How can I change my home so that I'm using green energy? Is it really as great as everyone says? Yes, it is, and it's simple for you to make easy alterations to your home so that you're taking advantage of it's rewards. Just read this article and use the information supplied, herein.
Solar powered outdoor lighting is a http://www.green-energy-news.com/ wonderful enhancement to your outdoor living areas. These lamps are cheap and don't require any power besides sun exposure. This does more than just save energy. You also don't need to hang lights or wires outdoors.
As you ready yourself to make the switch to green energy, try getting a step ahead of the game by decreasing your present energy needs. By using less energy, it will be that much easier to switch to alternative sources because you won't be using as much. Good ways to start include using less light in your home, shortening hot showers and using cool instead of hot water for laundry.
If you are interested in alternative energy sources, you can start by contacting your current energy provider to see if they have anything to offer. Many companies are now able to harness power from solar and wind power. This may cost you more, as there is a price for the extra work involved in tapping these sources, but you will be doing the environment a favor!
Wearing warmer clothes helps slash energy costs as you go green. You will feel 2 degrees warmer with a light sweater, and 4 degrees warmer with a heavy one. Add a hat, scarf and gloves for even more warmth. You don't need to dress lightly inside, so wear a sweater!
Use rechargeable batteries. While they might cost a little bit more initially, they will save you a lot of money in the long run. Rechargeable batteries can be used hundreds of times, and they only need to be replaced about every five years. Another benefit is that you aren't constantly adding corrosive batteries to the landfill.
Insulate your home. A pre-1950 home that isn't insulated will use approximately 60 percent more energy than a house that was built after 2000. Adding sufficient insulation to your attic and basement will greatly improve your home's energy efficiency. As well as keeping you warm in the winter, you will find that the home remains much cooler in the summer months, reducing the need for an air conditioner.
Make sure your refrigerator is properly maintained. The refrigerator hogs energy, so it should work well. Every week, check and see if dust has accumulated near the heating coils. If it has, take the time to remove it. You also want to make sure the door seal is tight and clean.
Buy products that save energy so that your home is more energy efficient. Double glazed windows as well as eco-friendly doors reduces energy usage in the home. These products can assist you in reducing cooling and heating costs.
Look for rebates for green-energy technology installations. Your local utility company may be offering green energy rebates to apply updates. The jcc led lighting federal government offers tax write-offs and other credits in return for your changes. These rebates and credits can substantially reduce the cost of installing green energy technology in your home.
Always have a backup power source for a wind generation system. Your system needs to be able to account for low-wind days. This backup could be another type of renewable source, such as a battery system powered by solar, or a diesel generator. Another option is to have the home plugged into the utility power grid.
People looking to go green would be wise to use oil lanterns to light up their homes. Oil lanterns don't use any electricity at all, and there are even some lanterns out there that will run on used vegetable oil that you can easily get from restaurants or your own kitchen.
Choosing to switch to green energies is a decision you should make after considering how much money you will really save. You should have a good idea of how much energy you are currently using and what it is costing you. Take into consideration the cost of the green energy system and the amount of energy it is expected to produce.
Buy a solar water heater for your home. Water heaters consume a massive amount of electricity every day, even when not in use. By purchasing a water heater that harnesses energy from the sun you will see an instant reduction in your power bill. Make certain that it is well insulated.
Put your refrigerator and freezer units in a low-temperature location in your home so that they stay cool with less energy. Keep them away from sunlight and heating vents, since this can increase the temperature and make them run longer.
Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees to save energy and money. This way, you can save up to ten percent on your energy bill for a four-person family. You will still get enough hot water and it will be safer for children as well.
As was mentioned at the start of this article, green energy has garnered quite a bit of interest in the media and amongst everyday people. Sadly, some people aren't sure how they can implement green changes to live a more sustainable life. This article provided suggestions for environmentally concerned and compassionate people.
