From hydroelectric dams to wind farms, power collection is an integral part of our world's electrical grid. The truth is, you can help keep the grid going by supplying your home with its own green energy. You will not only be powering your own equipment, but this allows you to give back to the grid, as well. Read on for some ideas to help you get started.
You may be able to use solar water heaters, and they can warm your water efficiently. This works best in areas where the temperature doesn't drop below freezing. Solar energy systems circulate water through solar heaters and then pump it into the house. You should still retain traditional water heaters for backup when the sun doesn't show, or if you use a lot of heated water.
Check out the Green Power Network website to find out if there is a green power alternative available in your area. Consider switching to green power if there is a good service available in your area and if you can afford to. You might be able to get a tax rebate in some states.
Discover all the different sources of energy in your community. Compare costs, and keep in mind that new legislation exists which will sometimes reward you for using renewable energy sources. For instance, it might be worth it to switch to gas heat instead of electric, or switch to well water instead of municipal water.
Take the time to dry your clothes naturally. The dryer in your home takes up a lot of energy and it is quite simple to just hang your clothes and allow them to air dry. If you do need to use the dryer, then be sure to clean out the lint to help it work more efficiently.
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.
When shopping for new appliances, choose the ones where the energy star rating is in the most efficient range. Even if you cannot afford new appliances, you can choose new parts for your old appliances that are much more efficient and will help your old appliances save money and energy like new ones.
If possible, try to use a laptop computer, rather than a desktop. And, if the battery is full on your laptop, do not have it plugged into the charger. Desktop computers are perhaps one of the biggest energy users in your home, which is why why having a laptop is beneficial.
When you are working at home on your computer, take the time to turn it off along with the printer and any other speakers or accessories attached to it. These constant drains on your cost you a bundle in the long run and make your overall impact on society less green.
Appliances can be a big, unnecessary energy drain. Find out how much energy each of your appliances are using. Work to replace those larger appliances that are inefficient and outdated, and unplug the smaller ones - like computers and television sets - when they are not in use. Setting all appliances on a timer switch is another way to ensure that you don't waste energy.
To make your home more energy efficient on a tight budget, write up a green improvement plan. Knowing what you want to upgrade or change will give you a check-list and help you to break your efforts down into more attainable short-term goals. Every week, check the flyers for home improvement stores to see if any of the necessary supplies are going on sale.
Pay attention to the thermostat in your home. Installing a programmable thermostat makes it easier for you to track the temperature in your house, and turn the heat down when you aren't at home. Between 1 and 3 percent of your energy costs can be cut for each degree you turn it down!
Natural sources of energy can be unpredictable, which is why you should always have a back-up plan. Find out more about net-metering plans: in most towns, you will be allows to hook your system to the main power grid and use it when there is not enough sun or wind for your green energy solution to function properly.
Green energy is not a priority everywhere. If you feel like you are not getting the help you need to set up your alternative energy solution, find out more about regulations and incentives in other towns or states. Moving to a nearby town or relocating in a different state might be a good idea.
Those looking to save energy and live a greener life may want to consider reducing the amount of lighting in their house. Ask yourself if you really need four lamps in a single room, or read with a book light rather than using your rooms lighting at night. This simple tip can go a long way to you could try these out reducing your energy consumption.
Appliances can be a big, unnecessary energy drain. Find out how much energy each of your appliances are using. Work to replace those larger appliances that are inefficient and outdated, and unplug the smaller ones - like computers and television sets - when they are not in use. Setting all appliances on a timer switch is another way to ensure that you don't waste energy.
Consider replacing the heating oil in your home with bio fuel. Bio fuel is non-toxic and biodegradable. It comes from things like animal fats and vegetable fats. It can be just as efficient as petroleum based oil, but the product will come at a significantly reduced cost. If you can't switch over entirely, consider talking to a technician to see if switching to a blend might be an option for you.
Lighting has changed immensely over the last couple decades, and one energy efficient method for lighting a home that many consumers still have not grasped is the energy saving light bulb. These not only save you money on energy costs, but they last longer anyway. If you have not switched to energy-efficient light bulbs in your home, now is the time. The quality and variety of these lights is better than ever.
One simple way to update your home with green technology is, to install solar panels. These can help decrease the amount of energy you use, and save you some money. Not to mention they are not extremely expensive, and are easy to install. There are even some government incentives for updating your home with solar panels.
If you're willing to dedicate yourself to take the time and put in the work, you'll be shocked by how simple, quick and easy, it will be to change your home to use green energy. All you need to do is use the many tips in this article and you will be well on your way, so get to work!
