Have you heard about the many rewards a green energy upgrade can bring to your home? Benefits of using home solar panels range from being eco-friendly to receiving tax breaks. The following guide will state the benefits of using solar panels and give you an idea on where you can purchase them.
Simply cutting back on the amount of electricity you use on a daily basis can save a lot of energy. Unplug appliances whenever you are not going to be using them for awhile. Turn off the lights and TV when not in the room. This simple little suggestion can save you money.
Use solar-powered lamps for outdoor lighting. These lamps aren’t costly and do not need additional power sources other than direct sun exposure. This will save a lot of energy. It also means you don’t need to wire your outdoor lights.
Whenever possible, use cold water to wash your clothing. Hot water takes up 90% of energy used to wash clothing. Provided you are using the right laundry detergent, you will not see a cleanliness difference by washing in cold water. Furthermore, remember to always wash a full load, as this is more energy efficient.
If you currently use fuel oil for home heating, ask your local technician how you can switch over to biodiesel fuel. Some current systems can use forms of biodiesel without the need for modifications. Biodiesel will burn cleaner than petroleum, which helps to protect the environment.
Find out what energy options your community has available. Compare the costs of various utilities, and take current or pending energy legislation into consideration. It may be beneficial to switch from electric heat to natural gas heat, or from city water to well water, for example.
Perhaps you are intimidated by making an large, green energy investment. Seeking the input of a professional, such as a heating/cooling specialist or plumber can educate you on options. They can tell you if your appliances are running efficiently, and if there are changes you can make. They may also be able to offer estimates as to what it would cost to replace or upgrade your existing systems.
Keep an eye on how many watts of electricity you use. Gadgets like the Kill-A-Watt and Watt Minder can help you determine exactly which appliances account for the majority of your energy usage. All you need to do is plug the item in question into the device to find out how much energy it uses in an hour. This way, you will know how much that appliance costs you, and you can adjust your usage or settings accordingly.
Energy Star
Swap your old appliances for newer ones that have an Energy Star rating. Any Energy Star rated appliance guarantees better energy efficiency than an older one without the rating. This rating guarantees 20% less energy for freezers and refrigerators, 40% difference for dishwashers, and 50% for washing machines!
Turn off lights when you exit a room. This is a tried-and-true energy saving trick. You will be surprised at the amount of energy you save over a certain period of time by turning your lights off when they are not being used. You will, of course, save a lot of money on your energy bill, as well.
A good green energy technology tip is to use a water heater that is on-demand. Traditional water heaters waste a lot of energy because they heat water constantly, even when no hot water is needed. These tankless water heaters instantly heat water as you need it, which saves a significant amount on your utility bills.
As odd as it sounds, the majority of people do not bother to disconnect or turn off lights and electronics when they are not being used. Just by making some simple mindset alterations, a large amount of money can be saved in energy costs. Think in advance about what you need to do, and make it a habit to turn off anything that you are no longer using.
It will pay off over time if you spend more on green efficient products in the future. Green tech products are a bit more pricey than conventional products, but you will save money long term through greater energy efficiency and lower utility bills. The environment will also benefit.
Consider changing out your old windows and replacing them with newer, more energy-efficient models. There are several benefits in using these windows, including a decrease in energy bills and less condensation on the windows.
Be responsible about how you use lights to make your home more eco-friendly. In the months with longer days and more light, don’t turn your lights on until a certain time. Install dimmers so you can reduce the amount of light being used. It is also a good idea to use sensors or timers to make sure that excess lights are not left burning after a room is empty.
Renewable Energy
Try using renewable energy for only part of your home, when you know that you cannot use renewable energy to supplement the entire house. For instance, you can use panels that could be used to heat your home’s hot water.
Reduce your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees, and you can go green while saving money on your utility bills. This can cut your monthly electric bill by up to 10 percent for a four person family.
As you can see, solar panels provide many desirable benefits to residential home owners, cost and energy savings aside. They’re easy to buy, install, and are durable also. You can upgrade your home and make it more energy efficient by installing solar panels.