As talk of global warming and other environmental concerns increase, there are more options available to run your home on green energy. Read this article for tips on how to cut energy costs and even get more in tax refunds for using solar or wind power, instead of traditional energy.
If you use oil to heat your home, see if biofuel can be used instead. Many heating systems are able to change over to some biodiesel use without needing modifications or extra parts. Biodiesel is cleaner and more efficient to burn than oil, and it has a better affect on the environment.
Set your computer so that it goes to sleep when you are not using it for more than 10-15 minutes at any given time. While most people believe that screensavers save energy they do not, and should not be used as an alternative to placing your computer in a sleeping state.
A great tip for green energy use is to ensure that your home is properly insulated and has a high R value with the insulation. The best insulation has a higher R value. Not only will you save energy, but the additional insulation will keep out excessive noise from outside your home.
Use solar-powered outdoor lights. Outdoor lighting elements are a great place to use solar power, since there is easy access to sunlight. There are a wide range of lighting options to fit any decor. Not only does the solar-powered feature save on your energy bill, but it also makes these lights easy to install anywhere on your property.
Buy a box of Ziplock quart size baggies and use these to make your own snacks. Whether you enjoy a bit of trail mix, Chex Mix, or a tasty muffin, you can use this bag and wash it when you get home to use the next day. Keep your snacks green by washing and reusing these baggies for your snacks until they are too worn.
When planning the solar system used in the home, use winter sunshine hours to determine what potential energy generation will be. That way you won’t run out of energy during winter months, and you will have more than enough in the summer. Also, if you make use of the net usage plan from your electric company, you will get returns from your utility company for generating energy during summer.
Are you currently using a wood-burning fireplace to decrease your dependence upon fossil fuels? If so, remember to shut the flue damper very tightly when your fireplace is not being used. If you forget to do this, both warmed or cooled air will easily escape from your house through the chimney.
Use solar hot water. By installing a solar hot water system, you can use solar power to heat the water you use for everything in your home. It will work for your showers, washing dishes and doing laundry. If you are worried about not getting enough sun, you can invest in a small, traditional water heater as well.
Opt for solar lights instead of regular lighting when installing lights for outdoor use. This helps save on your energy costs, and they are very aesthetic as well. Solar lights are becoming increasingly popular, and they are a wonderful option for lighting the patio, garden, sidewalks, garage, and many other places.
There are several things that we can all do to cut back on our use of energy. It is important to take these small steps now, as it not only saves money, but creates a better environment. Remember the tips in this article to start making energy efficient decisions that will have plenty of benefits.