Reconfiguring your home to use less energy is easier than it has ever been before. A few thoughtful changes can minimize your carbon footprint, as well as save money in your bills. The article below is here to help you get started.
List all your home appliances and how much energy they use before scheduling a solar panel consultation with your installer. When a professional installer is ready to outfit your home, they will be able to tell how much power you will need. This can show whether solar energy is appropriate for you.
Use window treatments to shade the inside of your home when you aren't home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Generally, the south-facing windows get the most sun because of their position. Thermally insulated black-out curtains are the best option, but blinds and shades can also work.
Maintaining your refrigerator is an easy way to save energy. Because refrigerators use so much energy, it really pays to keep them working as efficiently as possible. Vacuum the coils frequently to remove the dust that can build up and reduce efficiency. Don't forget to be certain to keep the seal surrounding the door tight and clean.
Install solar panels to face the sun. An example would be if your house was at the Northern Hemisphere. The panels would need to face southwards as well as being at an angle equal to the home's latitude plus fifteen degrees. This maximizes the amount of power you receive from your solar panels.
Complete a log of all your appliances and their wattage needs before consulting with a solar panel professional. You will get a more accurate quote for the installation if the dealer knows your energy requirements.
There is a lot you can do to change your lifestyle and live in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world. You might not have the money to invest in a solar panel array, but you can commit to cleaning your furnace filters once per month and setting your thermostat to 60 degrees while you are out. Keep the water heater temperature around 120 degrees and save energy costs. Every small amount helps.
Adjust your thermostat settings in accordance with the different seasonal temperatures. During the summer, raise the temperature and in the wintertime, lower the thermostat a little. Adjusting your settings, while also adjusting the amount of clothing you wear, can help you stay comfortable while using less energy to heat and cool your home.
Cover your windows when no one is at home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Southern facing windows receive the most sunlight. Think about covering all of your windows with different types of shades and curtains.
Appliances with the Energy Star certification bear a distinctive logo that makes them easy to identify. When you see any appliance that has ENERGY STAR on it, then that means it meets guidelines approved by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and also the EPA. You can get a tax rebate from these type of items, as well.
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. An additional benefit is the money you save on your monthly power bill.
Lights should be turned off when not in use. Lighting your home at night is necessary, but turn them off if a room is not being used. Unless you need to, do not leave cabinet or porch lights on. This can lower the amount of energy you use.
A few examples of energy efficient changes you can make at home are changing your furnace's filter on schedule, installing CFL bulbs and using a programmable thermostat. When your friends and family see you going green, they'll be inspired and want to go green too. Keep in mind all that you learned and apply this knowledge as soon as possible.
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