Many people want to live a green lifestyle, but do not know how to get started. There are many green energy technologies available to help save energy and money. Read on to find out out how to be more environmentally friendly and save money at the same time.
Consider installing solar powered lamps for outdoor lighting. They are inexpensive and don’t require electricity. This saves you a lot of energy. It also means you do not to have string up those outdoor lights.
Lower heating costs with solar heating systems for your pools or hot tubs. Both natural gas and electricity are inefficient heating methods, while solar water heaters use the sun to constantly heat your water. These upgrades may cost more, but qualify for tax deductions, too.
You can easily get solar panels installed in your home to collect solar energy for your use. There are some things that should be further looked in to before doing this. You should definitely consider how much sun your home is exposed to. If your home is shaded, or you live in a relatively cloudy area, your power savings will not be as much.
Start paying attention to your energy consumption. Unplug the charger for your iPod and XBox when they are not in use. Your charger still uses energy while it’s plugged in, even if it isn’t charging anything.
Try solar water heaters instead of traditional ones. If you live in a region that is not at risk for freezing, it is possible to install a system that pumps water into a solar heater, then pumps it into your house. If you live in a climate that faces cold winters, also install a traditional heater for your water.
Instead of using a clothes dryer, hang your clothes in the sun to dry in the summer months. The sun will dry your clothing for free and the summer breeze will leave it smelling amazing. They will smell better than anything coming out of a dryer. Also, your utility bills will be greatly decreased.
If you’re not using an appliance, turn it off. When you are ready to leave a room, go around and turn off appliances such as computers, televisions, and most importantly, the overhead light. Use power strips for your electronics, and make sure to turn it of when you are not using it. If it is in standby it’s still wasting power.
Solar energy can provide cheap hot water. Consider a solar water heater. There are direct and indirect circulation systems available. For colder regions,indirect is a better option.
Replace your tank-style water heater with a green, tankless model. Although they still use gas or electricity, they only heat on demand rather than maintaining an entire tank of hot water at all times. Tankless heaters come in various models that either supply a single faucet or the whole house with hot water.
In winter, save energy and money by turning down the heat and adding a layer of clothes. 2 degrees of warmth is added by wearing a light sweater, and 4 degrees with a heavy one. You don’t have to wear a t-shirt and shorts in your home, so dress warmly and save money!
Try to learn about passive and active solar power. Active power is the power stored for later use and passive doesn’t require pricey cells for storing power. Active power uses solar panels, cells and mechanical systems. Passive is just used via the sun for storing the thermal energy in the walls of your home to heat it.
In conclusion, not only are many politicians speaking about green energy, but it has become important since cheap oil cannot be found anymore. It’s easier to figure out how to use green energy on a daily basis if you are educated about it. By using this article’s advice, you can start being greener today!