Green Energy Advice That Can Help You Out

Homeowners can be confused and overwhelmed when thinking of making their home green. With so many choices on the market, it can be challenging to know how to start and how to make the best selections. The eco-friendly tips and techniques in this article can help you develop a green energy plan.

Do you have a lot of land? If you do, then you probably own property. This might be an opportunity to rent a portion of that property to a company that will build a wind turbine on it. You and the neighbors can relish in the free energy and installation, if it doesn’t require too much space.

Wash clothes with cold water, as much as you can. Almost 90% of the power you use to do laundry is simply used to heat the water. If your laundry detergent is a high quality brand, the use of cold water won’t affect the cleanliness of your clothing. Additionally, do not run the washer until it is full so as to maximize your energy use.

Consider installing a solar water heating system. Best for locations with a warmer climate, a solar water heater uses the sun’s energy to heat water that circulates through it. It’s a good idea to use a supplemental water heater, however, if you cannot count on constant sunshine or if your hot water consumption is high.

Research the different energy sources available in your community. Determine which energy source is cheapest for your home. Don’t forget to account for any government incentives that might be in effect. You may choose, for example, to go from electric to natural gas for heating, or using a well instead of city water.

If you’re not using an appliance, turn it off. When you leave any room, turn off lights, tvs, computers or any other electrical devices. Try using a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at once, instead of letting power be wasted in standby mode.

Be sure you maintain your refrigerator properly. Refrigerators constantly use energy to maintain cooler temperatures. If it is not properly cared for, it will use much more energy than it needs to. Be sure that you’re regularly cleaning the dust that builds up near the heating coils. You should also be sure that the door has a clean and tight seal.

Degrees Warmer

Dress more warmly to be green and reduce energy costs. If you put on a light sweater, you’ll be two degrees warmer, while a heavy sweater will make you four degrees warmer. So, wear a sweater to save some money.

Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Passive solar systems are less expensive but cannot store energy like active solar systems do. Active power needs solar panels installed, cells, and mechanical systems. Passive power uses the sun for thermal energy in the home.

Before you decide on large energy-saving projects for your home, get a professional evaluation of your existing appliances, windows and insulation and your heating and cooling systems. They can give you estimates on how much energy you are wasting, as well as how much it costs to upgrade.

Look around for ways to “go green;” if you want to help conserve natural resources, there are many options available. You do not have to spend money to help, but you can clean your furnace filters once each month and set your heat to 60 degrees if you are not home. Cutting your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees is another way to conserve energy and see smaller utility bills. Every small change helps!

In order to keep up with energy efficiency goals, compare all your energy bills to previous year to see how much progress you are making. Simply by being aware of your energy costs will help you be more efficient in your energy output. Taking the time to use less resources will help you get into a habit of preventing energy waste through unattended appliances.

Switching your boiler is a great energy saving tip. Boilers that are more than a few years old were not made to conserve energy, while many modern boilers are quite efficient. They can reduce your energy bill and they don’t produce as much carbon dioxide.

A microwave is a more energy efficient appliance than a stove, so consider using it more often. Cooking in the oven or on the stove top uses a lot of energy. Whenever possible, heat things in the microwave to cut energy costs.

An old, yet good tip, for those looking to save on energy is to turn off your lights whenever you leave a room. You can actually save a lot of energy if you just take the time to turn off all the lights in your house when you aren’t using them. You will also see a decrease in your power bill.

Bamboo is a wonderful option to consider in your home. Although bamboo is technically a grass, it has more strength than most commercial woods. Bamboo grows quickly and it used for several products including flooring. This saves energy via recycling and manufacturer production.

A simple way to begin incorporating energy-efficient changes to your home is to get help from your electric company. Most gas and electric companies offer web-based tools to help you monitor your consumption, and they also provide suggestions for reducing your energy usage and utility bills. They may also have programs that offer incentives for purchasing energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

Rainwater can be effectively used in some household items, for example the toilet. This will reduce your water bill significantly and also protect the planet. The collection of rainwater is very easy. Just place glass jars outside while it is raining, and they are ready for use once they are filled.

Each home is laid out differently. Since each home has its own characteristics, what will work for one, may not work for another. There are some green solutions that one homeowner may implement but that may not work for another. Determine which of the preceding tips are right for your home, and put them to use to save the planet.