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You have probably heard that solar systems are a great way to save electricity and money. There are a ton of incentives for making the switch, from environmental benefits to government grant programs. This article describes other simple and effective ways to make your home green and energy efficient.
If you’re designing any kind of outdoor lighting, you may want to think about installing solar-powered lamps. These lamps are inexpensive and do not require any kind of power source other than exposure to the sun. They also save energy. You also don’t need to hang lights or wires outdoors.
Your furnace filters should be replaced annually, and inspected for monthly cleanings. It is also a good idea to install filters on warm-air registers. This will prevent a reduction in efficiency, which occurs when the heating ducts get clogged with debris.
Take time to make sure to properly maintain the fridge. Refrigerators use a large amount of energy, so they should be taken care of to work their best. Regularly make sure the heating coils are dust-free. Check frequently to ensure that the door seals tightly.
Before you decide on large energy-saving projects for your home, get a professional evaluation of your existing appliances, windows and insulation and your heating and cooling systems. They’ll tell you the amount you’re losing due to inefficiency, and they will provide estimates on the cost to upgrade.
Solar Oven
A solar oven can be made to assist you in your baking needs. A solar oven can be made by using an old window, a box and for reflection, a piece of foil. These ovens reach temperatures greater than 300 degrees, while using no outside energy besides solar.
There are a lot of things you can do if you want reduce your environmental footprint on the planet. You might not have the money to invest in a solar panel array, but you can commit to cleaning your furnace filters once per month and setting your thermostat to 60 degrees while you are out. Setting your water heater to 120 F will also be an energy saver. Every small change helps!
Write yourself reminders to stay on top of new energy efficiency goals, and check every utility bill against the previous year’s to see if you are making gains. Simply being more conscious of your energy expenditures can help you to significantly reduce them. For example, if you make a conscious effort to cut down on your water or electricity usage, then you are more likely to make a habit out of shutting off unused lights or appliances.
You can use biofuel to heat your house. The biofuel is produced using fats, wood and oils. Propane furnace mechanics can adjust your furnace so that you can use biofuels in it. Up to 99% can be biodiesel. Always speak with a professional who will guide you in how to properly use this type of fuel.
Carpooling for work and school activities can cut down on fuel usage. Set up carpooling with other parents to get the kids to soccer practice or band camp. If you live near another family and friends, then synchronize your grocery shopping days and take turns being the driver.
Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. When cooking, stoves and ovens often use lots of energy, usually more than is needed. So, when you’re microwaving things, remember you are saving on energy.
When buying wood, think about buying bamboo. It is a green product and is actually a grass; however, it is quite durable and works well even in high traffic areas. Its rate of growth is very high and is being utilized for everything from wood flooring to cutting boards. Using bamboo can help conserve energy when making new products as well as saving on the costs of recycling old products.
Remember that buying green technology is an investment that will pay off later. While greener technology is often more expensive initially, the long-term savings will more than offset this. It also results in long-lasting environmental benefits.
Solar Panels
If you plan to create a greener home, put solar panels on the roof. Do not be discouraged by the initial high investment costs, as you will recoup that money in the form of monthly energy savings. Once you’ve made the initial investment in solar panels, you can actually pay them off and make money by selling energy back to the grid.
Use your ceiling fan in the winter. If you make them rotate clockwise, they push air down which warms up the room. Running your fans is less costly than leaving your furnace on all the time.
There’s lots of ways to reduce energy when you do laundry. For example use the moisture sensor on your dryer; once the laundry is dry the dryer will automatically shut off. Also, turn on the high-spin speed in order to get rid of the moisture in your clothing. This reduce the drying time. Clean the dryer filters regularly.
One way to save money on energy costs is to drop the temperature to 120 degrees on the water heater. You can see significant savings on your energy bill while still having water that is hot enough for your needs.
You can watch the energy use in your home by buying a monitor to track it. These devices collect real-time measurements of your electricity usage and estimate what your bill will be. Research has proven that consumers generally cut down on energy consumption if they are able to see the exact costs of running lights, appliances and devices.
Solar panels have numerous benefits, as you are now aware. They are fairly easy to purchase and install, and can last a long time. Installing solar panels is a great way to “go green” and update your home, at the same time.