Does green energy sound foreign to you? Has what you've read about it made you expect it to be expensive and difficult to use in your own home? This article has been written to prove all of those notions wrong as the tips contained herein will help you to easily and quickly turn your home into a green energy hub.
During the summer, you should try drying your clothes out in the sun instead of using a dryer. As well as drying your clothes, the sun can also help your clothes smell nice. Your clothes will smell fresher when dried naturally rather than in the dryer. You will also have lower utility bills.
If you are interested in alternative energy sources, you can start by contacting your current energy provider to see if they have anything to offer. Many companies are now able to harness power from solar and wind power. This may cost you more, as there is a price for the extra work involved in tapping these sources, but you will be doing the environment a favor!
If you are in the process of, or planning to, design your own home, you can build some green energy sources right into your home from the beginning. Start by looking for land that has a water source such as a creek or room for wind turbines. Another good idea is to choose a roof with solar panels built in. You can even position them to get the most out of sunlight.
Measure the prevailing wind speed on your property before considering a wind generator. In order for wind energy to be cost-effective, you need a wind speed greater than 8.5 to 9 MPH at least sixty percent of the time. Any slower, and the turbine won't spin fast enough to generate much electricity.
Warm-air registers, radiators, and baseboard heaters need cleaning at least once per year. It is best to clean these at the beginning of the cold season so they are ready to work at top efficiency once the weather turns cold. Clean heating units will distribute the heated energy evenly.
Are you still using oil heat? You could switch to a greener solution without replacing your furnace. Find a qualified technician to inspect your system and make sure you can switch to a biofuel. Biofuels are non-toxic, degradable and renewable sources of energy that you will be able to re-use.
Use rechargeable batteries. While they might cost a little bit more initially, they will save you a lot of money in the long run. Rechargeable batteries can be used hundreds of http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1206_041206_global_warming.html times, and they only need to be replaced about every five years. Another benefit is that you aren't constantly adding corrosive batteries to the landfill.
Use the power of the sun to help you heat your home. By installing large windows or glass patio doors on the south side of your home, you can catch the morning sun. This free energy will heat your room for a few hours each morning and cut down on heating costs.
Turn off all appliances. When not using appliances in your home, make it a habit to turn them off when not in use. Items such as televisions, computers, and lights should all be off so you can prevent unwanted energy use. Not only is this good for using less energy, your electric bill will be much less too!
When traveling short distances, try not to use your car. Instead, walk, run, or use a bicycle. Automobiles are not only expensive to keep up with, but they have many negative effects on the environment. If you must use your car, be sure that it is tuned up when necessary.
Consider more efficient home appliances, such as water-saving toilets. It's estimated that as much as fifty percent of your water usage comes from the toilet. An older model uses 5 gallons of water per flush, whereas a water-saving model only uses 1.6 gallons, saving about 70 percent on your yearly water use.
Try to resort to http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/LED-lights-Going-Green-and-Improving-Business-Valuations/1505388 your microwave whenever possible. When cooking, stoves and ovens often use lots of energy, usually more than is needed. Take advantage of the microwave when you can.
If you are looking to naturally heat your water using solar power, an indirect circulation system may be perfect for your home if you live in an area where the temperatures go below freezing. These systems run a fluid that does not freeze through the system to prevent icing. This pump will still use electricity, but only about 25% when compared to traditional water heaters.
If you are building a home, consider the placement of your windows carefully. If you place windows in the right areas of a home, they can act as a passive solar energy collector. This means that your windows can help you keep your home cooler in the summer, and warmer in the window. You will reduce your electric bill and your dependence on traditional energy sources.
Reduce microwave energy use by thawing your frozen food items in your refrigerator. This is not only a safer way in which food can be thawed, the cold air coming from the frozen food would help cool your refrigerator, reducing its energy consumption.
Invest in green technologies to ensure their proliferation. Consumers are a powerful group that can exercise that power by selective purchasing. If you want to encourage the use of renewable energy purchase products, vehicles, and electronics that utilize these technologies. If consumers insist on green technologies companies will produce items that use green technologies.
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.
Don't overuse air conditioning. The energy used for air conditioning not only comes from non-renewable sources, but it will cost you, an arm and a leg. Turn up your thermostat during the day and open windows at night to allow cooler air to come in. Only use the air conditioning when necessary.
Find some way to incorporate what you've just learned into your life. You can reduce your bills and do something positive for the environment. Even small changes can set you on a path toward a greener lifestyle.
