Do not let the idea of making major changes to your home overwhelm you. You might be confused by the many different choices, or even feel anxious about where to begin making your own transitions. Read this article for some tips on improving the energy use in your home.
When drawing up the landscaping plans for a garden path or patio, incorporate solar-powered lamps. These inexpensive lamps require no external power source and can run entirely on solar power. This saves you a lot of energy. You also don't need to hang lights or wires outdoors.
Air dry your laundry. If the weather allows you to, after you wash your laundry, instead of running it through airport lighting faa the dryer, dry it on a clothesline outside. Let the sun and wind dry your clothes for you. Using an electric dryer will only use up energy, and if the weather is nice, you can save energy easily. In addition, your clothes will last longer.
Be a smarter energy consumer by unplugging your electronic device chargers when they are not in use. Chargers for laptops, mp3 players, cell phones and other devices use power when they're plugged in. This happens regardless of whether you're using the device or not.
Start small. Even if you don't have the resources for a large-scale green energy project, there are still steps you can take. For example, solar chargers for small electronics generally only require the device to be set near a window for a few hours. Don't underestimate the power of a small step.
When away from home, cover the windows. This cools your home's interior and keeps energy usage down while you're away. Typically, windows that face south are positioned so that they receive the most sun. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.
Don't try to install a wind generator on a small piece of property. First of all, you'll likely get complaints from the neighbors, as an efficient wind turbine needs to be at least 30 feet off the ground. Secondly, you need about an acre of land in order to ensure an unobstructed prevailing wind.
When you purchase new appliances, like refrigerators, ranges, and washing machines, look for the Energy Star label. The United States Department of Energy recommends these products because they save energy. You will also save money by using them. Products that are energy efficient will usually have a star on them.
If you try to promote living sustainably then use your heater as little as you can during winter. Instead, wear multiple layers, slippers and socks, or even consider investing in a stove or fireplace. In addition, this is beneficial to your health, as cooler air keeps your airways from getting too dry, allowing you to breathe easier while sleeping.
One of the simplest ways to be environmentally friendly is to install a water-saving toilet. Up to half of the water that your household uses is when flushing the toilet. A traditional toilet uses about five gallons of water each time it is flushed, compared to a water-conserving toilet, which uses just 1.6 gallons. This is a 70% water savings.
It is easy to find the initiative to make your house greener when you consider the many tax refunds currently offered for energy-efficient improvements. Be sure to keep all receipts pertaining to such improvements as the U.S. government presently lets home owners deduct costs for everything from new windows to storm doors to furnaces and insulation.
If you are someone who is seeking out ways to live green so you can help save the planet's energy, there's a lot you can do. Start with the simplest methods, such as setting your heating thermostat to 60 degrees while you are away from home, and cleaning your furnace filters every few months. Setting the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees will help reduce energy costs, too. Just little changes can help.
A great tip to help save energy is to utilize daylight in your house. Rather than turning on your lights during the day, open up your shades, and let the sun naturally light up your home. You may even want to consider installing a skylight to really help illuminate your home.
Insulating the home can prove to be really helpful in reducing your home's energy usage. Insulation can help keep http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/science/global-warming-faq.html heat inside the home during the cold winter months. In addition, it prevents the heat from entering your home during the summer. If your home's insulation is lacking, then you should make sure you put in more of it.
Clean your air filters monthly to see if they either require cleaning or if they need replaced. This can help your unit run more efficiently. You can also purchase a permanent filter that you can wash and re-use. These can save you a lot later and can prevent more waste in the landfills.
Get a green job -- plenty of new jobs are being created in the growing "green energy" employment sector. If you are looking to change careers, or your children ask what type of job they should take after college, give the green energy sector a look. Learn more about new jobs involving green energy.
Put the wind to work for you. There are a variety of wind turbines that you can use to power your home. They are expensive, but are becoming more affordable for consumers. You must be sure that your area is zoned for wind turbines before you make an investment. You must also own at least one acre of land and live in an area that has a steady breeze.
If you live in an area where the exposure to the sun and wind is not very important, you should get a hybrid electricity system. This system will rely on wind or solar energy depending on the season or the time of day. You will also benefit from the security of a generator in case there is no sun or wind.
Buy Energy Star products. In the typical home, appliance's make up about 20 percent of the electricity use. You can purchase products that contain the Energy Saver seal and start saving money on your electric bill and use less of the world's power sources. In order to carry the Energy Star seal, the appliance has to run efficiently.
Simple, cost-effective and quick, are all ways to describe the tips you've read here. With only a small time commitment, you will be able to make a few easy changes in your own home. You can then begin to use green energy for the benefit of yourself, your family and the world. How great is that?
