You’ve probably heard others talk about green energy, but you may not know what it is. If you’re wondering what green energy technology is all about or why you should care about it, you’ve come to the right place. Read this article to learn how you can use green energy in your home.
Just start using less energy every day. If you’re not using particular appliances, unplug them! Lights and televisions should be off when not in use. This helps to save money without much effort.
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. Wear light colors; dark colors tend to make you feel warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.
Make your home more energy efficient by unplugging your unused electronic devices. Whether you are charging your device or not, chargers for laptops, mp3 players, cellphones and other electronics keep drawing electrical power as long as they stay plugged in.
Clean your furnace filters regularly and replace them at least one time a year. Warm-air registers can also benefit from filters. These filters keep children’s toys, dirt or dust from clogging the heating ducts.
If you’re not using an appliance, turn it off. So, make sure you turn things off like the computer, TV, or lights when you leave a room. You can save a lot of money on energy by investing into a new power strip for all of your electronics and turning it off when those electronics aren’t in use.
If you want to have hot water, but at a lower cost, then check into solar energy. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water. You have a choice between both an indirect or direct circulation system. If your pipes freeze when it’s cold, the best option is the indirect system.
Be sure you maintain your refrigerator properly. Refrigerators use a large amount of electricity, and keeping it in good condition ensures this energy footprint is as low as it can be. Keep heating coils dust free. Inspect the door’s seal for tightness and cleanliness.
Active Solar Power
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Active solar power is stored so it can be used later, but passive doesn’t need pricey solar panel cells to store power. In order to use active power, you will need to install a few things, including solar cells, mechanical systems, and most importantly, solar panels. Passive energy is about using windows and insulation to keep your home warm and well-lit.
Search for available rebates when you use renewable energy. In some instances, the local company gives rebates for upgrading to green tech. Other companies may offer tax deductions from your local or federal government. Rebates and tax credits can make it a lot cheaper to upgrade your home, to make it more energy efficient.
Try not to set the heat very high in your home unless it’s an absolute must. If you are cold, put on sweatpants and a sweatshirt. When your heat is turned to a higher temperature, unnecessary energy is being used too much.
Considering the purchase of a new boiler could save you money in the long run. The majority of older boilers weren’t built to save energy, but newer models are much more energy efficient. Newer boilers don’t produce as much carbon dioxide and use less energy, which saves on your energy costs and promotes better health.
Water-saving toilets are easy to find and install. It’s estimated that as much as fifty percent of your water usage comes from the toilet. A traditional toilet uses up to 5 gallons for each flush of the toilet, but the newer models use as little at 1.6 gallons, which is a savings of 3.4 gallons with each flush.
Water heaters with on-demand technology exist today, and they are a great way to use green energy. Traditional water heaters heat water all day long, even when hot water is not needed; this wastes energy. Using an on-demand water heater is a great way to save both energy and money.
You should seek out help from your electric company as you begin to make your home energy-efficient. Most utility companies have an area on their website that will show you your exact energy usage hourly, along with various ways to lower the amount of energy used and lessen your costs. Electric companies can also show you how to get the best green-energy appliances and light bulbs.
Replace your old windows with newer, energy-efficient windows. The benefits to new windows will be seen in lower energy bills, less outside noise, less carbon dioxide, and less condensation on the windows.
In the rooms in your home that get the most use, install motion detectors and light sensors. This turns the lights off in rooms that have nobody in them, which saves a lot of energy (and money). Make sure your garage has outdoor lighting, as well.
Ceiling fans are not just useful in the summer. Switch them to rotate clockwise, which pushes warm air down. The energy you will save from not having to use the furnace as much will cover what you need for the fan.
Thawing frozen foods in your refrigerator is a good way to conserve energy. This is a safe way for thawing food that reduces energy consumption of the refrigerator.
Now that you understand the basics of green technology, you are now ready to start using it in your home. Take some of these tips and use them to create some of your own green energy! The environment will thank you, and so will your wallet.