If you are interested in protecting the environment and keep your cost of living to a minimum, you will get great results by using energy from the sun, water and wind. If you are a heavy energy user due to the amount of technology used within the home, then these tips will show you how you can reduce your costs while continuing to enjoy the gadgets you love.
Making small adjustments to the way you use energy every day can ultimately reduce your consumption. When a certain appliance is not in use, unplug it. Turn off all lights and televisions when they are not being used. This may be a simple tip, but it does save you money.
If you plan to purchase lighting for your deck or patio, you should give solar-powered lamps a try. They are not only affordable, but they do not have to be hooked up to any power source, needing only good access to sunlight. This saves you a lot of energy. You also won’t have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.
If you want to preserve energy, keep your windows so they are shaded from sunlight. You could also try putting in curtains or blinds. If you do both of these it will cool your house down so you won’t have to use as much air conditioning in the summer. Not only does this conserve energy, but it lowers your utility bills.
Solar panels that collect solar energy to be used are easy to have installed at your home. However, before doing this, you need to consider a few things. A major factor in choosing if you can use a solar system is the amount of sunlight your home receives on average. If you’re in a shady area, or a place that doesn’t have many sunny days, you won’t be able to gain as much power.
Clean your furnace filters regularly and replace them at least one time a year. It is also a good idea to install filters on warm-air registers. Doing so will prevent debris in heating ducts and it reduces energy.
Wash clothes with cold water, as much as you can. 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. Additionally, always wash with a full load of laundry, as this helps to lower the amount of energy you use.
If your home is heated with fuel oil, ask a technician if you can switch to biodiesel. Many heating systems are able to change over to some biodiesel use without needing modifications or extra parts. Biodiesel burns more cleanly and will improve your carbon footprint.
Research different sources of green energy available to your community. Compare the costs of operating your home using several of these utilities, making sure to take into consideration any legislation with regard to energy costs that has recently been passed. You may find that switching to one or another may provide a reduction in energy use and cost.
Not only does green energy save you money, but it’s gentler on earth as well. As you have read in this article, it is not that difficult or costly to go green and the benefits are enormous. Try out some of these tips in your home for greater efficiency and taking better care of the environment today.