Perhaps you have heard how great solar panels can be for your home. Installing a PV solar system is a great way to get started on making your home "green." The tips in this article should give you a good idea of the positive aspects of solar power and where you can buy a system.
If you are thinking about switching to solar power, do your research first. Some towns have restrictions regarding the number of collectors they allow. To bypass these limitations, think about getting your neighbors to join you and get a solar power unit that would provide power for a small group of homes.
If you have a swimming pool, you can save a lot of money by using solar energy to heat the water. Solar heating systems are not more expensive than other solutions and are easier to maintain. These systems also work for your outdoor hot tub. This is probably the best use of solar power.
Swap your old incandescent light bulbs for high-efficiency LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use far less electricity than incandescent, and they come in sizes that fit most existing fixtures. While the up-front cost is generally higher, most of these bulbs will last for years before burning out.
If you want to make better use of energy in your home but aren't sure where to start, schedule a home energy audit from a professional auditor. These auditors can thoroughly investigate your home, and suggest ways to reduce your energy consumption, with green technology and other improvements.
Geothermal heating may be something for you to consider. If you live in the right kind of area, you are going to be able to take advantage of the heat that the earth naturally produces. These pumps will use that natural energy to heat and cool your home. Contact your local heating contractor to learn more about this process.
Set your computer so that it goes to sleep when you are not using it for more than 10-15 minutes at any given time. While most people believe that screensavers save energy they do not, and should not be used as an alternative to placing your computer in a sleeping state.
Take advantage of the wind. The cleanest source of alternative energy is wind energy. It can even cut your electric bill by up to 90 percent. You can run an energy audit before you determine what size turbine you'll need, but most houses require 5 to 15 kilowatts to produce 780 kilowatt-hours per month. month.
Buy a programmable thermostat. An Energy Star programmable thermostat will regulate your home's temperature year-round, both day and night. Always set your thermostat a couple of degrees less than you think the temperature should be, as you won't really notice the difference in your home. An Energy Star thermostat will save you about $180 a year in heating costs.
If you are still using a more traditional source of energy, invest in a programmable thermostat. This will let you pre-set your temperatures for both day and night times. This leads to savings in both money and energy as during the night many people allow their homes to cool down via the natural decrease in temperature.
Opt for solar lights instead of regular lighting when installing lights for outdoor use. This helps save on your energy costs, and they are very aesthetic as well. Solar lights are becoming increasingly popular, and they are a wonderful option for lighting the patio, garden, sidewalks, garage, and many other places.
Purchase solar lights for your garden and outdoor walkways. These decorative lights are relatively inexpensive, and do not add to your electricity bill. During the day, these lights absorb power from the sun. At night, they light the area with the stored energy. These are a fantastic way to reduce your energy consumption while beautifying your yard.
Trim your fuel usage by carpooling to more places than just work. Parents can trade off driving duties and carpool neighborhood kids to school together. If you love in close proximity to family members or friends, try to synchronize your shopping trips with them, and you can each take turns driving.
Invest in solar power for your home. Adding a few solar panels to your roof can actually decrease the cost of heating or cooling your home by up to 50%! Talk to a professional about where best to install them on your roof, as the placement is very important to get the optimal amount of direct sunlight.
Know when your appliances need to be replaced. If you have a major appliance, such as a furnace or air conditioner http://www.cooperwheelocku.com/content/public/en/bussmann/wireless/resources/distributor_locatornew.html that is over 10 years old, you should replace them with newer, more energy-efficient models. Buying the newer, Energy Star appliances can save you a lot in the years to http://www.globalwarming.org/ come.
You can reduce your monthly energy bills by air-sealing. This means sealing off openings in your home where hot and cool air can either escape or get inside the home. Places to seal include windows, doors, gaps around attic access hatches and pull-down stairs. Look for anyplace where you can find gaps that allow heat or cool air to escape!
Insulating your hot water cylinder can help you to save large amounts of energy in your home. Putting insulation around your pipes helps your hot water to run more quickly as well. If you are unsure of how to do this yourself, you may want to enlist the help of a professional.
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.
Use light bulbs that are energy-efficient. Conventional light bulbs use entirely too much energy and create a lot of heat. Energy-efficient bulbs last much longer and don't give off that much heat. They can sometimes give off dimmer light, so make sure to use as many as you need in your rooms so you have comparable amounts of light.
Incorporating green energy habits into your life can be rewarded with significant cost savings. Solar panels are relatively easy to install and can last for a good amount of time. Upgrading your home to use green energy is a no-brainer!
