There’s lots of simple and easy ways to implement green energy into your home. We’ve written this article to provide you with many tips and tricks that can help you enjoy all the rewards green energy brings.
Use Energy Star rated appliances instead of your old appliances. This rating is given only to energy efficient appliances that are guaranteed to save energy over standard appliances like the ones you are replacing. Fridges and freezers with the rating use at least 20% less energy, dishwashers use 40% less, and washing machines use at least half the energy of non-rated models.
Clean or replace the filters on your furnace once each year, and check once a month to see if they need to be cleaned. Adding filters to warm-air registers is also beneficial. This will help ensure debris doesn’t enter heating ducts, thereby reducing your efficiency.
One green energy device you can use is a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can regulate temperature for you so you can control the temperature when you are asleep or not at home; this way, your units do not cool and heat for nothing. In order to conserve power, the newest models allow you to program them for various start and end times for different days of the week.
Air flow is better controlled in home that has stormed doors and windows installed. This will reduce drafts, make your home more comfortable, and reduce your energy usage. Homes equipped with storm windows and doors can see an increase in energy efficiency of up to 45 percent.
In your high traffic rooms, place automatic light sensors that have motion detection to light the area. These sensors will automatically turn off the lights of rooms that are currently not in use, saving on energy and, in turn, a lot of money! Install these sensors on your outdoor lighting as well for more savings.
It is fairly simple to have solar panels installed to tap into solar energy to use in your home. However, before doing this, you need to consider a few things. One major factor to consider with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home receives. You can’t take as much advantage of solar energy if your house gets a lot of shade rather than sun.
Buy rechargeable batteries for all of your gadgets instead of using the disposable version. Traditional batteries can harm the environment after they’re thrown away. Save yourself some money and do the environment a favor when you recharge your batteries. Over their life span, rechargeable batteries can actually save you up to hundreds of dollars.
Putting the heat to 60 degrees in the middle of the night, or when you’re gone, is a great way to conserve energy. When your thermostat is set to 60 degrees, your system will use almost no energy. This helps greatly reduce your energy consumption and saves you money.
Replacing an old boiler can save energy. New boilers are more energy efficient than old ones. Not only do the newer ones emit less carbon dioxide and are healthier, they will greatly lower your energy bill costs as well.
If you want to have hot water, but at a lower cost, then check into solar energy. Purchase a hot water system that uses solar energy. It is possible to use either a direct or indirect circulation system. Indirect systems are the best option for those who have frozen pipes during the winter.
In conclusion, you have now been equipped with several easy-to-implement ways to start using green energy. Take the time to use green energy so you can see the changes!
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For more information contact your Eco-Broker below.
Rick Hogue REALTOR, CDPE, Eco-Broker
The Hogue Group
A Place to Hang Your Hat and Call Home
502-554-9428