The new buzz words in environmentally-friendly cost savings is green energy. Supporters claim that it’s better than other alternatives, and you could save the earth, as well as saving a lot of money in the process. Is that the truth? The tips from this article can help clarify some questions you may have about going green within your home.
Simply cutting back on the amount of electricity you use on a daily basis can save a lot of energy. For example, when an appliance is not in use unplug it. Turn off lights and other electronics in a room when you leave. This simple suggestion helps cut your electricity bills.
Solar panels can be easily installed on your home and are used to collect energy from the sun for use in your home. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. The major thing you have to consider before going ahead with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home gets over the course of a day. If the area is shady, or you are in a region that doesn’t receive much sunshine, then you won’t be gaining much power.
Learn about energy sources within your community. Check how much these utilities cost and any tax breaks or laws before making a decision. For example, it might be wise to use natural gas instead of electric heat or water from the well rather than city water.
Solar energy can provide cheap hot water. Check into investing in a water system that is solar-powered. Research the benefits of an indirect versus direct circulation system. If you have been plagued by frozen or broken pipes in the past, an indirect one could be for you.
Electric heaters should only be used when necessary in order to be more green. Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, robes and slippers, and heat your living areas with a pellet stove or fireplace. Cooler air is better for sleeping anyway, because it prevents airways from becoming dry.
One very easy way to save money on your heating bills is to dress more warmly around the house during the winter months. Light or heavy sweaters will both provide you with additional warmth of up to 4 degrees. You don’t need to dress lightly inside, so wear a sweater!
Switch over to getting information through email. To put it more simply, use paper as little as you can. You and the businesses you deal with can both save energy and money by going paperless. Most importantly, it helps to protect the environment.
Heat your home with biofuels. Biofuels contain wood, oil and fat. In many cases, if your furnace is propane, a professional can make the necessary changes that will allow you to heat with a blend of fuels. This fuel would contain anywhere from 20-99% biodiesel. Just be sure to consult with a professional before attempting to use this fuel in your home.
A good energy saving tip is to switch your boiler. Boilers that are more than a few years old were not made to conserve energy, while many modern boilers are quite efficient. They produce much less carbon dioxide that benefits you, and they cut down on energy costs.
If you spend the money on green appliances and electronics now, you’ll save over time. Though the newer technologies are often much more expensive than standard items, the up-front investment will often save tons later in the form of lower energy bills. It will also have a positive effect on the environment over the long term.
In your most active rooms, you should put motion detection lights. These sensors turn off automatically when people aren’t in the room, which saves you money. Remember to also have these lights outside above your garage and on your porch, too.
Solar Panels
If you want to transform your home into a “green home,” the iconic way to do this is by installing solar panels. Adding solar panels does require a significant investment amount up front, but the cost savings of using solar power over several years will more than make up for it. After the panels are in, because the energy is from the sun, it is essentially free. Moreover, some utility companies buy the solar power back from you when there is excess!
You can heat every room in your house separately and save yourself some money on your heat bill. You can implement a floor-heating solution that has a main board. This will give you the ability to control each room, and select the desired temperatures. If your home is big, this is especially beneficial.
Check your freezer and refrigerator’s seal frequently. If they are broken, you may be wasting a lot of energy. Broken seals can make your refrigerator run when it does not need to, wasting energy and raising your bills. Put a piece of paper in the door: if it slides out easily, you need to replace your seal.
Ceiling Fans
Don’t forget about ceiling fans during winter time. You should use them to help heat your home. By switching them to clockwise rotation, you can use them to push warm air down from the ceiling where it pools, reducing the demands on your furnace or other heating appliance. It is much less costly to run your ceiling fans than it is to run your furnace.
There are several ways to save energy as you do your laundry. First, turn on any moisture control settings, so the dryer powers down when laundry has dried. Use high spin speeds to cut the moisture in laundry; that will cut drying time as well. See to it that you clean your dryer’s filters often and check occasionally for blockages in your dryer’s vent.
After contemplating this article, what’s your opinion? Are you convinced that green energy is the way forward? Use the strategies from this guide, in order to find ways on how green energy could improve your life. Use these tips today and start benefitting from green energy!