Improving your home by installing solar panels can help save both energy and money, as you may be aware. There are a lot of great reasons on why you should use solar panels, from various government incentives to being eco-friendly. Read this article for tips on using solar panels and other green alternatives.
Consider outdoor lighting, such as garden or patio lighting, that is solar-powered. Not only are these lamps cheap, but they only need power from the sun. This saves a lot of energy! It will also mean you can avoid installing underground wiring.
Instead of turning on the air conditioner, wear fabrics made of natural materials. Natural fibers like cotton can absorb moisture from your skin, helping you feel cooler. Wear light colors; dark colors tend to make you feel warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.
The government has set up several incentive programs to help consumers switch to renewable energy sources. Contact your local government for more information of programs near you. For instance, you might find that installation of wind or solar structures is free, or you might see a tax benefit by installing a tankless water heater.
Do you have your own farm? If you own a farm, consider installing an energy turbine on your property, or renting land to a utility company for that purpose. Not only will the turbine use minimal land, it can provide you with free energy.
Every year, replace your furnace’s filters, and every month, see if they require a cleaning. It is also a good idea to install filters on warm-air registers. This will help keep debris from clogging up heating ducts and becoming inoperable.
Try to use cold water for washing clothes. Almost 90% of the power you use to do laundry is simply used to heat the water. As long as the washing detergent you use is reliable, using cold water instead of hot water will wash your clothes just as well. Also, make sure your load is a full one so you do not waste energy washing several small loads.
If you use fuel oil to heat your home, ask a professional if you can use biodiesel. A lot of times this can be done with minimal modifications to your existing system. Biodiesel can assist you in cutting your environmental impact when it is cold, because it burns more efficiently and cleaner than petroleum.
As you should now see, renewable energy sources for your home are both eco-friendly and budget-conscious. Many of these technologies are affordable, easy to install, and are able to last for many years. Having solar panels installed is a good way to go green, it is a good way to update your home as well.