If you don’t know very much about green energy, this article will help you realize just how helpful green energy is, not only to the environment but to you as well. Options abound–large and small–for ways to use green energy in your home. Follow the tips in this article to get started.
Use curtains to assist you in keeping green. If it is summer and you want the room to stay cool, draw the curtains during the day so that the sun doesn’t shine in. If it’s winter, and you want the room to stay warm, open the curtains and let the sun into your room.
Take the time to clean or replace your furnace every season. Monthly checks will assure your furnace never has to work hard. Also install filters on air registers. Having filters prevents debris from building up inside your heating ducts, which would hinder the energy efficiency of your heating system.
If possible, use cold water in your clothes washer. Almost 90 percent of energy consumed by washing machines is used when heating the water. Most good quality laundry detergents work just as well in cold water. Furthermore, remember to always wash a full load, as this is more energy efficient.
As you ready yourself to make the switch to green energy, try getting a step ahead of the game by decreasing your present energy needs. By using less energy, it will be that much easier to switch to alternative sources because you won’t be using as much. Good ways to start include using less light in your home, shortening hot showers and using cool instead of hot water for laundry.
Dry clothes on a clothelines during the summer. Hanging your clothes outside to dry in the sun will give your clothes an incredible fresh smell. Line-dried items will be just as clean and dry as they would be if you used the dryer, but they will also smell so much fresher. In addition, you’ll save money on your utility bills.
If you are interested in alternative energy sources, you can start by contacting your current energy provider to see if they have anything to offer. Many companies are now able to harness power from solar and wind power. This may cost you more, as there is a price for the extra work involved in tapping these sources, but you will be doing the environment a favor!
Install timers, motion sensors, or sound sensors on lamps, lights and other electrical devices to automate their functions. Such sensors are ideal if you have a hard time remembering to turn off the lights, and because they conserve energy, they can save you a significant amount of your power bill.
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.
Wash your clothes in cold water. Clothes come just as clean if you use cold water instead of hot water, and making the switch can save a lot of energy. Most of the energy used to wash clothes is the energy the water heater uses to heat the water.
The benefits of green energy should be easy to see now that these tips have been shown to you. Green energy obviously helps the environment as well. With the tips you have read here, it will not be hard to start going green.