Lower the cost of heating your indoor water, pools and hot tubs by switching to solar water heating systems. Heating water with natural gas or electricity is not that efficient, but with solar energy, water takes the suns energy and keeps temperatures steady. While a few of the upgrades are costlier up front, they might be eligible for tax deductions or green energy tax credits.
Think about upgrading your home cooling and heating system to a system that is geothermal. These efficient HVAC systems include underground pipes that have refrigerant and water running through them. These pipes run into a machine, either heating or cooling your home. Since underground temperature is more constant than air temperature, the geothermal system is very efficient.
Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home. This rating ensures that the appliance was built to use less energy than the other non Energy Star products. You will find that Energy Star rated refrigerators use about 20% less energy, and clothes washing machines use about 50% less.
Electric heaters are an energy hog and should be avoided as much as possible in the winter. They are not environmentally friendly. Using a fireplace and wearing warm clothing are good, energy-saving alternatives to using electric heaters. Keep in mind that it is actually better to breathe cool air while you sleep, since it keeps your airways from becoming dry.
Do not neglect your ceiling fans during the winter. Putting them clockwise can get rid of the warm air that flows toward your ceiling, which decreases the amount of heating you need. This will save energy so that makes running the fans worth it.
It is important to clean your furnace filter on a regular basis to be sure you are using as little energy as possible heating your home. Also, you may want your warm-air registers to have filters. Doing so will prevent debris in heating ducts and it reduces energy.
Avoid buying bottled water. This normally came from a basic tap anyway, and it is simply a waste of energy and resources. If you do not trust the tap water in your community, purchase a metal, re-usable water bottle and use a filter that needs to be replaced every few months.
Try installing a toilet that saves water. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of a home's water use is literally flushed down the toilet. An older model toilet uses a lot more water than a water-saving one, 5 gallons versus 1.6 gallons, almost 70 percent more.
Make energy efficiency a priority by buying products to assist you to reduce energy. Some green items, like environmentally freindly doors, will reduce your energy usage by a lot. You will also cut down on the cost to heat and cool your home by implementing these products into your life.
Simple changes, like replacing your light bulbs for energy efficient ones, can put you on the path to green living. Just doing a few small improvements on your home can save you energy and money. Start with just one project and work your way toward completing them all!
Now that you have seen what green energy is all about, you are ready to start using it in your own home. Remember these tips so you can use this technology at home. Both your wallet and the environment will thank you.
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