Choose solar-powered lights when installing outdoor lighting in your yard. Solar-powered lamps are usually inexpensive, and they don’t need any power source besides the sun. This not only saves money. Another added convenience is that they do not require any wiring for you to enjoy outside lighting.
It is crucial we care for our planet, and that is reason enough to seek out ways to utilize green energy as much as possible. There are lots of alternative, eco-friendly energy sources you can use, such as solar or wind energy. What can you do to add green energy to your lifestyle? Continue reading to learn about it.
Biodiesel fuel might be an option if your current heat source is fuel oil. Some systems can easily be changed to biodiesel without having to make major modifications or installing extra parts. When you use biodiesel it burns a lot cleaner than conventional petroleum, which reduces the impact your home has on energy during the colder months of the year.
Changing your heating to solar water can reduce the price to heat your water, hot tub and pool. Solar water heaters use solar energy in an efficient way to heat your water. Although these upgrades could cost a lot, they also might qualify for energy tax deductions.
If you would like to reduce the cost of your hot water, use solar energy. Buy a hot-water system that is solar-powered. You can choose from a direct circulation system or an indirect one. You’re better off with an indirect system if you are worried about pipes freezing during the winter.
Getting solar panels put in at home is simple and easy to attain energy from this source. Consider some things before you do this, as you will benefit from the thought process. The number one to think about is the amount of sun your home gets. If you live in an area that gets few sunny days, or your property is full of shade trees and tall bushes, you will have trouble gaining enough solar power for your needs.
Rather than using an energy-hogging desktop computer, switch to a laptop. Laptops use only about one quarter of the power consumption of a full desktop, and is ideal for those that use their computer for surfing the Internet or word processing. In addition, the laptop is portable and be used anywhere in the house.
When you can, wash your clothes using cold water. Almost 90 percent of the consumed energy while washing your clothes is spent on heating up the water. Modern laundry detergent does just as well with cold water as hot water. Only wash when you have a full load of clothes to put in the washer.
Heat your house with biofuels. Bio-fuels consist of vegetable fat, animal fat, oils and wood. You can hire a professional to adjust your propane furnace to be capable of using any type of fuel you desire. You would be able to use anywhere from 20 to 99 percent biodiesel. If you decide that you want to use this type of fuel to heat your home, make sure that you talk to a professional first.
Heating your water with the power of the sun can be very efficient. This works best in areas where the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing. Solar energy systems circulate water through solar heaters and then pump it into the house. Even though solar water heaters are useful, it is still necessary to have a normal water heater for periods of extended cloudy weather or unusually high hot water use.
Get appliances that have an Energy Star rating. To receive an Energy Star rating from the government, appliances must meet minimum efficiency standards, unlike the non-rated appliances you may currently own. You will find that Energy Star rated refrigerators use about 20% less energy, and clothes washing machines use about 50% less.
It is becoming abundantly clear that now is the time to transform our energy sources from old, wasteful and pollutant to greener and more economical ways. Several power sources affect the environment less harshly and minimize detrimental effects. Now that you’ve read this article, you know what you can do to make your life a little more green.
Set your water heater’s temperature to about 120 degrees if you would like to go green and lower your bills. Not only will it provide a good water temperature, but it will also save up to 10% on your bills.