Cutting back on your electricity usage is probably a lot easier than you may have thought. With a few simple changes and perhaps some bigger ones, you can lower your carbon footprint while cutting down on energy costs. You will find some good starting blocks in the article ahead.
You can reduce your energy usage by just reducing your electricity usage. When not using a certain appliance, unplug it from the outlet. Turn off the lights and TV when not in the room. This little tip will save you money in the long run.
Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. Heating your water with natural gas or electricity is inefficient. However, solar water is inexpensive and more efficient. Although these upgrades could cost a lot, they also might qualify for energy tax deductions.
Unplug your chargers when they aren’t being used to charge your devices. Chargers for devices like phones, music players, computers and others use small amounts of power any time they are in an outlet, even if you aren’t charging anything.
If you use fuel to heat your home, ask a professional about using biodiesel instead. Sometimes you can make the switch to some use of biodiesel fuels without having to purchase new parts or make costly modifications. Biodiesel burns more cleanly and will improve your carbon footprint.
Find out about the various energy sources that are available in your local community. Check the cost of running your home using these utilities, taking into consideration any recent legislation regarding energy costs. It may be beneficial to switch from electric heat to natural gas heat, or from city water to well water, for example.
Air flow is better controlled in home that has stormed doors and windows installed. They will help prevent cold air drafts in your home. Your home’s energy efficiency will increase by as much as 45% if you install storm windows and doors!
Try not putting the temperature up too much, as it may be unnecessary. If it’s chilly, put on warmer clothes. When heat is turned very high, vast amounts of energy are wasted.
Heat your house with biofuels. These fuels come from vegetable or animal fats, wood, and oils. If you have a propane furnace, a professional can usually make changes that allow you to use this blend of fuels. Fuels are anywhere from 20-99 percent biodiesel. Talk to a pro before using this fuel inside your house.
Save energy by installing a new boiler. Boilers that are more than a few years old were not made to conserve energy, while many modern boilers are quite efficient. Not only do they create less carbon dioxide, a poisonous gas, they can also lower your energy bill.
While it is an old idea on saving energy, it is a great idea to make it a habit to turn off the lights when you exit a room or your home. It’s surprising how much energy is conserved after turning the lights off. There’s also the extra benefit of having a lower electric bill.
Try installing a toilet that saves water. Toilets account for approximately 50 percent of water usage in the average home. Older models typically waste 5 gallons to flush, whereas newer models that are water-saving use about 10.6 gallons. This can save 70% of your water usage each year.
Consider bamboo items when making a wood purchase. Scientifically speaking, bamboo is a grass, but it is just as strong as many woods. Bamboo is an excellent green product. Since it grows so quickly, it can cheaply and efficiently be made into all kinds of home goods without damaging the environment. This saves energy on both the production and reclamation ends of the manufacturing process.
Replace your old windows with newer, energy-efficient windows. Windows with a better seal will reduce your energy bills, keep road noise out of your house, and limit window condensation.
Energy Star Appliances
Search for an Energy Star logo when shopping for appliances in order to find the most energy-efficient ones. ENERGY STAR appliances have been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA as well. In addition to this, only ENERGY STAR appliances can be used for tax rebates.
Automatic light sensors including motion detection should be installed. These sensors automatically shut off the lights to vacant rooms, which saves both energy and money. Don’t forget to use this with outdoor lighting!
Solar Panels
Make your home greener by adding solar panels. Solar panels are a large investment, but the savings you will enjoy by using solar energy will make up for the extra expenditure. Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate lots of free power. It’s also possible to sell some of your excess power to nearby electric companies.
Use the ideas and suggestions of this article to help you incorporate greener methods in your home. You will save much on energy costs, and you will also reduce your carbon footprint on the environment. Keep working at it a little at a time, and ultimately your home is going to be the greenest in your neighborhood!