One thing that is growing in popularity today is green energy technology. Those that have embraced it expound the positives of being environmentally friendly, while being cost effective. The question is, is this true? This article is full of tips you can use to make changes in your energy consumption.
Switch to solar heating systems for water to lower your cost of indoor water. Solar water heaters tap into the abundant and free energy offered by the sun. Water heated by other methods, like natural gas, propane, or electricity, is not an efficient method. Making some of these changes will cost you some money up front, but you can recoup some of these costs with tax deductions for using green energy.
Instead of using your air conditioner in the summer, try to wear fabrics that are natural. Moisture-wicking athletic fabrics pull moisture away from your skin, creating a cooling sensation. Lighter colored fabrics will help you stay cooler without needing to turn on the air conditioner.
Be a better consumer of energy, and cut your home energy usage by unplugging your electronic chargers when they are not in use. Anytime a charger is plugged in, it is using a bit of energy.
Use cold water in your washing machine. Most of the energy used to wash clothes is actually used in heating up the water. Using a quality detergent means it is unnecessary to use hot water. Only wash when you have a full load of clothes to put in the washer.
If you use oil to heat your home, see if biofuel can be used instead. Sometimes you can make the switch to some use of biodiesel fuels without having to purchase new parts or make costly modifications. Biodiesel burns much cleaner, is more efficient than petroleum, and will lessen the impact your home has on the environment in wintertime.
Clothes Dried
During the hot summer months, hang clothes outside rather than tossing them in the dryer. The smell of clothes dried in the fresh air cannot be topped. They will be fresher than clothes dried in the dryer. In addition, you will save a lot of money on your monthly utility bills.
Solar energy can provide cheap hot water. You can purchase a hot-water system that is run by solar energy. Two types are available, direct and indirect. Indirect systems are the best option for those who have frozen pipes during the winter.
Research solar panels to see if an active or passive set-up is right for your needs. Passive solar power doesn’t require the costly power-storage cells that active power does. Active solar power needs to have cells, mechanical systems, and solar panels installed. While passive simply uses the sun in storing thermal energy in your walls in order to heat your house.
Keep your heat on at a moderate level. Don’t increase it unless it is a necessity. In colder weather, you can make use of warm pajamas, sweat suits and slippers! Having the heat up high wastes a lot of energy.
Carpooling for work and school activities can cut down on fuel usage. If you have children organize carpooling with other parents in your neighborhood. You could also start doing your grocery shopping with neighbors or friends and switch on and off with who does the driving.
A good green energy technology tip is to use a water heater that is on-demand. Old fashioned water heaters would constantly run, heating water even when it is not needed, and therefore wasting energy. An on-demand water heater instantly heats water when necessary and saves energy.
Start making your house more green by talking to your local electric company. A lot of utility companies, on their websites, provide tools to assist you in seeing what energy you use, in some cases down to an hour; they also offer ways to reduce costs and consumption. They may also have programs to help you purchase energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.
Green Energy
Now that you have read this information, what are your thoughts? Is green energy a solution that can work for you? You will discover through your use of these suggestions how easy it is to incorporate green energy into your life. Implement the tips today and see how well green energy works for you.