If green energy is a topic that you are not very knowledgeable about, this article will show you how important it is, not just for the environment, but also for you. You can use green energy in your home in many ways and here are some tips.
Heating Systems
Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. 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. While some upgrades cost more initially, they can qualify you for deductions on your tax return for using green energy.
Try solar water heaters instead of traditional ones. This works best in areas where the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing. Solar energy systems circulate water through solar heaters and then pump it into the house. Having a conventional heater as a back up if you expect a surge in hot water use can be wise.
Find out about various energy sources that are available in your area. Investigate costs for using those utilities, and be aware of any legislation about energy costs. You may find that switching to one or another may provide a reduction in energy use and cost.
Power Strip
Turn things off when not in use. Upon leaving a particular room, remember to turn of the lights, television, computer or even the entertainment center. The easiest way to do this is to plug everything into a power strip and then just switch that power strip to the off position whenever you need to.
Be sure to learn more about passive and active solar power. Active power is the power stored for later use and passive doesn’t require pricey cells for storing power. Active solar power requires solar panels, cells, and mechanical systems. Passive solar power, on the other hand, just draws heat from the sun and stores it in your walls for heating purposes.
Energy Costs
Choose to get most of your correspondence via email. Try to use paper as little as possible. This not only helps businesses you communicate with save on energy costs, but it also helps you save on energy costs as well. In addition, it also protects the environment.
A solar oven can be made to assist you in your baking needs. You can make one using supplies you may already have on-hand like old window panes, boxes, and pieces of aluminum foil. Ovens like this can be assembled quickly, reach temperatures in excess of 300 degrees, and do not require any energy besides the sun.
If you want to live a life that is greener, there are many things that can be done to save the planet’s energy. You don’t have to invest a lot of time or money; simply clean out your furnace filters and adjust your thermostat while you’re gone. Setting your water heater to 120 F will also be an energy saver. Every little thing you can do will help.
Energy Usage
Leave yourself reminder notes to decrease energy usage, and frequently compare past bills with current ones to see if you’re making strides. Keeping energy usage at the forefront of your mind can motivate you to use less energy in the long run. For instance, if you make an effort to lower your electricity or water usage, it’s more likely that you will also try to use appliances and lights less often.
LED lights should be used during the next holiday season. According to a U.S. study. The Department of Energy has shown that the United States could conserve over 2 billion kWh of electricity if all households switched light types. That’s enough electricity to power 200,000 houses for a whole year. If nothing else, you can cut down your power bill!
A really good energy saving tip is to change your boiler. Boilers that are more than a few years old were not made to conserve energy, while many modern boilers are quite efficient. Newer boilers don’t produce as much carbon dioxide and use less energy, which saves on your energy costs and promotes better health.
Energy Star
Energy Star appliances help save energy. Energy Star ratings mean that your new appliances are technologically built to use less energy than previous models. Refrigerators and freezers that are Energy Star rated uses approximately twenty percent less energy. While dishwashers and washing machines can save up to fifty percent on energy bills.
Try a water-saving commode in your bathroom. Experts estimate that almost half of a home’s use of water is flushed. Older models of toilets can have a capacity of 5 gallons. That is 5 gallons of wasted water per flush. New water saving models use closer to a gallon and a half of water per flush. This can save 70 percent of the water you used previously.
A common habit that uses energy is not turning off lights, appliances, and other things when they aren’t in use. By being more conscious and vigilant, they can help save both the planet and money on their electric bills. Think in advance about what you need to do, and make it a habit to turn off anything that you are no longer using.
When you are shopping for items made of wood, consider things made from bamboo. Bamboo is very green and strong and is technically considered a grass. Since bamboo grows quite fast it is one of the best renewable choices you can make. You can find a variety of bamboo products, from floors to furniture to cutting boards for the kitchen. The products are more affordable due to a reduction in the cost of manufacturing products.
Green Energy
After understanding these green energy tips, soon you’ll see how much it can benefit you. Green energy is of course great for the environment as well. Use what you’ve learned today and you’ll be amazed at how easy going green was!