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Sometimes green energy options just feel overwhelming. It’s hard to know where is the best place to start and which changes that should be made. Read this article for some tips on improving the energy that is being used in your home.
Do you have a large plot of land? If you do happen to own some farmland, try renting some of the land to a power company that specializes in wind energy solutions. You could take advantage of the energy offered and the space requirements are minimal.
Furnace filters should be replaced annually, and check them monthly for cleanliness. Installing the filters in warm-air registers is also a great idea. These filters keep debris or toys from entering the duct-work, which could reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Do things like wash your clothes inside some cold water, if you can. Almost all of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat the water. As long as the washing detergent you use is reliable, using cold water instead of hot water will wash your clothes just as well. Be sure to always do a full load of clothes when you wash.
Cover your windows when you are away from home. This will help save energy. This allows your home to be kept cool when you aren’t there, and in addition, it helps keep energy costs down. Typically, the south facing windows are the ones that get the most amount of sun due to their location. Make sure that all the windows are covered with dark curtains, blinds, roman shades, or whatever shade you choose.
Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. If freezing temperatures are never a concern in your area, consider a system that circulates water through solar heaters before sending it into your house. Don’t get rid of your conventional water heater though; you may need it if it’s cloudy when you’re ready to use hot water.
Run the dishwasher when it’s full instead of half-full in order to save energy and money. Properly loading the dishwasher prior to running it will save both energy and money. You might be surprised by how much you can actually fit in the dishwasher. Carefully align your dishes so that you can place as many dishes into it as possible.
Take time to make sure to properly maintain the fridge. A refrigerator uses lots of energy so should be kept in good working condition. Clean heating coils regularly to get rid of dust. It’s important to check that the seal is tight and clean around the refrigerator door.
Use electric heating sparingly in the winter. A fireplace for the living area, wearing warmer clothing and purchasing some slippers are all greener ways of keeping the family warm. You want to remember that sleeping in cooler air is better for your breathing, and it also prevents the airways from becoming dry.
One way to participate in the green energy movement is buying products that are specifically designed to save energy. Double glazed windows as well as eco-friendly doors reduces energy usage in the home. If you use these products extensively, you will see quite a bit of savings on your energy bills.
Keep track of how many watts you’re using. There are many items on the market you can buy to track your energy use, such as the Kill-a-Watt. By plugging any device into this gadget, it will tell you how much energy it consumes. This is a good way to find out how much your appliances are really costing you.
Write yourself reminders to stay on top of new energy efficiency goals, and check every utility bill against the previous year’s to see if you are making gains. The more aware you are of using energy, the easier it is to reduce your energy use. You can make the effort to reduce water and power consumption, and it will likely become a habit.
Instead of using standard lights for your next holiday season, make sure to use LED lights to decorate your tree and home. LED’s have been shown to save a significant amount of energy. By having everyone make this change, the country can save 2 billion kilowatt power hours. To put this in perspective, that amount of power could supply the energy needs of 200000 homes for a whole year. At a minimum, you will save a little money on your energy bill.
Think about using a carpool for work and other activities in order to reduce the amount of fuel you use. If you are a parent, set up a neighborhood carpool and take turns with the other parents. 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.
Try a water-saving commode in your bathroom. Estimates show that about 50% of your home’s water is used by flushing toilets. Older toilets use around five gallons of water for every flush. This is about 3 times the amount of a green toilet.
Each home has a unique layout, and each has its own area. With different qualities and options, green tech option efficacy will vary quite a bit. There are some techniques and strategies that are sure to work for every household, and others will be area specific. Seek out the advice that will benefit your household, and then implement those strategies in your home.