Going Green With Electronics: The Definitive Guide

On thing that is on everyone’s mind is making more use of environmentally-friendly energy sources every day. Do you know what green energy is? Green energy is the use of renewable resources and technology that is energy-efficient. It does not matter what type of home you own, as you are about to discover they can all take advantage of this energy.

Cutting back on your daily electricity usage can save lots of energy over time. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use. Always turn off the television and lights when you are not using them. This simple little suggestion can save you money.

When you can, wash your laundry in cold water. Almost 90% of the power you use to do laundry is simply used to heat the water. Using a quality detergent means it is unnecessary to use hot water. Another great tip is to always fill up the washer with a full load so that you’re being as efficient as possible.

Keep drapes drawn when you are not home. This allows your home to be kept cool when you aren’t there, and in addition, it helps keep energy costs down. Typically, the south facing windows are the ones that get the most amount of sun due to their location. Thermally insulated black-out curtains are the best option, but blinds and shades can also work.

Instead of using the dryer, dry your laundry outdoors when weather permits. You’ll love how your clothes smell after being sun-dried. They will smell better than anything coming out of a dryer. You can save a significant amount on your utility bills, too, because the dryer uses energy and heats up the air, causing the air conditioner to run more often.

Solar Energy

A solar energy array can be the cheapest way to getting your hot water. Simply put, all you need is a hot water system that uses solar energy. Your options include direct circulation systems and indirect ones. Most individuals will find the indirect option to be their best choice, as this option has methods in place to alleviate the problem of pipes freezing in the coldest months of winter.

A good benchmark to use when determining how much power a new solar system is likely to generate is the number of hours of sunlight in the winter. This can prevent surprises in the winter, so you ensure your home has proper energy inventory. Net usage plans let you receive money for generated energy!

Swap out your tank water heater for a tankless type. Tankless heaters still use electricity or gas to provide hot water, but they only heat the water you actually need. You can purchase tankless heaters that supply the whole house, or ones that supply just one faucet.

There are active and passive options for solar energy systems. Active power is energy that gets stored and is used later. Passive is energy that can be used without expensive cells. Installing an active solar system requires more money and work, with panels and an entire system. Passive systems simply use the sun’s energy to heat your house or water.

Pay careful attention to rebates that may help you save money on renewable energy. Certain utility companies will provide rebates for these upgrades. You may also qualify for tax credits or deductions from your state or from the federal government. All of these rebates will add up, potentially covering the cost of your renovation!

Avoid turning the heat up in your home unless you have to. If it is a little chilly, simply put on a sweatshirt, and pair of sweatpants. When the heat is turned up to a high level, a lot of unnecessary energy is used.

You can heat your home using biofuels. Biofuel consists of vegetable or animals fats, wood and oils. A propane furnace can be converted to use these types of fuels, or fuel blends. This would change the conversation to around 20-99% biodiesel. Just be sure to consult with a professional before attempting to use this fuel in your home.

Carpooling for work and school activities can cut down on fuel usage. If you have children that you take to school or sporting activities, try setting up a carpool with other parents, and trade off the days you will drive. If you are near friends and family, go food shopping together and take turns driving.

Saving Energy

A good tip for saving energy is to change your boiler. Many old boilers were not made with saving energy in mind, whereas new boilers tend to be more energy efficient. Newer models have multiple benefits; not only can they lower your energy bills, but they often create a lower amount of carbon dioxide, which can will be lot better for your family’s health.

The venerable habit of turning of unnecessary lights when leaving a room is still very effective. It’s surprising how much energy is conserved after turning the lights off. The money that you will save is an added bonus.

If you spend the additional money to purchase green appliances and electronics, over a period of time it will pay off. Green technology appliances can cost a bit more up front, but you will be paid back through lower energy bills for the life of the appliances. This will pay off for the environment, too.

Purchasing a programmable thermostat is also another great tip to help decrease your energy bill. These devices come with many different heating schemes programmed into them. Some settings are suitable for saving energy during the summer, while others are more suited to the winter months. They can also be set differently depending on whether it is day or night.

Green Energy

In conclusion, using green energy every day is increasingly popular. Green energy consists of energy efficient technology and renewable energy, both of which are environmentally friendly. By utilizing the advice that has been provided to you here, you can also join the growing numbers of people who embrace the green energy lifestyle.