Shade the windows from sunlight to conserve energy in summer. Both curtains and blinds will help keep the heat from the sun out of your home during the summer months. By utilizing these ideas, you will drop your AC costs dramatically as your house remains cooler during the summer. Not only will you save energy, but you will also save money.
People are often overwhelmed by the thought of all they’d have to do to have a greener home. You may not know exactly where to start, or what changes would be most beneficial to you while being environmentally friendly. Read the following tips and you can find ways to make your home a greener place.
Research different types of energy sources which may be available in your area. Checking the costs of running a home with utilities should also include recent legislation about energy costs. For instance, it might be worth it to switch to gas heat instead of electric, or switch to well water instead of municipal water.
Rather than using an air conditioner during the summer, wear clothes that are natural. Cotton and other natural fibers, draw the moisture away from your skin, and allow you to stay cooler. Wear light colors because these will make you warmer and it will be less likely for you to use artificial cold air.
Replace your water heater and get a tankless model. Although tankless heaters require electricity or gas to heat water, they only do this on the amount you need as opposed to storing it in a large tank that is kept hot all the time. Tankless water heaters are available to purchase in many different sizes; you can heat water for your whole house, or just a single faucet.
Do you have a large plot of land? Companies are actually looking for space to put wind turbines in, and a small part of your property can be used as one of those spots. Not only does it take up very little space, both you and the neighbors will greatly benefit from this free energy.
Look for federal and local rebates that apply to renewable energy at home. Ask your utility company if they offer rebates for green energy upgrades. If this is not possible, you can find out if upgrades can be used as tax deductions. You may also be able to get credits from the government, either state or federal. These credits and rebates can cut costs greatly when installing green technology in your dwelling.
Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are not a problem, you can purchase a system that heats water through a heater that is solar before it pumps it in your home. Even though solar water heaters are useful, it is still necessary to have a normal water heater for periods of extended cloudy weather or unusually high hot water use.
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. By being conscious of how you use energy, you can help significantly reduce the amount of energy you consume. It can be hard at first, but once you make conserving energy a routine it will become second nature to you, and will pay off greatly on your energy bills.
Instead of using the dryer in the summertime, hang clothes outside in the warm sunshine. The sun can dry clothes quickly without using any power, with the added benefit of making your clothes smell extra-fresh. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. As well, you save quite a bit on monthly utility costs.
A great way to save energy is to switch your boiler. Older boilers weren’t built to be energy efficient, and they’re costing you an arm and a leg compared to a newer unit. They can reduce your energy bill and they don’t produce as much carbon dioxide.
Make sure when you aren’t using something to turn it off. When you leave the room you should think about what is not in use, like the lights, a television or your home theater. A power strip should be used for electronics and can be easily turned off when not needed, since the standby mode is still utilizing power.
One way to use less energy in the kitchen is to use a microwave oven. When cooking in the oven or on the stove, it tends to burn up a lot more energy. So, pop your food in the microwave and avoid wasting energy to heat it.
Homes greatly vary in layout and geographical area. Because of this, green technology can differ. Some will work for any home, and some are site-specific. Determine which of the preceding tips are right for your home, and put them to use to save the planet.
Don’t overlook your utility company’s resources when it comes to making your home greener. Utility providers often have the option to buy your energy from renewable resources. Make sure you investigate all programs and rebates offered if you buy energy-efficient items, from large appliances to light bulbs.