It is actually pretty easy to reduce the amount of energy and resources your home needs. A couple of small changes (or big ones) and both your environmental footprint and your energy budget will decrease. This article will show you how to get started.
Become a better energy consumer, and save electricity in your home by unplugging chargers for your electronic devices when you are not using them. All the chargers you use for mp3 players, cell phones, laptops and any other devices draw in some charge when they’re plugged in and aren’t being used.
Your furnace filters should be replaced annually, and inspected for monthly cleanings. It is also recommended to put filters on every register in your home. This helps keep debris (or Hot Wheels cars) from getting into heating ducts and reducing efficiency.
Don’t leave appliances that aren’t in use, on. Upon leaving a particular room, remember to turn of the lights, television, computer or even the entertainment center. Put all of your entertainment electronics on a power strip you can turn off, as this will stop appliances from going into a power draining stand-by mode.
Take advantage of solar energy to heat your home’s water without breaking the bank. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water. You have a choice between both an indirect or direct circulation system. Most individuals will find the indirect option to be their best choice, as this option has methods in place to alleviate the problem of pipes freezing in the coldest months of winter.
Winter Months
Plan out and calculate your energy consumption rates for your home solar system for the winter months so that you know what you can consumer on a daily basis. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises during the winter months, while leaving you safely ahead of your needs during the summer. If your electric company bills on net usage, you will actually make money because yu generate more power than you consume.
Use electric heaters minimally in the winter. Instead, start wearing warmer clothing indoors and use a pellet stove or fireplace to keep main living areas heated. Cooler air is better for sleeping anyway, because it prevents airways from becoming dry.
Desktop computers require a lot of energy, so why not opt for a laptop? You can actually save up to 75% on your electrical usage, especially if you use your computer all the time. The laptop is also mobile, so you can take it with you everywhere.
If you’re unsure about green investments, get an expert to provide a consultation that will optimize your energy usage. They can tell you the amount of money you will save, and quote the cost of a new system.
Use the ideas you have read in this article, and start incorporating them into your plan for your household. You will save much on energy costs, and you will also reduce your carbon footprint on the environment. Work at it little by little and before you realize it, your house will be green!
