As talk of global warming and other environmental concerns increase, there are more options available to run your home on green energy. Read this article for tips on how to cut energy costs and even get more in tax refunds for using solar or wind power, instead of traditional energy.
Turn off the kitchen, bathroom, and any other exhaust fans as soon as you no longer need them. Some people leave the fans on for 20 minutes or so, but it is better to leave them on for no longer than five minutes after showering, bathing, or cooking is finished.
In order to save extra energy around the home, be sure to set your electronics to a power-saving mode when not using them. A power-saving mode will reduce the amount of energy spent by the device. This way, you can save energy and cut down the cost of the electric bill.
Install solar panels
Solar panels are easy to install and can collect sunlight for energy. It is important, however, that you do your homework before making the leap. The major thing you have to consider before going ahead with solar panels is the amount of sunlight your home gets over the course of a day. If your home does not get a lot of sunlight, then solar panels will be pretty useless.
Try heating your home with a wood pellet stove
The pellets burned in a pellet stove are made of highly compact sawdust. They burn so cleanly than they are not required to get an EPA certification for emissions. Be aware, however, that the cost of the pellets may be high in some areas.
When shopping for new appliances, choose the ones where the energy star rating is in the most efficient range. Even if you cannot afford new appliances, you can choose new parts for your old appliances that are much more efficient and will help your old appliances save money and energy like new ones.
The average washing machine uses a lot of hot water. It can use over 30 gallons each load. Cut down on its hot water usage by washing in cold water. Many people struggle with this because they insist on having the water warm. If you’re one of them, try replacing your machine with an Energy Star unit. Many modern detergents clean clothes really well at low temperatures.
There are several things that we can all do to cut back on our use of energy. It is important to take these small steps now, as it not only saves money, but creates a better environment. Remember the tips in this article to start making energy efficient decisions that will have plenty of benefits.
