You are probably like the vast majority of consumers, who don’t really consider the environmental impact of using common household items. However, even if you don’t pay attention to it, the environment is effected by almost everything you do. There’s tons of ways to use green energy to improve the environment. Read these tips for green energy ideas.
Instead of using your air conditioner in the summer, try to wear fabrics that are natural. Cotton and similar fabrics will draw moisture from your skin, so you will stay cool. Lighter colors also make you feel cooler.
Solar panels are easy to install and can collect sunlight for energy. However, before beginning this process, you need to realize a few things. The most important consideration is how much your home is exposed to sunlight. If you live in an area with a lot of shade, or worse, a lot of cloudy days, you’ll be unable to make full use of solar panels.
Make your home more energy efficient by unplugging your unused electronic devices. Chargers for cell phones, mp3 players, laptops and other devices draw some power when they are plugged in, regardless of whether you are actually charging the device.
Clothes should always be washed in cold water, if possible. Almost 90% of energy consumption during clothes being washed is a result of the hot water usage. If you are using good quality washing detergent, cold water is effective. Also, don’t wash your clothes until you can completely fill the washer, as this saves energy over time.
Don’t waste money or energy by running a half-full load of dishes. Running it with half loads is wasteful. If you do this, you’ll become used to filling the dishwasher with as many dishes as you can. Line up the same types of dishes, such as plates and cups so you are filling it completely.
Don’t leave appliances that aren’t in use, on. When an area of the home is not being used, make sure that all TVs, lights and computers are turned off. A power strip should be used for electronics and can be easily turned off when not needed, since the standby mode is still utilizing power.
If you use a dishwasher to clean your dishes, do not run it until it is completely full. You will use just as much water and energy to run a half-empty dishwasher as a full one. When running the dishwasher, ensure that you are using the energy-saving option, which allows the air-drying of your dishes.
As you plan for a solar energy array, use winter time sunshine hours to calculate from. You will have more than enough energy during the summer months, while avoiding falling short during the winter. If you’re using a net-usage plan, in the summer you’ll get cash back from your utility provider.
If you’re installing a solar energy system, be sure to place the batteries in close proximity to the cells. Power can be lost in long cables so this will reduce this possibility. This also prevents long cables from casting shadows over the PV cells.
Do maintenance on your fridge to save money. Refrigerators take lots of energy to run, so it’s crucial to make sure it is running effectively. Clean the dust off of the heating coils on a regular basis. It’s important to check that the seal is tight and clean around the refrigerator door.
Look around for ways to “go green;” if you want to help conserve natural resources, there are many options available. You don’t have to invest a lot of time or money; simply clean out your furnace filters and adjust your thermostat while you’re gone. Reduce your water heat temperature to one hundred twenty degrees to save money as well. Every little bit helps!
You should seek out help from your electric company as you begin to make your home energy-efficient. Lots of utility companies have information on their websites about your energy consumption and tips you can implement to save cash. You may want to see if some of their programs can provide you with energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
If you can, replace your old windows with the more efficient new styles. There are so many benefits in having new windows, including the money you will save on energy, the reduction of drafts and the fact that your home will no longer be damaged from condensation.
The addition of solar panels on your home will make your home greener. There is of course an initial investment that is not cheap, however, long term use and the resulting savings, will far outweigh the up-front cost. After your panel is installed, you can get solar energy for free and you could also sell a part of the power to electric companies.
You might not think about the environment that often, and you aren’t the only one. Now that you understand the basics of green technology, you can work to change this. Use all the knowledge you gained so that you can positively impact the environment, as opposed to causing a negative impact.
