Lately it seems that you can’t turn on the TV or have a conversation without the topic of green energy being touched on. Those that have embraced it expound the positives of being environmentally friendly, while being cost effective. But, is this the truth? This article contains advice on implementing green energy in your lifestyle; read this over to make an informed decision.
Wear natural fabrics instead of running your air conditioner during summer months. Natural fabrics, including cotton, cause moisture to move away from the body, which means it stays cooler. Lighter colored fabrics will help you stay cooler without needing to turn on the air conditioner.
Wind Turbine
Do you happen to own some farmland? You could rent a small portion of your property to an energy company willing to install a wind turbine. You will benefit from the wind turbine’s free energy and it will take up minimal space.
Check monthly to determine if your furnace’s filters need cleaning and replace them yearly. Filters can also be installed in every warm-air register. This can prevent anything from getting caught in the ducts.
Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible. The vast majority of the energy you use for washing clothes is needed to heat the water. If your detergent is decent, cold water will be as effective as hot when cleaning your laundry. It is also better to clean a full load, not smaller loads.
During the summer months, hang your clothes outside instead of drying them in the dryer. The sun will make your clothing smell great. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. You will also save money on utility bills by doing this.
When you consider solar heat for your home calculate potential hours of sunshine for energy generation during the winter months. This will ensure that you are not caught short during winter, and you have excess during the summer. If you generate excess energy during the summer, with the right plan, your utility company will send you a check!
Storm Doors
Storm doors and storm windows help to better control air flow in the home. Storm doors and windows lessen the amount of cold air drafts that come in. Energy efficiency is increased by 45 percent in homes that have stormed doors and windows, which will save a lot of money on electricity.
If you don’t know whether a green energy system would help you save energy, consult professionals in the plumbing or HVAC fields to assess your current system. They should be able to inform you about extra expenses you are paying for inefficient appliances, as well as the amount it would cost to upgrade to newer, energy-efficient models.
There is a lot you can do to change your lifestyle and live in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world. You may not be able to spend a lot of money going green, but you can start by cleaning furnace filters each month and setting heat at 60 degrees when not at home. Reduce your water heat temperature to one hundred twenty degrees to save money as well. Each step you take, no matter how small, will count!
You can use biofuels as a heat source for your home. These fuels are comprised of oils, woods, vegetable, or animal fats. Typically, if your furnace uses propane, professionals can easily provide changes so you use these fuels. This is between 20 to 99% biodiesel. Talk to a professional before you use these types of fuels so you can do it safely.
Percent Less Energy
Use Energy Star rated appliances instead of your old appliances. This rating guarantees the appliance utilizes a lot less energy than something that is not rated. For freezers and refrigerators the rating guarantees 20 percent less energy utilized, dishwashers 40 percent, and washing machines as much as 50 percent less energy used!
One way to use less energy in the kitchen is to use a microwave oven. Any time you cook something on the stove or in the oven it tends to use up a ton of energy. So, pop your food in the microwave and avoid wasting energy to heat it.
Energy Consumption
A simple way to jump on the green energy bandwagon is through your utility provider. Many electric companies can give you data showing your peak hours of energy consumption and ways to reduce energy consumption. Also see if they offer discounts for purchasing certain energy-efficient items, such as appliances or light bulbs.
The extra money that you may spend will quickly come back to you. Even though green technology may be costlier, it pays off in the long run when you see cheaper utility bills. The environment will also benefit.
A simple way to locate appliances and products that are energy efficient is to see if they have an Energy Star logo. If your appliance has an ENERGY STAR logo, then it falls within the guidelines set by both the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. You will find tax rebates available for these types of products, specifically.
Automatic light sensors including motion detection should be installed. These devices automatically detect when there is no longer anyone in a room and turns the lights off. The savings from these devices can really add up! Don’t forget to use this with outdoor lighting!
Green Energy
After reading the article, you should have a better idea about green energy. Do you feel that green energy is positive for you? Use the above mentioned tips and techniques to begin using green energy. Implementing even a couple of them will make a big difference and help to introduce you to the world of green energy.