If you want to help the environment without breaking the bank, look no further! There are several ways to make your home greener without spending money you don't have. Read this article for some quick and simple tips on how to go green at home, work, or while in the car!
You will find that it's easy to get solar panels and they're a great way to get energy for your home. Before undertaking this project however, there are a few things to consider. One of the main things to consider prior to installing solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home gets. If your home http://www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options/scholarships/external-scholarships.html/ is shaded, or you live in a relatively cloudy area, your power savings will not be as much.
Start small. Even if you don't have the resources for a large-scale green energy project, there are http://history.aip.org/climate/index.htm still steps you can take. For example, solar chargers for small electronics generally only require the device to be set near a window for a few hours. Don't underestimate the power of a small step.
Do you happen to own some farmland? If so, or if you have family who does, consider renting out some of your land to a company that will install a simple wind turbine. This installation will provide energy while taking little space and it will provide energy to you and perhaps your neighbors.
Think outside of the box. While many people think 'solar' panels when they think of green energy, there are other ways to take advantage of the sun. If you are building a new home, consider incorporating passive solar design into the home. By building with materials such as concrete or adobe and taking advantage of the sun's natural heat with south-facing windows, you can create a home that will naturally heat itself in the winter and stay cool in the summer.
Do maintenance on your fridge to save money. Since the refrigerator is an appliance that consumes a lot of energy, it is important to keep it in top-working order. Make dusting the coils part of your weekly cleaning routine. Also, check the door to be sure it is sealed tightly.
Purchase solar lights for your garden and outdoor walkways. These decorative lights are relatively inexpensive, and do not add to your electricity bill. During the day, these lights absorb power from the sun. At night, they light the area with the stored energy. These are a fantastic way to reduce your energy consumption while beautifying your yard.
If there is running water on your property, you should consider investing in a good hydro-power solution. A simple mill can turn into an energy generator. Get in touch with Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to find out if your stream is strong enough to produce a significant amount of power.
In some areas of the world people can sign up for wind and geothermal energy from their power supplier. This is usually a little more money, but it is green energy that you are buying and do not have to invest in the machinery to make it. This helps relive the stress for fossil fuels by your energy company.
If you want to save energy, try not to use your dishwasher very often. Instead, let your dishes air dry. Dishwashers tend to use a lot of energy and because they use so much power, your electricity and your water bill will be through the roof. If you have to use the dishwasher, put it on a low setting.
Installing storm windows can go a long way in helping you save on energy costs. There are both interior and exterior options to choose from. Installing storm windows is said to save you anywhere from twenty-five to fifty percent of heat loss. Make sure to add weather-stripping at movable joints of the storm windows.
Try not to set the heat very high in your home unless it's an absolute must. When the temperature drops, reach for a sweater instead of the thermostat. Having the heat up high wastes a lot of energy.
One very basic method of using renewable green energy in your home is the use of solar power to dry your clothes. That is, hang your wet laundry out on a clothesline. The amount of energy saved by not using a dryer is considerable, and it also gets you outside in the nice weather.
Check for energy rebates and incentives from your utility company. You may find that your utility company has special deals on energy-efficient appliances, renewable-energy systems and energy-saving lighting systems. You may find that it is not as costly to invest in green technology as you may think!
From geothermal power to biomass power, green energy is good for our planet. Now that you've read this article, you can start taking the steps towards using more green energy in your life. You may be just one person, but a little green energy can go a very long way.
