Many people want to do their part to save the environment, but have no clue what actions they need to take to do so. There are countless solutions for helping people preserve the environment by using renewable, alternative sources of energy. Read on to find out out how to be more environmentally friendly and save money at the same time.
When drawing up the landscaping plans for a garden path or patio, incorporate solar-powered lamps. Solar-powered lamps are usually inexpensive, and they don’t need any power source besides the sun. This not only reduces energy costs, It also means you do not to have string up those outdoor lights.
Heating Systems
Lower heating costs with solar heating systems for your pools or hot tubs. 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. Making some of these changes will cost you some money up front, but you can recoup some of these costs with tax deductions for using green energy.
You can reduce the amount of electricity that you use, and be a better energy user by removing chargers that power your devices from outlets when they are not in use. Charging devices for several common types of electronics, including laptops, cell phones, and MP3 players all draw “phantom power” if you keep them plugged in while they are idle.
Do your laundry using cold water, if you can. The majority of energy use from washing clothes is in the heating of the water. If your detergent is decent, cold water will be as effective as hot when cleaning your laundry. It is also better to clean a full load, not smaller loads.
You may be able to use solar water heaters, and they can warm your water efficiently. The heater uses solar energy to heat water before sending it to your home. This can be useful if your home isn’t located in an area with cold temperatures. However, you should still have a traditional water heater as backup for times when the sun won’t come out or if you’re going to be using a lot of hot water.
Every community offers different energy sources, so research the ones that are available to you. Determine which energy source is cheapest for your home. Don’t forget to account for any government incentives that might be in effect. For instance, you may save on energy costs by heating your home with gas instead of with electricity or by using well water instead of city water.
The batteries should be located near the solar energy cells when the system is being set up. Power is less likely to be lost in cables this way. It can also lessen the probability of cable shading, which reduces power-generation capabilities.
Storm Windows
If you want to save energy on heating and cooling costs, install storm windows and doors. Storm windows are good at cutting down on the cool air that tries to get in. Energy efficiency is increased by 45 percent in homes that have stormed doors and windows, which will save a lot of money on electricity.
If you are interested in solar power learn about the difference between active and passive power. Active power can be stored for later use. Passive power must be utilized more quickly but no expensive storage cells are required. To use active power, you must install mechanical systems, cells and solar panels. While when you use passive they use the thermal energy from the sun in order to store energy inside the walls of your house and heat your household with it.
A good energy product is an on demand water heater. Traditional water heaters heat water all day long, even when hot water is not needed; this wastes energy. On-demand models provide hot water instantly when necessary, instead of continuously throughout the day, saving you money and energy.
One way to reduce energy consumption is to lower your thermostat in the winter. Consider setting your thermostat to 60 degrees during the night or while you are away. At 60 degrees, your home uses far less energy than keeping the temperature higher. As stated, lowering your thermostat will minimize the energy needed to heat your home.
Ceiling Fans
You can use ceiling fans in the winter. Switch them to go clockwise and they will help push the warm air down, reducing demands on your heating fixture. The amount it costs to run ceiling fans is insignificant compared to the amount of energy necessary to run your furnace.
There are a number of ways to conserve energy when you do laundry. Start by using the moisture control setting that turns the dryer off when laundry is dry. Also, turn on the high-spin speed in order to get rid of the moisture in your clothing. This reduce the drying time. See to it that you clean your dryer’s filters often and check occasionally for blockages in your dryer’s vent.
People who want to save energy should create their own ice. Though automatic ice makers may seem convenient, they often break a lot and waste a lot of energy. Also, their seals tend to leak, which could increase your freezer’s temperature. Make the ice yourself to avoid these issues.
Green Energy
As mentioned, green energy is widely talked about in politics, and is becoming more important as oil becomes more expensive. If you posses the right information, it becomes a lot easier to include green energy in your life. Utilize the tips and advice you have read here, and you will be well on your way to living a greener life.