Friday, May 4, 2012

How To Go Green With Your Energy

By Mimi Daras


You, like many other people, probably don't think a lot about the environment, when you are using many items at home. But it is important to remember that everything we do has some impact on the environment. You can use green energy in countless ways to keep the environment a happier place. By using the information provided here, you will get a good idea of ways to switch to green energy.

Understand the difference between passive and active solar power. Active power is energy that gets stored and is used later. Passive is energy that can be used without expensive cells. Active solar power needs to have cells, mechanical systems, and solar panels installed. Passive power, instead, just stores the energy gotten from the sun inside your home.

There are many renewable energy rebates offered by the government, so be aware of them. In some cases, the local utility company will offer rebates for the cost of the upgrades. Also, you will find that you can get a tax deduction or a credit from the federal or state government. These credits and rebates reduce the price you will pay to install green tech products at home.

Take the time to evaluate your watt usage. If you do not know the formula to figure out the energy each appliance uses, there are tools like a Kill-A-Watt that can give you the information instantly. You can tell how much energy it uses by plugging the appliance into it. This is a good way to find out how much your appliances are really costing you.

Installing solar panels onto your roof is a great way to start making your home a greener one. There is of course an initial investment that is not cheap, however, long term use and the resulting savings, will far outweigh the up-front cost. Once you have the solar panels hooked up to your home's energy system, your solar energy will be free, and can even earn you money if you sell the surplus to your local energy company.

Reduce microwave energy use by thawing your frozen food items in your refrigerator. This is a safe way for thawing food that reduces energy consumption of the refrigerator.

A front-loading washing machine is a wise investment toward greener living. They use less water and are more energy efficient when cleaning clothes than a top loader. This will help you save money on both your electricity and water bills.

During the summer months, hang your clothes outside instead of drying them in the dryer. Your laundry will smell fantastic after a day in the sun. It is a fresher smell than you would get from the dryer. You will also have lower utility bills.

Replacing your boiler unit is an excellent way to save energy. Older boilers weren't built to be energy efficient, and they're costing you an arm and a leg compared to a newer unit. Newer boilers don't produce as much carbon dioxide and use less energy, which saves on your energy costs and promotes better health.

Dishwashers that are not full when run, are not making efficient use of your energy. No matter how many dishes you have in there, it still uses the same level of energy. When you run a dishwasher, use the 'energy-saver' setting so dishes can air-dry.

Don't drink bottled water. This water comes from a tap and is then filtered or has minerals put back into it, and the bottling process uses a ton of energy and pollutes the environment. If you down't trust your own tap water, buy a re-usable, metal water bottle and a filter that is to be replaced about every 3 months.

When purchasing wood items, consider getting products that are crafted from bamboo. Bamboo is technically grass, yet it is a lot stronger than a most of the wood you'll find. It grows quickly and can be made into many products, such as cutting boards or flooring. Thanks to this, energy is saved when it comes to production and recycling.

Simple ways to save energy at home are through the use of programmable thermostats, energy efficient bulbs, and remembering to change the furnace filter regularly. Set the example for those around you, and you will see that they quickly follow suit once they see how simple it is to be green. Keep these tips in mind and put them to good use today.




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