You may have heard of individuals that talk about using green technology, and you are not sure of what they are talking about. If you’re wondering about green technology and how to use it, this article will help you. Keep reading to learn how green tech can help your home.
If you plan to purchase lighting for your deck or patio, you should give solar-powered lamps a try. They don’t use any energy other than solar energy and they are cost effective. They also save energy. You also won’t have to spend time wiring your outdoor lights.
Try wearing natural fabrics in the summer as opposed to using the air conditioner. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw moisture naturally from the skin, making it cooler. Wear lighter colored clothes, as darker colors tend to make you feel hotter, which results in your putting on the AC.
Take the time to clean or replace your furnace every season. Monthly checks will assure your furnace never has to work hard. It is also a good idea to install filters on warm-air registers. These filters keep children’s toys, dirt or dust from clogging the heating ducts.
When you can, wash your clothes using cold water. Hot water takes up 90% of energy used to wash clothing. Good detergents wash clothes even in cold water. Be sure to always do a full load of clothes when you wash.
Window Coverings
Use window coverings when you’re not at home. This keeps your house cool and your energy costs down when you’re not there. South facing windows will receive the most sun, and therefore heat. Try adding window coverings that block heat, such as shades or darker, lined curtains.
Find out more about the different energy solutions in your community. Compare the costs of various utilities, and take current or pending energy legislation into consideration. For instance, it might be worth it to switch to gas heat instead of electric, or switch to well water instead of municipal water.
Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full. It’s sacrilege to turn it on with just one or two dishes inside. Pack your dishwasher full, and you may be surprised at the amount it can hold. Try your best to align your dishes properly so that you maximize your space in your dishwasher, play Tetris with your dishwasher.
Turn off electrical items whenever you aren’t using them. When you leave the room you should think about what is not in use, like the lights, a television or your home theater. A power strip is an easy way to turn off multiple appliances at once, so consider placing one in a conspicuous place where many electronics are located.
Switch over to getting information through email. Basically, this means using as little paper as possible. This kills two birds with one stone: you save energy and encourage businesses with whom you correspond to do so, as well. Finally, it will also save trees and reduce pollution a great deal in very little time.
Make reminders for yourself to set new energy efficiency targets, and be sure you examine each utility bill that comes in against last year’s bill to see if gains are being made. You can reduce your energy use just by being aware of what you are spending. For instance, should you consciously decide to decrease your electricity or water use, you are also likelier to turn off appliances or unused lights.
5 Gallons
Use a toilet designed to conserve water. Up to 50% of your home’s water is used by the toilets in your home. Older models of toilets can have a capacity of 5 gallons. That is 5 gallons of wasted water per flush. New water saving models use closer to a gallon and a half of water per flush. This can save 70 percent of the water you used previously.
Use an on-demand water heater to save energy. Traditional water heaters constantly keep a full tank of water hot, which sits idle until it is used. A on-demand water heater will only heat your water when you need it, which saves a ton of money and energy.
Try to buy some bamboo models when you want to buy wood products. Bamboo serves as a green replacement for wood. Though it is a grass, it has much more strength and durability than many commercial woods. Since bamboo grows quite fast it is one of the best renewable choices you can make. You can find a variety of bamboo products, from floors to furniture to cutting boards for the kitchen. Thanks to this, energy is saved when it comes to production and recycling.
Don’t overlook your utility company’s resources when it comes to making your home greener. Utility companies provide some powerful tools online to measure and control your electricity usage. Be sure to also check out any programs they have to help you purchase energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
If you can, replace your windows for those that are energy-efficient. There are several benefits in using these windows, including a decrease in energy bills and less condensation on the windows.
Solar Panels
Install solar panels on your roof for a greener, more environmentally friendly home. The initial cost of installing solar panels may seem significant, but consider the long term saving when calculating the final cost. Once the panels are installed in your home, the energy they provide is free. You can sell this energy to electric companies if you desire.
Now that you know what green energy technology is, you hopefully are ready to convert your home using it. Take some of these tips and use them to create some of your own green energy! The environment will thank you, and so will your wallet.