Cutting back on how many resources run your home can be easy. With a few simple changes you can save money and reduce your impact on the world. You will find some good starting blocks in the article ahead.
Cutting back on your daily electricity usage can save lots of energy over time. Unplug appliances that aren’t in use. Lights and televisions should be off when not in use. This simple little suggestion can save you money.
Solar water heaters are a great option and can significantly decrease the cost involved with heating all of the water in your home. Heating water with natural gas or electricity is not that efficient, but with solar energy, water takes the suns energy and keeps temperatures steady. While many of these upgrades have high up-front costs, they may qualify for tax credits or other rebates.
Rather than using an air conditioner during the summer, wear clothes that are natural. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, allow skin to remain cool by drawing moisture away from skin. Wear light colors; dark colors tend to make you feel warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.
If you use fuel oil to heat your home, ask a professional if you can use biodiesel. Depending on your system, you may be able to switch to biodiesel without having to make any modifications to your system. Biodiesel burns more cleanly and will improve your carbon footprint.
Consider installing a solar water heating system. 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. Don’t get rid of your conventional water heater though; you may need it if it’s cloudy when you’re ready to use hot water.
Degrees Warmer
Dress more warmly to be green and reduce energy costs. Even just a lightweight sweater keeps you two degrees warmer, and a heavyweight sweater will keep you four degrees warmer. Wearing slightly heavier clothes is not any less comfortable and can save you significant money.
If you’re one of a lot of people who want to have a greener life and you desire to save our planet’s energy, there’s lots of things that you can do. Even if you don’t have a ton of money, you can do simple things, like monthly cleaning of the filters in your furnace or lowering the thermostat to 60 degrees when you’re not going to be home. Lowering the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees will save you money too. Each little bit makes a difference!
Use the ideas laid out here and apply them to your daily home life. You will save money on your energy bills and help environmental conservation efforts by doing so. Even small changes can set you on a path toward a greener lifestyle.