Taking the first step in gaining the information that you need, in order, to make the green energy changes to your home is what's most important. Once you have the knowledge, making the changes will come easily. The information included in this article is a great start to your new green lifestyle.
If you want to conserve energy, adjust your air conditioning unit so that it is set two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter. You will probably not be able to tell that you have changed it, but taking that step will save you on your monthly bill and bring down your carbon emissions.
You might be able to get a government grant to finance your green energy installation. Contact local government and discover the programs that exist locally. You may qualify for a free installation or a tax deduction.
As you plan for a solar energy array, use winter time sunshine hours to calculate from. As winter sunlight is much lower than summer, you will want to be able to plan for higher energy costs in winter. And even more exciting, on some plans, you can receive money from utility companies if you use less energy than you generate.
To practice good green energy habits you should make it a priority to recycle at home. Anything that is recyclable should be sorted out and stored in a recycle bin. By doing this, you are taking an active role in making sure the environment is safe for everyone while also cutting down on energy costs.
Using solar energy is one good way to heat water. Get a solar hot-water system. There are direct and indirect circulation systems available. Most individuals will find the indirect option to be their best choice, as this option has methods in place to alleviate the problem of pipes freezing in the coldest months of winter.
Try switching to CFLs. The compact fluorescent bulbs tend to use about 75 percent less energy than the traditional incandescent bulbs do, plus they last around 10 times longer. They are pricier than the traditional bulbs, but it takes only a few months to make up for it in energy savings.
For green energy use, always recycle your aluminum cans. The energy saved by just recycling one single aluminum can is enough to power a television for three hours. If everyone just recycled their aluminum cans, there would be more energy available for us to use for our everyday use and less energy wasted.
Simply cleaning or changing the filter on your furnace can cut electricity 2x2 led troffer retrofits costs significantly. Too much dirt or dust built up in the vents can make more heat necessary to warm the house. It only takes a short amount of time to clean these, and you will notice the change in your bills!
A way to use the energy you already have in a green way is not to idle your car excessively. If you are going to have your car parked for more than 30 seconds, then turn off the engine and conserve your energy in the tank. So when waiting for the kids at school, turn off your engine and conserve.
If you simply cannot afford to upgrade or replace any part of your home's energy systems, then change your energy-using habits instead. For example, take short showers instead of long baths and only wash maximum capacity loads of clothes or dishes to cut back on water consumption. Likewise, shut off any lights or appliances before leaving a room.
Upgrading the windows on your home can go a long way with saving your money on energy costs. If you do not have energy efficient windows on your home, you could be paying an extra ten to twenty-five percent on your energy bill each and every month. Think about what kind of difference that could make if you upgrade your windows in conjunction with other energy-saving steps.
A simple and easy way to reduce your energy consumption and make your house greener is to thoroughly clean the lint filter in your dryer each time before you use it. Believe it or not, by doing this easy and simple act, you can slash your dryer's usage of electricity by as much as 30%!
Weatherizing your home can help make it more energy efficient. Weatherization involves retrofitting the heating and cooling systems for energy efficiency, upgrading the insulation, sealing ducts, and installing energy-efficient windows. All of these things make your home more energy efficient. In addition, you will reduce your energy bill quite a bit.
You can lower the temperature setting on your water heater and save money at the same time by insulating your water pipes. Just insulating the hot water pipes can reduce heat loss and raise your hot water temperature by 2-4 degrees F. You will save water as well, as it won't take as long for the water to heat up.
You can save a lot of energy simply by investing in a tube of caulk and walking around the interior and exterior of your home, sealing any visible cracks or holes. Windy days are the best time to seek out less visible leaks, as you are more likely to hear or feel them.
During very hot days, make sure that the doors and windows stay closed. During the night when the temperature is cooler, keep them open. This can help keep your home at a good temperature without having to use the air conditioning. This can lead to less energy usage and more savings.
If you are building a new house from the ground up, build with green energy in mind. Make sure that your property has enough room for a wind turbine, or add on a roof that is sloped correctly for solar panels. This will help to make alternative energy sources a reality for you, and save you money over having to make many conversions later on.
Using green energy doesn't have to be time-consuming or overly expensive. Simply getting fluorescent light bulbs, turning off appliances when they are not in use, or installing a programmable thermostat can help. Remember the tips in this article, so you can go green for the environment and for your wallet!
