Just the idea of making these changes in your house and making it a lot more green could be overwhelming to most homeowners. It can be very tough to know which changes will make the biggest environmental impact. Read the article below for tips to help you live a greener life inside your own walls.
Some government money is available to assist consumers with switching to renewable energy. Check with the local government and find out about any possible programs you may be eligible for. You may be eligible for free wind or solar installation, or at the very least be allowed to deduct your costs when you do your taxes.
If your home is heated with fuel oil, ask a technician if you can switch to biodiesel. You might even find that you can switch your system to partial biodiesel without having to purchase parts or hire a contractor to perform modifications. Biodiesel is a clean choice when it comes to fuel, and using it will reduce the impact that your family has on the environment.
If you have a dishwasher, do not turn it on until it is full. Your dishwasher consumes the same energy and water, even if it is half full. Run your dishwasher using the energy-saving mode so that you can air-dry dishes and save energy.
Plan out and calculate your energy consumption rates for your home solar system for the winter months so that you know what you can consumer on a daily basis. You will avoid unpleasant surprises during winter, and you will also ensure your energy needs are met in summer. You can actually get money back from your utility company for any energy your generate if you’re on the net usage plan.
Take time to maintain your fridge properly. With the fridge being a top energy consumer in the home, maintenance is important for efficiency. Make a regular habit of removing dust from the refrigerator’s heating coils. Make sure the door seal is clean and also tight.
Storm Doors
In homes with storm doors and windows, air flow is controlled better. Storm doors and windows will reduce the entrance of drafts and cold air. Storm doors and windows can help save as much as 45 percent on energy costs.
Increase your energy efficiency by making use of the right products that are designed for a greener environment. Ecologically friendly windows and doors can minimize the energy you need to operate your home efficiently. The use of these types of technologies can drastically reduce both your cooling and heating costs.
A good way to save on your electric bill is to switch to a laptop computer rather than using a desktop. You can reduce your energy use by three-quarters if you use the internet a lot or do a lot of word processing. Also, you can bring the laptop with you wherever you go.
A solar oven is a great consideration if you are an avid baker. You can make these with boxes, old windows or old pieces of foil that can be used for reflection. You can reach an oven temperature of 300 degrees or more without using any other source of energy besides the sun. It only takes a few minutes to build a solar oven.
Use LED holiday lights to help with green energy use. According to research by the United States The Department of Energy estimates that everyone can save well over 2 billion kilowatts including hours of power and energy if everyone did this type of change. That’s enough electricity to power 200,000 houses for a whole year. But for your own part, this is a great way to cut that power bill down.
Switch your toilets to one of the newer, water-saving varieties. Estimates show that about 50% of your home’s water is used by flushing toilets. Older toilets use 5 gallons per flush, whereas new models use less than 2 gallons.
Although turning off lights or electrical equipment that is not being used seems like an obvious change to make, many people don’t remember to do this. By being more conscious and vigilant, they can help save both the planet and money on their electric bills. Before doing something, be sure to remember to turn these things off.
If it’s possible to do so, you should replace your old windows with the newer, more energy-efficient ones. These new types of windows cut energy bills, keep outside noises quiet, reduce carbon dioxide in your home and keep condensation to a minimum.
Reducing your thermostat to 60 degrees when the house is vacant will save you more energy than you may think. This setting effectively reduces your energy use while not allowing the temperature to vary too far away from the human comfort level. The result is lower energy consumption and cost.
Each home has a unique layout, and each has its own area. It is important to keep these parameters in mind when choosing a technology. There are a few types that can work in every home, while others are built for homes of a specific design or location. Find tips that work for you and your lifestyle, and implement these at home.