From hydroelectric dams to wind farms, power collection is an integral part of our world’s electrical grid. The truth is, you can help keep the grid going by supplying your home with its own green energy. You will not only be powering your own equipment, but this allows you to give back to the grid, as well. Read on for some ideas to help you get started.
If you have a swimming pool, you can save a lot of money by using solar energy to heat the water. Solar heating systems are not more expensive than other solutions and are easier to maintain. These systems also work for your outdoor hot tub. This is probably the best use of solar power.
Switching to solar power
If switching your home to solar power is beyond your financial capabilities, try switching just one room, like a bedroom, to solar power. There are solar kits available online that can help you green a room, and this will positively affect your energy bills and carbon footprint for years to come.
Go green on your coffee break by bringing your own cup. If you usually order a Tall Latte at Starbucks, bring a tall re-usable coffee mug with you. Every time you ask your favorite coffee shop to mix your drink in your own cup, you are helping to green your environment.
Remember that solar panels, whether you install them on your roof or anywhere else on your property, must be angled toward the sun to receive maximum exposure. In the Northern Hemisphere, this means facing them south with an angle of latitude plus fifteen degrees. Otherwise, your investment will not return as much energy as you hope.
Use solar energy
If you would like to reduce the cost of your hot water, use solar energy. There are many solar hot-water appliances to get the job done. You can select from direct circulation systems or indirect varieties. Indirect systems are the best option for those who have frozen pipes during the winter.
Make sure that your home is completely sealed from all drafts, if you want to live green and use the principals of green energy. Windows and doors are your biggest culprits for letting hot and cold air out of your home. So, seal them up and start saving money.
Try using cold water in the washing machine whenever it is possible. 90% of the energy used by washing machines is for heating up water. Because of this, using warm water will just increase your monthly utility bill and decrease the amount of money you have at the end of the month.
Upgrading your water heater to a tankless style saves a lot of energy. Tankless water heaters still require power to heat the water, but they heat only the water that you want to use, rather than heating a tank of water that you’re not always using. You can get a tankless heater that will supply the whole house or one that supplies a single hot-water faucet.
Did you know that the power you create, if you don’t need it, can be sold back to your municipal power corporation? Using green energy will not only power your home and save you on energy bills, but can also make you money! Use the information you’ve read here to change your life forever!