Making the switch to green energy has many home and environmental benefits. Changing just a few things in the way your home runs can make it use energy more efficiently and cut your monthly electric bill. Read this article for some quick tips on conserving the energy used while at home.
Whenever possible, use cold water to wash your clothing. Nearly 90% of the energy that is consumed when you wash your clothes is taken up heating 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. Also, don't wash your clothes until you can completely fill the washer, as this saves energy over time.
A solar water heater may be a viable option in your home. If you happen to live in a climate where freezing water isn't going to affect you then you might want to invest into a system that circulates water through your solar heater before it is pumped into your home. It's a good idea to use a supplemental water heater, however, if you cannot count on constant sunshine or if your hot water consumption is high.
When you are not using something, turn it off. When an area of the home is not being used, make sure that all TVs, lights and computers are turned off. When you can, plug your electronics into a power strip and when you are not using it, turn it off. Energy is still being used when something is in standby mode.
Solar energy can provide cheap hot water. You can go shopping for a solar system that will heat your water. You could choose of having an indirect or direct circulation system. If frozen pipes are a concern where you live, the indirect option is probably better.
Take time to maintain your fridge properly. Refrigerators use a large amount of electricity, and keeping it in good condition ensures this energy footprint is as low as it can be. Be sure that you're regularly cleaning the dust that builds up near the heating coils. It's important to check that the seal is tight and clean around the refrigerator door.
Upgrading your water heater to a tankless style saves a lot of energy. While tankless heaters still require gas or electricity to heat your water, they only heat the amount of water you need, rather than keeping a large tank hot around the clock. Tankless water heaters are available to purchase in many different sizes; you can heat water for your whole house, or just a single faucet.
Instead of using a desktop computer, which sucks up more electricity, buy a laptop. It can mean a savings of up to seventy-five percent on the electricity if you are a frequent Internet user or if you use word-processing software. An added bonus is the portability of a laptop- you can take it anywhere you go!
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. Keeping energy usage at the forefront of your mind can motivate you to use less energy in the long run. If you are specifically focusing on reducing your electricity and water consumption, then you are going to be more conscious of lights left on, or dripping taps.
As said before, using green energy does not have to be time consuming or expensive. Even a few small changes can make a world of difference in energy consumption. This article has tips that are perfect for positively impacting the environment so share them.
