It can be simpler than you thought to cut down on the resources you use in your home. A couple of small changes (or big ones) and both your environmental footprint and your energy budget will decrease. Get some ideas of where to start from the article below.
By cutting back on electricity use, you will save quite a bit of money. Unplug appliances whenever you are not going to be using them for awhile. Also, remember to turn off lights when they are not needed. This is an easy way to save cash as well.
Cut down on air conditioning by wearing natural fibers in the summer. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw the moisture further from your skin and let it stay cooler. If you wear lighter colors, you will also feel cooler than if you wore black or another dark color.
Cover your windows if you’re not going to be home. Heavy drapes help keep you home cool, resulting in energy savings. Typically, the south facing windows are the ones that get the most amount of sun due to their location. Try using coverings on all of the windows, such as dark curtains, roman shades, or some roller shades.
Know the available energy options in your community. Investigate costs for using those utilities, and be aware of any legislation about energy costs. Think about switching to natural gas or well water as examples of simple changes.
Consider how many hours of sunlight you can expect in the winter as you plan your solar system, so that you know how much energy you can expect it to generate. You will avoid unpleasant surprises during winter, and you will also ensure your energy needs are met in summer. Be sure to get a net-usage plan with the energy company so that you can get money from them when you put the surplus energy onto their grid.
If you want to live a life that is greener, there are many things that can be done to save the planet’s energy. Many of these options will not cost you money, but will instead save you money, like cleaning your furnace filter monthly and turning down your thermostat when you are leaving your home. Reduce your water heater to 120 degrees, this can save you a lot of money. No change is too small.
Another great idea would be to use bio-fuels for house heating. Biofuels contain wood, oil and fat. If you have a propane furnace, sometimes a technician can make modifications to enable you to use a blend of different fuels. Most furnaces use between 20 to 99% bio-diesel fuels. Make sure you talk with a professional first before you try this fuel out.
Carpooling is a great way to save energy for transportation needs, even if your trip is to the mall or an after-school event. If you are a parent, carpool with other adults. Plan your shopping days to correspond with those of your friends. That way you can share a vehicle and the costs of fuel.
Energy Star
Replace old appliances with those labeled Energy Star. Energy Star appliances are guaranteed to use less energy than those made previously. Refrigerators and freezers use 20% less energy and dishwashers use 40% less. Energy Star rated washing machines save at least 50% of the energy used by the older styles and also save a lot of water.
If you are not in a room, do not keep the lights on. You can actually save a lot of energy if you just take the time to turn off all the lights in your house when you aren’t using them. You will also enjoy a lower power bill, saving you money every month.
A water heater that provides hot water on demand is a wonderful appliance for green energy. Old fashioned water heaters would constantly run, heating water even when it is not needed, and therefore wasting energy. Water heaters with on-demand technology heat water instantly when needed and reduce energy expenses.
Your electric company can be a great resource for taking a look at how you can make your house energy-efficient. Most gas and electric companies offer web-based tools to help you monitor your consumption, and they also provide suggestions for reducing your energy usage and utility bills. You may also be able to find rebates or other programs to help you get energy-efficient light bulbs or appliances.
Energy Star Logo
Search for an Energy Star logo when shopping for appliances in order to find the most energy-efficient ones. Any appliance that has an ENERGY STAR logo meets guidelines for the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA as well. These appliances are usually the only ones that can be used for tax rebates.
By weatherizing your home, you can improve its energy efficiency. Ideas to help weatherize your home include adding insulation, sealing furnace ducts and installing energy efficient windows. In addition, you will reduce your energy bill quite a bit.
One simple way to reduce your energy bills considerably is to install a programmable thermostat. The settings you can program into one of these devices help control the temperature of your house even if you aren’t around. You could also make them regulate temperatures during day and night hours.
To save on electricity costs and usage, be stingy about light usage. In the brighter months, don’t turn lights on until past a certain time. Try installing timers and dimmers to control your light usage so that you don’t use lights unnecessarily or turn on brighter lights than you need.
Try to be proactive, and take your frozen foods out early and allow them time to thaw in the fridge. The food will thaw safely, helping to keep the refrigerator cold in the process and saving more energy.
Take the ideas from this article and find a way to incorporate them into your household. Energy bills will decrease and you will protect the environment, too! Work at it bit by bit and before you know it your home will be as green as the greenest!