It can be simpler than you thought to cut down on the amount of energy and resources you use in your home. Get a few ideas on how to start as you read the article below.
Shading windows from direct sunlight can help you use less energy. You can do this by putting blinds or curtains in. You will save money and energy in the summer.
Are you a farm? If you own your farm property, or if you have family who does, consider renting out some of your land to a company that will install a simple wind turbine.
Warm-air registers can also have filters installed on them. This helps keep debris or dirt from getting into heating ducts and reducing their overall efficiency.
Consider solar water heaters for your home. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, purchase a system that puts the water in a solar heater prior to coming to your home. However, it’s best to keep a traditional heater for times when you need a lot of heated water, or if the sun does not come out for some time.
Turn off appliances if you aren’t using. When you are ready to leave a room, televisions, stereos, computers, and other electrical items you are not going to be using. A power strip should be used for electronics and can be easily turned off when not needed, so consider placing one in a conspicuous place where many electronics are located.
Don’t run the dishwasher if it is less than totally full. It consumes the exact same quantity of electricity and water or energy even if one dish is in it. When you do use the dishwasher, ensure that you are using the energy-saving option, which will allow your dishes to air-dry.
Solar power can heat water for a lesser cost. Consider investing in a solar energy. You have a choice for an indirect or direct circulation system. Indirect systems are the best choice if you have pipes which often freeze in the winter.
Make use of energy-efficient products to help you save both money and energy. Double or triple glazed windows as well as eco-friendly doors prevent a lot of wasted energy usage in the inside temperature more comfortable. Using this type of product will cut down on heating and cooling.
Use a laptop rather than a desktop computer. Laptops use up to 75% less electricity than desktops, and is ideal for those that use their computer for surfing the Internet or word processing. The other benefit to using laptop over a desktop is that it is portable, so you can take it with you everywhere.
A solar oven can be an energy efficient way of baking. You can make this by using a piece of foil, cardboard box, and pieces of aluminum foil. These ovens reach temperatures greater than 300 degrees, and cook some foods without any additional energy source.
If you have kids, organize a carpooling system with your neighbors and trade off driving days among all the participating parents. You can also schedule grocery shopping and other errands with your neighbors.
5 Gallons
Replace your old toilet with a water-saving model. Some estimates report that up to half of the water consumption in your home is flushed right down the toilet. An older model uses 5 gallons of water per flush, 5 gallons versus 1.6 gallons, almost 70 percent more.
Take the ideas from this article and find a way to incorporate them into your household. Not only will you have a lower energy bill, the benefit to the environment is much greater. Work slowly, and soon enough your home will become efficient and environmentally friendly.