Like most people, you probably don't really think about the environment when you are at home, using energy. Whether you like it or not, all the things that you do have an effect in the environment. There are some simple ways to use green energy that will help your home and the environment. Here are some ideas on how you can incorporate green energy technology into your life.
Lower the heating costs of your water, hot tubs and pools by changing over to a heating system that is run by solar power. Solar water heaters use the sun's heat to warm water rather than using natural gas or electricity for heat. While some upgrades cost more initially, they can qualify you for deductions on your tax return for using green energy.
Do you have a lot of land? If you have a farm or know the owner of a farm, you may be able to rent some land to a utility company for installing a wind turbine. This will provide you with free energy with only a small space investment.
Heating your water with the power of the sun can be very efficient. If you live in a region that is not at risk for freezing, it is possible to install a system that pumps water into a solar heater, then pumps it into your house. However, it's best to keep a traditional heater for times when you need a lot of heated water, or if the sun does not come out.
Check monthly to determine if your furnace's filters need cleaning and replace them yearly. You should also install filters on any warm-air registers included with your furnace. These filters keep children's toys, dirt or dust from clogging the heating ducts.
The government has made grants for investing in renewable energy available to the public. To find out which programs are available in your area contact your local government. You may qualify for free wind or solar installation, or you may find that you can deduct some of your expenses on your taxes.
Turn you appliances off when you are not using them. Upon leaving a room, turn off such things as the lights, computer, television or entertainment center. Put all of your entertainment electronics on a power strip you can turn off, as this will stop appliances from going into a power draining stand-by mode.
Do some research and learn about passive and active solar powers. Active systems store the solar energy for use later, while passive systems just use the sun's heat as energy. In order to use active power, you will need to install a few things, including solar cells, mechanical systems, and most importantly, solar panels. Passive is just used via the sun for storing the thermal energy in the walls of your home to heat it.
Only using the dishwasher when it is full will save you money and energy. Do not simply place a few dishes into it and run it. You may be quite surprised at the number of dishes your dishwasher can handle in one load. Align each dish carefully so that your dishwasher racks can accommodate the largest number of dishes.
Pay attention to local and federal rebates for renewable energy updates on your home. Sometimes, your local utility company can give you a rebate based on what the upgrades cost. Also look into tax deductions offered by the government that may apply to your green energy technology. Rebates and credits will help to offset the cost of implementing green energy technology you want to add to your home.
Many people don't turn off appliances when not using them. What they don't understand is that doing so would save them a great deal on their utility bills. Consider what you actually use and unplug the rest.
Consider changing out your old windows and replacing them with newer, more energy-efficient models. There are http://www.osram.com/osram_com/ 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.
Switching your boiler is a great energy saving tip. Most oil boilers weren't made to consider saving energy, whereas new boilers are made to be a lot more energy efficient. They produce much less carbon dioxide that benefits you, and they cut down on energy costs.
A solar oven is a fun and effective way to reduce your energy needs for cooking. You can make these with boxes, old windows or old pieces of foil that can be used for reflection. These types of oven can become very hot with adequate sunlight, and cook some foods without any additional energy source.
Weatherizing your home will help your home be more energy efficient. Weatherizing simply means to ensure that all ducts are sealed, install energy-saving windows and doors, and add extra insulation in your walls, basement, and attic. By making these changes, you will make your home more energy-efficient, thereby, saving money on your utility bills.
Set your home's thermostat to 60 degrees if you are sleeping or leaving the https://secure.gravatar.com/myledlighting house for several hours at a time. At this temperature, your home will use as little energy as possible. This way, you are saving money and conserving energy.
Green energy is a hot topic right now, so why not get in on it yourself? Green energy consists of energy efficient technology and renewable energy, both of which are environmentally friendly. You can join on this trend and begin using green energy for your home using the tips provided in this article.
