Monday 8 October 2012

Green Energy More Than Just An Alternative Choice

Green Energy More Than Just An Alternative Choice
Many people find the prospect of making their home more green to be a daunting one. Find out where you should begin and compare your different options before investing in anything. Read the following green energy tips to get a better idea of where to start.

A solar water heating system can help lower energy costs. This is also a very efficient way to heat water and keep it at the proper temperature. These types of upgrades, while more costly at first, may qualify you for a green energy deduction on your taxes.

Wear natural fabrics instead of using the air conditioning in the summer. Fabrics like cotton naturally draw moisture away from the skin, allowing it to stay cooler. You can also try wearing lighter colors, they help you feel cooler, lessening your need for artificial cold air.

Do you have a farm? Farms are the perfect place to put a wind turbine. If you don't have a farm, you might be able to rent from someone. You could take advantage of the energy offered and the space requirements are minimal.

Wash clothes with cold water, as much as you can. Almost all of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat the water. Provided you are using the right laundry detergent, you will not see a cleanliness difference by washing in cold water. Only wash when you have a full load of clothes to put in the washer.

If you are considering the installation of home solar energy, make sure you are aware of how much energy you will receive during the winter months. As winter sunlight is much lower than summer, you will want to be able to plan for higher energy costs in winter. If you generate excess energy during the summer, with the right plan, your utility company will send you a check!

Keep your refrigerator properly maintained. You have to ensure it is in great working condition, as it sucks up energy like a sponge. Make sure to clean heating coils often. Additionally, you should ensure that the door seal is both tight and free of dirt.

Keep your home better insulated and control warm and cool air better by installing storm windows and doors. This is because storm windows and doors prevent drafts, which means less cold air enters the home. Energy efficiency improves by 45% when storm doors and windows are implemented, which are big energy savers.

Use electric heating sparingly in the winter. Wear several layers of warm clothes instead, and heat main rooms with a pellet stove or fireplace. Remember, cooler air during sleep is better for breathing, and keeps the airways from drying out.

Perhaps you are intimidated by making an large, green energy investment. Seeking the input of a professional, such as a heating/cooling specialist or plumber can educate you on options. They can tell you the amount of money you will save, and quote the cost of a new system.

Try to communicate more via email. Eliminate as much paper from companies as you can. Businesses will have a much easier time communicating with you, and they will be saving energy. In addition, going paperless helps the environment, something that everyone benefits from.

Don't turn up the heat very high. Wear sweatpants and a sweater if you are chilly. When your heat is turned to a higher temperature, unnecessary energy is being used too much.

You can heat your home using biofuels. Biofuels are usually composed of vegetable fats, animal fats, wood and oil. If you have a propane furnace, a professional will be able to adjust your system so you can heat your home using a fuel blend. This would change the conversation to around 20-99% biodiesel. Talk to a professional before you use these types of fuels so you can do it safely.

A really good energy saving tip is to change your boiler. Most older boilers weren't made with energy conservation in mind, but newer ones are often fairly energy efficient. Not only do they create less carbon dioxide, a poisonous gas, they can also lower your energy bill.

A simple way to begin incorporating energy-efficient changes to your home is to get help from your electric company. Some of the websites of these companies contain tools to show you the amount of energy you use. They may also provide you with advice on how to cut your energy costs and electricity usage. They may also have programs that offer incentives for purchasing energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

Even though appliances that are energy efficient cost more than those that are not, they are worth it because they will save you money over the long term. While greener technology is often more expensive initially, the long-term savings will more than offset this. It also has the long-term benefit of saving the planet.

Heat the rooms in your home separately. You can use floor heating solutions to accomplish this, and include one main board that gives you the ability to individually select the temperature in each area. If your home is big, this is especially beneficial.

Each home is laid out differently. These differences will make green-energy technology needs vary. Not every method will be right for every home. Keep your home's specifics in mind when determining which energy tips will work for you.

Credit: bio-energy-today.blogspot.com