The following article will provide you with information about how essential green energy is, both for the environment and you. There are many things you can do at home to bring green energy into your life, and here are just some tips for doing that.
Wear natural fabrics instead of running your air conditioner during summer months. Moisture-wicking athletic fabrics pull moisture away from your skin, creating a cooling sensation. Wear lighter colors, as warmer colors make you feel warmer and more likely to put on artificial cold air.
There are government grants available for investing in renewable energy. Check with the local government and find out about any possible programs you may be eligible for. It may be possible for you to get wind or solar installation for free, or you may be able to get a deductions on your taxes.
Unplug your chargers when they aren’t being used to charge your devices. All the chargers you use for mp3 players, cell phones, laptops and any other devices draw in some charge when they’re plugged in and aren’t being used.
Do you have your own farm? If you have a farm or know the owner of a farm, you may be able to rent some land to a utility company for installing a wind turbine. The wind turbine will provide free energy without taking up much room. Your neighbors will also benefit from this energy source.
Use windows covering for when you’re not home. This cools down your house and lowers energy use. Generally, the south-facing windows get the most sun because of their position. Dark drapes, or even energy-efficient lined drapes, are your best bet.
Solar energy is a great way to get hot water at a low cost. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water. Indirect or direct circulation systems are both available. The indirect system is best if you don’t want to worry about your pipes freezing in the winter.
Keep an eye on how many watts of electricity you use. A gadget like Watt Minder or Kill-A-Watt will help you discover which appliances are your prime energy consumers. Plug these gadgets into an appliance to find out how much energy is used in an hour, a month or a year. You’ll be able to calculate how much each appliance costs you in electricity and replace those which are power hogs.
Heat your house with biofuels. These fuels come from vegetable or animal fats, wood, and oils. If you have a propane furnace, you may be able to have a professional retrofit your furnace to work with biofuel blend. You would want to use roughly 20-99 percent bio-fuel, depending on your house size and what a professional thinks is right. Just be sure to consult with a professional before attempting to use this fuel in your home.
Energy Star appliances help save energy. This rating is given only to energy efficient appliances that are guaranteed to save energy over standard appliances like the ones you are replacing. The amount of energy saved varies by appliances; you can save a lot of energy on your washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher use if you switch to Energy Star appliances.
Try installing a toilet that saves water. Experts estimate that almost half of a home’s use of water is flushed. Older models used 5 or more gallons of water to flush; today’s water saving models uses a little over 1.5 gallons per flush. That is a 70 percent water savings.
Now that you know some tips for saving energy, you will begin to see the benefits to you. Of course, the environment will also be a benefactor of your efforts. Use these tips to see how simple it is to go green.