energy every day can ultimately reduce your consumption. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Television sets and lights should never be left on when not in use. This simple suggestion helps cut your electricity bills.
When drawing up the landscaping plans for a garden path or patio, incorporate solar-powered lamps. These lamps are very cheap, as they require no external power source, just the sun. This will save you a ton of energy. You also won’t have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.
During the heat of summer, wear natural-fiber fabrics instead of turning on the air conditioner. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw the moisture further from your skin and let it stay cooler. Wear lighter colors since warmer ones can make you warm and cause you to rely on the A/C.
When you can, wash your clothes using cold water. Almost 90% of the energy you use when you do laundry is due to heating water. If your detergent is of good quality, you should have no problems using cold water. Don’t forget to wait until you have a full load of laundry to wash; that is the energy efficient way.
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. This can prevent any nasty surprises during winter, and it can leave you ahead 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!
Replace your tank-style water heater with a green, tankless model. These heaters only heat water when you need it rather than heating the tank constantly. This saves you on your gas or electricity costs. There are models available that provide on-demand hot water for a whole house or just one faucet.
If you are on a mission to go green, start by keeping electric heaters off or on a very low setting during winter months. You can wear warmer clothing instead, and warm up your home with your fireplace. You will breathe better during your sleep if the air is cool.
Change up the way you dress in your home and warm yourself up to avoid turning on the heater if possible. A thin sweater will provide you with two degrees of additional heat, while a heavier item will add four. You do not have to dress lightly at home, so save money by putting on a sweater and turning down the heat!
Instead of using a desktop computer, which sucks up more electricity, buy a laptop. This can significantly lower the amount of electricity you use, especially if the computer is on the Internet a lot or uses word processing software. In addition, the laptop is portable and be used anywhere in the house.
Make sure you remind yourself to be on top of being energy efficient and check into your energy bills on a monthly and annual basis to see what the difference is. Simply being conscious of how much you spend on energy will save you a ton. It can be hard at first, but once you make conserving energy a routine it will become second nature to you, and will pay off greatly on your energy bills.
You can use biofuels as home heating fuels. Biofuels contain wood, oil and fat. Propane furnaces can be changed to use multiple fuels. You would be able to use anywhere from 20 to 99 percent biodiesel. Schedule a consultation with a professional prior to making the switch to biofuels in your home.
The type of green energy technology that will work for your home can depend on the location and orientation of your house. With different qualities and options, green tech option efficacy will vary quite a bit. Some will work in certain homes, others won’t. Use the tips that work for your home and implement them to save energy and money.