You, like most people, do not think about the environment when you’re using common items at home. But it is important to remember that everything we do has some impact on the environment. There are some simple ways to use green energy that will help your home and the environment. Read these tips for green energy ideas.
If you are thinking of designing your outdoor areas with lighting, consider using solar lamps instead of conventional power. Not only are they a reasonable purchase price, but they do not require electricity to run. This saves a lot of energy! It will also save you money by not having to wire the outdoor lights to your home.
Solar water heating is a great way to decrease the expense of heating water used for showers and swimming pools. Solar water heaters are much more energy efficient than electric or gas-driven water heating systems. Solar systems use the sun’s energy to stabilize water temperature. While some upgrades cost more initially, they can qualify you for deductions on your tax return for using green energy.
It is fairly simple to have solar panels installed to tap into solar energy to use in your home. However, there are several things to consider before making any decisions. You should definitely consider how much sun your home is exposed to. When in a shaded area, or city with less sunny days, there won’t be as many benefits from solar power.
Do you happen to own some farmland? If you do happen to own some farmland, try renting some of the land to a power company that specializes in wind energy solutions. The energy generated can benefit your entire area without taking up much room.
Use cold water in your washing machine. Nearly 90% of the energy that is consumed when you wash your clothes is taken up heating the water. Cold water will do the job just as well; all you need is an effective clothes washing detergent. Don’t forget to wait until you have a full load of laundry to wash; that is the energy efficient way.
Dry clothes on a clothelines during the summer. The sun can really make your clothes smell incredible. It is a fresher smell than you would get from the dryer. You will also be saving money on your utility bills.
There are many renewable energy rebates offered by the government, so be aware of them. Ask your utility company if they offer rebates for green energy upgrades. If this is not possible, you can find out if upgrades can be used as tax deductions. You may also be able to get credits from the government, either state or federal. These credits and rebates can cut costs greatly when installing green technology in your dwelling.
If you are apprehensive about what green changes to make to your home, there are many green energy consultants available today. They should be able to inform you about extra expenses you are paying for inefficient appliances, as well as the amount it would cost to upgrade to newer, energy-efficient models.
Make use of a solar oven for baking needs. Solar ovens can be created with old windows, boxes, and foil. The internal temperature of these easy-to-build ovens can top 300 degrees, and they do not require any energy besides the sun’s rays.
Keep an eye on how many watts of electricity you use. Use gadgets such as Kill-A-Watt or Watt Minder and figure out what your consumption is and where it is coming from. Gadgets can be set to give you the energy-usage amounts for hours, months or years. This way, you will know how much that appliance costs you, and you can adjust your usage or settings accordingly.
It might be a good idea to leave yourself notes to remind you to conserve energy when ever you can. Check the power bill each month to see the gains you have made. Increasing your consciousness of your energy consumption can help you cut back. For instance, reducing your electricity or water usage will get you into the habit of turning off appliance and lights when not used.
You may not be used to thinking about energy use and environmental considerations; and truth be told, you are not alone. Now that you are aware of green energy and what it can do, you can make the necessary changes. Use the tips provided here so you can make a difference, save money, and live a green life.