A great way to make sure the environment is protected, while slashing energy costs, is to use green energy in your home. It is not necessary to have an electric car in order to do this. In the article below you will find easy tips for making your home as energy efficient as you want it to be.
Cutting back on your daily electricity usage can save lots of energy over time. Unplug your electrical appliances from outlets when not in use. Turn off your TV and lights once you leave a room. This simple tip will save you money as well.
Before you start incorporating green energy sources into your home, you should cut back on the amount of electricity you use. Make sure you’re not wasting power by leaving things turned on when you’re not using them. This way, when you make the switch over to alternative energy sources, you’ll be more efficient with your energy usage.
When building your home, pay attention to its orientation. An ideal home should be protected against overhead sun during the summer and be oriented so that it gets low-angle sun in the winter. This is a good way to save money on your heating bill and will keep your home cool in the summer.
The government has set up several incentive programs to help consumers switch to renewable energy sources. Contact your local government for more information of programs near you. You may qualify for wind or solar installation with little cost, or possibly you may be able to use it as deduction on your taxes.
Consider switching to solar-powered water heaters for your home. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, you can purchase a system that can circulate water via a solar heater prior to being pumped to your home. However, consider that you may still need a traditional heater if you will be using a great deal of hot water, or if the sun does not come out for some time.
Swap your old incandescent light bulbs for high-efficiency LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use far less electricity than incandescent, and they come in sizes that fit most existing fixtures. While the up-front cost is generally higher, most of these bulbs will last for years before burning out.
If switching your home to solar power is beyond your financial capabilities, try switching just one room, like a bedroom, to solar power. There are solar kits available online that can help you green a room, and this will positively affect your energy bills and carbon footprint for years to come.
Insulate your home. A pre-1950 home that isn’t insulated will use approximately 60 percent more energy than a house that was built after 2000. Adding sufficient insulation to your attic and basement will greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency. As well as keeping you warm in the winter, you will find that the home remains much cooler in the summer months, reducing the need for an air conditioner.
You can conserve energy by doing things like using more efficient light bulbs, changing your furnace’s filter, and installing a thermostat that is programmable. Once other people see how easy going green is, they will want to go green too. Keep these ideas in mind and apply them wherever you can.