Homeowners can be confused and overwhelmed when thinking of making their home green. There are many things that you can easily do to help protect the environment. Read this article for some tips on improving the energy use in your home.
Just start using less energy every day. Unplug appliances whenever you are not going to be using them for awhile. Turn off lights, television sets and other small appliances when you are done using them. This is a simple tip that can help you save money, too.
Consider outdoor lighting, such as garden or patio lighting, that is solar-powered. Solar-powered lamps are usually inexpensive, and they don’t need any power source besides the sun. This not only saves energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.
Instead of blasting the air conditioner to keep cool in summer, wear clothes made from naturally cooling fabrics. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw moisture naturally from the skin, making it cooler. Wear lighter colors since warmer ones can make you warm and cause you to rely on the A/C.
Be a better consumer of energy, and cut your home energy usage by unplugging your electronic chargers when they are not in use. Chargers for cell phones, mp3 players, laptops and other devices draw some power when they are plugged in, regardless of whether you are actually charging the device.
Wash clothes with cold water. Almost 90 percent of energy consumed by washing machines is used when heating the water. Just make sure you don’t harm your clothes in the process; check out the labels on your clothes and make a judgment for yourself. Also, make sure your load is a full one so you do not waste energy washing several small loads.
Cover your windows when no one is at home. This cools your home’s interior and keeps energy usage down while you’re away. Usually the windows that face south tend to get more sun exposure. Install window coverings like heavy curtains, drapes, roman or roller shades, or blinds on all windows.
Homes have different layouts and will have different areas that can use green technology. This means that green energy ideas will vary from home to home. Not every method will be right for every home. Use the tips that work for your home and implement them to save energy and money.