Having green energy at home is an excellent method of protecting the environment, while saving money. An electric car is not a must-have in order to help. Keep reading to find easy ideas which will help you to make use of green energy in your home.
A solar water heating system can help lower energy costs. Solar water heaters use the sun's energy to heat water resulting in energy savings. Although these upgrades could cost a lot, they also might qualify for energy tax deductions.
Solar panels are an easy addition to your home that helps you and your family go green. However, there are several things to consider before making any decisions. One major factor to consider with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home receives. You can't take as much advantage of solar energy if your house gets a lot of shade rather than sun.
Every year, replace your furnace's filters, and every month, see if they require a cleaning. It's a good call to add filters to warm air registers. This will help ensure debris doesn't enter heating ducts, thereby reducing your efficiency.
If you use oil to heat your home, see if biofuel can be used instead. Some current systems can use forms of biodiesel without the need for modifications. Biodiesel runs more efficiently, burns more clean, and costs you less during the winter.
Cover your windows if you're not going to be home. This will keep the house cool and reduce energy costs. Windows that face south tend to get more sun due to their orientation. Thermally insulated black-out curtains are the best option, but blinds and shades can also work.
Find out more about the different energy solutions in your community. Check to see how much it would cost to run your home with these other utilities, and remember to take into account the government bonuses that are sometimes available. For example, you might see a savings if you switch from electricity to natural gas, or even switch from electricity to solar or wind power.
A solar oven is a fun and effective way to reduce your energy needs for cooking. You can make one out of a box, wood, and some foil. Solar ovens can be heated over 300 degrees and only use the sun for energy.
Monitor how many watts you're using. There are gadgets out there that will help show you what in your house is using the most energy. Look for brands like Watt Minder and 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.
From switching to energy efficient bulbs to changing out your furnace's filter, there are a number of simple ways you can make your home more energy efficient. Be an example to your family, so they will realize how simple it is to be green! Keep these tips in mind and apply them!
